Last week we were proud to once again represent the collective boating industry in Washington, DC, for the 2019 American Boating Congress. Without a doubt, this year’s ABC was the biggest and most impactful to date, with 350 attendees—a 40% increase from last year—and 250 organized visits on Capitol Hill.
With a full plate of hot-button issues currently affecting the marine industry, such as tariffs, environmental conservation, E15, workforce development, and fishing rights, there was no shortage of points to discuss with representatives in the House and Senate.
As an industry that generates over $170 Billion in US economic activity and supports nearly 691,000 jobs, one of the main goals was showing lawmakers what a major economic engine boating is, and how policies that can have adverse effects on the industry need to be considered with that in mind.
After networking and issue workshops on Monday and a full day of meetings with legislators on The Hill on Tuesday, Wednesday featured a jam-packed lineup of high profile speakers, including an address from US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, and a spirited panel addressing the current political landscape moderated by Bret Baier.
We firmly believe that as responsible members of the boating industry, it is our duty to join our peers in the fight for a brighter future for boating as a whole. Watch out DC, we’re already gearing up for next year!
Click here to learn more about the American Boating Congress.
