Activities & Member Programs

RBFF Lapsed Angler
Recruitment Program

The Alabama DCNR Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division, the Colorado DNR Division of Wildlife, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department have joined forces with the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation’s (RBFF) to help recruit lapsed anglers. Now 27 states have signed on to participate in RBFF’s direct mail initiative, aimed at increasing participation in the sport by generating awareness of the connection between fishing license sales and conservation efforts.
“Fishing license sales are a critical source of funding for state agency conservation and RBFF estimates that the nationwide program could generate $5.6 million in funds for those states who participate," said RBFF President and CEO Frank Peterson. For more information, visit RBFF.org.

NMMA Seeks Your
Input on State Tax Issues

The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Small Business will be holding a series of hearings in 2008 examining how taxes affect small businesses. One of these hearings will focus on the Business Activity Tax and how unpredictability in state taxation of interstate commerce can cause problems for small business owners.
The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) has actively pushed for legislation that would require states to establish a "bricks and mortar" standard before imposing Business Activity Taxes.
The NMMA is seeking member companies to testify before Congress on the Business Activity Tax issue, sharing real-life examples of the troubles small businesses face in states pursuing these taxes. Everything shared will remain confidential. If interested, contact Bryan Zumwalt at bzumwalt@nmma.org or 202-737-9764.

ABBRA Elects New
Board of Directors

The American Boat Builders and Repairers Association (ABBRA) elected its 2008 officers and directors this January during the International Marina and Boatyard Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. The association represents more than 250 boatyards, repairers and related industries in the U.S. and abroad.
Elected to serve his second term as ABBRA president, Charles Teran, owner of Fiberglass Specialties in Tahoe City, Washington, will head the 20-member board. Doug Domenie of Brewer Dauntless Shipyard in Essex, Connecticut, was re-appointed as vice president while Jack Stumborg of Atlantic Yacht Basin in Chesapeake, Virginia, has been re-appointed to the secretary/treasurer post. New board members include Michael Keyworth of Brewer Cove Haven in Barrington, Rhode Island, Joe Parks of 3M in St. Paul, Minnesota, and Randy Ramsey of Jarrett Bay Boatworks in Beaufort, North Carolina.

NMBA Board
of Directors

The Marine Industry Dealership Certification program will host a series of regional Certification Launch Workshops this March. By attending the one-day workshop, dealers start on the road to becoming certified. Upcoming Launch Workshops are scheduled for: March 4, Raleigh, North Carolina; March 25, St. Louis, Missouri; April 2, Providence, Rhode Island; and April 30, Phoenix, Arizona. For more information, visit DealerCertification.org.