New awards program for innovative marine companies

July 26th, 2018

Soundings Trade Only has launched a new awards program for the recreational boating industry called the Most Innovative Marine Companies Awards. The awards will acknowledge innovative initiatives companies are using to advance their businesses including innovative materials, new manufacturing processes, fresh marketing approaches, workforce solutions, supply chain, export programs and others. The awards are open […]

Read More

Executive order establishes workforce council

July 24th, 2018

President Donald Trump signed an executive order to prioritize and expand workforce development, which seeks to create and fill American jobs with American workers. The order establishes the National Council for the American Worker with the goals of developing a national strategy for training and retraining workers, and utilizing data to connect American businesses, workers […]

Read More

SOBA conference registration open

July 19th, 2018

The States Organization for Boating Access (SOBA) will hold its 2018 Annual Boating Access Conference from Sept. 24-27 in Duluth, Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is the conference host and the theme for this year’s conference is, “Access is the Bridge to Superior Water Recreation Experiences.” Lake Superior, one of the world’s largest […]

Read More

New training videos for MFA members

July 17th, 2018

A variety of short training videos are now available for marine fabricators who are new to the industry or are looking for a techniques refresher. The Marine Fabrication Association (MFA) how-to member videos include a six-part series on bimini tops and a three-part series on frame bending, among others. The videos were produced by the […]

Read More

NMMA spearheads new efforts to combat Asian carp

July 12th, 2018

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is redoubling its efforts in the fight against Asian carp infiltrating the Great Lakes – an aquatic invasive species (AIS) that can damage native ecosystems. Last week, NMMA held meetings with Congressional officials and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) regarding the status of the Brandon Road Study, […]

Read More

Boating industry says it will take a hit from tariffs

July 10th, 2018

After a blockbuster year, industry sources say a trade war could put the brakes on the U.S. boating industry. Several boat dealers in Minnesota have already reported higher prices on 2019 orders and wonder if more increases are on the way, according to an article in the Minneapolis StarTribune newspaper. U.S. boat sales were at […]

Read More

Tips for keeping marine fabrics clean and protected

July 3rd, 2018

Care and maintenance of clear vinyl products, especially those like Strataglass® that are coated to be scratch-resistant, requires cleaning methods using specific cleaning and protection products, according to Craig R. Zola, vice president for marketing and distribution at Herculite® Products Inc., parent company of Strataglass, based in Emigsville, Pa. In the harsh marine environment, it’s […]

Read More