NMMA - National Marine Manufacturers Association Inc.
09/20/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/19/2025 23:17
Recreational Marine Industry Takes Center Stage at Congressional Boating Caucus Event
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On Thursday, September 18, 2025, members of Congress, staff, and policy leaders gathered at the U.S. Capitol for an exclusive briefing hosted by the Congressional Boating Caucus, which offered a deep dive into the impact and priorities of the recreational marine industry. The event drew staff and Members from more than 50 House and Senate offices, including key committees like Appropriations and House Transporation & Infrastructure, and representation from coastal, Great Lakes, and inland states, underscoring the nationwide reach of recreational boating. Attendees heard from Congressional Boating Caucus Co-Chairs U.S. Representatives Rudy Yakym (R-IN) and Don Davis (D-NC), along with NMMA President and CEO Frank Hugelmeyer and Peter Barrett, Senior Vice President of Smoker Craft, on the industry's vital role in the American economy.
The briefing covered key insights, including:
• The $230 billion annual economic impact of recreational boating
• How the industry supports more than 810,000 American jobs across all 50 states
• The national policy priorities shaping the future of marine manufacturing
• Opportunities for growth in this made-in-America industry
• The importance of continued support for a sector rooted in innovation, craftsmanship, and sustainability
The full-house event underscored the industry's strong ties to American manufacturing, local economies, and outdoor recreation, as well as the crucial role of federal policy in shaping its success. Speakers also highlighted the role of boat shows, many of which NMMA produces across the country, in connecting consumers with manufacturers, supporting local economies, and showcasing the innovation driving the industry forward.
"Thank you to Representatives Yakym and Davis for leading the Congressional Boating Caucus and for highlighting important issues for our industry. Recreational boating generates $230 billion in annual economic impact, supports over 800,000 American jobs in all 50 states, and provides countless opportunities for priceless memories to be made out on the water. As a fourth generation boat builder, I know both the local impact and family involvement of the recreational boating industry. We look forward to continuing to work with Congress and the Administration on issues of importance to the boating industry." said Peter Barrett of Smoker Craft.
Learn more about the Congressional Boating Caucus at https://www.nmma.org/advocacy/take-action/boating-caucus.
NMMA - National Marine Manufacturers Association Inc. published this content on September 20, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on September 20, 2025 at 05:17 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]