Sept12 (2).pdf - Association of Marina Industries

28News From WashingtonNMMA’s “A Day on the Water” at the Republican and DemocraticNational Convention Informs Delegates, Membersof Congress about Recreational Boating’s Economic ImpactNMMA recently completed two successful events duringthe Republication and Democratic National Conventions.On August 28 in Tampa at the RNC, NMMA brought togethermore than 100 delegates, Members of Congress andattendees at the Hula Bay Club for an educational event.Despite the threat of tropical storm Isaac, attendees enjoyedlearning more about the recreational boating industryand its impact on the US economy. Just one week laterin Charlotte, 125 delegates, Members of Congress, mediaand industry stakeholders gathered on September 4 onLake Norman, just outside of Charlotte, NC, during theDNC. The educational events offered on-water demos andinformative discussion on the social and economic importanceof recreational boating in the U.S.During Tampa’s event, attendees included various delegatesfrom the states of Georgia, Florida and North Carolina aswell as Rep. Austin Scott of Georgia, Rep. Renee Ellmers ofNorth Carolina and Rep. Lamar Smith of Texas. In Charlotte,delegates from the states of Georgia, North Carolina,Ohio and Tennessee as well as Rep. Mike McIntyre ofNorth Carolina and Rep. Carolyn Maloney of New York allcame to participate. In both cases, reporters from variouslocal, trade and national media outlets covered the event,noting the economic impact that recreational boating hason the US economy.In this election year, the recreational boating industry istaking its place on the national stage as not only a fun,family activity but as a key economic driver for the UnitedStates. NMMA seized the opportunity to bring togetherstate delegates, policy makers, Members of Congress andthe voters they serve.While the threatening weather in Tampa forced NMMAto cancel the on-water portion of the event, manufacturerstold their stories of success and economic impact to electedofficials. In Charlotte, manufacturers were on hand withboats of all varieties as well as PWCs and more than halfof all attendees were able to take boat rides or PWC rides,some for the very first time.During both events, key issues included E15 and the recentcourt ruling that will place the dangerous fuel at pumps.Gevo, Inc. which produces an alternative biofuel, isobutanol,was on hand to discuss its research conducted inconjunction with NMMA and help attendees understandthe benefits of alternative biofuels.Sea Tow also attended, speaking to safety measures andproviding information about what to do in case of enginefailure or if your vessel becomes stranded. NMMA advocatesfor mandatory boater education and provided examplesof different PFD styles, emergency signals, GPS andpositioning equipment as well as tips for a safe day on thewater.However, it was the economy that took the spotlight. Manufacturersimpressed upon delegates and Members of Congresshow important it is to implement policy that enablessmall businesses to provide jobs to the local communitiesthat need them. Marine manufacturing contributes 72 billiondollars annually to the U.S. economy, a number whichastounded many who had never been faced with the data.NMMA members were on site, sharing the stories of theirbusinesses and why they made the important to decision tocontinue manufacturing in AmericaTo learn more or ask questions about the events, contactLauren Dunn at ldunn@nmma.org.