Georgia legislation promotes boater safety and access for towed watersports

May 31, 2023

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed towed watersports legislation that included strengthening safety and access opportunities for wakesurfing and wakeboarding. The new law followed bordering states, South Carolina and Tennessee, in proactively keeping boaters and towed water sports enthusiasts safe on the water. Introduced by Representative Victor Anderson and sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore John […]

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IBEX to be held in refreshed Tampa Convention Center

May 30, 2023

Construction on the Tampa Convention Center (TCC) will be completed in time for the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) 2023, to be held October 3 – 5, 2023, in Tampa, Florida. The renovation project is the largest ever for the TCC and will result in an expanded third floor exhibit hall and additional fourth […]

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IMEA expands scholarship program

May 25, 2023

The International Marine Electronics Alliance (IMEA), a 501 (c)(3) supporting organization of the National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA), is expanding its scholarship program to encourage and support students interested in a career in marine electronics. The goal is to alleviate the marine electronics industry worker shortage through education of students to become technical installers of […]

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ATA Talking Textiles podcast features marine industry veterans

May 24, 2023

The newest Talking Textiles podcast from the Advanced Textiles Association (ATA) features marine industry veterans discussing the topic “Balancing the Marine Canvas Business and Life.” The episode is hosted by Kyle Van Damme, co-owner of Marine Tops Unlimited Inc. in Omro, Wis. Van Damme interviews Chandler and Charlene Clark, owners of Signature CanvasMakers in Hampton, […]

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ABYC 2024 Standards Week date announced

May 23, 2023

The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) annual Standards Week will be Jan. 7-11, 2024, in Annapolis, Md. ABYC Standards Week is a marine industry gathering with daily Project Technical Committees (PTCs) meetings scheduled to discuss updates to Supplement 64 of the Standards and Technical Information Reports for Small Craft, set for publication in July […]

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Sea Tow Foundation collaborates with Onyx/Absolute Outdoor

May 18, 2023

The Sea Tow Foundation’s Life Jacket Loaner Program is the largest of its kind in the world, operating more than 1,300 stands throughout the country at boat ramps, marinas, parks and other locations where boaters have easy access to borrow the life jackets. The Foundation’s primary objective is to prevent drowning by providing life jackets, […]

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ATA offers management excellence webinar

May 17, 2023

The Advanced Textiles Association (ATA) is presenting a management excellence webinar May 24, 2023, from 1–2 pm EDT. The webinar is free for ATA members and $39 for nonmembers. Webinar speaker Madeleine MacRae, founder of MM MacRae Coaching & Consulting and Homepro Toolbox, will discuss how nobody is born with management skills and even the […]

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Glen Raven announces new structure

May 16, 2023

Photo: Glen Raven Custom Fabrics LLC Glen Raven recently introduced an updated operating structure that creates even greater focus on each of the key fabric markets it serves. The company has combined its fabric brands, including Sunbrella®, GlenGuard®, Dickson®, Sur Last® and others, under a new Glen Raven Material Solutions Group. Within the group, the […]

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American Boating Congress wraps up in D.C.

May 16, 2023

The 2023 American Boating Congress (ABC) included three days of policy conversations, panel discussions, marine industry updates, conversations with members of Congress and a day spent on Capitol Hill advocating on behalf of the recreational marine industry. The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and its industry partners, sponsors and co-hosts welcomed more than 250 recreational […]

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USDOT gives grants to 27 small shipyards in 20 states

May 11, 2023

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) announced $20.8 million in grant awards to 27 small shipyards in 20 states through the Small Shipyard Grant Program. The funds will help shipyards modernize, increase productivity and expand local job opportunities while competing in the global marketplace.  Since 2008, MARAD’s Small Shipyard Grant Program has awarded […]

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Advanced Textiles Expo 2023 registration opens

May 10, 2023

Registration is now open for Advanced Textiles Expo 2023 (formerly IFAI Expo.) This year's show takes place Nov. 1–3, 2023, with education from happening from Oct. 31–Nov. 3, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. This event brings together more than 4,000 decisions makers in the advanced textiles, specialty fabrics and shade and […]

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MFA Tools, Tips and Tricks competition changes

May 9, 2023

Submitters to the annual Tools, Tips and Tricks competition at the 2024 Marine Fabricators Conference, Jan. 25–27, 2024, at Tradewinds Resort, St. Pete Beach, Fla., will have the option of presenting their submissions live and answering audience questions. They can also choose to have their submissions presented by the emcee or via video. As always, […]

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New England Boat Show moves to January in 2024

May 4, 2023

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) announced that the 2024 Discover Boating® New England Boat Show®, in partnership with Progressive® Insurance, is moving from its traditional February President’s Day weekend timeframe to January 10–14 in 2024. The move is a result of trade events at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC) that would impact […]

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Nominations open for 2023 Women Making Waves program

May 3, 2023

Boating Industry magazine is now accepting nominations for its 2023 Women Making Waves industry recognition program. The nomination process will close on May 17. The 2023 winners will be featured in the June/July issue and will be honored at the Elevate Summit, Nov. 5-7, 2023, in Dallas, Texas. The Women Making Waves program honors women […]

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In memoriam: Kevin Yonce

May 1, 2023

Former Industrial Fabrics Association International (now ATA) Chairman Kevin Yonce passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home on April 29, 2023. Yonce was born January 24, 1970, in Urbana, Ill. He was a lifelong resident of Champaign-Urbana and a 1988 graduate of Urbana High School. Yonce is survived by his mother, Wanda, brother […]

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