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Last week, Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) toured boat accessory manufacturer Midwest Industries' 340,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art manufacturing headquarters in Ida Grove, Iowa. NMMA 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.

During Senator Ernst's visit, she met with some of Midwest's 300 employees for a town hall to discuss the broader marine industry, and its role in promoting job creation and economic growth across the state. An Iowa mainstay for almost 65 years, the company manufactures several different models of boat lifts, trailers, docks, and dock products, and is nationally recognized for their role in helping boat owners better enjoy their time on the water.

"I appreciated the opportunity to tour Midwest Industries' expansive headquarters and learn firsthand about the company's longtime role as a driver of economic growth in the surrounding community," said Senator Ernst. "The company reflects the entrepreneurial spirt that has long been a hallmark of Iowa and I applaud them for the pivotal role they have played in our state's flourishing business environment."

"We were honored to have the privilege of hosting Senator Ernst at our headquarters today to share our proud 65 year history of innovation with her," said Andy Brosius, CEO and president of Midwest Industries. "As a longtime job creator in Iowa, it's important for us as an organization to be able to show policymakers how vital their support of our industry is to the vibrancy of our company and the state."

Along with noting the importance of bolstering economic growth in the Hawkeye State, Senator Ernst and representatives from Midwest Industries discussed how tariffs and the ongoing trade war negatively impact the marine manufacturing industry. 

"In addition to standing with marine manufacturers against tariffs on aluminum and marine related products, Senator Ernst has long been a champion for the recreational boating industry," said Nicole Vasilaros, senior vice president of government and legal affairs for the National Marine Manufacturers Association. "Her lead sponsorship of the bipartisan Recreation Not Red Tape Act has been crucial to ensuring that outdoor recreation, including boating, can continue to thrive in public lands and serve as an economic driver for communities across the country for years to come.”

If you have questions or are interested in scheduling a facility visit with your members of Congress, please contact Vasilaros at [email protected] or NMMA director of political advocacy and engagement, Erica Crocker at [email protected].