NMMA Affiliate Groups

Membership in NMMA connects you with industry leaders and offers you the resources of a dynamic, responsive organization. It also opens the door to membership in our affiliate groups.
Affiliates exchange industry news, resolve challenges and follow trends essential to the vitality of their specific businesses. Affiliate group participants benefit from the unified voice their organization presents on critical matters such as product standards, public policy advocacy, water access and regulatory issues. NMMA affiliates’ segment-specific annual conferences and educational workshops offer members opportunities for career growth and networking.

CANADIAN MARINE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION (CMMA)

The CMMA is a national, not-for-profit association that provides advocacy services to the Canadian recreational boating industry.

CMMAs mission is committed to being a leader; in promoting boating, advocacy with government and providing value added services to foster the professionalism and financial success of the recreational marine industry.

Membership is available to domestic and foreign companies that manufacture and/or distribute a variety of products used by Canadians as they go boating on our many lakes and rivers, ad well as companies that provide a service to the Canadian marine industry.

Visit the CMMA website at www.cmma.ca or for more information, please contact:
Robyn Connolly
Assistant Executive Director
Phone: 905.845.4999, ext. 222
Email: rconnolly@cmma.ca

 

Recent CMMA Highlights:

  • CMMA worked with its Engine Manufacturer members to introduce Engine Levy, similar to the Grow Boating Initiative’s Engine Assessment in the U.S., to provide funds to support the Canadian Discover Boating program.
  • A technical workshop was held during the Toronto International Boat Show to educate and familiarize CMMA boat builder members with NMMA Certification requirements.
  • The association worked with other Marine Trade Associations to hold meetings with Transport Canada and Service Canada to deal with issues of licensing and technical difficulties.
  • CMMA facilitated a meeting with Engine Manufacturer members to discuss Environment Canada’s (EC) draft proposal for exhaust emission limits for Spark Ignition Marine Engines.

Looking Ahead in 2007 and 2008

  • CMMA will work with Global Public Affairs, an Ottawa-based firm hired in 2006, to increase awareness of CMMA and the marine industry within Ottawa.
  • Dialogue will continue with Service Canada to allow for e-licensing of vessels by industry.
  • The association plans to further its discussions with Transport Canada to enhance services offered to the Canadian marine industry.

HOUSEBOAT INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION (HIA)

HIA represents houseboat industry interests in legislative and regulatory matters, informing members on critical business issues and giving them a collective voice in Washington, D.C.

HIA membership is open to all businesses in the houseboat industry and is free to NMMA members.

For more information on the HIA, please contact:
Bernice McArdle
Director of Affiliates
Phone: 312.946.6280
Email: bmcardle@nmma.org

Recent HIA Highlights:

  • HIA established a subcommittee from NMMA’s Transportation Task Force (TTF) to handle houseboat-specific transportation issues. A best practices booklet was developed for boat manufacturers and professional boat transporters.
  • The association’s Board of Directors hosted a Strategic Planning Session and identified a number of short-term goals, including increased efforts to educate consumers, the marine lending industry, dealers and the media about houseboating.

Looking Ahead in 2007 and 2008:

  • HIA will work to standardize warning labels for the houseboat industry.
  • Another round of standards will be examined to determine the applicability of existing NMMA Certification standards to the houseboat industry.

INFLATABLE BOAT MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION (IBMA)

The primary focus of IBMA, launched in 2006, is to provide a unified voice for inflatable boat manufacturers within the marine industry. The association is working to ensure appropriate representation of inflatables in industry initiatives, and to develop improved statistics on the inflatable market. In addition, IBMA has developed a customized CSI program for the inflatable boat industry market, and the group participates in legislative and regulatory issues affecting inflatable manufactures and users.

Membership in the group is currently open to any inflatable boat manufacturer who is also a member of NMMA. There is also an associate member category in IBMA for suppliers to inflatable manufacturers.

For more information on the IBMA, please contact:
Bernice McArdle
Director of Affiliates
Phone: 312.946.6280
Email: bmcardle@nmma.org

Recent IBMA Highlights

  • IBMA established focus areas to work on its first year, including: development of more comprehensive industry statistics; creation of a set of standardized warning labels for the industry; and implementation of a CSI program for the inflatable boat industry.
  • The current Member Group meets twice annually, once at the Miami International Boat Show in February and again at the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX) in October/November. A chairman was selected and presides over the group’s meetings and activities.

Looking Ahead in 2007 and 2008:

  • The initiative to create standardized warning labels for inflatable boats and RIBs will be completed and introduced in 2007.
  • A more robust statistical reporting group for the inflatables market is expected to provide NMMA with MSR data. Additional inflatable manufacturers supplying this monthly data will help NMMA offer its members more in-depth, accurate figures on the inflatable and RIB markets.
  • Efforts will be increased to promote the use of inflatables as a popular and viable form of recreational boating, and these efforts will include a pilot test of a custom designed inflatable boat section at certain NMMA boat shows.

