Weekly 5: Texas rejects boat sales tax break
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 Tuesday on BoatingIndustry.com.
1. Texas rejects boat sales tax break
The Texas House last week voted down a proposal to cap sales tax in the state.
The bill, which lost by a 91-45 vote, would have capped the state sales tax on certain boat purchases at $15,625, the approximate amount levied for a $250,000 boat under the current state sales tax. It also would have exempted a boat from state sales tax if it was being purchased for use in another state.
The bill’s sponsor said it was aimed at helping boat dealers on the Texas coast that were losing business to other states, such as Florida, that have capped their sales tax.
2. Industry mourns Michigan boating icon
Greg Krueger, owner and president of Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales, passed away unexpectedly after a heart attack while preparing a boat for launch.
Krueger was an inductee to Michigan Boating Industries Association’s Hall of Fame and served on the MBIA board of directors for 25.
3. New boater safety laws take effect in Illinois
Three new regulations designed to increase water safety will affect boaters there this year.
Under the new laws:
• Boats towing a skier or wake boarder are required to display a 12 in. by 12 in. orange flag.
• Penalties for boating under the influence are more in line with those for operating a motor vehicle
• All persons born after Jan. 1, 1998, must take and pass a boating safety course validated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources
4. Critics say Minnesota invasive species center not doing enough
Three years after it was established by the state, the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center is being criticized by some for not doing enough to combat the problem.
The state funded the center with a $12 million investment to set up and run it through 2019.
5. 7 ways to create an effective Facebook ad campaign
Are you using or thinking about adding Facebook ads? In this Social Media Examiner article you’ll find seven tips for creating an effective campaign.
