MBIA

Welcome...
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
Click here for information related to boating in Michigan.

Latest News

NEW ONE-DAY FORMAT - NEW LOW PRICE $50 TO ATTEND RBEC
In an effort to offer the most value at the lowest price, we have moved the strongest RBEC sessions onto Thursday creating a new, one-day format which eliminates the need for a hotel stay. It is important for our members to come together for industry updates and networking – and the new $50 registration will make it possible for more members to attend during these challenging times. Click here for new RBEC Program and Registration. Click here to make your room reservation online at our special rate: Double Tree Reservations.

Clean Marina Workshops Scheduled
In order to become a designated Michigan Clean Marina, a representative from your facility must attend a Clean Marina Program Workshop. The next workshop is scheduled for December 5th in Bay City (Register here). To find out more about the MI CMP go to www.miseagrant.umich.edu.

1st Annual Michigan Marine Industry Trade Show - postponed until 2009.

Grow Boating Assessments Directed Back to Manufacturers to Help Dealers Move Product
The National Marine Manufacturer’s Association Board of Directors has agreed to re-direct the Grow Boating assessments for a limited time to allow manufacturers to use the majority of the funds (85%) to assist their dealers in securing sales through manufacturer specific promotions. The decision was made due to the current state of the economy and the fact that the Grow Boating Campaign advertising budget fell below the threshold to build awareness. In order to receive the 85 percent assessment credit, each boat manufacturer will be required to sign a statement pledging to apply 100 percent of the credit toward assisting their dealers in moving product. The sunset provision provides that starting July 1, 2009, 100 percent of the assessments be directed back to the national Discover Boating Program. However, the May NMMA Board Meeting will determine if the action should extend beyond June 30, 2009. Click here to read the press release. For a Q & A Guide to the assessment redirection click here.

New York Times Article Tells a Compelling Story About How Boating Creates Memories
Take a minute to read a great New York Times article written by Ron Lieber. It is featured in the Your Money section and is titled "Some Purchases May Still Be Worth the Price." It is a compelling story of an Ann Arbor family who, despite troubled economic times, purchased a boat and have never regretted it for a moment. It is the type of message that can get people boating. Read the article.

Reserve Your Ad Space in the 2009 Michigan Boating Annual Directory
Media Kits have been distributed to all MBIA members and boat show exhibitors highlighting the exciting growth of the 2009 Michigan Boating Annual Directory. The 51st Anniversary Edition will deliver even more for your advertising investment. For 2009, there will be MORE Circulation in MORE Places - In 2009, your Listing and Advertising will be seen in 60,000 copies read by some 300,000 boaters. Get more information.

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.

Gas-Powered Boats, Engines to Comply With EPA Rule
On September 4, The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued new emissions regulations for gas-powered boat engines and boat fuel systems. The regulations are a result of a decade of negotiation and collaboration by NMMA and EPA and will result in substantial benefits to the recreational marine industry, public health, welfare and the environment, as well as long-term fuel savings. Read full story.

Business and Industry Statistics Available
MBIA provides members with valuable industry statistical information from the U.S. Coast Guard, Michigan Secretary of State, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, MSU’s Recreational Boating Resource Center and the National Marine Manufacturers Association. This information is helpful to marine business people in many ways. It helps to identify trends. It provides valuable information to be used when talking to employees, local and state regulators, and the media. It helps identify new business opportunities, and much more. To view these statistics, you must be a member. Click here.

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

Marinas and Ramps Tool Live on DiscoverBoating.com
DiscoverBoating.com recently launched its new Marinas & Ramps Directory, where consumers can find phone numbers, addresses and directions to marinas and ramps in their area simply by typing in their zip code or street address. The Marinas & Ramps tool is also available as a download-able desktop widget similar to WeatherBug and others. The tool allows boaters and boating enthusiasts to save their marina-specific information, such as weather forecasts and driving directions, right on their desktops for round-the-clock availability. To view the new Marinas and Ramps page or download the widget to your desktop go to www.discoverboating.com.