Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/264625
March 2014 | Boating Industry | 15 [ Washington bound] www.BoatingIndustry.com the Renewable Fuel Standard and other ethanol challenges, bills to repeal the second-home tax deduction for boats and ongoing efforts to restrict water access in national parks and other areas. Networking receptions also offer an oppor- tunity for one-on-one engagement with con- gressional representatives and staff and other decisionmakers. Finally, the NMMA govern- ment relations assists in scheduling hill visits with representatives and senators for those in the industry. Last year, industry representatives had more than 250 visits with members of Congress during ABC. The more people that can attend ABC and make hill visits from the boating industry, the more ability the industry will have to make sure its voice is heard on the key issues, says NMMA President Thom Dammrich. It's too important to figure "somebody else will do it." "One of the other things I tell people is that given the dramatic impact that Washington and state capitals have on your business, you wouldn't leave it to your competitor to manage your production line," Dammrich said of last year's ABC. "You wouldn't leave it to your com- petitor to do your marketing. You wouldn't leave it to your competitor to manage your distribu- tion. Why do you leave it to your competitor to manage government relations? You need to be involved." From the repeal of the luxury tax in the 1990s to victories on ethanol in the last year, industry efforts matter. "When people get involved and we make Congress aware or we make regulators aware that what they're doing is going to adversely impact the industry, the employment of 150,000 people or the enjoyment of 86 million Americans on the water, they listen," Dammrich said. "We have succeeded and continue to succeed." Why is ABC important? You are the industry's most effective advo- cate. No lobbyist is as influential as an employer from a member's district or state. The recreational boating industry is an eco- system; legislation or regulation that adversely impacts one segment of our industry will even- tually adversely impact the entire industry. Attending ABC and going on Capitol Hill visits with others from your state is the best way to update your representatives on issues that affect your business and help them to un- derstand your position when voting on issues that affect our industry. Elected officials listen when their constitu- ents talk. Your voice is the most valuable asset. Forty-six of Congressional staff say that a con- stituent's visit to a Member's DC office has "a lot" of influence. Those constituents who make the effort to personally communicate with their Senators and Representatives are more influen- tial than lobbyists and news editors. Who attends ABC? Are you a boating industry advocate? A marine manufacturer, dealer, business owner or stake- holder? Do you have a keen interest in recre- ational boating policy and regulatory matters? Then you should attend ABC. What's new this year? A welcome reception on the Potomac on the evening of May 5. An on-the-water network- ing opportunity for you and your industry peers to kick off the conference. A new "Effective Lobbying Techniques" session and improved issues briefing session. Scheduled hill visit opportunities will be avail- able over the course of two days instead of one. Registration discounts for registering early and additional discounts when two or more at- tendees register from the same company. How will I benefit from attending ABC? Meet elected officials to discuss your policy concerns. Speak directly with policymakers in your Congressional district. Learn more about the Congressional pro- cess and how you can stay involved year round. Hear from elected officials, policy makers, and distinguished speakers. Join your peers from all segments of the industry to ensure a healthy future for recre- ational boating. You don't need to be an expert in govern- ment affairs. American Boating Congress sup- porters and staff will provide opportunities and tools, arming you with the information you need to make your visit to Capitol Hill impactful. Look for more coverage of American Boating Congress in the April issue of Boating Industry and on BoatingIndustry.com. For more information on ABC, visit www.nmma. org/government/abc/default.aspx. Everyone in the industry needs to be involved in government issues, says NMAA President Thom Dammrich. Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., was among the elected officials at ABC 2013. Find breaking conference updates on Twitter @therealnmma and hashtag #abc2014. P14x15-BI14MAR-ABCPreview.indd 15 2/7/14 10:09 AM