NMMA realigns itself with Sail America
By IBI Magazine
The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and Sail America have restructured their affiliation agreement, while also dividing up the Strictly Sail boat shows. A statement noted that Sail America will continue to own and operate Strictly Sail Pacific, but that the other Strictly Sail shows will now be managed and produced by NMMA instead of the previous joint arrangement. Sail America will continue to function as a separate legal entity, with its own dedicated staff, board of directors, and committees. The sailing association will be responsible for endorsing and promoting sail-focused boat shows, developing outreach programs to promote the sailing lifestyle, and running seminar programs at all Strictly Sail shows and SailFests. NMMA said it will also provide Sail America with access to its staff and resources in the areas of membership support, marketing communications and government relations. Beyond Strictly Sail Pacific, NMMA will now be responsible for managing and producing Strictly Sail Chicago, Strictly Sail Miami, Strictly Sail Pacific, and SailFest events at the Virginia In-Water Boat Show, the Liberty Boat Show, and the Baltimore Boat Show. NMMA said it will pay Sail America a share of sailing-related revenue from NMMA-owned shows. "This new arrangement allows Sail America to provide a dedicated focus on the needs of the sailing industry, while at the same time expanding our reach and capabilities," said Bill Goggins, president of Sail America and commercial director of Harken Inc., in the statement. "The new partnership better utilizes existing resources and expertise of both NMMA and Sail America and will serve to increase visibility of sailing," said NMMA president Thom Dammrich in the statement. "Working in concert with Sail America and its team of resources and experts, we can merge the strengths of both organizations to improve the overall financial health and well-being of the industry as a whole."
(6 August 2008)
|
