Category: Advocacy

MRAA, Outdoor Recreation Leaders Back Bill to Bolster Rural Communities, Outdoor Recreation Economy

MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 13 – The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) and leading outdoor recreation organizations are backing Senator Michael Bennet and Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury’s newly-introduced Rural Outdoor Investment (ROI) Act. This bill provides much-needed support for rural communities seeking to build and plan for recreation economies. If passed, the ROI Act’s funding is […]

MRAA Advocacy Engages Avalon-Tahoe Dealers

As the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) continues to grow and work with all sectors of the industry, meshing directly with boat manufacturers is becoming an increasingly important method to engage new dealers. Presenting at dealer meetings is a great way for our team to meet potential members and highlight MRAA Membership benefits, […]

MMTA Workforce Solutions Amendment Passes in the 2023-2024 Massachusetts State Budget

Recently, Governor Maura Healey signed the 2024 state budget, which included $150,000 in funding for workforce development and career technical education initiatives within the recreational boating industry.  This funding will continue the successful initiatives and progress that the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association (MMTA) has made over the last 5-plus years to help meet the workforce […]

MRAA Adds New Director of Government Relations to Amplify Advocacy Efforts

MINNEAPOLIS, August 15, 2023 – The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas announced that it has added Mike Sayre as Director of Government Relations. As dealers face significant regulatory and legislative challenges to their businesses, the MRAA is ramping up its government relations efforts to ensure the voice of the dealers is represented in the […]

Sea Tow Foundation Invites Submissions for 2023 National Boating Safety Awards 

• Apply Now! Applications accepted through September 1 SOUTHOLD, N.Y., July, 26, 2023 – The Sea Tow Foundation and its esteemed Boating Safety Advisory Council are delighted to announce the call for entries for the 2023 National Boating Safety Awards. “Our mission at the Sea Tow Foundation is to provide access to education, tools and […]

Recreational Fishing and Boating Community Opposes Vessel Speed Restrictions in the Gulf of Mexico

• Collaboration Needed in Conserving Rice’s Whales  WASHINGTON, D.C. July 18, 2023 – The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas and other leading organizations representing the recreational fishing and boating industry urged the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to reject a petition to establish a year-round 10-knot (11 mph) vessel speed limit and other […]

Advocacy & Boating Safety

As a dealer, customers look to you as a leader within the recreational boating community, and for that reason it is important you champion safe boating practices and compliance with all state and local laws and regulations. Ultimately, we want you to feel confident as a business owner and your customers to feel the same […]

Victory for Boat Dealers: Florida Amends Livery Insurance Requirements 

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, on June 12, 2023, signed SB 418 repealing insurance requirements for boat liveries and absolves them from purchasing insurance to cover rental customers. This is a victory for Florida boat dealers. During the 2022 legislative session, the 2022 Florida Boating Safety Act (HB 493) passed, requiring boat rental facilities to insure […]

Oversight Hearing on NOAA’s Right Whale Vessel Speed Rule

A significant Oversight Hearing was held today by the Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Subcommittee of the House Committee on Natural Resources regarding the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) proposed Right Whale Vessel Speed Rule. The hearing addressed the potential impact of the proposed rule on both marine wildlife and the recreational marine industry. The […]

Minnesota Passes Landmark Mandatory Boater Education Legislation

ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA, May, 31 – The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) celebrates the successful passage of Mandatory Boater Education Legislation in its home state of Minnesota. This landmark legislation marks a significant step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of boaters and all who enjoy aquatic recreation throughout the Land of 10,000 […]