Weekly 5: Powerboat registrations up 5 percent
The BI Weekly 5 is a collection of tips, news and data affecting the boating industry this week. Be sure to look for the BI Weekly 5 every week on BoatingIndustry.com.
1. Powerboat registrations up 5 percent
Powerboat registrations were up 5 percent in the 12-month rolling period ending April 2017, according to The National Marine Manufacturers Association’s New Powerboat Registration Report.
Nearly all segments were up through April. Growth in registrations was led by saltwater fishing boats (9.6 percent), jet boats (9.3 percent), personal watercraft (8.6 percent), tow boats (6.9 percent) and pontoons (6.9 percent).
2. Trump administration to focus on workforce development
The Trump administration asked federal agencies and departments to remove regulations that could be an obstacle to apprenticeship programs as part of a White House effort to improve workforce development, according to Bloomberg.
The review was proposed in a memo by Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta presented to the first full meeting of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet on Monday. His memo also asks federal agencies to recommend new executive actions to promote apprenticeships. The Labor Department memo doesn’t include any examples of regulations that impede apprenticeship programs.
3. New Hampshire law takes aim at invasive species
The state is reminding boaters to be aware of a new law that went into effect this year that prohibits the transport of aquatic plants on their trailers and other measures aimed at combating the spread of invasive species, as reported by New Hampshire Public Radio.
The law, which went into effect on Jan. 1, is part of an effort to combat the spread of aquatic plants and animals that are not native to New Hampshire’s lakes, ponds and rivers. Violators could face fines up to $200.
4. 7 practical ways to reduce bias in your hiring process
The Harvard Business Review outlines seven ways hiring managers can recognize and reduce bias in the hiring process, to the benefit of employers and employees.
Unconscious biases have a critical and “problematic” effect on our judgment, says Francesca Gino, professor at Harvard Business School. “They cause us to make decisions in favor of one person or group to the detriment of others.” In the workplace, this “can stymie diversity, recruiting, promotion, and retention efforts.”
5. How a simple smile can increase sales today
Janine Popick, CMO of Dasheroo, highlights four ways a simple smile can work for your business.
“When you approach a counter in a business and the person who is serving you doesn’t look at you, nevertheless smile, how do you feel about giving that business your hard-earned money? Not so good. You might decide not to return.”
