Congressman Huizenga Visits Tiara Yachts, Highlights Support for American Manufacturing, Trade, and Working Families
On Nov. 17, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI-04) visited Tiara Yachts in Michigan to see firsthand how hundreds of men and women design and build American-made boats, contributing to the economic strength of the recreational boating industry. The visit provided an opportunity for workers and company leaders to demonstrate that policies have an impact on boat builders, small businesses, and local communities across the state.
Recreational boating continues to be a major driver of Michigan’s economy. The industry supports more than 45,000 jobs and $11.7 billion in annual economic impact, benefiting boat builders, suppliers, marinas, and countless small businesses throughout the region. Michigan is also the third largest state for recreational boating with an estimated 800,000 registered boats that take to local lakes, rivers and waterways and $1.5 billion spent each year by millions of boaters. At Tiara, the tour showed the strength of multimillion-dollar human capital, facility, and process investments in manufacturing that create long-term careers and opportunities for families in Michigan.
“We were honored to welcome Congressman Huizenga (R-MI-04) to Tiara Yachts and to demonstrate the family and community legacy of craftsmanship that began in 1974,” said David Slikkers, director of government relations at Tiara Yachts. “In the five decades since, we have remained committed to investing in environmental stewardship, innovation, and designing American-made boats that reflect the best of our designers and workers, crafted with pride right here in Michigan. Over the past five years, we have invested $35 million in our people, processes, and equipment to build state-of-the-art products for our customers here and abroad.
“Congressman Huizenga’s leadership helps ensure that Western Michigan companies like ours can continue to grow, invest in our workforce, and compete on a global stage. We truly appreciate the Congressman’s support for American manufacturing and the tens of thousands of jobs our industry sustains.”
The visit highlighted the importance of Congressman Huizenga’s leadership on tax and trade policy and on deregulatory efforts that matter to Michigan manufacturers and working families. The One Big Beautiful Bill permanently extends the R&D tax credit and provides tax relief for employees and businesses, helping companies reinvest in workers, innovation and production.
Renewing and strengthening fair trade policies is also a key priority for the industry. Michigan boat builders, engine manufacturers and suppliers rely on a stable North American supply chain to export around the world, stay competitive and continue growing jobs at home. Visits like this demonstrate how policy decisions affect local businesses and how industry priorities related to keeping marine manufacturing competitive in the United States, protecting boater access to public waters, driving innovation in sustainability and marine technology, and improving and expanding recreation infrastructure align with NMMA’s work on behalf of its members.
The recreational boating industry is a uniquely American success story. Ninety-five percent of boats sold in the United States are made in the United States, and 93 percent of boat builders are small businesses. These companies not only power Michigan’s economy but also help drive export strength and global demand for American-made products.
NMMA extends its sincere appreciation to Congressman Huizenga for his ongoing leadership on behalf of American workers and manufacturers and to Tiara Yachts for their leadership in industry advocacy. The Michigan delegation continues to play a critical role in shaping policies that support jobs, strengthen supply chains, and ensure recreational boating remains a cornerstone of the state’s economy and identity.
For questions about this visit or NMMA’s ongoing work on trade and tax policy, please contact [email protected].
“Congressman Huizenga’s leadership helps ensure that Western Michigan companies like ours can continue to grow, invest in our workforce, and compete on a global stage. We truly appreciate the Congressman’s support for American manufacturing and the tens of thousands of jobs our industry sustains.”
The visit highlighted the importance of Congressman Huizenga’s leadership on tax and trade policy and on deregulatory efforts that matter to Michigan manufacturers and working families. The One Big Beautiful Bill permanently extends the R&D tax credit and provides tax relief for employees and businesses, helping companies reinvest in workers, innovation and production.
Renewing and strengthening fair trade policies is also a key priority for the industry. Michigan boat builders, engine manufacturers and suppliers rely on a stable North American supply chain to export around the world, stay competitive and continue growing jobs at home. Visits like this demonstrate how policy decisions affect local businesses and how industry priorities related to keeping marine manufacturing competitive in the United States, protecting boater access to public waters, driving innovation in sustainability and marine technology, and improving and expanding recreation infrastructure align with NMMA’s work on behalf of its members.
The recreational boating industry is a uniquely American success story. Ninety-five percent of boats sold in the United States are made in the United States, and 93 percent of boat builders are small businesses. These companies not only power Michigan’s economy but also help drive export strength and global demand for American-made products.
NMMA extends its sincere appreciation to Congressman Huizenga for his ongoing leadership on behalf of American workers and manufacturers and to Tiara Yachts for their leadership in industry advocacy. The Michigan delegation continues to play a critical role in shaping policies that support jobs, strengthen supply chains, and ensure recreational boating remains a cornerstone of the state’s economy and identity.
For questions about this visit or NMMA’s ongoing work on trade and tax policy, please contact [email protected].