New report says boating a significant part of the outdoor recreation economy
April 28th, 2017
The Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) released the 2017 edition of the Outdoor Recreation Economy Report. The report captures the power of the outdoor recreation economy which creates billions of dollars in consumer spending and millions of American jobs. Water sports, which includes boating, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, rafting, surfing, scuba and stand-up paddle boarding, generated an […]
New study confirms importance of increasing the number of women in manufacturing
April 26th, 2017
A new study shows that many manufacturers are missing a critical talent pool in the manufacturing workforce—women—and that hiring more of them could aid in closing the skills gap. The Manufacturing Institute, Deloitte and American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) released the study, “Women in Manufacturing: Stepping up to make an impact that matters.” […]
Connecticut Marine Trades Association works on Tax Reform Bill
April 17th, 2017
The Connecticut Marine Trades Association has been working on Senate Bill 1048, which would decrease the sales and use tax from around six percent to approximately three percent on all vessels sold and registered within the state of Connecticut. The goal of the bill is to continue to strengthen Connecticut’s boating industry and make the […]
Grow Boating Research unlocks key to attracting first-time boat buyers
April 11th, 2017
With changes in consumer shopping and online behavior over the last decade, the Grow Boating Board of Directors commissioned a study to better understand today’s first-time boat buyer. Study findings include definitions of six different types of first-time boat buyers including their interests and psychographic traits, what motivates them to explore boat ownership, how they […]
Remembering Don Wedge
April 7th, 2017
Don Wedge, former owner of the Marine Training Institute, Palmetto, Fla., passed away peacefully on April 3. Wedge helped launch the Marine Fabricators Association and the Master Fabric Craftsman (MFA) program. He was well known for his training school, instructional videos and developing patterning techniques. Wedge was the first inductee into the MFA Hall of […]
NMMA kicks off release of 2016 Statistical Abstract with Outboard Engine Sales Trends report
April 5th, 2017
National Marine Manufacturer Association (NMMA) will be releasing its U.S. Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract by section as the data becomes available. Sections of the 2016 Statistical Abstract will be released beginning this month, with the first being the Outboard Engine Sales Trends report and sailboat sales trends 2005-2016. The Outboard Engine Sales Trends report examines […]
Phifer expands color selection for SunTex® 95
April 3rd, 2017
Tuscaloosa, Alabama-based Phifer Inc. added a new color to its exterior sun control fabric line SunTex® 95. The new hue, Carbon, joins the current range of eight neutral color options. Made from vinyl-coated polyester, SunTex 95 is thinner and lighter weight than traditional SunTex fabrics and is a full basketweave. SunTex 95 fabrics are infused […]
IFAI’s Advanced Textiles Conference: Testing Program 2017
April 3rd, 2017
At the 2017 Advanced Textiles Conference (ATC), four educational tracks—military, medical, smart fabrics and testing—will give attendees the latest news on the processes, products and profit potential in working with high-tech fabrics and fabrication techniques. The Advanced Textiles Conference, part of IFAI Expo 2017, will be held in New Orleans Sept. 26-29. This year’s ATC […]