• MRAA and National Marine Manufacturers Association present Representative Cook with prestigious marine advocacy award for his dedication and advancement of boater safety
PHOENIX, ARIZ., May 29, 2024 – The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (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.
Representative Cook was recognized for his leadership in advocating for policies that support the boating industry, protect boaters and create safer environments for everyone on the water. Specifically, Representative Cook has proactively supported the recreational boating and fishing industry through his backing of common-sense boater education policy.
“As a lifetime boat owner just minutes away from fabulous Lake Roosevelt, I am honored to receive the Legislator of the Year Award from the National Marine Manufacturers Association and Marine Retailers Association of the Americas for my work on H.B. 2149,” stated Representative Cook.
Representative Cook, alongside Senator Brian Fernandez, sponsored H.B. 2149: Watercraft operation; minors; safety education. Arizona is one of five states without a state-wide mandate on boater education. H.B. 2149 would have established boater education for those born on or after Jan. 1, 2007, operating a vessel 50 horsepower or higher. The Grand Canyon State is home to more than 126,000 registered boats, boasting $2.2 billion in annual economic impact. Click here to learn more about his efforts.
As Chair of the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, Representative Cook solidified support among colleagues for H.B. 2149. Bringing in both the Arizona Game and Fish Department and Maricopa County Sheriff’s Department, the legislation gained bipartisan support and made it out of committee with a 9-2 vote in favor. When the bill made it to the House floor, Representative Cook continued to gain support for H.B. 2149 with both Republicans and Democrats. H.B. 2149 overwhelmingly passed the House with a 40-17 vote in favor.
The MRAA and NMMA also presented Representative Cook’s Legislative Aide, Caitlin Tillis, with Staffer of the Year for their shared commitment to the Arizona boating community.
“Representative Cook is dedicated to improving the safety of recreational boaters on Arizona’s waterways and believes in the importance of boater education,” said Chad Tokowicz, MRAA Government Relations Manager. “Representative Cook understands the importance of building a strong coalition and worked with various stakeholders throughout the recreational boating community in Arizona ranging from marine retailers to law enforcement to impacted boaters. The MRAA and the NMMA cannot thank Representative Cook enough for his efforts and we are honored to present him the Legislator of the Year Award.”
Representative Cook lives in Globe, Ariz., and since 2017 has represented District 7, which is home to recreational fishing and boating, including Theodore Roosevelt Lake on the Salt River.
About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, we believe that for the marine industry to thrive, the retail organizations that interact with the boaters in their community must thrive. With that in mind, MRAA works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting those retailers, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, visit MRAA.com or contact us at 763-315-8043.
About the Marine Retailers National Marine Manufacturers Association
The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is the leading trade organization for the North American recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, marine accessories and gear used by millions of boaters in North America. The association serves its members and their sales and service networks by improving the business environment for recreational boating including providing domestic and international sales and marketing opportunities, reducing unnecessary government regulation, decreasing the cost of doing business, and helping grow boating participation. As the largest producer of boat and sport shows in the U.S., NMMA connects the recreational boating industry with the boating consumer year-round. Learn more at www.nmma.org and get engaged with us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.