Voice Your Opinion on the "Missing Link" bicycle trail in Seattle

The City of Seattle Government is asking the community to voice their opinion on the impact of the "Missing Link" that affects many of our Seattle area businesses. Please voice your opinion at the web page below.

https://www.seattle.gov/transportation/projects-and-programs/programs/bike-program/ballard-bike-route-study

NMTA 2023 - 2024 Grant Application Now Available

 

NORTHWEST MARINE TRADE ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES 2023 – 2024 GROW BOATING GRANTS

Ten $1,000 grants available; deadline to apply is October 31, 2023

 

SEATTLE – July 26, 2023 –  The Northwest Marine Trade Association (NMTA) is pleased to announce the continuation of its Grow Boating grant program for 2023 – 2024, once again offering ten $1,000 grants to entities that help support its mission of growing boating in the Northwest.

The application process is now open and closes October 31, 2023. Grants will be announced in December 2023 and funds will be distributed to grantees in the spring of 2024. More information about the grant program, types of programs funded, and the application can be found at http://www.nmta.net/grants. A direct link to the application is in place at nmta.net/grantapplication.

NMTA’s Grow Boating program is funded by a portion of space rental fees collected by the association at its Seattle Boat Show each year. Since 2003, NMTA’s Grow Boating program has awarded more than $2 million to promote boating in the Pacific Northwest.

Applications must fall into one of the following categories:

·       Youth Boating Grant

Awarded to a group or organization seeking funding support for an event or program aimed specifically at getting or increasing youth participation in boating activities.

·       Discover Boating Grant

Awarded to a group or organization seeking funding support for an event or program aimed specifically at introducing new people to boating.

·       Boater Education / Safety Grant

Awarded to a group or organization seeking funding support for an event or program aimed specifically at educating new or current boaters on how to be safe on the water.

For questions, contact Karsten McIntosh at NMTA, karsten@nmta.net.

 

About the Northwest Marine Trade Association

The NMTA is the nation’s largest regional marine association. It represents more than 550 companies in the recreational boating industry, including boat dealers, boat brokers, marinas, boatyards, manufacturers, retailers and suppliers of boating accessories and services. The NMTA’s mission is to promote the growth of recreational boating and members’ businesses. The NMTA produces the Seattle Boat Show, the West Coast’s largest boat show and the Anacortes Boat and Yacht Show. Additional information is available at www.nmta.net.

 

Register Now for the Superyacht NW Summit

Sign up today for the Superyacht Northwest and U.S. Superyacht Association's Regional Summit in Seattle. Attendees will enjoy panels about cruising the Pacific Northwest, shipyard tours, and much more.

https://www.ussuperyacht.com/events-archive/northwest-regional-superyacht-summit-august-1-3-2023-seattle-wa/

2023 Board Election Results

  

BOARD ELECTION RESULTS: Congratulations to our newly-elected Board Members for 3-year terms: Re-elected Jess Messmer (Ranger Tugs), Re-elected Kelly Hawley (Tom-n-Jerry's Boat Center), and Nick Graf (Aspen Power Catamarans).  

Thank you to all who voted! 

Anacortes Boat & Yacht Show featuring Trawlerfest returns May 18 - 20

 For Immediate Release: April 18, 2023

 

ANACORTES, WA – The Northwest Marine Trade Association (NMTA) and Anacortes Chamber of Commerce are once again teaming up with Trawlerfest for the 2023 Anacortes Boat & Yacht Show featuring Trawlerfest, May 18 - 20, 2023 in Anacortes, Wash.

The event will feature in-water and on-land displays with hundreds of boats at Cap Sante Marina and neighboring boatyards, plus the return of Trawlerfest’s highly regarded 25+ seminars and educational classes that will take place May 16 – 20 at the nearby walkable locations of Seafarers’ Memorial Park and the SVC Marine Technology Center. The show will also feature shoreside displays including trailerable boats, marine accessories, electronics, destinations, and service providers.

