By Chad Tokowicz, Government Relations Manager, Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) If there was one clear takeaway from state level advocacy battles in 2025, it’s this: recreational boats remain an attractive revenue target for lawmakers. Across the country, legislators introduced proposals to increase sales taxes, impose new “luxury” taxes, or remove long-standing tax […]
Tag: MRAA Advocacy
MRAA Recognizes Dealer Advocacy Leaders with 2025 Dealer Ambassador Awards
• Two Dealers Honored for Outstanding Commitment to Protecting Boating Access and Advancing Advocacy TAMPA, FLORIDA – Dec. 18, 2025 – The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas recognized two outstanding dealer advocates during its annual awards luncheon at the 2025 Dealer Week Conference and Expo, presenting the MRAA Dealer Ambassador Award to Tom Whowell […]
BoatPAC Shatters Fundraising Record Thanks to Industry Support
The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) celebrates an incredible achievement for our industry’s advocacy efforts — the industry’s political action committee, BoatPAC, has set a new all-time fundraising record! Thanks to the generosity of more than 400 donors across the recreational boating industry, BoatPAC raised $359,000 during the 2025 fiscal year, surpassing last […]
MRAA Submits Comments on Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Wake Boat and Wakesurf Study
The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA), joined by several Connecticut-based marine retailers, has submitted formal comments to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) regarding its proposed Wake Boat and Wakesurf Study. The wakesurfing study is intended to evaluate the operation and impacts of wake boats on Connecticut’s inland lakes and […]
Advocacy Session to Address State and Local Wake Regulations
• Facing the Next Wave: How Dealer Action Protects Access and Your Bottom Line MINNEAPOLIS, September 22, 2025 — Recreational boating activities, including wake surfing, face scrutiny across the country. Proposed regulations threaten to restrict access to waterways and limit where and how your customers can enjoy their time on the water. To address this […]
MAPOceans Act Passes Senate
• New legislation would modernize accessibility to saltwater recreational fishing regulations and marine waters navigation information WASHINGTON, September 12, 2025 – Saltwater anglers, hunters and marine recreationists joined the, Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, National Marine Manufacturers Association, American Sportfishing Association and the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation in cheering Senate passage […]
Marine Industry Task Force Launched to Improve Refueling Safety & Education
The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) announced that it has created a special task force aimed at improving safety during boat refueling and enhancing education around recreational boat fuel systems. Spearheaded by the Boating Industry Risk Management Council and the Boat and Yacht Certification Committee, the initiative brings together key stakeholders — including the U.S. […]
Navigating Change: MRAA, State Marine Trades Associations Voice Concerns Over Removal of Aids to Navigation in the Northeast
By Chad Tokowicz, MRAA Government Relations Manager In May the United States Coast Guard announced plans to remove a number of Aids to Navigation (ATONs) across the Northeast. These ATONs — buoys, markers and beacons — are essential tools that guide boaters safely through our nation’s waterways. The Coast Guard cites modernization and shifting resources […]
No Boat Tax Increase in New Jersey
• Strong Advocacy Efforts Lead to Boater Victory in Garden State In late June, Governor Murphy officially signed the 2026 New Jersey State Budget, keeping the boat tax unchanged. The Marine Trades Association of New Jersey exemplifies how vital state marine trades associations are in advocating for our industry. Their efforts highlight the importance of […]
How Tariffs Are Rocking the Boat
• A Q&A with Rick’s Small Sailboats, Florida-Based Dealer and MRAA Bronze Member By Chad Tokowicz, MRAA Government Relations Manager Rick Upson started his dealership, Rick’s Small Sailboats, with a simple goal: to share his love of sailing and help more people experience the joy of being on the water. Working solo from his home […]
