The National Marine Distributors Association kicked off its annual S.T.E.P. Conference yesterday in Rosemont, Ill., with the group’s annual meeting and a keynote presentation. Members were updated on the state of the NMDA, confirmed board appointments, and reviewed organizational priorities and upcoming events.
Elliot F. Eisenberg, chief economist and president of the consultancy Graphs and Laughs, delivered the keynote address, providing an analysis of the economic landscape. His presentation explored the five primary policy drivers of the current administration: energy, deregulation, tax policy, immigration reform and trade/tariffs.
This week, 312 attendees representing 121 companies, including wholesale distributors, component and accessory manufacturers, and sales representative firms, will engage in new product and program planning for 2026.
Also, a special dinner will celebrate the leadership and service of NMDA executive director Nancy Cueroni, who is retiring in the fall.
The conference runs through July 25.
