Grow Boating Board of Directors Meeting Highlights

The Grow Boating Board of Directors, composed of boat, engine and accessory manufacturers and boat dealers, met in Atlanta on July 9 to discuss the Grow Boating Initiative and Discover Boating campaign, review preliminary 2008 results and begin 2009 planning.

With boat sales currently down, Grow Boating receipts have also declined. The Board took a hard look at the 2009 budget and how funds are allocated to the strategic initiatives. While there will be less to spend on each tactic, the Board was unanimous in their view that Grow Boating strategies are sound and there is strong support to stay on course. As current economic headwinds diminish in the coming months, the Discover Boating campaign and Grow Boating Initiative are helping create significant demand for boating and new boat sales.

Independent research indicates Discover Boating is getting more people participating in boating (six percent more in 2006 and nearly nine percent more in 2007) and has identified tens of thousands of prospects who have raised their hand and said, "I want to learn more about owning a boat!"

Additional topics discussed in the July 9 meeting included:
- New content on DiscoverBoating.com has made it the most content rich website for new boaters on the internet - feedback on DiscoverBoating.com content is encouraged
- Messaging and efforts to address fuel prices in promotional efforts
- Suggestions to the Marine Certification Board (which has more than 400 Certified Dealers in the Marine Dealership Certification program)
- Investing in nurture marketing to move more of Discover Boating's 100,000+ boat buying prospects further down the purchase funnel toward shopping for a boat

The Grow Boating Board remains committed to this long-term effort to grow our industry by promoting more interest in boating and generating boat sales today.

For more information on the Grow Boating Initiative, contact Freya Olsen at (312) 946-6255 or Jaime Giovannetti at (312) 946-6288.
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Mid-Summer Discover Boating PR Efforts at Full Throttle

Discover Boating PR efforts are going full throttle as the recent July 4 holiday saw tremendous boating lifestyle coverage around the country. Be sure to stay tuned for more Discover Boating print, online and broadcast media coverage to run in the second half of summer.

Good Morning America (ABC/National): On July 3, Discover Boating's Ellen Hopkins went live with GMA's Sam Champion from Pier 84 on the Hudson River in New York City to discuss the latest trends in 'green' boating. A separate segment on green boating was also taped for GMA's new online and cable program, Good Morning America Now.

CW-11 (New York Metro): Chris Squeri (New York Marine Trades Association) introduced the CW-11 team to watersports in the Hamptons in multiple live segments on July 3. CLICK HERE to view the segments, select the 'Wet and Water' video clip.

WHDH-TV/NBC (Boston): Larry Russo (Russo Marine) took to the water on July 3 for a Discover Boating segment on how Boston boaters are coping with rising gas prices to enjoy the boating lifestyle. The segment is scheduled to air the week of July 21.

KUSI-TV/IND San Diego: On July 5, Discover Boating was live from Shelter Island showcasing how San Diegans were spending their holiday weekend on the water.

Fox Business Network (Cable/National): Thom Dammrich was a featured guest on the network's 'Money for Breakfast' morning program on July 7 to discuss how the economy and fuel prices are affecting the industry.

USA Today: Recreational boating statistics were spotlighted in the 'Snapshots' section of the July 7 issue.

WGN-TV (Chicago): Getting started in boating was the focus of multiple live segments from Lake Michigan on July 15, as NMMA's Rob Newsome highlighted the latest boating trends for 'Around Town' reporter, Ana Belaval.

Dayton Daily News: Hall of Fame third baseman and Discover Boating spokesperson, Mike Schmidt, was profiled in the July 13 edition where he discussed how his love for the water originated during his childhood in Dayton. To read the complete article, CLICK HERE.

Washington Families Magazine: Discover Boating was featured in the July issue of this regional publication showcasing the benefits of the boating lifestyle and how people can get started.

For more information on Discover Boating public relations efforts, please visit the 'Press Room' on GrowBoating.org or contact Kelly Kaylor at (312) 946-6262.
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NMMA Certification Continues to Grow

The demand for NMMA Certification is continuing to grow at the fastest rate in history, with 40 new manufacturers pursuing Certification within the past 12 months.

The mandatory Trailer Certification requirement is nearly one year ahead of scheduled completion, with Trailer Certification reaching an all time high with more than 30 brands Certified and several more on their way to becoming Certified.

For more information on NMMA Product Certification, visit NMMA.org or contact Robert Newsome at (312) 946-6275.
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Discover Boating works with MTA's on Regional Wave Newsletter

The monthly Discover Boating Wave Newsletter not only offers different activity-based options to boaters and boating prospects; Discover Boating has also teamed up with California, Michigan and Washington MTA's to provide state- based news and activities to boaters and warm prospects interested in the boating lifestyle.

The MTA's currently participating provide their own content to the newsletter; giving a more localized view on what sets their state apart from others in the boating world. The newsletter also provides legislations that have passed. This is a great way for states to share local news and keep boaters up to date on upcoming events and services.

To read the Michigan edition of the Discover Boating Wave Newsletter, CLICK HERE.
To read the California edition of the Discover Boating Wave Newsletter, CLICK HERE.
To read the Washington edition of the Discover Boating Wave Newsletter CLICK HERE.

If your state MTA is interested in working with Discover Boating to provide a regional newsletter or for more information on the Discover Boating Wave Newsletter, visit DiscoverBoating.com or contact Armida Markarova at (312) 946-6284.
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Green Boating Section Goes Live on DiscoverBoating.com

The 'Green Boating' section is live on DiscoverBoating.com.

CLICK HERE to view the section, which includes fuel-saving ideas, a sneak peek into the latest 'green' marine technologies and accessories, as new as 'Top Ten' list of helpful green boating tips every boater should know.

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Clock Ticks Down to Pass Clean Boating Act of 2008

Time's running out for America's boaters! With only a small amount of legislative time remaining on the Congressional calendar, NMMA renews its call to all members of the recreational marine industry and boating enthusiasts to urge federal elected officials to pass the Clean Boating Act of 2008 (S. 2766/H.R. 5949) before it's too late!

Failure to pass the Clean Boating Act in advance of the September 30, 2008, deadline would mean sweeping and unprecedented new regulations for boaters.

Senator Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), the bill's primary sponsor, attempted to bring S. 2766 up for a unanimous vote on June 26. At that time, Senator Lisa Murkowski from Alaska objected to the bill, raising concerns it was limited to recreational vessels and proposing that commercial vessels should be included. While negotiations to address Senator Murkowski's concerns are proceeding, Congress must hear from its constituents TODAY!

Please visit BoatBlue.org today to send your Senators and Representatives a clear message that you want this bill passed!

For more information on The Clean Boating Act of 2008, visit BoatBlue.org or contact Mat Dunn at (202) 737-9760.