MARINE ASSOCIATION FOR TECHNOLOGY EXCHANGE STANDARDS (MATES)

Launched in 2006, MATES is working to unite the marine industry by developing, implementing and supporting a common set of communication and data exchange standards.  The group seeks to create an environment where people and companies in the industry can focus on value added activity and spend more time making and selling product rather than dealing with paperwork and complexity due to inefficient communication. 

The three primary MATES objectives include: Create an open, non-proprietary standard XML message that is application independent; create a common, industry-wide communications standard to support these messages; and reduce the cost of interface development.

Additional membership fees apply.

Visit the MATES website at www.firstmates.org or for more information, please contact:
John Warnik
Executive Director
Phone: 312.946.6295
Email: jwarnik@nmma.org   

Recent MATES Highlights:

  • MATES unveiled a strategic plan and tiered dues structure during its annual meeting at the Miami International Boat Show in February. In March, an executive director was hired. MATES founding and charter members include: boats.com, Channel Blade Technologies, Dockmaster Software, IDS, MarineMax, NMMA, and Watch Captain.
  • Over the summer, a MATES Board of Directors was elected, held an inaugural meeting and elected a chairman and vice chairman from Volvo Penta and Genmar Holdings, respectively. By fall, membership had grown to 16 companies, including NMMA and MRAA. The new MATES website, firstmates.org, was also launched.
  • The MATES specification for Sales Leads was developed and implemented by the Discover Boating Remote Lead Export System. Consumer requests for information can be obtained efficiently in the MATES XML standard, a structured, non-proprietary format conducive to database import at the receiving company.
  • MATES decided to adopt a Parts Order specification developed in the automotive industry and further refined by the power sports industry.

Looking Ahead in 2007 and 2008:

  • MATES designated product registration, warranty claim, credit application, credit decision and dealer locator as the next business processes that will significantly improve via development of industry-wide standards.

NATIONAL MARINE BANKERS ASSOCIATION (NMBA)

NMBA is an industry association partner of the NMMA, and works to ensure retail marine financing is readily available, educating both lenders and consumers on the affordability and benefits of marine financing. A network of alliances between lenders, the admiralty law community, marine surveyors, documentation services and the insurance industry further facilitate business. NMBA’s Annual Conference enables members to exchange information with peers in the marine lending industry who work with consumers and the trade, and the Marine Lending Workshop trains industry leaders and collectors on the specialization of this niche lending sector.

NMBA membership is open to banks, savings institutions and financial service firms who are directly involved in marine lending.  NMBA just recently approved a change to its bylaws allowing associate membership in the organization.  NMMA membership is not required.  Additional fees apply.

Visit the NMBA website at www.marinebankers.org or for more information, please contact:
Bernice McArdle
Association Manager
Phone: 312.946.6260
Email: bmcardle@nmma.org

Recent NMBA Highlights:

  • NMBA established a task force to work alongside other marine industry organizations with the goal of supporting nationwide titling for boats. The group has a number of short- and long-term objectives, the first of which is to prepare a paper on the justification for introducing a uniform state titling system. NMBA and NMMA support nationwide titling and will work with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) in an effort to create an acceptable state titling model for all U.S. states.
  • At ABC 2006, leading marine lenders, along with NMMA Regulatory Counsel Cindy Squires, met with U.S. House and Senate tax staff counsels and professional staff members to discuss the latest information from Capitol Hill about tax reform and the deductibility of boat loan interest as a second home. Lenders urged Congress to oppose the presidential Tax Advisory Panel’s recommendation and any subsequent legislation that would lower the mortgage interest deduction cap or eliminate the second home provision.
  • NMBA completed an overhaul of its website, marinebankers.org. The redesigned site includes more comprehensive information for both trade and consumer audiences.
  • The 2006 NMBA Annual Conference drew the largest crowd in history. Nearly 200 associates from throughout the marine lending community gathered in Key Largo, Fla., to take stock of the past year’s performance.
  • NMBA completed its 2007 Annual Report, which includes a comprehensive statistical analysis of the marine lending market in 2006.

Looking Ahead in 2007 and 2008:

  • NMBA will increase member communications efficiencies, including the introduction of an electronic version of the association’s quarterly newsletter online.
  • The NMBA is in ongoing dialogue with the US Coast Guard regarding the Vessel Identification System Draft Memorandum of Agreement, and what it means for the marine lending industry.

PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION (PFDMA)

PFDMA supports the specialized needs of PFD and component manufacturers on issues such as technical standards development and safe boating. The association supports research efforts and promotes advances in the development, design, certification and promotion of life jackets. It works closely with Underwriters Laboratories (UL), the U.S. Coast Guard and national water safety groups to keep abreast of regulatory change, and to promote increased use of life jackets. Its annual conference is the focal point for industry dialogue and exchange on PFD issues, challenges and solutions.

Membership is free to NMMA members, and a separate membership is open to manufacturers of personal flotation devices and components and companies providing service to the PFD industry.  Eligibility for this is dependent on the percentage of business activity in the PFD industry.

Visit the PFDMA website at www.pfdma.org or for more information, please contact:
Bernice McArdle
Director of Affiliates
Phone: 312.946.6280
Email: bmcardle@nmma.org

Recent PFDMA Highlights:

  • In 2005, PFDMA, in conjunction with the BoatUS. Foundation, sponsored the first Innovations in Life Jacket Design Competition. A total of 182 submissions were received from all over the world, including China and Australia. A graduate student in the University of Virginia’s Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering program won the $5,000 grand prize, which was presented to him at the 2006 Miami International Boat Show.
  • Association members came together with the United States Marine Safety Association to co-host its 2006 and 2007 annual conferences in Galveston, Texas March 18–20, 2006 and Phoenix, Arizona March 13-17, 2007. Approximately 90 people attended each event.
  • PFDMA and NMMA had a strong visible presence at the 2007 Miami International Boat Show. Show staff, show greeters, ticket takers and information staff wore life jackets throughout the event. Some exhibitors also included life jackets in their displays. Prominent signage was also posted around the show floor encouraging life jacket use.  A special award (Miami Best of Show Awards) was presented to the boat manufacturer that best incorporated life jackets as part of their display.
  • The popular “Facts About Life Jackets” brochure was redesigned and reprinted

Looking Ahead in 2007 and 2008:

  • PFDMA members, working in conjunction with the U.S. Coast Guard, UL and other industry personnel, are continuing efforts to work toward the establishment of a new regulatory and standards environment with the flexibility to better deliver user activity specific protection in the next generation of life jackets.

PERSONAL WATERCRAFT INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION (PWIA)

PWIA works to ensure personal watercraft (PWC) and PWC users are treated fairly when local, state and federal government officials consider boating regulations. PWIA often provides the first line of defense against anti-boating interests, as restrictions proposed for PWC could be expanded to affect other segments of the boating community.

Membership is open all NMMA members that manufacture personal watercraft. Additional fees apply.

Visit the PWIA website at www.pwia.org or for more information, please contact:
Maureen Healy
Executive Director
Phone: 202.737.9778
Email: mhealy@nmma.org

Recent PWIA Highlights:

  • PWIA actively supported boater education and PWC safety legislation in several states, and was formally recognized for its efforts by the Greater Coalition for Boating Safety.
  • The association was able to exempt PWC from a carbon monoxide labeling requirement proposed in Washington State.
  • In New York, PWIA partnered with NMMA to establish BOAT NY, an outreach initiative that works with all levels of public officials to promote recreational boating throughout the state.
  • At the federal level, PWIA continued its efforts to ensure National Parks re-open their doors to personal watercraft. The association built a strong network of allies in the U.S. Congress who understand and are sympathetic to PWC access issues.
  • PWIA charted the Lake Mead Safe Boating Partnership, a public/private initiative joining forces with the National Park Service and the states of California, Nevada and Arizona, to focus on preventing boating accidents at Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

Looking Ahead to 2007 and 2008:

  • With more than 1,000 petition signatures at the grassroots level, PWIA will continue urging the National Park Service to reevaluate the unfounded PWC ban currently in place at Biscayne National Park near Miami.
  • The association will continue reaching out to editorial boards and local and national media outlets to highlight positive strides the industry is making on all fronts to protect and preserve PWC access to America’s waterways.

SAIL AMERICA

Sail America is the only member-driven trade association dedicated to the sailing community, and plays a vital role for all companies that are involved in providing sailing-related products and services. Established in 1990 by members of the US Sailing Industry, Sail America now has over 500 members representing all segments of the sailing market; from manufacturers to sailing schools, and from charter companies to publishers. With a professional staff, a dedicated Board of Directors, and a team of volunteers and supporters, Sail America works hard to promote the health and growth of sailing. 

In 2007 and 2008 Sail America will produce four of the country’s best sailboat shows - Strictly Sail St. Pete, Strictly Sail Chicago, Strictly Sail Miami, and Strictly Sail Pacific – as well as SailFest events at NMMA’s Virginia In-Water Show and the Baltimore Boat Show.
  