NMTA, also the producer of the Seattle Boat Show, is the nation’s oldest and largest regional marine trade association representing more than 550 companies in the recreational boating industry.

“Last year’s show was everything we hoped it would be with our new partnership,” said NMTA Boat Show Director Katie McPhail. “The Trawlerfest programming helped elevate the show and we are thrilled to be back with an exciting in-person event again in 2023.”

Trawlerfest is owned and operated by Active Interest Media, a media company that produces consumer and trade events, websites, and magazines including boating publications such as Power & Motoryacht, Soundings, SAIL, Yachts International, Anglers Journal, Soundings Trade Only and Passagemaker. Trawlerfest is AIM’s series of boat shows and educational events designed for cruising enthusiasts and has previously taken place at other locations in Washington including Bremerton and Seattle.

“We’re thrilled to continue the partnership with NMTA and the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce to have Trawlerfest return to the premiere cruising destination of Anacortes,” said President of AIM Marine Group Gary De Sanctis. “There couldn’t be a better setting to bring our education and community together in an intimate, rendezvous atmosphere and we look forward to bringing our first-class education & demonstrations experience once again to this fantastic boating event in May.”

Since 2018, NMTA has co-produced the Anacortes Boat & Yacht Show with the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce, with the event being virtual in 2020 due to COVID-19 protocol.

“I said it last year and I’ll say it again,” said NMTA President & CEO George Harris. “Nothing beats a day on the water in Anacortes shopping for boats. It really is one of the best boater destinations in the country.”

Anacortes is conveniently located between Seattle and Vancouver B.C. and as close as you can get to the San Juan Islands. Known for its maritime roots, the town has 40 marine-related businesses to cover every boater’s wants and needs. In addition, its beautiful downtown streets adjacent to the show boast an incredible variety of dining, shopping, and educational opportunities.

“The Anacortes Boat & Yacht Show serves as a powerful catalyst for the local economy,” said Anacortes Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Jesica Kiser. “Becoming renowned for its impressive selection of boats and wide range of exhibitors providing comprehensive boat-related services, the show continues to expand in size and success with each passing year.”

More information will be coming soon to www.AnacortesBoatandYachtShow.com

Join us at the Anacortes Boat & Yacht Show featuring Trawlerfest – Adventures Begin Here!

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Hotel, Shopping and Dining

Accommodations are available for all price ranges with several offering pristine views of the surrounding waters. Details: https://anacortes.org/business-directory?cat=9. 

 

Things to Do

There are many sights to see, places to shop and restaurants from casual to fine dining. The Anacortes Farmers Market happens on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Vendors offer farmers produce, food and vibrant art plus live music. After the show, head over to Swinomish Casino & Lodge or take a hike and soak in sunset views at Mount Erie Park, the highest point on Fidalgo Island. Other activities include exploring nearby Washington Park and Deception Pass State Park; whale watching with local charter-boat businesses; having a picnic or strolling at Storvik Park or Seafarers Memorial Park; or viewing the Anacortes Mural Project on Commercial Avenue.

 

About the Northwest Marine Trade Association

The NMTA is the nation’s oldest and largest regional marine trade association. It represents more than 550 companies in the recreational boating industry, including boat dealers, boat brokers, marinas, boatyards, manufacturers, retailers and suppliers of boating accessories and services. The NMTA’s mission is to promote the growth of recreational boating and members’ businesses. The NMTA produces the Seattle Boat Show, the West Coast’s largest boat show and the Northwest Paddling Festival. Details: http://www.nmta.net/

 

About the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce

The Anacortes Chamber of Commerce is a member-based organization representing 500 businesses, community organizations and interested individuals. Its mission is to promote economic prosperity through innovative leadership, advocacy and collaborative community engagement. The Anacortes Chamber of Commerce also acts as the Destination Marketing Organization promoting to the traveling public and greeting guests to encourage them to Experience Anacortes - your island getaway. Details: https://anacortes.org/

 

About Trawlerfest

Trawlerfest is Passagemaker’s stand-alone series of boat shows designed for cruising enthusiasts. Strategically located in key cruising regions nationwide, Trawlerfest features an impressive in-water selection of new and pre-owned cruising powerboats, the latest in marine gear and services, and first-class education & demonstrations. Trawlerfest is owned and operated by Active Interest Media, one of the world’s largest enthusiast media companies that produces consumer and trade events, websites, magazines, and films that reach millions of readers, fans, and attendees in 85 countries.

