Two Florida NMMA Members Host Events with Congressional Representatives
On Friday, Correct Craft and Magic Tilt Trailers held events at their facilities with members of Congress: Representative Vern Buchanan (R-FL-16) and Representative Charlie Crist (D-FL-13). NMMA staff joined the events and encourages other members to work with them on scheduling factory visits with their respective elected officials; critically important opportunities for highlighting the recreational boating industry.
Correct Craft’s CEO, Bill Yeargin, hosted Congressman Buchanan for a roundtable discussion regarding tax reform and the industry’s priorities. Other roundtable participants included Jeff Smith, Chaparral Boats; Greg Lentine, Norcross Marine Products; Duane Kuck, Regal Boats; Bill Watters, Syntec Industries; and Linwood Parker, Parker Boats.
Boating industry executives shared with Representative Buchanan both the benefits of the tax reform bill along with suggested improvements. Additionally, since the global trade war has become a significant issue, participants shared challenges their companies are experiencing with U.S. tariffs and the retaliatory tariffs from trading partners.
After the event, Mr. Yeargin stated, “Our team was honored to host Representative Buchanan as he met with leaders from both the boating industry and then leaders from across the state of Florida. We appreciate Representative Buchanan listening to the leaders’ concerns and particularly for his interest regarding the impact of the global trade war on the boating industry.”
As the potential for a new tax reform bill starts coming together, NMMA will continue to work with Congressman Buchanan and other members of Congress to ensure industry priorities are included.
In Clearwater, Magic Tilt Trailers’ President and CEO, Craig Clawson, met with Congressman Crist to discuss key issues facing the industry, particularly tariffs and worker shortages. According to Clawson, “Tariffs are pushing up our costs, forcing us to increase our prices and squeezing our margins.”
After the meeting, Congressman Crist toured the plant and chatted with employees. “We appreciate the Congressman’s visit,” added Clawson. “We were able to show him our plant, talk to our people, and discuss some the major challenges we are facing, particularly rising costs (tariffs) and the shortage of skilled labor.”
For additional information, please contact NMMA’s Senior Vice President of Government & Legal Affairs, Nicole Vasilaros at [email protected], NMMA’s Director of Federal Government Affairs, Mike Pasko at [email protected], or NMMA’s Director of Political Advocacy and Engagement, Erica Crocker, at [email protected].
Photo caption: Congressman Vern Buchanan (R-FL-16) meets with boating industry executives on issues related to tax reform and global trade.