NMMA has submitted its appropriations request for fiscal year 2020 (FY20) to Congress, as both chambers begin to finalize their respective funding packages. While the appropriations process sets the spending levels at every agency in the federal government, it is often an opportunity to improve and enhance initiatives or programs that are important to marine manufacturers and the entire recreational ...

The Georgia Legislature passed vessel titling legislation (HB314) – marking the first time the state has passed a recreational boat titling measure – and sent it to Governor Kemps’ desk for his signature. Securing titling laws in key boating states is a top NMMA advocacy priority and the organization celebrated the bill’s approval, calling it a major victory for the ...

The Sea Tow Foundation selected 13 marine industry stakeholders to serve on its newly launched North American Sober Skipper Advisory Council, with the goal to collaborate on current and future boating safety messages including its popular Sober Skipper campaign. "The Sea Tow Foundation is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between the non-profit recreational boating safety community and the for-profit ...

NMMA recently urged the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee to consider the important role recreation plays in supporting the U.S. economy and incorporate solutions that address the needs of blue and green infrastructure. Those include reforming federal dredging prioritization, providing adequate boating and fishing facilities, more effectively combating aquatic invasive species, and improving broadband access. Those are all ...

The National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) inducted NMMA president Thom Dammrich into the NSBC Boating Safety Hall of Fame during the recent 2019 International Boating and Water Safety Summit. The NSBC Boating Safety Hall of Fame is the organization’s most prestigious award, recognizing those who have provided vital leadership and boating safety support throughout their career. Dammrich has been at ...

Boston Whaler’s dedication to employee safety has resulted in a major milestone: the company logged two million hours without a lost time incident. These accident-free hours represent approximately 12 months’ time. “I would like to congratulate and thank everyone who made this achievement possible,” said President Nick Stickler. “Boston Whaler is committed to the well-being of our employees — safety ...

Mercury Marine continues its longstanding support of B.A.S.S. with the announcement of a new premier sponsorship of the world’s largest fishing organization. “For more than two decades, Mercury Marine and B.A.S.S. have partnered to not only bring fans the most exciting pro-level events in the sport, but also grow bass fishing through support of high school, college and B.A.S.S. Nation ...

Correct Craft announced its newest acquisition, Velvet Drive Transmissions. Velvet Drive will be vertically integrated into Correct Craft’s engine company, Pleasurecraft Engine Group.   Velvet Drive manufactures marine transmissions and offers a variety of custom gearing for specialized industrial equipment in Liberty, South Carolina. Velvet Drive, now a part of Pleasurecraft Engine Group, will remain in Liberty and Correct Craft ...

Last Friday, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) held a public field hearing on its proposed rule to lift the restriction on summertime sales of gasoline with 15 percent ethanol (E15). NMMA and its coalition and industry partners have long opposed increasing the volume of ethanol in the fuel supply and are weighing all options to thwart EPA’s proposal. Tim Reid, ...

The Northwest Marine Trade Association’s (NMTA) Grow Boating Grant Program announced it has given $27,083 in funding or loan opportunities to 21 boating programs in the Pacific Northwest. Over the past 16 years the program has invested more than $2 million in funding to non-profit groups or organizations that help boost the number of boaters and watercraft users and encourages ...