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On the heels of last month’s American Boating Congress, two of NMMA’s members recently hosted Members of Congress at their manufacturing facilities to highlight the recreational boating industry and discuss pressing issues facing the entire industry. NMMA encourages members to invite elected officials to visit their plants and meet with employees.

 

Last Friday, Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) toured Midwest Industries’ Ida Grove, IA facility and discussed the recently announced steel and aluminum tariffs. Representatives from Midwest Industries conveyed that the sweeping imposition of high tariffs and retaliation from key trading partners will have a detrimental impact on many US manufacturers and specifically marine products. 

 

Earlier in the week, Rec Boat Holdings hosted Congressman John Moolenaar (R-MI-04) at their plant in Cadillac, MI. Andy Lindsay, Vice President of Sales, highlighted the threat of rising tariffs to the industry and the need for educating consumers on E15.

 

"You can see when you walk through our plant, aluminum parts, pieces, they don't just come from America," Lindsay said. "They come from all over the world. It can drive our costs. We want to control costs because we want to be competitive around the world."

 

NMMA thanks Senator Grassley and Congressman Moolenaar for participating in these meetings. Additionally, NMMA thanks Midwest Industries and Rec Boat Holdings for their work shining a light on our industry and the impact that policy decisions made in Washington, DC have on recreational boating. 

 

If you are interested in having a Member of Congress visit your facility, contact Erica Crocker, Director, Political Engagement and Advocacy at 202-737-9776 or [email protected].