The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) today announced a joint donation of $10,000 to the Marine Trades Association of New Jersey (MTA/NJ)’s Recovery & Relief Fund to provide aid to recreational marine businesses impacted by Hurricane Sandy.
NMMA estimates that the recreational boating industry creates $1.6 billion in annual economic impact in New Jersey. Making up part of the robust marine industry economic impact in New Jersey are approximately 1,140 marine businesses throughout the state that generate an estimated $224 million in labor income for employees. What’s more, these businesses serve an estimated 160,000 registered boats in New Jersey.
"Our industry's businesses put their faith in trade associations, investing in us so that we can protect and serve them," says Matt Gruhn, president of the MRAA. "While there are numerous ways MTA/NJ, MRAA and NMMA work to deliver a return on investment for our members, the aftermath of events like Hurricane Sandy represent one of our most important opportunities to serve this great industry. By creating this Recovery & Relief Fund, MTA/NJ has given us a way to extend a hand to those recreational marine companies who have been hard hit by this natural disaster, and for that we are grateful."
“We hope our donation will help our colleagues in New Jersey receive the aid they need to get back on their feet post-Hurricane Sandy and revive the thriving New Jersey boating industry,” notes Thom Dammrich, president of NMMA. “Boating is a way of life for thousands of New Jersey residents—whether as an employee in the New Jersey marine industry or as a boater. Our industry is resilient and with momentum coming off of our recently wrapped Progressive Insurance New York Boat Show, we’re looking forward to the coming Progressive Insurance Atlantic City Boat Show creating a strong sales and marketing venue for the New Jersey boating community.”