Last week, MRAA and other representatives of the recreational boating industry convened in Washington, D.C. for the annual American Boating Congress. ABC is the industry’s primary political and legislative gathering, where all sectors of recreational boating work for three full days to present a unified front to Congress on the critical issues impacting our industry. 2019 was the largest ABC on record, with more than 350 attendees gathering to discuss important topics such as trade, recreation, conservation, and blue-green infrastructure. Industry representatives held more than 200 meetings with congressional offices. MRAA staff and members were there to learn, engage and meet with their individual members of Congress as constituents. Here’s what they had to say about their ABC experience:
Chris Butler, Butler Marine
“This was my first year at ABC and discovered the importance of letting our elected officials know how important the boating and recreational fishing industries are to our economy. I will definitely be back next year.”
Joe Lewis, Mount Dora Boating Center & Marina
“This past ABC was a brilliant example of persistence paying off. The people I met with on Capitol Hill were informed and understood our issues. In years past meetings were a monologue. We explained who we were, what we faced and how they could help. Fast forward to 2019, legislators knew us, our issues and asking us how they could help. Night and day difference after years of work. Finally recreational boating can play a little offense and we did just that in December of 2018 with passage of the Modern Fish Act. We still have many challenges but at least today we have people who are really listening.”
Matt Gruhn, MRAA President
“ABC, with its focus on meeting with Congress Members, can feel like an intimidating process. But the Members and their teams are incredibly engaged in listening to the issues, particularly when we have such a large contingent of industry participating in the dialog, and particularly when they get the chance to talk to one of their own constituents. This year, after meeting with Rep. Jim Hagedorn, along with Alumacraft Boats President James Irwin, we actually received a follow-up phone call from the Representative himself, which we took as a nod to the positive reception we received when presenting our issues. We make a real impact when we participate in this event.”
Liz Walz, MRAA Vice President
“One of the highlights of my experience at ABC this year was the opportunity to meet with Congressman John Katko, who represents New York’s 24th District, where I live. We spoke about the workforce challenges that so many MRAA members face – and particularly the opportunity to reauthorize the Higher Education Act with a provision that reduces the classroom hours necessary for Pell Grants, so that more of those training for careers as marine technicians would be eligible. I was impressed that he knew of many of our marine dealer members based in the district. And he even offered to put me in touch with someone in his office who could help us determine whether there was federal grant money available to support the development of local marine technician education programs.”
Mike Davin, MRAA Director of Education
“It’s easy to feel like casting a ballot on Election Day is the only chance you have to make your voice heard in Washington. Visiting Capitol Hill is a good reminder that Congress is there to represent us, and the Senate and House buildings are both open for visitors. The Hill visits during ABC were a highlight, and all the Members of Congress and staff who met with us seemed engaged and eager to listen.”
