• 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 […]
Author: Chad Tokowicz
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 […]
Supreme Court Ruling Adds to Corporate Transparency Act Confusion, but Filing Requirements Remain on Hold
On Jan. 23, 2025, the Supreme Court granted the government’s motion to lift a nationwide injunction issued in the case Texas Top Cop Shop, Inc. v. McHenry. What You Need to KnowWhile this ruling could have potentially reinstated Corporate Transparency Act filing requirements, a separate ruling in Smith v. U.S. Department of the Treasury continues […]
Corporate Transparency Act Update and Reminder
Filed yet? If not, here is what you need to know! Starting January 1, 2025, all business entities are required to report beneficial ownership information to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, a bureau of the U.S. Department of Treasury. The Corporate Transparency Act established the new requirement, which was put in place to combat money […]
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At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA), we are dedicated to advocating for the interests of our members, many of whom are the small businesses that drive the marine industry’s success. To protect the interests of our members and cultivate a strong selling environment, our Government Relations (GR) Team is constantly advocating on […]