In addition to running Strictly Sail® Boat Shows and SailFests, Sail America promotes the sailing lifestyle, introduces thousands of new people to sailing, generates qualified sales leads, distributes industry and market information, provides valuable business tools and education, facilitates networking events, and supports industry-wide initiatives such as Discover Sailing and Grow Boating.

Membership is open to any person or business involved in the sailing industry. Additional fees apply.

Visit the Sail America website at www.sailamerica.com or for more information, please contact:
Jonathan Banks
Executive Director
Phone: 401.841.0900 Ext. 12
Email: jbanks@sailamerica.com 

Recent Sail America Highlights:

  • Boat Shows: In 2006, Sail America ran four Strictly Sail boat shows in Chicago, Miami, Oakland and St. Petersburg, which attracted more than 60,000 customers eager to buy sailing related products, services and boats.
  • Discover Sailing: An integrated marketing program that includes free introductory sailboat rides, website, award-winning DVD (Discover Sailing: The Ultimate Adventure), marketing outreach programs and an extensive database of new sailing customers, the Discover Sailing program had more than 100,000 unique visitors to its website, generated more than 10,000 qualified leads and fulfilled more than 10,000 DVD requests.
  • John Southam Award: Designed to generate publicity for sailing through articles and photography in the general (non-marine) media, the 2006 John Southam Award generated more than 150 entries, resulting in 50 million-plus media impressions.

Looking Ahead in 2007 and 2008:

  • Sail America will work closely with the Grow Boating Initiative to ensure the sailing industry is more actively involved and better represented in all Grow Boating programs.

STATES ORGANIZATION FOR BOATING ACCESS (SOBA)

SOBA is an industry association partner of the NMMA, and is a nonprofit organization with over 100 members ranging from state and territorial agencies, boating organizations, consulting firms, and corporations.

The mission of SOBA is to encourage, promote and support federal and state programs that provide safe, high-quality and environmentally sound public recreational boat access to the waterways of the United States and its territories.

SOBA is devoted to the acquisition, development and administration of public recreational boating facilities nationwide. This organization provides a forum for the exchange of views, ideas, concepts and experiences related to all aspects of recreational boating facilities.
Additional fees apply.

SOBA is an independent association, and is one of NMMA’s close strategic partners. NMMA handles the daily management functions of SOBA.

Visit the SOBA website at www.sobaus.org or for more information, please contact:

States Organization for Boating Access
Bernice McArdle
200 E. Randolph Drive, Sutie 5100
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: (312) 946-6283
Fax: (312) 946-0388
Email: info@sobaus.org

BOAT TRAILER MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION

TMA members, comprised of trailer and trailer components manufacturers, are actively engaged in promoting safe trailering via third-party trailer certification, consumer literature, owners manuals and related labels. TMA addresses technical standards and state and national regulatory issues for boat trailers through NMMA’s Trailer Certification Committee and through active involvement with other agencies and organizations involved in trailer safety.

TMA membership is free for NMMA members who manufacture trailers, trailer components and accessories.

Visit the TMA website at www.trailermanufacturersassociation.org or for more information, please contact:
Cindy Squires
Program Manager
Phone: (202) 737-9766
Email: csquires@nmma.org  

Recent TMA Highlights:

  • TMA began producing a new electronic publication, the Boat Trailer e-newsletter, designed to keep members up to date on regulatory issues and activities related to the association.
  • The association developed and successfully launched a website for use by consumers and members of the industry. The site is a resource for consumers looking to find trailer safety tips and publications, towing regulations and NMMA Certified trailer manufacturers. TMA members can access relevant legislative updates, information from associated organizations and federal agencies and communicate with each other via web blog.
  • TMA forged a closer working relationship with the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) to mutually advance both groups’ missions and to better serve trailer and trailer component manufacturers. As part of this alliance, a recreational marine trailer column has been established in Tracks, the NATM magazine, a cross-membership campaign was conducted and TMA will present an educational seminar at the 2007 NATM Annual Conference.

Looking Ahead in 2007 and 2008:

  • TMA is coordinating a Trailer Pavilion for the 2006 Marine Retailers Association of America’s (MRAA) Annual Convention in Las Vegas, in order to educate marine dealers on the benefits of consumers purchasing NMMA Certified versus non-certified trailers.  In addition, a TMA member will participate on an educational panel discussing risk management, to promote how dealers can better communicate with their customers and help reduce accidents.
  • A joint legislative effort between TMA and NATM will take place in conjunction with the 2007 American Boating Congress (ABC) in Washington, D.C., to inform lawmakers of trailer manufacturers’ concerns.
  • Beginning July 31, 2007, TMA members should begin the NMMA Trailer Certification inspection process, as all association members must become certified by close of the 2009 model year.