WASHINGTON, D.C. – The 2013 American Boating Congress (ABC) announced today its lineup of speakers, featuring an influential group of policy specialists and industry authorities, as well as legislative and regulatory officials including Representative Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV).
The broad spectrum of industry advocates, policy experts and legislative decision-makers who will present at the event only adds to the reasons dealers should consider attending this year. The insight they share regarding the current political and economic climate and how we can work together towards continued growth in recreational boating will help dealers make better decisions in their business.
In addition, ABC attendees gain an important opportunity to lend their voice to discussions on the Hill involving legislative and regulatory issues that can greatly impact dealers and other recreational boating businesses.
On May 9, ABC will present its general session, featuring the following speakers:
Representative Paul Ryan (R-WI): Currently serving his 8th term as a Member of Congress, Rep. Ryan is the Chairman of the House Budget Committee, where he works to bring fiscal discipline and accountability to the federal government. He is a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over tax policy, Social Security, health care and trade laws.
Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV): Sen. Manchin joined Congress in 2010, having previously served as Secretary of State from 2000 to 2004. In 2005 he began his six years as Governor for the state of West Virginia. Legislatively, job creation is Sen. Manchin’s top priority, working to produce American jobs and encouraging the government to act as a partner to help create opportunity.
Deerin Babb-Brott, Director, National Ocean Council Office: A White House initiative, the National Ocean Council provides sustained, high-level, and coordinated attention to ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes issues and focuses on actions to advance the National Ocean Policy. Deerin Babb-Brott brings more than twenty years of experience developing innovative and successful solutions to management challenges in the coastal and marine environment, with expertise in government affairs and marine policy.
Rear Admiral Dean Lee, United States Coast Guard: Rear Admiral William “Dean” Lee reported to Coast Guard Headquarters to be the Deputy for Operations Policy and Capabilities (DCO-D) in May of 2012, following his assignment as the Fifth District Commander in Portsmouth, VA. As DCO-D, he oversees integration of operations, capability, strategy, and resource policy. Rear Admiral Lee has spent 13 years in six different Command assignments, including Fifth District and spent a career specializing in Boat Operations and Search and Rescue.
Kenneth Walsh, White House Correspondent, U.S. News and World Report: Ken Walsh, having covered the White House full-time for U.S. News and World Report since 1986, is one of the most experienced and longest-serving reporters ever to cover the presidency. With an extensive contact list of Washington insiders, Walsh has both historical and contemporary perspective on events. Historian Douglas Brinkley has written of Walsh, “No journalist today covers U.S. presidential politics with the same bedrock self-assurance, analytical thought and literary aplomb as Ken Walsh.”
Frank Peterson, President, Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation: The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to growing participation in fishing, boating and aquatic stewardship. Peterson joined the RBFF team in 2007 to serve as President and CEO, with more than 20 years of industry experience and advocacy.
The 2013 ABC, co-hosted by 31 industry organizations, is the premier legislative conference for the recreational boating industry. Register now to secure a place at this important event.
