MRAA supports fully funding Grow Boating initiative
ARNOLD, Md. — The Marine Retailers Association of America supports the decision to end the redirection of Grow Boating funds but was disappointed that full funding will not be restored to the program immediately, according to a release from the group.
In a special meeting on June 1, NMMA’s Boat Manufacturers Divisional Board agreed to end the 85 percent redirection of Grow Boating assessments to manufacturers effective July 1. The remaining 15 percent is dedicated to funding Grow Boating efforts.
“When you look at the results this program achieved during three years of 100 percent funding how could anyone not want to see it relaunched ASAP?” MRAA Chairman Ed Lofgren said in the release. “Participation in boating increased substantially in 2006, 2007 and 2008. Adults participating in boating as a recreational activity peaked in 2008 as did fuel prices by the way. This didn’t happen by accident. It was a direct result of the Discover Boating advertising and marketing efforts.”
MRAA says it supports fully funding the Grow Boating marketing imitative as soon as possible.
“Grow Boating is, as it should be, an industry supported program to broaden the opportunities for everyone in the marine industry. We need Grow Boating and a revitalized Discover Boating marketing program more now than ever,” MRAA President Phil Keeter said in the release.
In an interview with Boating Industry in May, Thom Dammrich, president of the National Marine Manufacturers Association, said there was still work to be done before the program could be relaunched.
“The research, assumptions, strategies and messaging done 5-6 years ago is likely no longer valid given the changes we have experienced in the past two years,” Dammrich said. “It is a bit like starting over to do the research, hire an agency, develop the strategies, prepare the plans and messaging and sell the new plan to the industry again. The Grow Boating Board has formed two task forces, one on marketing planning and research and one on funding, that have begun the work that needs to be done to move forward whether it be in 2011 or 2012.”
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