INDUSTRY VOICES
Want to help ? Join me in Washington , D . C .
BY BILL YEARGIN
If you lead an organization in the boating industry , we need your help . Please plan to join me and other industry leaders May 8-10 at the American Boating Congress ( ABC ) in Washington . D . C . There may be no better way you can help your company or industry .
During ABC , we will be discussing issues that threaten the very existence of our industry , everything from speed restrictions in the Atlantic to boating rules on local lakes . We will hear speakers discuss how we can protect public waters and boating access nationwide . We will also discuss how we can keep the U . S . marine industry globally competitive , improve and expand recreation infrastructure , and continue to drive innovation and sustainability in our industry .
Maybe the most important part of ABC will be our trips to Capitol Hill on Thursday , May 9 , for meetings with Senators and Representatives . When a business leader is willing to visit Washington , D . C ., and meet with their representatives , it carries tremendous weight . Senators and Representatives give much more credence
when a business leader is willing to visit washington , d . c ., and meet with their representatives , it carries tremendous weight . to business folks than they do lobbyists ; your presence in these meetings can have a significant impact - and it ’ s super easy . The NMMA team will set up Capitol Hill appointments for you , connect you with others from your state to join you on your visit , and give you all the information and tips needed for a successful meeting .
ABC will begin on Wednesday , May 8 , with a Welcome Lunch followed by speakers and panels discussing critical issues . That evening , there will be a BoatPAC reception at District Winery ; it will be a fun event . Thursday will be exciting as we visit Capitol Hill to present our industry ’ s priorities and close the evening with cocktails , dinner , and a keynote . We will have a wrap-up breakfast on Friday morning , the 10th , before closing the conference .
Industry leaders gather in Washington D . C . for American Boating Congress 2023 .
Over my career , I have visited many senators and members of Congress on Capitol Hill . Leaders from the boating industry are always welcomed graciously , and I have seen firsthand how impactful the meetings can be . Many boating industry leaders will be in Washington May 8-10 for ABC . Will you join us ?
Bill Yeargin is President and CEO of Correct Craft and serves as Board Chair of the National Marine Manufacturers Association .
10 march 2024 www . boatingindustry . com