 

 

 

 

April 24 - 29 is Marine Service Technician Week!

To bring awareness and recognition to the hard-working professionals who work on boats, the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) has designated the last week in April "International Marine Service Technician Week." 

Marine technicians make up a vital part of this industry by keeping boats properly maintained and making sure recreational boaters stay safe out on the water.

Businesses, associations, and boaters are encouraged to participate by celebrating and highlighting their marine technicians!

See ideas below to celebrate Marine Service Technician Week. No matter how you choose to celebrate, the most important thing is to recognize the many marine technicians that keep boating safe, enjoyable, and reliable.

 

Get Involved!

1. Share your stories. Post pictures and stories about your favorite marine service technicians on social media accounts.

Tag ABYC in your posts so we can share your highlights and use the hashtags #MarineServiceTechWeek #ThankYouMarineTechs. You can check out these hashtags now to see what people did last year and get ideas. 

Suggested social post: It's International Marine Service Technician Week! A big thank you to our technicians who keep boating safe, reliable, and enjoyable. 

2. For additional content and to join in on contests, follow ABYC on social media and share our posts, pictures, videos. 

Facebook: @abycinc

Instagram: @ABYC_BoatSafety 

LinkedIn: /company/abyc

Twitter: @ABYC_BoatSafety

YouTube: @ABYCAnnapolis

3.  Send a press release to your local media outlets about the holiday and the outstanding technicians you have at your business! Contact marketing@abycinc.org for assistance with information to include and quotes.

4. Feel free to use this logo for your marketing outreach (social posts, press releases, website etc.). Here's a save the date flyer to help spread the word! 

5. Host an appreciation event for your techs (e.g. buy breakfast or lunch)

 

How is ABYC Celebrating?

ABYC will participate in International Marine Service Technician Week by highlighting ABYC Certified Technicians every day on social media. We also will have daily prize contests.

Outstanding Technician Award:

Do you have an outstanding technician you would like to honor? You can nominate a technician here. Submissions are due by end of day, Friday April 14th.

ABYC will select 5 winners to receive $100 VISA gift cards. The winners will be highlighted on ABYC's social media accounts and website.  

Free Education:

Throughout the week ABYC will release free and discounted online education opportunities which are perfect to help technicians keep their skills sharp and up-to-date with industry trends.

Contests & Giveaways: 

• ABYC Certified Technicians will automatically be entered to win our "Technician Prize Pack" and with each ABYC Certification earned comes additional chances to win every day! There will be 5 winners/day.

• Daily Technical Challenge on social media accounts. The best, most complete answer wins.

Daily Themes:

• For each day of International Marine Service Technician Week ABYC will be celebrating marine techs of all different backgrounds. We encourage you to tie into the themes below for your social media efforts throughout the week.
  

Monday, April 24 - Long-time industry members

Tuesday, April 25 - Marine service programs and schools (secondary and post-secondary)

Wednesday, April 26 - Female technicians

Thursday, April 27 - Outstanding Technician Announcements (Share your own outstanding tech!)

Friday, April 28 - The future of the industry; aspiring technicians and educators

 

Did you know? 

• With an estimated 100 million Americans boating each year, the recreational boating industry supports more than 690,000 jobs and 35,000 businesses. 

• According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract, the surge in demand for boats that began during the COVID-19 pandemic continued into 2021 and boating remains one of the most sought-after leisure activities for Americans. New powerboat, personal watercraft, and sailboat retail sales surpassed the 300,000 mark in 2021 for only the second time since 2008.  

