As the recreational boating industry prepares to close out 2019, the second highest level of sales in 12 years, National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) member manufacturer confidence continues to be favorable with 78 percent of CEOs stating business is stable or expanding (51 percent stable and 27 percent expanding). The report comes from NMMA's Marine [...]

Nominations are being accepted for the 2020 National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Alan J. Freedman Memorial Leadership Award. Recipients of the Freedman Award are individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the marine accessories industry through leadership, creativity and personal motivation. The following are categories for consideration: •Marine aftermarket or OEM manufacturer •Marine representative •Member [...]

Attracting customers in the market for shade products is one thing; retaining them for future business is another. Managing both objectives requires establishing connections that are meaningful and lasting.  by Pamela Mills-Senn A quick Google search on “connecting with customers” reveals all sorts of advice, usually in the form of the “seven best ways,” or the [...]

The complete edition of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) 2018 U.S. Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract is now available in the Statistics section of NMMA.org. This report is the most comprehensive collection of industry data and a trusted source for recreational boating statistics. Key insights from the 2018 Statistical Abstract include: •Consumer spending on boats, [...]

A featured Show Stopper at the 2019 IFAI Expo, SunMaster™ is a versatile 7.5 oz. solution-dyed polyester featuring a 5-year warranty that is specially formulated to withstand just about anything Mother Nature can serve up. The fabric is abrasion resistant and easy to clean, making it an excellent choice for marine, awning, shade and garden [...]

New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu recently signed legislation establishing the Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry Development within the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs (BEA). This legislation formalizes the state’s commitment to the businesses, natural assets and attractions that make up the outdoor recreation industry, which employs nearly 38,000 people in New Hampshire [...]

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) New Powerboat Registrations Report shows that new powerboat sales were down slightly (0.9 percent) on a rolling 12-month year-over-year basis and down 2 percent on a rolling three-month year-over-year basis through August. Total new units sold to date in 2019 reached 274,200, and by year-end are expected to be [...]

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a new initiative to expand the use of biofuels like E15 across the country. The proposal follows the administration’s decision earlier this year to lift the summertime ban on E15 sales. The newest initiative seeks to pump more than 15 billion gallons [...]

Registration is brisk for the annual Marine Fabricators Conference, which will be held Jan. 9-11, 2020, on the sunny shores of Daytona Beach, Fla. The conference features three full days of education and networking designed to help marine fabricators cultivate industry connections, improve their efficiency and increase revenue. Educational sessions include upholstery methods, photo digitizing, [...]

The recently launched Ennis Fabrics e-commerce website now has promotional discounts that are regularly offered to customers. The responsive website is user-friendly and visually pleasing, with more than 10,000 different products. Customers may now place orders, view stock levels, and access their pricing, invoices, and order history all online. “We are very excited to announce [...]