BY BILL YEARGIN

To ensure we have clarity on our industry ’ s highest priority , for the last two years , as Chair of the National Marine Manufacturers Association ( NMMA ), I have spoken to each of our directors about what ’ s most important and the direction has been clear . We need to stay laser focused on political advocacy .

To help us achieve our highest priority – political advocacy – the recreational boating industry is fortunate to have BoatPAC , Boating United , and the American Boating Congress ( ABC ) as three distinct and impactful platforms that allow us all to engage our elected leaders .

Our industry has a strong voice in Washington and around the country because of tireless work undertaken to expand our reach in the halls of Congress and State Capitols . The intersection of public policy and our dynamic political landscape provides a critical connection point for the NMMA , Marine Retailers Association of the Americas ( MRAA ), and Association of Marina Industries ( AMI ) who are working to promote our industry and promote our interests .

These three organizations partner with BoatPAC , Boating United and ABC to unite marine manufacturers , boat retailers and marinas , creating a collective industry voice . BoatPAC supports the advocacy agenda of the marine industry and specializes in building meaningful relationships with influential lawmakers , educating policymakers on the importance of the industry , and cultivating trust with decision makers at the highest levels .

As our industry ’ s official political action committee , BoatPAC is a critical resource that gives our industry the power to amplify our message to lawmakers , demonstrate support to those who have stood with us on our biggest issues , and ensure we have capacity to expand and deepen our bipartisan relationships .

BoatPAC enjoys a successful track record of helping our industry ’ s Congressional champions remain in Congress . Ninety-four percent of Members of Congress supported by BoatPAC win their reelection campaigns ― a demonstration of both the power of BoatPAC and the progress our industry has made in elevating our concerns as winning issues .

Next year will be another pivotal year politically . With both a new Congress and a new President , our industry will have a big “ to do ” list , from addressing the expiring tax cuts to managing several significant business threats

“ our industry has a strong voice in washington and around the country ...”

that government can influence , positively or negatively . Additionally , there are emerging opportunities to showcase our industry and its commitment to jobs , infrastructure , innovation , sustainability , and conservation before our newly elected leaders . As an impactful industry sector that creates meaningful memories for the millions of Americans who take to the water each year , we have a unique story to tell as an American-made industry with a $ 230 billion economic impact supporting more than 812,000 jobs across the U . S . BoatPAC can help us with these issues and opportunities .

If you are an NMMA , MRAA , or AMI member , please consider visiting www . boatingunited . org to take the first step in learning about BoatPAC . It ’ s the entry point to begin a more formal dialogue about the PAC . Additionally , Boating United is a digital platform where boating stakeholders work together responding to and shaping policies that impact recreational boating , angling , and outdoor recreation . This community provides a first response to some of our biggest issues – such as the misguided and ill-conceived vessel speed rule proposed for the Atlantic Seaboard . Moreover , Boating United is a trusted grassroots communications tool that enables our industry to signal its support for legislation so that elected leaders know exactly where we stand .

No legislative win is easy , and every hard-fought gain is earned after many years of steady progress . Each one of you has a unique story to tell about how the decisions made in Washington D . C . impact your businesses . Through Boating United and BoatPAC as engagement tools for the marine industry , everyone has opportunities to keep engaged and can include politics and public policy as part of their business strategy .

I encourage everyone to take the first step to sign up using the BoatPAC - Prior Approval Form - Boating United and also visit BoatingUnited . org to determine how you can help advocate for your business before government and promote a pro-boating legislative agenda . I ’ ll have more to share on the American Boating Congress in early 2025 . In the meantime , please join me in learning more about BoatPAC at the link above and visiting BoatingUnited . org so together , we can make a difference in protecting boating for generations to come !

Bill Yeargin is CEO of Correct Craft and Chair of the National Marine Manufacturers Association .

6 october 2024 www . boatingindustry . com