• In order to retain new boaters, the marine industry needs skilled technicians to provide quality and timely repair and maintenance services
  

 

Thank You ABYC Certified Technicians!

There are currently over 5,000 ABYC Certified Technicians across the country. These professionals have been trained at the highest level to ensure that the work that they perform, whether design, repair or installation, is in accordance with ABYC safety standards.  Thank you to all of our Certified Advisors, Technicians, and Master Technicians who go above and beyond to keep boating safe, reliable, and enjoyable for their customers as they keep current with the industry’s newest trends and technologies

Search our nationwide database to find qualified service professionals near you. Visit www.FindaBoatTech.com. 

Seattle Boat Show Cruises into Town! Show drops anchor Feb 3, 2023 and cruises through Feb 11, 2023

SEATTLE – January 9, 2023. Sailing into town on Friday, Feb. 3 2023 and running through Saturday, Feb. 11, the 76th annual Seattle Boat Show, will feature nearly 300 exhibitors with more than 800 new and brokerage boats—indoors at Lumen Field Event Center and on the water at Bell Harbor Marina—and the latest in marine accessories and technology.

In addition to being a place to shop for the boat of one’s dreams, the show has always been a celebration of boating and a place for boaters to rendezvous with friends, plan for summer adventures and have some fun. The 76th show will be no different, with many features and promotions including: 

Massive Rube Goldberg-inspired Boating Machine - All show days Over the course of the nine days of the show, Zach Umperovitch, the world’s leading authority on Chain Reaction Machines and two-time Guinness World Record holder, and Co-Host of Discovery Channel’s “Contraption Masters,” will invent and construct a Rube Goldberg-inspired machine for boaters. The final machine will measure more than 100 feet in length and, when completed, it will be the longest spanning machine Zach has built in his 30-year career. Zach’s contraption will use kinetic energy and audience participation to string, couple, and join together boat parts, fishing rods and reels, crab pots, life jackets and other random boating-related items to launch a kooky succession of chain reactions, culminating in the launch of a boat. Showgoers can stop by anytime to chat with Zach, watch him in action and even make suggestions on materials to use. Additionally, at 4 pm. everyday Zach will start the machine to demonstrate the progress. He will choose two members from the audience, one to be a ‘human interaction point’ in the chain, and one to help launch it. On Thursday, Dogs on Deck day, one lucky pooch will also be chosen to help! 

Women’s Day — Monday, Feb. 6 Women can attend the show for free and enjoy a slate of seminars designed specifically for women, by women boaters. It’s the perfect opportunity to meet, learn and get inspired by some of the most talented women boaters around. The special Women’s Day pass is available on the show’s website. (Women are free at both locations. Seminars are at Lumen Field Event Center) 

On-Water Rescue Dog Demo at Bell Harbor Marina – Wednesday, Feb. 8, 3pm Water rescue dogs from the the American Academy of Canine Water Rescue — a nonprofit organization that breeds and trains dogs to perform water rescues—will be at Bell Harbor Marina with Newfoundlands Oakley and Angel to demonstrate their impressive cold water rescue skills. These specially trained dogs can tow up to 5,000 lbs and are trained to jump from search and rescue helicopters. Showgoers can also meet Oakley and Angel at Lumen Field during Dogs on Deck on Thursday, Feb. 9 and chat with their trainers who will share tips and tricks for training dogs and helping them become comfortable on boats and around water. Before or after watching Oakley and Angel perform, stop by Anthony’s Bell Street Diner for a free cup of their award-winning creamy clam chowder. It’s also available weekdays from 11:30am – 2:30pm to all ticketed show attendees. 

