No need to be in Washington to advocate for boating industry

There are two adages often applied to the governmental process in the US: “All politics is local,” and “Laws are like sausages, it is better not to see how they are made.” Both will be in play this week as the recreational boating industry docks at The Wharf in Washington, DC, for the National Marine Manufacturers Association’s (NMMA) American Boating Congress (ABC).

But from the board room to the manufacturing floor, one need not be at the Capitol to help influence and advance boating’s legislative agenda.

“A major purpose of ABC is not only advancing our policy agenda but raising the profile of our industry and broadening our network of champions on Capitol Hill,” said NMMA government affairs VP Callie Hoyt in a recent interview with IBI.

NMMA’s 2024 federal legislative priorities include Protecting Public Water and Boating Access, Driving Industry Sustainability and Innovation Progress, Keeping US Marine Manufacturing Globally Competitive and Improving and Expanding Recreational Infrastructure.

To an elected official, the folks back home represent votes, and business owners in particular mean votes and jobs. Hoyt said that while everyone should endeavour to attend ABC in person, “in the meantime, if you haven’t already started soliciting conversations or relationships with Members back in their districts and states, I would highly encourage business owners and any representatives from the marine industry to do that outreach.

“Go in, introduce yourself, give them your story. Make sure they understand your company’s presence in their district or their states and talk to them about what’s impacting your business and what’s impacting the broader industry and give them some good action items on what they can do to work for them and their businesses.”

Additionally, Hoyt said, extend an invitation for your elected officials to visit you.

“Having a Member of Congress come and tour your facility provides a type of experience that really resonates with Members. The experience of getting to shake the hands of and having intimate conversations with the business owners and their employees, to learn more about our industry, that goes a really long way.”

NMMA has easy-to-use resources for communicating with elected officials at boatingunited.com and can help facilitate any interaction between members of NMMA and Congress.

“Anyone interested in doing that but doesn’t know how to start can contact the NMMA team. We have a federal government relations team, a state government relations team and can absolutely help to support and facilitate any of those activities.”

ABC opens today and runs through Friday.