News

The Association of Marina Industries (AMI) Conference & Expo, formerly the International Marina & Boatyard Conference or IMBC, has posted a Call for Proposals on its website and social media accounts. Deadline for submitting proposals for consideration is June 1, 2021. The AMI Conference & Expo is scheduled for February 1-3, 2022, in Daytona Beach, Florida. The AMI team is ...

Women, men and teens are invited to a non intimidating LLGF Fishing Screamin’ Reels tournament with education June 11-13, 2021 in Islamorada, FL. Hosted by the nonprofit Ladies Let’s Go Fishing Foundation, the tournament kicks off on Friday with a presentation on offshore fishing and conservation, plus a meet and greet from 6-8 pm at The Tavernier Elks Club.  Saturday ...

You have until May 14 to think of a better way to recycle fishing line and soft baits for your chance at reeling in up to $15,000 in prize money. You’ve likely seen the fishing line recycling bins in many marinas and boatyards, but what really happens after that line is collected? Recycling it into new products is labor-intensive, requiring ...

On March 31, 2020, the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC), the nonprofit organization that provides standards-based technical education for the marine industry, hosted its first interactive online education course in response to the COVID pandemic. Exactly one year later, 1,100 students have passed online courses to earn their professional-level ABYC certification. Additionally, 54 marine technicians have become ABYC Master ...

Richard "Dick" Iosso, founder of Iosso Products, has passed away at the age of 87, following a brief illness. While serving in the U.S. Army, Iosso bought a home and settled in his hometown of Chicago with his high school sweetheart, Grace. To offset bills, he would play drums in a band on the weekends. After he was discharged, he ...

The Biden administration announced this week the American Jobs Plan, a $2 trillion plan that proposes investment to create jobs, rebuild infrastructure, and position the United States to better compete with China. The framework outlines several programs supported by the recreational boating industry and NMMA says it is committed to securing the priorities in a final legislative package. “We are pleased ...

The International BoatBuilders' Exhibition & Conference (IBEX) has launched IBEX 365, developed to bridge the gap between show dates by offering stakeholders year-round access to show-related industry news, product development, and educational opportunities. IBEX 2021 is scheduled for September 28-30, 2021 at the Tampa Convention Center.  The Tampa Convention Center stands ready to host the event. Over the past several months, the ...

Nominations are now open for membership on the North American Sober Skipper Advisory Council. Applications are being accepted through April 30, with appointees serving two-year terms beginning June 1.  According to Sea Tow Foundation Executive Director Gail R. Kulp, the North American Sober Skipper Advisory Council members represent a wide cross-section of the for-profit boating industry, with council members regularly contributing ...

As part of a U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Outreach Grant, the Water Sports Foundation (WSF) has just completed the first phase and launch of its new “National Boating Safety Media Center,” which is designed to facilitate and support the work of journalists assigned to cover boating safety topics.  Housed within a dedicated section on the Water Sports Foundation’s new website (www.watersportsfoundation.com/media/), ...

The Wakeboarding Hall of Fame (WHF) announces Shaun Moore as its new Business Development Director. Moore, a long-time supporter of wake sports and former professional wakeboarding athlete will direct the Hall of Fame’s business development department including developing and managing sponsorship programs.   The Wakeboarding Hall of Fame, now in its seventh year, was established to honor wake sports’ pioneers and significant ...