By Chad Tokowicz, MRAA Government Relations Manager On Friday, May 24, 2024, the United States Coast Guard released its annual Recreational Boating Statistics report for 2023, marking the 65th edition of this comprehensive analysis. This report is a vital resource for understanding the current state of recreational boating in the United States, providing detailed insights […]
Category: Advocacy
Representative Cook Named Arizona State Legislator of the Year
The MRAA and the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) have presented Arizona State Representative David Cook with the Arizona State Legislator of the Year Award for his support of the recreational boating and fishing industry.
Dealer Concerns Highlighted at Small Business Legislative Council Fly-In
WASHINGTON, D.C., MAY 28, 2024 – The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas Government Relations Team recently participated in the Small Business Legislative Council (SBLC) fly-in in Washington to discuss small business issues impacting recreational boat dealers and potential regulatory hurdles in the future. Government Relations Director Mike Sayre and Government Relations Manager Chad Tokowicz […]
MRAA, Association of Marina Industries Meet with White House, Request NMFS Reopen Comments on Proposed Vessel Speed Rule
WASHINGTON, D.C., May 28, 2024 – In a meeting with the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) and the Association of Marina Industries (AMI) formally requested the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) withdraw its proposed amendments to the North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction […]
Regulatory Alert – FTC Approves Noncompete Ban
• This Alert is a special update regarding the Federal Trade Commission’s rule banning noncompete clauses On Tuesday, April 23, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) voted 3-2 along party lines to approve its new rule on noncompete agreements. The new rule, which will take effect in 120 days, essentially bans noncompetes for all workers, finding […]
Regulatory Alert – Changed Overtime Rule for Salaried Employees
• This MRAA Alert is a special update regarding the U.S. Department of Labor Final Rule on increased salary requirements for “White Collar Overtime Exemptions” The U.S. Department of Labor on Tuesday, April 23 announced the release of a final rule raising the minimum annual salary threshold for overtime pay eligibility. This primarily applies to […]
MRAA Sponsors, Attends 2024 International Boating and Water Safety Summit
The MRAA’s government relations team presented at the 2024 International Boating and Water Safety Summit April 8-11, in Albuquerque, N.M.
House Passes Historic Bipartisan Outdoor Recreation Package, Eyes on Senate for Swift Action
WASHINGTON, D.C., April 15, 2024 — In a landmark bipartisan achievement, the U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act. This critical step demonstrates the powerful momentum Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) members and industry partners have helped generate in promoting policies that expand access and transform outdoor recreation […]
MRAA Joins Water Sports Industry Association Annual Summit
• The Summit allows MRAA, WSIA to continue to build collaboration on overlapping government relations priorities By Chad Tokowicz, MRAA Government Relations Manager I recently joined the Water Sports Industry Association (WSIA) for their annual summit in the snow, which took place at the Everline Resort in Olympic Valley, Calif. The summit, which is hosted […]
Right Whale Vessel Speed Rule Update
• NOAA hosts technology workshop while advancing Right Whale Vessel Speed rule to final stages • Mike Sayre, Director of Government Relations, MRAA, joins recreational marine and fishing industry advocates; makes case for technology-based solutions The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently held a Vessel Strike Risk Reduction Technology Workshop in an effort to […]
