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Yesterday morning, Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll helped launch the 70th anniversary of the Discover Boating New England Boat Show®, in partnership with Progressive ®, with an opening-day ribbon-cutting ceremony at Boston’s Thomas Michael Menino Convention and Exhibition Center.

Lt. Gov. Driscoll was joined by NMMA Vice President of Northeast Shows Jon Pritko, MMTA Executive Director Randall Lyons, and Massachusetts Secretary of the Executive Office of Economic Development Eric Paley. Lt. Gov. Driscoll spoke about the importance of the marine economy and how recreational boating is a key economic driver in New England.

Running January 7–11, the region’s largest boat show — produced by NMMA in partnership with Progressive® and the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association (MMTA) — showcases more than 500 new boats, generating big business for New England marine businesses and providing an annual marketplace for boating enthusiasts.

The Discover Boating New England Boat Show is a major economic driver for the Commonwealth. The five-day event generates an estimated $2.3 million in attendee spending in Massachusetts and contributes to millions more in direct and post-show sales, supporting the state’s broader recreational boating industry, which sustains more than 17,600 jobs and over 1,000 businesses statewide.