Senator Peters Tours Tiara Yachts, Co-Sponsors Modern Fish Act

Last Friday, Senator Gary Peters (Michigan) visited NMMA member Tiara Yachts at their headquarters in Holland, Michigan. NMMA and Tiara invited the Senator to tour the Tiara plant and meet with workers to better understand the significant impact of Tiara Yachts on the local economy, as well as the economic impact of recreational boating on a state and national level.  During Senator Peters’ visit, David Slikkers, former CEO and Director of Government Relations for Tiara Yachts, addressed the importance of the boating industry in Michigan and some of the top policy issues affecting the state’s boating population, such as Aquatic Invasive Species, infrastructure, and boating safety.
 
As a member of the Senate Commerce committee, Senator Peters has been instrumental in moving forward the Modern Fish Act (S. 1520) with bipartisan support, and officially became a co-sponsor of the bill following his tour at Tiara Yachts – a victory for the industry. The link between saltwater recreational fishing and U.S. manufacturing is real. Boats like Tiara are used by saltwater anglers along the U.S. coast, and policies impacting fishing can have a direct link to marine manufacturers across the country. The Modern Fish Act increases fishing access and conservation, modernizes fisheries management, and improves data collection for the 11 million saltwater anglers. NMMA looks forward to continuing to work with Senator Peters as we continue to advance the interests of the recreational boating community.
 
NMMA encourages every member to participate in similar tours in their own communities. Engagement in advocacy is one of the most critical elements of the industry's success! To schedule a plant tour or learn more about engaging your local member of Congress, please contact NMMA's Erica Crocker at [email protected]