Weekly 5: Trump budget would cut programs that benefit boating
The BI Weekly 5 is a collection of tips, news and data affecting the boating industry this week. Be sure to look for the BI Weekly 5 every week on BoatingIndustry.com.
1. Trump budget would cut programs that benefit boating
Several programs that benefit the boating industry are targeted for cuts under the Trump administration’s proposed budget, according to analysis by the National Marine Manufacturers Association.
“While we recognize the need for fiscal restraint in these challenging times, it is also our priority to make certain the cuts proposed do not put the federal government’s ability to protect our nation’s water ecosystem at great risk and U.S. manufacturers are able to remain competitive in the global market place,” said NMMA Federal and Legal Affairs Vice President Nicole Vasilaros. “Boaters and industry businesses alike make significant contributions to the U.S. economy, generating billions in consumer spending and supporting more than 650,000 jobs. We must continue investing in our federal lands and waters to maintain public access, enjoyment and the necessary conservation of our nation’s treasured resources. We look forward to working with Congress to address the industry’s concerns and priorities to the benefit of the nation’s economy.”
Among the programs/departments affected are the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, NOAA Fisheries and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The budget does call for significant infrastructure investment, which could benefit boating depending on how the money is spent.
2. VIDEO: Tougher drunk boating law takes effect in N. Carolina
Intoxicated boaters that cause injury can now be charged with a felony instead of a misdemeanor under a new law in North Carolina, WCNC reported.
The new “Sheyenne’s Law” was named after 17-year-old Sheyenne Marshall who was killed by a drunk boat captain in 2015.
3. Florida governor signs safety beacon law
A Florida law giving boaters there discounted registration fees for having an emergency beacon on board will become permanent under a bill signed by Gov. Rick Scott, WUSF reported.
The new law, which takes affect July 1, was prompted by the disappearance of two teenagers who were lost while fishing in 2015 and are presumed dead. A 2016 version of the law was previously scheduled to expire this year.
4. VIDEO: Minnesota boaters escape yacht fire
Several boaters escaped injury when they had to quickly evacuate a 36-foot Carver following a fire, KARE reported.
The vessel had just been refueled at the gas dock for a sea trail for potential buyers when the fire started. Local officials credited the quick thinking of the dock attendant in shutting off the gas supply to the dock in stopping the damage from being worse.
5. Three steps to designing a customer-centric organization
The key to continuing success in any service business — and make no mistake, we’re all in the service business now — is creating a great customer experience.
MarketingProfs has tips on three steps to making sure your organization is built to be customer-centric.
