Author: MRAA

Is the blendwall upon us?

The Renewable Identification Numbers rose to record highs yesterday, indicating that the blendwall is upon us. This article speaks to how ethanol blends would clearly spike gas prices—something that is obviously not good for recreational boating and fishing. Read the full article here. In addition to the likely increase in gas prices, an increase in […]

Ohio Govenor signs bill on watercraft safety

The Governor of Ohio signed a bill into law on July 11 that becomes effective with the signing that establishes clear criteria for watercraft safety instructions before a recreational boat can be stopped and boarded on Lake Erie and other Ohio waters. In the past, water safety officers could stop a boat at any time […]

MRAA Endorses Collins Tax Bill Written to Help Small Business

Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) recently introduced s.1085, the Small Business Tax Certainty and Growth Act. The bill would allow small businesses to plan for capital investments that are vital to business expansion and job creation by easing complex accounting rules for the smallest businesses and reduces the tax burden on new ventures. The bill would […]

GOP Presses President for Answers on Obamacare Delay

As was published in the national media recently, the White House announced a one-year delay in implementation of the employer mandate that requires employers with greater than 50 employees to pay for health insurance or face a penalty. MRAA worked during the drafting of the Affordable Care Act to exempt employers with fewer than 50 […]

Congress Returns from Independence Day Recess

Congress returned Monday, July 8, to potentially incendiary fights over nominations, unresolved disputes over student loans and the farm bill, and the uncertainty of whether lawmakers have the political will to rewrite the immigration laws. Two Cabinet-rank choices, Tom Perez as Labor Secretary and Gina McCarthy to head the USEPA, are on the agenda in […]

Temporary Deficit Reduction

The following link is a report from the conservative National Center for Policy Analysis on the Congressional Budget Office budget projections. As you will see the budget deficit is going down in large part to an increase in revenues (a sign of an improving economy). However, the budget deficit is so large that it is […]

Luxury Tax on Boats Dies

The luxury tax on boats bill has died in Connecticut. Legislation was successfully passed to repeal the luxury tax on boats costing more than $100,00 (Sections 77-78, E-Cert. HB 6704, Budget/Tax Bill), effective July 1, 2013. Rep. Pat Widlitz was a lead advocate to energize the boating industry in Connecticut. The Governor signed the budget/tax […]

Lighthouse Media Solutions named Official Marketing Partner of the MDCE

MINNEAPOLIS – Lighthouse Media Solutions has been named the Official Marketing Partner of the 2013 Marine Dealer Conference & Expo. As the Official Marketing Partner, Lighthouse Media Solutions, Boston, Mass., will create and produce all of the digital advertising and marketing components for the annual dealer conference, including email templates, advertisements, PowerPoint templates for the […]

Nominations are Open for Young Leaders Advisory Council

MINNEAPOLIS — The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas is accepting nominations and applications for its Young Leaders Advisory Council. “YLAC has been an incredible benefit to the MRAA,” says Matt Gruhn, President of MRAA. “Not only does this group bring a new level of energy to the association, but its members also add a […]

MDCE event brochure now available

MINNEAPOLIS – The event and informational brochure for the 2013 Marine Dealer Conference & Expo is now available in both printed and digital formats. The MDCE Brochure provides detailed insight into all of the annual dealer conference’s scheduled events. It features overviews on each of the more-than-20 educational sessions, all of the newly introduced workshops, […]