Partnerships showcase an industry-wide commitment to a louder voice on Capitol Hill
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In 2012, the American Boating Congress was co-hosted by 13 industry organizations, who, for the first time, worked together to ensure that ABC provided a dynamic and engaging program, that met the needs of the recreational boating industry as a whole. This year, driven by 2012’s success, 29 industry partners have agreed to co-host ABC, joining the rallying-cry to strengthen the industry’s collective advocacy impact. ABC will be held in Washington, DC on May 8-9.
This year’s co-hosts are an integral part of planning ABC by contributing time and in-program development and by encouraging their members to attend and participate in ABC.
In addition to the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, those co-sponsors currently include include the American Boat Builders & Repairers Association, Association of Marina Industries, BoatU.S. Boating Industry Magazine, Boy Scouts/Sea Scouts, Boating Trades Association of Metropolitan Houston, Center for Coastal Conservation, CT Marine Trades Association, Florida Yacht Brokers Association, Lake Erie Marine Trades Association, Marina Recreation Association, Michigan Boating Industries Association, Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County, Inc., Marine Trades Association of New Jersey, National Boating Federation, National Marine Bankers Association, National Marine Distributors Association, National Marine Manufacturers Association, Northwest Marine Trade Association, National Marine Trade Council, North Central Marine Association, RI Marine Trades Association, South Carolina Marine Association, States Organization for Boating Access, Soundings Trade Only, U.S. Superyacht Association, Wisconsin Marine Association, Water Sports Industry Association.
As co-hosts, these organizations have committed themselves to growing the industry through public policy advocacy. Assembling from a wide variety of industry segments, these groups provide ongoing counsel and insight into what issues are of the most pressing interest to stakeholders and advocates, ensuring that ABC’s agenda will be packed with timely and relevant policy matters. Co-hosts will be attending ABC with representatives from their respective organizations, contributing to a dynamic dialogue during the event.
NMMA President, Thom Dammrich says “NMMA is thrilled to see the growing number of organizations partnering for this important event. ABC is a real opportunity for growth through advocacy. By joining forces we can use ABC to reach a much broader Congressional representation, educating them about the significant impact that recreational boating has on the U.S. economy and other important issues such as protecting our nation’s waterways.”
ABC is the premier legislative conference for the recreational boating industry. While the complete agenda is currently in development, ABC will once again feature prominent policymakers to discuss industry specific issues. Registration is now open!
For questions or media inquiries please contact Lauren Dunn at 202-737-9752 or ldunn@nmma.org. For more information about ABC sponsorship opportunities, please contact John Marcinek at 312-946-6258 or jmarcinek@nmma.org.
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About the American Boating Congress: ABC is the industry’s premiere legislative conference, bringing industry leaders together to help influence public policy and present a unified front on issues that impact the recreational boating industry. ABC offers attendees a unique opportunity to discuss and learn about state and federal legislation, get first-hand insight from policymakers and network with other industry leaders. To learn more about ABC please visit http://www.nmma.org/government/abc.
