By Liz Keener, MRAA Senior Director of Dealer Development During the opening night dinner at the American Boating Congress, organizers invited first-time attendees to stand up. There were dealers, manufacturer representatives and industry suppliers who rose from their chairs — and, of course, me. For 14 years, I had heard of this event — ABC […]
Tag: MRAA Advocacy
South Carolina’s Boat Tax Reform: A Victory for Boaters, Dealers and the Marine Industry
There is big news coming from South Carolina, as the state is one step closer to cutting the nation’s highest boat property tax. With an overwhelming 89-7 vote in the South Carolina House of Representatives, this reform effort has picked up serious momentum — and it’s a major victory for boaters, dealers and the entire […]
MRAA Speaks Out Against Key Ban in Minnesota
In 2023, Minnesota legislators passed a ban on consumer products with certain levels of lead and cadmium, including jewelry, toys, cosmetics, kitchenware and art supplies. The law also included keys. With the ban set to take effect, many businesses are in a difficult position since workable alternatives are not available or commercially viable at this […]
Beneficial Ownership Reporting Requirements Removed
• Marine Retailers Exempt from Burdensome Regulations WASHINGTON, April 1, 2025 – The Marine Retailers Association of the America (MRAA) announced today that on March 21, 2025 the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued an interim final rule which removes the requirement for U.S. companies and U.S. persons to report beneficial ownership information (BOI) to […]
MRAA Participates in Small Business Legislative Council Fly-in
• MRAA Government Relations Team Meets with White House and Congressional Leadership WASHINGTON, March 24, 2025 – The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) 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 […]
MRAA Supports ‘25 in 2025’ Campaign
Campaign issues challenge to states to create the 25th office of outdoor recreation WASHINGTON — Along with leading outdoor recreation organizations from across the United States led by the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas celebrates the launch of the ‘25 in 2025’ campaign, a challenge to states to create […]
Regulatory Notice – Corporate Transparency Act Update
In the long saga that is the reporting requirements put forth under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) we have yet another update. On Feb. 27, The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) announced that it would not issue fines or penalties for any business that does not file Beneficial Ownership Information with the FinCEN until a […]
Supreme Court Ruling Adds to Corporate Transparency Act Confusion, but Filing Requirements Remain on Hold
On Jan. 23, 2025, the Supreme Court granted the government’s motion to lift a nationwide injunction issued in the case Texas Top Cop Shop, Inc. v. McHenry. What You Need to KnowWhile this ruling could have potentially reinstated Corporate Transparency Act filing requirements, a separate ruling in Smith v. U.S. Department of the Treasury continues […]
Advisory Council of Marine Associations Approves New Coalition Agreement
WASHINGTON (Jan. 27, 2025) — The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) announced today that the Advisory Council of Marine Associations (ACMA) approved a new Coalition Agreement, establishing a set of principles to which members of the coalition will adhere. ACMA comprises both state and national marine trades associations, and the newly approved agreement […]
Hanson-Milone Safe Boating Act Signed into Law After 13-Year Push
WASHINGTON, D.C., January 13, 2024 – The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas announced today that after more than a decade of advocacy and legislative effort, the Hanson-Milone Safe Boating Act (H.4941) was signed into law on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, by Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, marking a monumental step in improving boating safety across […]
