IMC session will outline marina study
WASHINGTON – An upcoming session of the 2005 International Marina Conference will detail the Marina Operator Association of America’s new joint initiative with the Recreational Marine Research Center to conduct a national marina economic impact study, MOAA Executive Director James L. Frye, CMM, said in a release today.
The Jan. 11 session entitled “Marinas are Good for the Economy,” will feature RMRC Co-Director Dr. Ed Mahoney and Canadian Marine Manufactures Association Executive Director Sandy Curry, and will be moderated by MOAA Manager of State Government Relations and Outreach Stephen Wakefield.
In addition to detailing the new initiative, which has been named the Marina Economic Impact and Values System, this session will highlight the various ways marinas contribute to national and local economies around the globe, as well as how marina operators can leverage that contribution into more favorable legislation and regulation.
When completed, the Web-based Marina Economic Impact and Values System will provide marina operators and industry advocates the information they need to educate elected officials, economic development organizations and community residents about the immense value of marinas.
“In the last few years, diminishing boating access has become an issue of great concern to the entire recreational boating industry, as all evidence suggests that the ability of Americans to get to their waterways is shrinking,” Frye said. “As the need to document and communicate how marinas benefit local communities has becomes more acute, industry has moved to build a scientific and easy to apply approach that marina operators, developers and industry advocates can utilize to measure and project economic and non-market value of marinas.”
It is estimated that the project will be completed by Sept. 1, 2005.
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