The NMMA – Serving The Recreational Boating Industry And Community

Published: Thursday, September 13, 2018

What is the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), and why does it matter to you?

Formed in 1979 when the Boating Industry Association of Chicago (BIA) and the National Association of Engine & Boat Manufacturers of New York (NAEBM) merged, the NMMA is the boating industry’s largest trade association, acting as a unifying force and powerful voice for the industry and community. The NMMA works on behalf of its more than 1,500 members and stakeholders to strengthen and grow boating and protect the interests of its member companies.

NMMA, whose members manufacture more than 80 percent of the marine products in the U.S., is dedicated to advocating for and promoting the strength of marine manufacturing, the sales and service networks of its members, and the boating lifestyle.

NMMA works tirelessly to keep recreational boating top of mind with the public, media, and lawmakers. No other local, state, or national organization invests more on behalf of the recreational boating industry and community; as a non-profit, member-driven 501c, NMMA reinvests its revenue back into recreational boating.

To that end, NMMA:

Represents the industry on public policy issues, advocating at state and federal levels to protect the interests of the marine industry and the users of products
Collects, analyzes, and distributes industry, economic, and market data; NMMA is the industry’s primary source of recreational boating research, statistics, and technical data
Promotes recreational boating through consumer outreach; Discover Boating is its core public awareness effort with a goal of increasing participation and creating interest in recreational boating. Discover Boating programs demonstrate the benefits, affordability, and accessibility of the boating lifestyle while helping to educate potential boaters and offering opportunities to experience the fun and togetherness of being on the water on a boat. Visit www.DiscoverBoating.com.
Provides information/represents the industry’s interests to the media and other public entities
Produces boat and sport shows in key North American markets to provide quality sales venues for exhibitors and consumers
Co-owns/produces the trade event IBEX (International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference) to generate business opportunities for marine companies
Works to create opportunities overseas; offers information and services to help members expand into the global marketplace
Maintains boat, trailer, and oil certification programs to promote safety and help manufacturers produce quality products
Assists the industry in continuously improving customer satisfaction with the purchase, delivery, product, use, and after-sale experiences through CSI (Consumer Satisfaction Index)