Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/288177
April 2014 | Boating Industry | 15 www.BoatingIndustry.com MONTHLY RESEARCH GOVERNMENT CONCERNS We also asked Boating Industry readers what their biggest concern was about the government. Here is some of what they had to say. "It appears the government wants to eliminate the offshore recreational fishing industry." "EPA exaggerating the impact of boats on the environment." "That our industry is not 'on the radar' so regulations are passed without regards to the effects on our industry." "All regulations are one-size-fits-all, which puts the small business at a disadvantage." "The government is only adding regulations, never reducing them." "Regulatory costs making us uncompetitive with our overseas competitors." "Lack of clear policies to follow." "People who make laws do not understand what they are doing." "Government needs to stop picking winners and losers and get out of the way." "Environmental regulatory reporting is repetitive and very time consuming." "The many environmental rules and regulations involved in operating a marina facility." "Government's role in my business has been more positive than negative over the last 28 years." "Policy changes that are not beneficial to the environment and unnecessarily increase the cost of the boat/engine." had been hurt to provide details, and more than 150 did so. The most commonly cited reason was the impact of healthcare reform, from increased costs of covering employees to decisions not to hire more employees in order to avoid some of the Affordable Care Act requirements. Environmental regulations actions from ethanol to emissions were also a common answer. Many also mentioned feeling the impact of the effect of government regulations on other businesses that resulted in their business-owner customers not being willing to spend money on a boat in the current climate. The following are a representative sample of some of the responses: "Our customers fear that they won't have enough income to cover their everyday costs, much less have money to spend on boating." "Federal restrictions on off-shore fishing continue to reduce the demand for boats and equipment." "Not knowing the cost to hire new employees, we have decided to wait until late in the year to decide if we will hire anyone." "Ethanol has cost boaters millions of dollars for repairs, increasing the cost of ownership, which drives boaters to other form of recreation." "Healthcare act has increased our plan costs by 28 percent this year." "Compliance requirements used up time and resources which could have helped grow business." "Uncertainty in government resulting in loss of consumer and corporate confidence resulted in loss of sales." "The restrictions on others reduces the amount they spend with us." "Emission standards have made boating unaffordable." "Over regulation via Dodd-Frank has negatively impacted lending parameters." "Permit process is too long and expensive." "Short fishing season and catch limits keep people from wanting to purchase a new boat." Getting involved The good news is that many respondents are trying to do something about the impact of the government on their businesses. More than three-quarters said they have taken some sort of action in an attempt to affect public policy. Fifty-eight percent reported contacting an elected representative's office to express their opinion on issues and 38 percent said they have met with a representative in person. About 34 percent have responded to a call to action from NMMA, the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas or some other group. Only 13 percent have attended a legislative session or conference at the state level and only 7 percent have attended the American Boating Congress in Washington, D.C. HOW CONCERNED ARE YOU ABOUT THESE ISSUES? VERY SOMEWHAT NOT AT ALL Obamacare 67% 23% 10% Ethanol 63% 33% 4% Tax policy 57% 40% 3% Water access 51% 43% 6% Environmental regulations 44% 52% 4% Emission standards 39% 54% 7% Local zoning issues 34% 56% 10% Invasive species 30% 59% 11% Fishery management 30% 59% 11% P14x15-BI14APR-MonthlyResearch.indd 15 3/13/14 4:11 PM