Following those of the RV Industry Association and RV Dealers Association (See: “RVIA, RVDA See ‘Fresh Opportunities’ with Trump Victory”), various other trade associations continue to issue statements following Donald Trump’s presidential election victory on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Outdoor Industry Association Reaffirms Commitment to Business, People, and Planet Following 2024 Election
BOULDER Colo. – As a member-led collective and a catalyst for meaningful change in the outdoor industry, Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is committed to ensuring that the outdoor recreation economy—supporting 7.6 million American jobs and contributing $1.1 trillion in consumer spending—continues to thrive in partnership with the newly elected administration and Congress.
OIA stands ready to work with the Trump Administration and Congress to advance policies that drive growth, protect public lands, and increase access to outdoor spaces for all communities. We thank the Biden Administration and outgoing Congress for their partnership over the last four years.
Together with our members, OIA will mobilize its advocacy networks to champion policies that promote sustainable manufacturing and support a balanced trade agenda that safeguards U.S. jobs and fuels innovation.
Through a collaborative and bipartisan approach, OIA will:
- Advance a Balanced Trade Agenda: OIA is committed to advancing tariff reform, supporting U.S. manufacturing, and leveling the playing field for outdoor businesses. OIA will continue to advocate for the renewal of programs including the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) to reduce costs, create jobs, and fuel innovation in outdoor products.
- Promote Conservation and Access and Expand Access to the Outdoors for All: OIA supports policies that invest in outdoor recreation infrastructure and public lands, along with policies that ensure access to outdoor spaces nationwide.
- Champion Climate and Sustainability Policies: To protect recreation spaces and promote sustainable innovation, OIA endorses climate policies that safeguard sensitive habitats, enhance public lands, and support clean infrastructure.
Upcoming Webinar on Post-Election Landscape
OIA invites the industry to join President Kent Ebersole and its government affairs team on Dec. 5 for a webinar discussing the 119th Congress and industry policy priorities for 2025. Participants will gain insights and strategies to effectively engage policymakers and drive impactful policies shaping the future of trade, recreation, and sustainability. Register here.
About Outdoor Industry Association
Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is a catalyst for meaningful change. A member-based collective, OIA is a passionate group of business leaders, climate experts, policy makers and outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable economic growth while protecting – and growing access to – the benefits of the outdoors for everyone. For more than 30 years, OIA has catalyzed a thriving outdoor industry by supporting the success of every member company across four critically aligned areas: market research, sustainability, government affairs, and inclusive participation. OIA delivers success for its members through education, events, and business services in the form of solutions and strategies, consultation, collaboration, and opportunities for collective action. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.
NMMA President and CEO Statement on the Election
Following Election Day 2024, Frank Hugelmeyer, President and CEO of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), released the following statement:
“On behalf of the more than 36,000 businesses that make up the recreational boating industry, we extend our congratulations to President-elect Trump. Recreational boat, marine engine and accessory manufacturers are united in our mission to ensure the growth and success of our nation’s $230 billion recreational boating economy.
With an estimated 95 percent of boats on our nation’s waters made right here in the U.S., recreational boating remains a proud American industry and cherished pastime. This drives our commitment to advocating for recreational water access, infrastructure that ensures a safe and enjoyable boating experience, and ongoing sustainability and manufacturing competitiveness that allows for American businesses to thrive in our global marketplace.
We look forward to building a collaborative relationship with the new Administration, the next Congress, and continuing our vital work in state houses across the nation to advance policies that support our uniquely made-in-the-U.S.A. industry and the millions of Americans who create memories on our shared waterways.”
As we collaborate with the new Administration, NMMA’s focus remains on our top four policy priorities:
1. Boater Access to Public Waters
Ensuring that recreational boaters have access to public waters is essential to the growth and success of our industry. We are advocating for clear, balanced policies that protect and expand access for all. NMMA will continue to work closely with policymakers to prevent onerous restrictions that limit recreational boating, while supporting conservation efforts to preserve public waters for future generations.
2. Trade and Manufacturing
Trade policies and tariffs have a significant impact on U.S.-based boat manufacturing and our global competitiveness. We’ll continue to press for fair trade policies and a competitive tax climate that reduces costs for manufacturers and consumers alike. With the new administration and Congress, we aim to tackle tariffs that impact our supply chain and secure trade agreements that open up more markets for our members. Further, we’ll continue to support an open business environment that empowers marine manufacturers with the freedom to innovate and leverage diverse technologies that foster growth for our uniquely made-in-American industry.
3. Durable Infrastructure
Modern, resilient infrastructure is critical to ensuring the boating industry’s growth. In the months ahead, we’ll encourage Congress to prioritize investments in recreational facilities, such as marinas, boat ramps, and waterways, while also advocating for strong, climate-resilient infrastructure initiatives.
4. Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship
Boaters and anglers are some of our nation’s original conservationists, and our industry has a vested interest in protecting marine ecosystems and investing in sustainable processes and systems that continue to enhance the recreational marine industry and boating experience for generations to come. NMMA will continue to support policies that help expedite sustainable innovation in our industry and create public-private partnerships that enable us to bring these innovations to boating consumers.
Additionally, NMMA President and CEO Frank Hugelmeyer signed onto a letter from the National Association of Manufacturers, alongside 600 manufacturing and business leaders, which was released publicly on Election Day, stating:
“We believe in an exceptional America, and that our future is strongest when we are united … This moment is critical for the millions of workers and communities who rely on our success. A strong manufacturing economy is essential to our national security, economic resilience and continued prosperity. We must restore confidence in the future and in the economic systems that have long driven opportunity and innovation, so that American families and businesses can thrive in a united and forward-looking nation.”
You can read the full letter here.
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