Edson makes Grow Boating donation

CHICAGO – Edson International is contributing an amount equal to 100 percent of its annual National Marine Manufacturers Association’s member dues to the Grow Boating Start Up Fund to help the industry reach its goal of raising $2 million dollars by Feb. 1, NMMA said in a release this morning.

The money contributed by Edson International will help pay fees incurred by Carmichael Lynch, the marketing agency of record for the Grow Boating Initiative, which is a cooperative effort among leaders in the recreational boating industry to increase participation in boating.

“In the past it seemed that smaller businesses sat on the sidelines while the big guys stepped up to the plate to carry the ball for the industry,” said Will Keane, president of Edson, which is one of the more than 90 percent of NMMA member companies that bring in less than $10 million a year. “This is the best program I’ve seen NMMA launch in my 20 years as a member. Small business should be playing a bigger role in the industry and should support this initiative, and I felt that it was my responsibility to set an example for other companies to follow.”

Over the next three months, Carmichael Lynch will be working to refine the promotional strategy, develop and produce the creative and plan the tactical execution for the marketing portion of the Initiative. The final campaign will be rolled out at a special All-Industry Meeting during the Miami International Boat Show.

“Edson has taken a pro-active step in investing in the future growth of the boating industry with their contribution, and we need more small member companies to get on board to help us reach our goal,” said NMMA President Thom Dammrich.

NMMA is requesting volunteer contributions from all industry segments, and has sent letters to regional marine trade associations and other industry stakeholders to ask for their assistance.

Long-term funding for the Grow Boating Initiative is currently focused on using the engine manufacturers as the collection point for a “cents per horsepower” charge, or a flat unit fee that would raise most of the money needed to finance the Grow Boating Initiative moving forward.

For information on contributing to the Grow Boating fund, or to contribute online, visit the Grow Boating Web site at www.growboating.org.

Contributions can also be sent to NMMA, Grow Boating Start Up Fund, 33928 Treasury Center, Chicago, IL 60694-3900.

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