Second NMMA ‘State of the Month’ features Texas
As part of a new “State of the Month” Capitol Hill outreach strategy, the National Marine Manufacturers Association federal government affairs team has concluded meetings with members of Congress and staff from Texas’ 38 member congressional delegation, comprised of 36 House members and two members of the Senate.
Having a concerted focus on a state has helped shine a light on recreational boating and our priorities among congressional delegates.
Texas is a major boating state, with the industry having a $6 billion a year economic impact. There are over 31,000 related jobs and over 2,000 related businesses in the Lone Star State. Annual retail sales of new boats, engines, and marine accessories total $1.4 billion in Texas. Additionally, the state is home to over 573,000 registered boats.
During the most recent meetings, the NMMA federal affairs team discussed a range of issues, including: trade, ethanol and fuel policy, appropriations, workforce development, and boating infrastructure. Members of Congress and their staff were engaged and committed to working with NMMA on a number of priorities.
“State of the Month” outreach also includes social media activities to better tell recreational boating’s story in each state while targeting key decision makers.
The federal affairs team will now pivot during the month of April to the next “State of the Month,” which will feature Minnesota.
If you are a Minnesota-based business and have an issue or idea you’d like us to address during our meetings, please contact NMMA’s Vice President of Federal and Legal Affairs, Nicole Vasilaros at nvasilaros@nmma.org