Dogs on Deck — Thursday, Feb.9 There’s a special day at Lumen Field Event Center just for furry first mates. Dogs accompanied by their owners can stroll the red carpets, meet and greet with dog trainers, get a photo in the Photo Booth, have a custom dog tag made, and sniff out their favorite boats. One lucky pooch will also be chosen to participate in the daily launch of the Rube Goldberg machine at 4 p.m. Note: dogs need their own (free) ticket which can be obtained here. Dogs are welcome every day of the show at Bell Harbor. 

Boating and fishing seminars - All show days Entertaining and educational, the seminars are always one of the most popular features at the show. For 2023 there will be 110 hours of seminars, of which 25% are new. The boating and fishing seminars can be attended in person, and, with a special Seminar Package ticket, viewable online for three months post show. Boat Show U webinars are available in person and online for those who purchase a Seminar Package ticket. 

Youth Boating Center - All show days Young sailors and their families are invited to stop by the Youth Boating Center to start their boating adventures. An introduction to sailing, STEM, and the marine world, the staff at the Youth Boating Center will educate kids and families on the wind, propulsion, local sailing opportunities, knot tying, and more through daily fun hands-on activities. 

Tickets: $20 Adult Ticket $40 Multi Day Ticket, good for all 9-days of the show $119 Seminar Package (includes: access to all Boat Show U webinars (online and in person); Waggoner 2023 Cruising Guide ($45 value); and a multi-day ticket good for all nine days of the show ($40 value) Free Kids 17 & Under A free shuttle runs continuously between both show locations. For specific details about hours, exhibitors, seminars and attractions, visit www.SeattleBoatShow.com. Media Lisa Samuelson, Samuelson Communications Contact: lisa@samuelsoncom.com or 206-954-2574 Photos: Show photos available at https://seattleboatshow.com/media/ The Seattle Boat Show is presented by Union Marine and the Port of Seattle.

Grow Boating Committee Awards $10,000 in Grants to Pacific Northwest Boating Groups

Grow Boating Committee Awards $10,000 in Grants to Pacific Northwest Boating Groups

The Grow Boating committee is happy to report it has awarded 10 grants of $1,000 each to Pacific Northwest organizations for 2023.  “We are very pleased with the diversity of grants we were able to award this year— with both geographic and activity diversity,” says Mike Kirshenbaum, vice president of HO Sports, NMTA board member and chair of the Grow Boating committee. “We awarded grants to organizations across the region for youth and adult sailing, fishing and power boat activities. Additionally, many of the organizations will be using the grants to provide scholarships to their programs to low income or disadvantaged youth.”   The organizations receiving grants are: Southern Idaho Sailing Outreach (Boise, ID) Campus Life (Hermiston, OR) Corinthian Yacht Club (Seattle, WA) Oregon Women’s Sailing Association (Portland, OR) Broken Iron Training (Rathdrum, ID) Blue & Gold Foundation, UW (Seattle, WA) BYC Sailing Foundation (Bremerton, WA) Antique & Classic Boat Society, PNW Chapter (Eatonville, WA) Anacortes Waterfront Alliance (Anacortes, WA) Sisters in Action Sports (Bothell, WA) Since 2003, NMTA has spent more than $2 million through its Grow Boating program to promote boating in the Pacific Northwest through various events, sponsorships, grants, and programs. In the past eight years alone, 56 boating organizations have received grant funding from this program.

Looking for a Grant for Your Boating Facility? Don't miss the Grants Workshop 12/2

Don't miss the free grants workshop, December 2 from 10.a.m. - noon. To register, email Bridget Trosin at bemmett@uw.edu. Details on flyer below. 

