NMMA, MRAA form strategic partnership

July 30th, 2020

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) today announced the merger of Grow Boating Inc., the parent company to the Discover Boating consumer brand, into NMMA as part of a redefined strategic partnership between the two organizations. In addition, NMMA in Canada will work with the U.S.-based […]

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IFAI Expo Going Virtual for 2020

July 29th, 2020

Given the continuing uncertainty with the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of the health and safety of the entire textile community, IFAI has made the difficult, yet unavoidable decision to transition IFAI Expo 2020, set for Nov. 3-6, 2020, in Indianapolis, IN USA to an online only virtual event. IFAI Virtual Expo will take place […]

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Norwalk Boat Show canceled

July 29th, 2020

With COVID-19 cases increasing around the country, widespread reports of inventory supply issues and Connecticut’s travel restrictions impacting residents from more than 30 states, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) has canceled this year’s Progressive® Insurance Norwalk Boat Show at Norwalk Cove Marina, which was scheduled to be held from September 24-27, 2020. Looking ahead […]

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Congress approves historic boating access and conservation bill

July 28th, 2020

In a bipartisan vote, Congress passed the Great American Outdoors Act–legislation that will stimulate the recreational boating industry and create more safe and sustainable recreation access for all Americans. The bill is expected to be signed by President Trump and addresses two long-standing priorities of the outdoor recreation community. First, it fully funds the Land […]

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New workbook for schools teaching marine tech

July 23rd, 2020

The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) announced the publication of a new student workbook to bolster the ABYC Fundamentals of Marine Service Technology textbook and curriculum package for high schools and technical colleges. The workbook will help teachers implement classroom and distance learning with a variety of homework exercises, hands-on job assignments, and links […]

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Record boat sales in May

July 22nd, 2020

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) reports new boat sales rebounded sharply in May, up 59% compared to April and up 9% from pre-pandemic levels on a seasonally-adjusted basis. Total sales in May were the highest they’ve been in a decade with upticks across all segments. Leading the growth were personal watercraft (PWCs), saltwater fishing […]

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MFA Awards now open for submissions

July 21st, 2020

Entry is now open for the 2021 Marine Fabricators Association (MFA) Fabrication Excellence Awards. The submission process has been streamlined, the MFA has added two new categories, and entrants have the option of uploading up to six photos of a project. Fabrication Excellence Award winners receive a featured spot in Marine Fabricator Magazine, a personalized […]

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Makers Division member CustomFab USA recognizes the soft goods industry by founding National Contract Sewing Month

July 17th, 2020

Soft goods manufacturers are encouraged to celebrate National Contract Sewing Month in July, recognizing the millions of U.S. workers involved in the industry.  The founder of National Contract Sewing Month is Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) Makers Division member CustomFab USA, of Garden Grove, Calif., a contract sewing company involved in the manufacturing of soft […]

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IBEX 2020 will be a virtual event

July 16th, 2020

The 30th International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX), scheduled for September 29 – October 1, 2020, is transitioning to a virtual-only event. This decision was made to pivot the in-person show to a virtual event due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The marine industry will still be able to connect online with all the experts […]

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Tampa boat show canceled

July 14th, 2020

With COVID-19 cases increasing around the country, particularly in the Tampa area, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) has canceled this year’s Progressive® Insurance Tampa Boat Show at the Tampa Convention Center, which was scheduled to be held from September 11-13, 2020. "While we remained hopeful that the show would proceed amid the evolving coronavirus […]

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