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NMMA wrapped up yesterday its 2021 virtual American Boating Congress (ABC) with a second day of engaging policy discussions attended by nearly 400 participants from across the U.S. The last day of programming focused on federal efforts to promote U.S. manufacturing, create jobs, invest in infrastructure, and conserve natural resources, as well as on state efforts to ensure fair access for wakesurfing.

To kick off the second day of ABC, Representative Chris Pappas (D-NH-01) joined with a welcomed reminder that recreational boating is "indelibly tied to our economic future," citing the pent-up consumer demand the recreational boating industry expects to see this summer. Rep. Pappas, along with several other policymakers throughout the day, assured attendees that infrastructure is an area to build bipartisan consensus, and federal legislators are working across the aisle not only to improve U.S. infrastructure, but to also advance job creation to support it.

Next, ABC attendees heard from Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-12) and Maria Salazar (R-FL-27). Rep. Dingell emphasized the widespread bipartisan priority to improve coastal resilience, noting that outdoor recreation would not be possible without continued investments in conservation efforts. Both representatives highlighted the enormous economic impact of recreational boating within their respective districts.

NMMA welcomed remarks from U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, who expressed her appreciation for the recreational boating industry's shared commitment to conserve public lands and waters for public access. Interior Secretary Haaland noted the ongoing collaboration between the outdoor recreation industry and the Department of the Interior, a partnership the office looks forward to continuing as the Biden administration unrolls its "30 by 30" initiative. The Secretary said it best: "Together have the opportunity of a lifetime to conserve our nation's land, waters, species, and our way of life."

Following the Secretary, Jeff Krause from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, an agency whose work includes water resources management for 403 lake and river projects across the country, offered brief remarks. Krause reflected on the vital partnership between the recreational boating industry and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in advocating to Congress on shared priorities.

Senator Todd Young (R-IN) offered remarks next, emphasizing how the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the need to invest in the U.S. manufacturing sector and grow the nation’s competitiveness as we build back the economy. Following Sen. Young, NMMA was pleased to present the Hammond Leadership Award to Bruce Van Wagoner, recently retired from Wells Fargo, to celebrate his 45 years of dedicated service to the marine industry.

NMMA then welcomed its second keynote speaker, Cedric Richmond, Senior Advisor to the President and director of the White House Office of Public Engagement. Richmond reinforced the White House's appreciation of the economic impact of the recreational boating industry, which as he said, kept the economy running last year when other sectors were struggling. He noted that taxes generated by the industry provided $350 million in conservation and recreation infrastructure investments last year. Richmond also spoke to the trade challenges the boating industry faces, recognizing the harmful impact unfair tariffs have on American businesses and conveying his sincere confidence in the administration's strategy to negotiate a sustainable solution. Richmond reiterated comments made from several of the day’s guest speakers in saying that the recreational boating industry’s voice is welcome at the table, and that the administration encourages boating advocates and stakeholders to engage in advocacy-based matters.

Before the final panel, ABC attendees heard from Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), champion of the bipartisan Modern Fish Act. Senator Wicker emphasized that recreational anglers and boaters were the nation's first conservationists.

NMMA then concluded ABC with a panel discussion on state-level policy and advocacy efforts regarding wakesurfing featuring David Dickerson, Vice President, State Government Relations, NMMA; David Bausman, Legislative and Public Policy Director at the Indiana Department of Natural Resources; Matt Radich, President of Active Water Sports; and Robert Oswell, Chairman & CEO, Roswell Marine. The group agreed that the industry must come together to maintain fair access for wakesurfing without imposing overly burdensome regulations on boating activities—which bring economic benefits to small communities across the country. Matt Radich shared the encouraging news that he's seen thousands of Oregon residents activate in the past year to engage their legislators on this issue. NMMA is proud to support this ongoing advocacy, state by state.

To close out the day, industry leaders and NMMA members wished Nicole Vasilaros, NMMA’s Senior Vice President of Government and Legal Affairs, farewell as she departs the Association after 10 years of dedicated service to the industry. NMMA wishes her the best in her new role.

NMMA extends its thanks to all sponsors, co-hosts, speakers and attendees who made this year’s virtual ABC possible.