State of the Recreational Boating Industry

NMMA’s annual State of the Recreational Boating Industry Breakfast, sponsored by Dominion Marine Media, was held Thursday morning (Feb. 12, 2015) at the Miami Beach Convention Center. The program included an exclusive review of the state of the recreational boating industry and presentation of some of the industry’s most prestigious awards.

Highlights included:

Dominion Marine Media
As sponsor of this year’s Industry Breakfast, Ian Atkins, president of Dominion Marine Media, shared opportunities for businesses and individuals to secure a memorable, online identity to ultimately drive more boat sales globally.

NMMA, State of the Recreational Boating Industry
NMMA president Thom Dammrich provided insight on boating-related and general economic indicators impacting the industry. He also shared information for the show’s new venue, Miami Marine Stadium Park and Basin, for the 2016. Click here to download Dammrich’s presentation.

Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF), Marketing Boating to the Hispanic Audience
Frank Peterson, RBFF President & CEO, presented on marketing boating to the Hispanic audience which included sharing new research on Hispanics’ attitude, awareness and behaviors about boating and boat ownership. Click here for more information.

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Boating Infrastructure Grant Program
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced more than $12.2 million in competitive grants to 10 states for projects to support recreational boating through the Service’s Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) program. The Service will also release approximately $2 million in grants to 21 states willing to match a smaller program within BIG. Click here for more information.

Miami International Boat Show Innovation Awards
NMMA and Boating Writers International (BWI) announced winners of the 2015 Miami International Boat Show Innovation Awards. This year’s program featured a record number of entries with 97 products—a 68 percent increase in entries compared to last year. Click here for the full list of winners.

Marine Marketers of America, Neptune Awards
Sally Helme with the Marine Marketers of America announced winners of the seventh annual 2014 Neptune Award for marketing excellence. Click here to view the full list of winners.

Department of Defense – Employer Support of the Guard & Reserves, Above & Beyond Award
Peter Caspari, Florida Director of Employer Outreach with the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves, Department of Defense, presented NMMA with their Above and Beyond Award for their diligent and dedicated efforts to promote to their member companies the hiring of our Guard and Reservists as well as our great American Veterans.

Source: NMMA