• Implications for marine retailers — how the MRAA is fighting for you By Chad Tokowicz, MRAA Government Relations Manager In late May, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, a powerful trade group representing automakers and suppliers, responded to a public comment request from the Department of Justice’s newly created Anticompetitive Regulations Task Force . This […]
Author: Chad Tokowicz
Recreational Marine Industry Wins in the Big Beautiful Bill
Among the wide range of provisions tucked into the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBA), some will have a positive impact on the recreational marine industry — from tax policy to workforce development. Here are four important provisions the MRAA supported. 1. Qualified Business Income Deduction The 199A Qualified Business Income deduction — set to […]
No Boat Tax Increase in New Jersey
• Strong Advocacy Efforts Lead to Boater Victory in Garden State In late June, Governor Murphy officially signed the 2026 New Jersey State Budget, keeping the boat tax unchanged. The Marine Trades Association of New Jersey exemplifies how vital state marine trades associations are in advocating for our industry. Their efforts highlight the importance of […]
How Tariffs Are Rocking the Boat
• A Q&A with Rick’s Small Sailboats, Florida-Based Dealer and MRAA Bronze Member By Chad Tokowicz, MRAA Government Relations Manager Rick Upson started his dealership, Rick’s Small Sailboats, with a simple goal: to share his love of sailing and help more people experience the joy of being on the water. Working solo from his home […]
Coast Guard Reports Fewest Boating Fatalities in More Than 50 Years
• 2024 United States Coast Guard Recreational Boating Statistics Report Overview By Chad Tokowicz, MRAA Government Relations Manager On Tuesday, June 24, 2025, the United States Coast Guard released its annual Recreational Boating Statistics report for 2024, marking the 66th edition of this comprehensive analysis. This report is a vital resource for understanding the current […]
Tariff Policy & Cross-Border Marine Trade
• A Q&A with Kellen Friedlander, President, Great Lakes Marine By Chad Tokowicz, MRAA Government Relations Manager Rapidly shifting global trade policy is resulting in rising costs and supply chain disruptions. It’s ultimately creating uncertainty for boat dealers, especially those serving both recreational customers and public safety agencies. To explore these challenges, we spoke with […]
South Carolina’s Boat Tax Reform: A Victory for Boaters, Dealers and the Marine Industry
There is big news coming from South Carolina, as the state is one step closer to cutting the nation’s highest boat property tax. With an overwhelming 89-7 vote in the South Carolina House of Representatives, this reform effort has picked up serious momentum — and it’s a major victory for boaters, dealers and the entire […]
MRAA Advocates for Marine Retailers in Minnesota Boat Wrap Stewardship Program
The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) has provided feedback on the proposed Minnesota Boat Wrap Stewardship Plan, aiming to ensure that the program minimizes the financial and operational impact on marine retailers across the state. In a comment letter submitted to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and the Commercial and Industrial Flexible […]
MRAA Responds to Boating Industry Tariff Challenges
MRAA partners with marine industry organizations to respond to ongoing boating tariffs. Learn how you can support advocacy efforts ahead of the 2025 American Boating Congress.
Regulatory Notice – Corporate Transparency Act Update
In the long saga that is the reporting requirements put forth under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) we have yet another update. On Feb. 27, The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) announced that it would not issue fines or penalties for any business that does not file Beneficial Ownership Information with the FinCEN until a […]
