2016 boating statistics available
October 31st, 2017
The National Marine Manufacturers Association’s (NMMA) 2016 U.S. Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract, which contains thousands of data points and insights on the boating industry, is now available for download or order. Highlights include: Annual retail sales of new boats, engines and marine accessories in the U.S. totaled $17.9 billion in 2016, up 8.1 percent from […]
EXPO 2017 HUB winners announced
October 26th, 2017
More than a hundred IFAI members took part in the daily prize drawings in the HUB at EXPO 2017. One business card was pulled out of the jar each day of the show and the winner received a $50 VISA gift card. On the last day, the lucky winner received a full registration to EXPO […]
Roy Schweinfurth, former IFAI president, dies
October 26th, 2017
Roy Schweinfurth, former IFAI board member and president, died October 8th. He served on the IFAI Board of Directors from 1977 to 1989, and as IFAI president (a position now called chairman) from 1985 to 1987. He was involved with the IFAI Awning Division, now called the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association. His obituary appeared in […]
Boat sales decline slightly in September
October 25th, 2017
Boat sales grew by slightly less than 4 percent in September, according to the latest Info-Link Bellwether report. That’s down slightly from August numbers, when sales were up 4 percent. The report tracks sales of powerboats across the country based on new U.S. boat registrations on a rolling 12-month basis. The boat sales growth rate […]
Marina conference registration open
October 23rd, 2017
Registration is now open for the International Marina & Boatyard Conference (IMBC). The IMBC is a major marina and boatyard conference geared specifically toward marina and boatyard owners; operators and managers; as well as dock masters; harbormasters; boat builders and repairers; and industry consultants. The conference is produced by the Association of Marina Industries (AMI) […]
Commerce Dept. to discuss textile industry assessment findings in October 18 Webinar
October 17th, 2017
In 2016, the U.S. Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) undertook its first comprehensive survey and assessment of the health and competitiveness of the U.S. textile, apparel, and footwear industry since 2003. The BIS team is now prepared to share preliminary findings of this critically important study that will be unveiled later this […]
Keep waiting customers happy
October 17th, 2017
In those parts of the country where boats get put away in the winter, the first hints of spring often bring a rush of business for marine fabricators that doesn’t slow down until the leaves start to fall. Once that work begins to back up during warm-weather months, it’s not unusual for fabricators to quote […]
Spanish language boating website launched
October 16th, 2017
Spanish speakers seeking information about recreational boating have a new online resource– es.discoverboating.com. According to U.S. Census Bureau estimates, the Hispanic population in the U.S. continues to expand, reaching a record 58.6 million in 2017 and accounting for more than half of total U.S. population growth last year. The new microsite, launched by Discover Boating, […]
Glen Raven solar array debuts
October 10th, 2017
Glen Raven Inc. has launched a $2 million solar farm at its Anderson, S.C.-based manufacturing plant. The 1-million-square-foot facility previously received natural gas and nuclear power from Duke Energy. But now the company’s 3,076-panel solar farm will power 100 percent of the facility’s lights. “We have culturally always had a great interest and responsibility to […]
Gant retires as Glen Raven CEO
October 9th, 2017
Allen Gant Jr. has retired as CEO of textile manufacturer Glen Raven Inc., with C.G. “Leib” Oehmig IV, a 28-year veteran of Glen Raven, stepping in as his successor. Gant will remain chairman of the company’s operating board. Gant joined Glen Raven in 1971 and was named CEO in 1996. Gant announced in 2013 that […]