U.S. Recreational Boating Industry To Gather In Washington, DC for Face-To-Face Congressional Dialogue During American Boating Congress

WASHINGTON, D. C., April 28, 2014 –Employees from across all sectors of the U.S. recreational boating industry are gathering on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC on May 5-7, 2014 during the annual American Boating Congress (ABC) to advocate on behalf of the industry’s 338,000 workers and 88 million boaters.

With the unofficial start to boating season about a month away on Memorial Day weekend, ABC gives members of the U.S. recreational boating industry a timely platform to meet with legislators and other decision makers on Capitol Hill, hear from prominent economic and political speakers and participate all while meeting with colleagues from around the country. During the multi-day event industry stakeholders will communicate on Capitol Hill the economic significance of our industry, which drives $35 billion in annual spending including new and pre-owned boats and engines, trailers, accessories and services including fuel, repair, storage, insurance and taxes. ABC also highlights Americans’ longstanding appreciation for U.S. waterways, and some of the priority issues facing recreational boating.

Segments of the industry attending ABC include boat, engine and marine accessory manufacturers, boat dealers, distributors and retailers, marine lenders and banks, members of the fishing industry, marinas, trade organizations, government groups, publishers from marine industry media, and boat owners.

While meeting with policy makers, ABC attendees will also address some of the more pressing issues facing boaters and the U.S. boating industry including the Renewable Fuel Standard and concerns about E15, infrastructure and dredging issues as well as fisheries management recommendations as developed by the Morris-Deal Commission.

Prominent speakers addressing areas of interest for the U.S. recreational boating industry include:

· Congressman Joe Garcia (D-FL-26)

· Congressman Stephen Fincher (R-TN-8)

· Amy Walter, National Editor of The Cook Political Report

· Dr. Chad Moutray, Chief Economist, National Association of Manufacturers

· Rowan Gould, Deputy Director U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

· Frank Peterson, President, Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation

In addition to these officials and experts, this year the American Boating Congress is hosting a co-host led panel discussion includuing Don Parkhurt (NMBA), Chris Edmonston (NSBC), Brad Pickel (AIWA) and Nicole Wood, BoatUS.

For more information on ABC, contact Lauren Dunn at ldunn@nmma.org or 202-737-9752 or visit http://www.nmma.org/abc.