The National Marine Trades Council held their annual meeting in Portland, Maine on May 17 -21. Fifteen states and the District of Columbia were represented.

This council consists of the heads of the various trade organizations in the U.S. Association management topics on the first day included membership growth and benefits, public relations, electronic communications, and meetings.

On the second day, educational programs were discussed followed by national issues. Boating Week was outlined by Thom Dammrich, President of NMMA, and Phil Keeter, head of MRAA. All were urged to attend – unfortunately, our In-the-Water Boat Show is the same week so our attendance will be limited. This will combine IMTEC, NMMA’s national conference, and MRAA’s annual convention.

The certification program was discussed and it apparently is growing rapidly. Not so successful has been the national P/R and advertising proposal. While some states have attempted to implement a surcharge on sales and boat show space, in general it has not worked.

Boat shows were discussed on the last day.