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The Michigan Boating Industries Association serves as the voice of recreational boating in Michigan.  This website serves as an information source for its members, boating enthusiasts, the media and anyone with interest in boating in Michigan.

Boating in Michigan:
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Latest News:

NMMA Urges Industry to Contact Congress Regarding Marine Floorplan Lending  
The NMMA and its Chairman feel it is time for the industry to tell their stories to their federal elected officials.  The NMMA's government affairs department will soon make available a letter to send to Congress.  "They need to hear from company CEOs directly and from your employees, vendors and dealers," Slikkers said. "The only way our industry can emerge from this crisis is if we work together to find the answers to these challenges." Read more.

SBA Conference Call Details Floorplan Loan Program
The National Marine Manufacturers Association hosted a conference call Wednesday to address questions about a new floorplan financing program offered through the Small Business Administration.  A recap of the meeting is provided.  Click here. 

Rumors Continue on VAT (Value Added Tax)
As if the entire country (especially the boating industry and the State of Michigan) doesn’t have enough challenges, rumors persist that one proposal being considered in Washington, D.C. is a national value added tax (VAT), or national sales tax, to help fund national health care as well as to help reduce the federal deficits.  Read more...

38 Attend Southeast Region Meeting at Rock Financial Showplace
MBIA members enjoyed a great idea sharing/networking session at the June 23rd SE Region Meeting held at the Rock Financial Showplace.  MBIA Vice Chairman led an inspiring talk on how members can benefit from sharing resources, ideas and knowledge in an effort to partner during challenging economic times.  Guest speaker Bob Williams from FiveStar Solutions updated the group on the Marine Industry Certification program and Ken Mehall, Vice President of Business Development CVR State updated the group on the development of a joint program between CVR, MBIA and MI Secretary of State’s Office to provide on-site processing of boat registrations at dealer locations.  Thank you to all who participated.

Proposed Legislation To Fund “Pure Michigan” would boost tax revenues - create jobs Legislation introduced to provide ongoing funding for the “Pure Michigan” campaign is being applauded by all segments of Michigan’s tourism industry; this state’s third largest industry.  The package of bills is considered crucial as the current one-time placement of $30 million in funding is scheduled to drop over 80% to just $5.7 million on October 1st.  Read more...

MBIA Offers Compliance Program for Red Flags Regulations
Through a partnership with Identity Theft Loss Prevention, LLC, MBIA is able to offer members a significantly discounted rate for the ID Doctor membership.  ID Doctor is the only comprehensive, field tested program that helps businesses, agencies, and organizations to assess risks, create policy, implement security measures, and maintain an Identity Theft Prevention Program.  In other words, ID Doctor helps to detect, prevent, and mitigate loss due to identity theft.  As laws require ongoing updates and review, your ID Doctor membership will fill you in on an on-going basis including your annual review.  Click here for more info and to sign up.

MBIA Announces Health Insurance Web-based Search Engine to Help Reduce Costs for Group or Individual Coverage 
In today’s challenging market and with health costs continuing to increase at an alarming rate, this member service will provide a convenient and cost-saving way to search the health insurance market, read more....

Read Some Fun and Interesting Facts about our Great State of Michigan
It is important to focus on the positives and Michigan has many.  Read this list.

Bankers Association Helps Uncover Prospective Lenders
The National Marine Bankers Association recently produced a 15-minute educational WEBINAR, which reviews the basics of uncovering prospective lenders on a local or regional basis, how to approach them and what to request to encourage them to extend credit services to consumers and businesses.  It recognizes the current economic reality, but suggests that marine dealers and manufacturers are in a positive position to effect change in their trading areas.  Read more.

Google Earth now includes US “Third Coast” - The Great Lakes
When Google Earth 5.0 was released back in February, it included the capability to view the world ocean landscape from beneath the water surface. This capability now extends to the “Third Coast” of the United States, the Great Lakes. Read more.

New Law Allows Enhanced Use of In-Transit Repair Plates
On January 12, 2009, Governor Granholm signed HB 4839 into law.  This legislation has become Public Act 539 of 2008.  The Michigan Boating Industries Association worked with the Michigan Secretary of State’s staff and the legislature to enhance the use of In-Transit Repair Plates for various uses by marine dealers and marina operators. If, for some reason, a law enforcement officer questions the use of a valid In-Transit Repair plate, we suggest providing the language to insure the officer is familiar with the new language.  Click here for language and entire Public Act.

Red Flag Rules Deadline Approaching - Are you ready?
On October 22, 2008, the Federal Trade Commission issued an Enforcement Policy statement that delays enforcement of the Red Flags rule until August 1, 2009.  Requires identity theft prevention programs to identify, detect, and respond to patterns, practices, or specific activities that could indicate identity theft.  Click here to read more.

Michigan Senate Passes SB 201, Sales Tax on the Difference, on Thursday, March 12th
MBIA is pleased to inform members that SB 201 (Sub S2), primarily sponsored by Senator Sanborn (R-11), has passed the Michigan Senate on Thursday, March 12th, with thirty (30) yeas and seven (7) nays.  SB 201 will provide STD (sales tax on the difference) for boat, car, RV, RV trailer, snowmobile and heavy equipment purchases. Read more.

Longshore and Harborworkers Compensation Act Amended
Eliminates required coverage for those who repair or dismantle recreational boats over 65 feet.  Read more.

Coalition Demands Science-Based Review of Ethanol Industry’s Bid
A coalition of health, environmental, food production and manufacturing groups called today for a thorough, science-based review by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of a petition to increase the level at which ethanol can be added to motor gasoline.   Read more. 

MBIA / Bunker Hill Offer Competitive Programs for Members
As a member of the Michigan Boating Industries Association (MBIA), you may be eligible for comprehensive insurance coverage and services designed specifically for your business operation. The MBIA has endorsed a property and casualty insurance program underwritten Bunker Hill for Great Midwest Insurance Company, which offers comprehensive coverages, competitive premiums, prompt claim service and potential safety group dividends.  Read more.

New Online Enrollment for AFLAC for MBIA Members Only
Through a special arrangement, MBIA offers AFLAC supplemental benefits to its valued members.  Now you can enroll online right here at mbia.org.  To find out more information click here.  

Grow Boating Television Updates Keep you Informed
To watch recent episodes, click here