The Fish and Wildlife Service recently finalized rules that would expand, fishing, hunting, and boating opportunities on National Wildlife Refuges (NWR) and National Fish Hatcheries (NFH) throughout the country. These additional opportunities are celebrated by the recreational boating, fishing, and conservation community as they will create more opportunities for Americans to engage in their favorite […]

On Tuesday, the United States Senate passed the bipartisan infrastructure bill, H.R. 3864, by a vote of 69-30. This bill, totaling a $1 trillion investment in our nation’s infrastructure, includes many priorities and measures that will benefit the recreational boating industry. Just after passage, the Senate quickly shifted attention to the Budget Reconciliation process – […]

WASHINGTON, DC, August 6, 2021 — The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas applauds the Senate for its work on the bipartisan infrastructure package that includes various priorities of the recreational boating industry. After weeks of negotiations between Senators and the White House, The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is making its way to a […]

In efforts to streamline Paycheck Protection Program loan forgiveness the Small Business Administration (SBA) has created a new portal which will allow borrowers to apply for forgiveness directly through the SBA. The new forgiveness platform, which will go live on August 4th, 2021, was created to help small businesses get relief as fast as possible. […]

Marine Retailers Association of the Americas member Rick Chapman, General Manager of The Port of Sunnyside Club, Inc., testified this week before the Small Business Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations and advocated for the passage of the Providing Resources for Emergency Preparedness and Resilient Enterprises (PREPARE) Act. The hearing, titled “SBA’s Role in Climate […]

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) updated its guidance in June on ways to mitigate and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. With just under half the U.S. population fully vaccinated, the updated guidance focuses on protections for unvaccinated and otherwise at-risk workers. “At-risk workers” are any employees who may have a […]

The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas wants to remind businesses in the marine industry who utilized Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loans that the deadline to apply for forgiveness is fast approaching. PPP loans provided a major relief to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, giving businesses additional funds for payroll and other expenses. To […]

The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas submitted comment to a newly proposed policy statement on repair restrictions by manufacturers and sellers by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Following President Joe Biden’s July 9 Executive Order, Promoting Competition in the American Economy, the FTC announced an open meeting of the Commission on July 21. Before […]

Our friends at Boating Ontario, have reported some fabulous news about the Ontario, Canada, regarding its “Roadmap to Reopening” plan. Ontario is entering Step Three of its reopening efforts at 12:01 a.m., Friday, July 16. “Thank you members for working tirelessly to keep your families, staff and customers safe, all of your hard work is […]

The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas submitted joint comments to the Washington state Department of Revenue (DOR) challenging their proposed increase in the Watercraft Excise Tax depreciation schedule. MRAA joined regional and national groups challenging this proposal such as BoatUS, Recreational Boating Association of Washington, Northwest Marine Trade Association, Washington Retail Association, and Washington […]