Marine Industry worth $230 billion to US economy - MarineBusinessWorld.com North America newsletter
by Peter Rendle 4 Sep 12:00 PDT
Boston Whaler employees deliver a Boatload of School Supplies to support local elementary and high schools © Boston Whaler
In early August the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) state government relations staff met with state lawmakers, agencies, and stakeholders at the annual conference of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), the nation's premier bipartisan gathering of state legislators and staff.
The NMMA team highlighted the recreational boating and fishing industry's importance as a key economic driver in communities across the country, contributing over $230 billion to the nation's economy and supporting over 812,000 jobs. Also shared with lawmakers and government stakeholders was the boating industry's advancements and innovations in sustainability as showcased in the industry's Propelling our Future report.
The US Sailing Board of Directors 2024 election cycle is under way with final voting by the membership opened September 3 and runs through October 13. The process to select nominees begins months in advance. There is a rigorous nomination procedure, where the Nominating Committee identifies and vets potential candidates using recommendations from all available sources, including suggestions from members. The Committee reviews each suggestion and reaches out to solicit applications from the best fit/most qualified if they have not already formally applied.
The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is seeking a diverse panel of volunteers who will serve as peer reviewers to evaluate proposals for Abandoned and Derelict Vessel (ADV) removal grants between December 2024 and July 2025. The Foundation has been awarded a four-year, $10 million grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Marine Debris Program with funding provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to clean up and improve safety along coastal areas by removing abandoned and damaged boats from our nation's waterways and the Great Lakes. Reviewers will be part of this national effort to improve the environment and remove unsightly vessels from our waters.
Dealer News: For the 14th consecutive year, Boston Whaler held its annual "Boatload of School Supplies" school supply drive. The event was established to help local elementary students and teachers by contributing items to support their education and learning environment. New this year, Boston Whaler expanded its outreach to support seven local elementary and high schools, broadening their impact across the local community.
The Sailfish Boats dealer family is expanding, once again. "These three new dealers, along with the three previously announced, are excited for the plans and future Sailfish will have in their individual businesses growth," said Rob Parmentier, Sailfish President and CEO. These are the new dealers: Keys Boating Center - Key Largo, FL, Champion Marine - Clearwater, FL, Sandy Hook Yachts - Naples, FL.
Scania, one of the world's leading manufacturers of engines, announced today the success of the sea trials of the recently-launched Viking 48 Convertible powered by twin Scania 1,150 HP DI16-liter V8 engines. The vessel, MACK ATTACK, launched in June, was commissioned by Mack Boring & Parts Co. to demonstrate the reliability and performance of Scania's most powerful pleasure craft-certified V8 engines.
Sadly, Jeffrey Wisniewski, Owner and President of MTI Industries, manufacturer of marine gas fumes, fire and bilge alarms as well as RV carbon monoxide, propane and smoke detectors under the Safe T Alert™ brand, passed away August 10 after a long illness. Jeff began working for MTI in 1991. Over the years, Jeff climbed the company ladder, working as production manager, general manager, vice president and finally, president in 2009 when his parents, Tom and Sandi Wisniewski, retired. His proudest achievement was MTI's patent for its RV dual carbon monoxide and propane detector.
Stay optimistic,
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media