Grow Boating adopts new management strategy

CHICAGO – The Grow Boating Initiative, previously operating under the direction of NMMA, MRAA and Grow Boating Task Forces, is now its own entity and will operate under the direction of the soon to be established Grow Boating Board of Directors, the National Marine Manufacturers Association reported in a statement yesterday.

The board will become the decision making authority for Grow Boating’s main initiatives, including the Discover Boating national marketing campaign and water access protection plan. It will also monitor funding mechanisms for the Grow Boating Initiative, according to NMMA.

Previously established “Task Forces” will become “Committees,” and will make recommendations to the Grow Boating Board for approval. Additionally, a Grow Boating Advisory Council will be established to gain broad industry input on important decisions.

Seats for sale

The 15- to 18-seat Grow Boating Board will be made up of contributors to the Grow Boating Initiative. All segments contributing through the Grow Boating Engine Assessment will have equal representation: four directorships for Engine Manufacturers, four directorships for Boat Manufacturers and four directorships for Marine Retailers. Two directorships are reserved for Accessory Manufacturers, and one for a Canadian representative.

Finally, three optional directorships are available to the three largest contributing bodies (companies and/or industry segments), with a minimum contribution of $250,000. If no contribution reaches that level, those seats will remain unfilled.

The board will be appointed this month: NMMA Divisional Boards will appoint respective manufacturing directors, the MRAA Board will appoint retailer directors, and the Canadian Discover Boating Board will appoint a Canadian representative.

The new board’s first meeting will take place at the Chicago Boat, RV and Outdoor Show on January 12, NMMA stated.

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