Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/467551
www.BoatingIndustry.com 26 | Boating Industry | March 2015 The industry heads to Washington for American Boating Congress BY JONATHAN SWEET i t's time again for Mr. Boater (and dealer and manufacturer and …) to go to Washington. The annual American Boating Congress will be held May 11-13 at the Renaissance Hotel in Washington, D.C. ABC is one of the best chances to effect change in public policy for anyone working (or playing) in the boating industry. ABC is organized by the National Marine Manufacturers Association, and several co-hosts including Boating Industry, the Association of Marina Industries, BoatUS, the Water Sports Industry Association, numerous state and regional trade associations and others. (The co-host list contin- ues to grow. For the latest list, visit www.nmma.org/abc.) From ethanol to fi shing regulations to funding for important projects, what happens in Washington affects the industry everyday. While gov- ernment affairs professionals at NMMA and other groups do a great job working for the industry, no lobbyist is as infl uential with members of Congress as a constituent or employer from their district or state. What is ABC? The American Boating Congress is a comprehensive legislative confer- ence that brings together recreational boating industry leaders to for- mulate public policy and present a unifi ed front on issues that impact marine businesses. ABC gives attendees a chance to not only discuss major issues facing the industry, but also to coordinate visits to Congressional offi ces to share those concerns with elected offi cials and staff. NMMA government rela- tions staff handle coordination of the meetings, as well as provide briefi ng papers and talking points. Last year, ABC attendees made hundreds of visits to Hill offi ces during the conference. Some of the key reasons to attend: Learn how to grow your business in the current economy. Discover how current state and federal regulatory issues affect your operations Storming the hill preview