While we hear lots about the success of boat shows produced by our marine trade associations, that news often overshadows the many other good things these groups consistently do to advance the interests and success of their members.
Seattle-based Northwest Marine Trade Association is a great example. The list of its achievements is long and impressive. And it’s often not what happens but what doesn’t happen that warrants recognition.
Early and consistent outreach by NMTA to the Washington Department of Ecology last year resulted in the exclusion of marinas (NAIC 73930) from a series of expanded industrial/stormwater permits that are heavily demanding of boatyards. Also on the positive side, NMTA-backed House Bill 1919 — passed and signed by Gov. Jay Inslee — reduces the mandatory grace period for marina owners to act on unpaid dues from 90 down to 45 days (effective July 1).
NMTA was also lead advocate against a proposal from San Juan County to implement a permit requirement for recreational access to the county’s facilities. At the same time, it put up money to grow boating interest and access in the region.
The association recently announced the awarding of $15,500 in grants to support boating accessibility and education. Fourteen organizations will receive funding to enhance access, safety, and experiences on the water.
The funds come from the Seattle Boat Show (Jan. 31-Feb. 8) and are distributed through the association’s Grow Boating Committee. The committee meticulously reviews applications and backgrounds of applicants that are dedicated to improving boating access and experiences in the region. The grants further enable programs that reach underserved communities, support adaptive and youth boating initiatives, and improve critical infrastructure.
NMTA has provided more than $2 million in grants and boating promotions since 2003 through its Grow Boating program. Indeed, in the past nine years, 70 organizations have benefited from this funding.
“Our grants exemplify NMTA’s commitment to making boating more accessible and inclusive,” says George Harris, NMTA president and CEO. “We’re proud to support these remarkable organizations, helping them inspire new generations of boaters and share the joy of being on the water.”
Here are the latest grant recipients and their missions:
• Anacortes Waterfront Alliance To provide free community access to kayaks, paddleboards, rowboats and sailboats.
• Angling 4 Autism Society To offer fishing experiences for individuals and families with autism and/or neurodiversities.
• Bellingham Sailing Foundation To assist with the construction of a new boating ramp at Squalicum Harbor Marina.
• Blue and Gold Association, University of Washington Navy ROTC To support ROTC boating programs, such as the Sail Training Program, not funded by the Navy.
• Campus Life To facilitate summer boating days for at-risk and underserved youth, including tubing and wakeboarding.
• Footloose Sailing Association To provide sailing opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
• Friends of Bainbridge Island High School Sailing Sailors from low-income families.
• Gig Harbor Junior Sailing To fund 2025 sailing scholarships.
• Renton Sailing Center To purchase 24 new life jackets.
• Sail Kingston Cove To provide sailing and water safety instruction for youth through high school.
• Sail Sand Point To offer full scholarships for low-income youth or underserved communities.
• SEASTR To empower women through boating and foster interest in maritime activities.
• Sisters in Action Sports To expand SAS Wake/Surf Days in 2025 for women and girls.
• Washington Yacht Club To host a spring sailing event introducing underrepresented students to the sport.
These Grow Boating grants are also part of NMTA’s year-round PR efforts promoting boating and fishing on television, radio and in print. It includes a seventh year of partnership with “KING 5 Evening,” which generates hundreds of thousands of positive impressions about recreational boating.
NMTA is a great example of what these groups are doing for their members and to promote boating. As a marine dealer, membership in your state or local MTA is one of the best investments you can make in your future.
