In May, the U.S. Court of Appeals invalidated a new National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) rule requiring employers to post certain labor laws in the workplace. The “poster rule” orders the National Association of Manufacturers’ nearly 6 million employers to prominently display an 11x17-inch poster explaining workers’ rights to unionize, bargain collectively and strike. The [...]

The Larson Boat Group of Little Falls, Minn., has announced the addition of 27 new dealers to its network of Larson, Triumph and Striper boats for the 2013 model year. “We recognize that dealers today have so many choices,” says Mike O’Connell, executive vice president & COO of Larson Boat Group. “We have to work [...]

The International Marina Institute (IMI), a training subsidiary of the Association of Marina Industries (AMI), will visit nine facilities during its seventh annual Southeast Florida Marina and Boatyard Study Tour Oct. 29–30. The tour will stop at Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Riviera Beach and West Palm Beach. The tour is a two-day mobile training course [...]

Connecticut lawmakers have repealed the .65 percent luxury tax on boats costing more than $100,000, which was imposed in 2011. The measure is one of several “major wins” for the state’s marine industry that were accomplished through the efforts of the Connecticut Marine Trades Association, NMMA and others. Another measure allows boats to remain in [...]

How did your shop get started? We started as a one-man operation out of Paul Charpentier’s basement. After one year, Paul was able to move into a smaller building. We moved into our current building in 1999. What is your product focus? Our main focus is marine canvas and upholstery. What unique design elements are [...]

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) recently announced plans to issue Temporary Certificates of Documentation (COD) for recreational vessels in order to address the more than 4 month backlog for applications. Temporary Certificates of Documentation will allow recreational boat owners to legally operate their vessels pending paperwork processing. While it is in effect, the recreational [...]

In the final deliberations that led to passage of the state’s 2014 budget, legislators blocked efforts to apply state sales tax to marina services and labor charges. The sales tax initiative, which would have affected a broad swath of businesses, will likely be debated again next year. The legislature also stood firm on boater safety, [...]

NMMA is continuing its grassroots advocacy work on the E15 and Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) fronts with the Smarter Fuel Future Coalition. Don’t forget to visit the resource center for infographics, videos and more about why reforming the RFS is so important. Or, sign up for the coalition newsletter for regular updates on Capitol Hill [...]

The Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) is pleased to announce the launch of Advanced Textiles Source, a website and digital publication devoted to the highly specialized technical textiles market. The website and digital publication launched July 2013. Advanced Textiles Source is the official publication of Advanced Textiles Conference & Trade Show, and of the Safety [...]

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) has provided written comments to a proposed rule published in the Federal Register on May 21, 2013 titled Control of Air Pollution from Motor Vehicles: Tier 3 Motor Vehicle and Fuel Standards. The proposed rule addresses the future of EPA policy on alternative fuels, which specifically would require car [...]