Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/264625
www.BoatingIndustry.com www.BoatingIndustry.com 14 | Boating Industry | March 2014 rom E-15 to water access to environmen- tal regulations, what happens in Washing- ton affects the boating industry more than ever these days. One of the best chances to affect those policies is through the annual American Boat- ing Congress, held May 5-7 in Washington, D.C. ABC is organized by the National Ma- rine Manufacturers Association and several co-hosts, including Boating Industry. This year, driven by 2013's success, numer- ous industry partners have agreed to co-host ABC, joining the rallying-cry to strengthen the industry's collective advocacy impact. As co-hosts, these organizations have committed themselves to growing the industry through public policy advocacy. Assembling from a wide variety of industry segments, these groups provide ongoing counsel and insight into what issues are of the most pressing in- terest to stakeholders and advocates, ensuring that ABC's agenda will be packed with timely and relevant policy matters. Co-hosts will be attending ABC with representatives from their respective organizations, contributing to a dy- namic dialogue during the event. Co-hosts this year include the American Boat Builders & Repairers Association, Asso- ciation of the Marina Industries, BoatUS, the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, the National Marine Lenders Association, the National Marine Distributors Association, sev- eral state trade associations and many more. An engaging lineup of event speakers will feature an influential group of policy specialists and industry authorities, as well as legislative and regulatory officials. ABC provides those in the marine indus- try a chance to hear from and ask questions of policymakers and elected officials about key issues. Some of last year's speakers in- cluded former vice presidential nominee Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis.; Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.V.; and Rear Admiral Dean Lee, U.S. Coast Guard. The conference will be hosted at the Lia- sion Capitol Hill hotel. Although this year's agenda has not been fully set, major issues ex- pected to be on the docket include updates on Washington bound f American Boating Congress gives industry chance to shape policy P14x15-BI14MAR-ABCPreview.indd 14 2/7/14 10:09 AM