Welcome, Wyatt! Meet NMTA's New Membership Coordinator

 

Welcome Wyatt Asbury, NMTA's New Membership Coordinator

Wyatt  joined NMTA last week. No stranger to recreational boating or the marine industry,  Wyatt  went to college in St. Petersburg, Florida, where  he graduated from Eckerd College with a B.A. in Business Management and Environmental Studies. While at Eckerd he started a fishing club in his sophomore year. He also worked on the floor helping customers at a West Marine in Tampa/St.Pete.    More recently, he was the assistant director at  Beach Camp at Sunset Bay in Edmonds. Washington. Wyatt’s also no stranger to the  Seattle Boat Show and has worked it from several sides—as an exhibitor, working in the Beach Camp booth in 2020 and working for NMTA  in the Show office in 2022. Wyatt will be focused on making sure NMTA members know about and are using all NMTA member benefits such as committee meetings, health insurance, sales data, member events and boat shows.  “We’re thrilled to have Wyatt join the team,” said NMTA president and CEO George Harris. “We all share a passion for boating and Wyatt does too, and he believes in NMTA’s mission to grow recreational boating and do everything we can to assist our member businesses.” Feel free to email Wyatt with any membership related questions at wyatt@nmta.net

NMTA Steps Up Big to Boost Boating

Thank you Soundings Trade Only for the excellent coverage on our Grow Boating Grant Program. View the story here.

WDFW seeking public input on rules for vessels operating near Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW) - Take Survey Today

The Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife is seeking public input on rules for vessels operating near Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW). The Northwest Marine Trade Association (NMTA) and #SeattleBoatShow have been leaders for educating boaters about doing our part to protect the endangered SRKW and we hope you’ll take the survey at https://publicinput.com/Q3553

View #WDFW Press Release: https://bit.ly/3BtmfHq

#SRKW #whales #boating #pnwonderland #pnwlife #pnwboating #pnw #pnwadventures #boat #salmonfishing

2022 Grant Application Now Open! Apply Today, Due 10/31

 NORTHWEST MARINE TRADE ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES GROW BOATING GRANTS

Funds available for non-profits promoting boating in the Northwest; deadline to apply October 31, 2022

 

SEATTLE – September 6, 2022 –  The Northwest Marine Trade Association (NMTA) is pleased to announce the 2022 grant program for non-profits or for-profit entities applying for a specific grow boating purpose. The grants are being awarded through the NMTA’s Grow Boating program whose mission is to increase the number of boaters and encourage current boaters to boat more often. Since 2003, NMTA has spent more than $2 million to promote boating in the Pacific Northwest through various events, sponsorships, grants, and programs. The NMTA will award 10 grants of $1,000.

The application process is now open and closes October 31, 2022. Grants will be announced in December 2022 and funds distributed to grantees in the spring of 2022.  More information about the grant program, types of programs funded, and the application can be found at http://www.nmta.net/grants

NMTA’s Grow Boating program is funded by a portion of space rental fees collected by the association at its Seattle Boat Show each year. 

“We know that many groups and programs were hard hit by COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021, so we’re very pleased to be able to offer these grants to help our valuable community-based organizations continue their amazing programs,” said Karsten McIntosh, NMTA’s director of communications.

Applications must fall into one the following categories:

·       Youth Boating Grant

Awarded to a group or organization seeking funding support for an event or program aimed specifically at getting or increasing youth participation in boating activities.

·       Discover Boating Grant

Awarded to a group or organization seeking funding support for an event or program aimed specifically at introducing new people to boating.

·       Boater Education / Safety Grant

Awarded to a group or organization seeking funding support for an event or program aimed specifically at educating new or current boaters on how to be safe on the water.

To apply for a NMTA Grow Boating grant, visit http://www.nmta.net/grants or to link directly to the application visit nmta.net/grant application. For questions, contact Karsten McIntosh at NMTA, karsten@nmta.net  or 206-634-0911.

About the Northwest Marine Trade Association

The NMTA is the nation’s largest regional marine association. It represents more than 650 companies in the recreational boating industry, including boat dealers, boat brokers, marinas, boatyards, manufacturers, retailers and suppliers of boating accessories and services. The NMTA’s mission is to promote the growth of recreational boating and members’ businesses. The NMTA produces the Seattle Boat Show, the West Coast’s largest boat show and the Anacortes Boat and Yacht Show. Additional information is available at www.nmta.net.

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