In this section

2017 American Boating Congress Announces New Issue Workshops to Aid in Recreational Boating Industry Advocacy

| General Government Relations

Washington, D.C. – March 21, 2017 – With a new Administration and Congress, major policy decisions are on the horizon, and the 2017 American Boating Congress is introducing a new series of Issue Workshops to educate the boating industry on the big issues impacting marine businesses and help guide attendees in representing the industry on Capitol Hill.  To prepare the boating industry for the new Issue Workshops and advocacy efforts throughout the year, the National Marine Manufacturers Association has published the 2017 Policy Agenda—Marine Manufacturing: Powering the Nation’s Economy – a new, quick reference guide outlining top legislative priorities for recreational boating.

“It is critical we engage with our nation’s decision makers now to shape priorities for the 115th Congress and White House and help form public policy. This year, the American Boating Congress will be an opportunity for us all to come together to address hot button topics most affecting our industry – from tax reform and trade, to fishing and fuel policies. The new Issue Workshops and Policy Agenda arm attendees with information needed to make the most of their time in Washington and ensure a bright future for recreational boating,” noted Thom Dammrich, NMMA president.

There are nine Issue Workshops on the agenda for ABC 2017, divided into three subject tracks, taking place on Tuesday, May 16:

Business Track

  • 9:30 am – Tax Policy: the impact of tax reform on your business and customers
  • 10:10 am – Infrastructure: improving access across the nation’s lands and waterways with a 21st century infrastructure system
  • 10:50 am – Trade: the future of U.S. trade agreements, the EU and North American Free Trade Agreement
Environment and Access Track
  • 9:30 am – Access and Conservation: a case study for Everglades’ restoration
  • 10:10 am – Boating Safety: keeping our boaters and waterways safe – 2017 boating safety priorities
  • 10:50 am – Recreational Fishing: modernizing recreational fishing saltwater policy and recruiting the next generation of anglers
Workforce and Compliance Track
  • 9:30 am – Workforce Development: attracting and retaining talent and the role of government in supporting company growth
  • 10:10 am – Fuel Policy: the future of ethanol and reforming the Renewable Fuel Standard
  • 10:50 am – Environment, Health and Safety Compliance: navigating the latest national and international marine manufacturing regulations 

For more information, visit http://www.nmma.org/government/abc/workshops-and-events. While the new 2017 Policy Agenda will be handed out to all attendees at ABC, NMMA is encouraging the industry to download and begin using the brochure for any meetings, events or communication being done between now and ABC to educate their local lawmakers. In addition, attendees of ABC are encouraged to review it and become familiar with key issues prior to being onsite. The entire brochure can be downloaded here.

Register for ABC by May 1 to receive a discount. Contact Courtney Erhardt, [email protected] with questions on how to register.

The host hotel for ABC 2017 is the Renaissance Washington. CLICK HERE to book a room, or call (202) 898-9000.  Please reference the ‘NMMA American Boating Congress Meeting’ when calling to receive the discounted room rate. Space is limited!

Download the American Boating Congress free app (ABC Lobby), and take advantage of its resources and tools that will make ABC 2017 the best conference yet! Sponsored by Brunswick and Mercury. Available on Apple, Android and Samsung phones.

Co-hosts for ABC 2017 include: American Sportfishing Association, Association of Marina Industries, Boating Industry Magazine, BoatU.S., Center for Sportfishing Policy, Connecticut Marine Trades Association, Dominion Marine Media, International Yacht Brokers Association, Lake Erie Marine Trades Association, Marine Industries Association of South Florida, Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, Marine Trades Association of New Jersey, Michigan Boating Industries Association, National Marine Distributors Association, National Marine Lenders Association, National Safe Boating Council, National Yacht Broker Certification Program, Norman-Spencer Marine Insurance, Soundings Trade Only, States Organization for Boating Access, The American Boat Builders and Repairers Association, The Boating Trade Association of Metropolitan Houston, U.S. Superyacht Association, and Yacht Brokers Association of America.

Sponsors for ABC 2017 include: Brunswick and Mercury, Yamaha and Yamaha Watercraft, Correct Craft, White River Marine Group, Seastar Solutions, ILMOR, Freedom Boat Club, Suzuki Marine, Sea Tow, Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, International Yacht Brokers Association, Chaparral, Volvo Penta Americas, Marine Concepts, and SureShade. Contact John Marcinek, [email protected], to come on board as a 2017 ABC sponsor.

 
###
 
About NMMA: The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is the leading trade organization for the North American recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, marine accessories and gear used by millions of boaters in North America. The association serves its members and their sales and service networks by improving the business environment for recreational boating including providing domestic and international sales and marketing opportunities, reducing unnecessary government regulation, decreasing the cost of doing business, and helping grow boating participation. As the largest producer of boat and sport shows in the U.S., NMMA connects the recreational boating industry with the boating consumer year-round. Learn more at www.nmma.org and get engaged with us on Twitter and LinkedIn.