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CHICAGO, July 26, 2013—On Sunday, July 28, 2013, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), US Superyacht Association (USSA), and Florida Yacht Brokers Association (FYBA), will embark on a collaborative visit to Colombia, South America, to explore potential business opportunities for their members and the U.S. recreational marine industry. Hosted by ProExport, Colombia’s public-private tourism and export organization, the visit is a chance for the U.S. and Colombia to work together to better understand opportunities that now exist for both countries as a result of the recent Free Trade Agreement. 
 
“There has been a tremendous increase in the number of superyachts making the trip West through the Panama Canal to visit the U.S.’s West Coast and the Pacific region,” said John Mann, Chair of the USSA.  “The prime proximity of Colombia to the Canal and below the hurricane zone makes it a natural stop for these traveling yachts.  We look forward to the opportunity to work with them.”
 
“The close proximity of Colombia to Florida, combined with the Free Trade Agreement, make it an ideal trading partner for us in Florida,” said Ann Vernon, Executive Director of the FYBA. 
 
Colombia’s rich history and privileged geographical location are reasons enough for boats and charter organizers to think of Colombia as a mandatory stop when heading either west or east through the southern region of the Caribbean Sea.  The Republic of Colombia represents the fourth largest economy in Latin America and has the third largest population with nearly 46 million inhabitants. It is the only country in South America with two seacoasts (Pacific and Caribbean). Aided by major security improvements, steady economic growth, and moderate inflation, Colombia has become a free market economy with major commercial and investment ties to the United States.

“Colombia offers a variety of water access points and promising infrastructure for a growing marine industry and our collaborative efforts with ProExport Colombia will allow us to share our expertise and knowledge as we work together to develop the market,” notes NMMA President, Thom Dammrich. “Through this exploration trip we’ll be able to gain insights on how the U.S. and Colombian marine industries can work together and where there’s growth potential.”
 
Colombia presents many opportunities for the U.S. marine industry. In fact, NMMA is hosting the first USA Pavilion at the second edition of the Cartagena Boat Show owned by easyFairs®, a seasoned trade show organizer,  March 22–24, 2014, at the Cartagena Convention Center in Cartagena, Colombia.
 

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About NMMA: National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is the leading association representing the recreational boating industry in North America. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters and anglers throughout the U.S. and Canada. The association is dedicated to industry growth through programs in public policy advocacy, market statistics and research, product quality assurance and promotion of the boating lifestyle. For more information, visit NMMA.org.

The U.S. Superyacht Association (USSA) is a non-profit trade association, representing hundreds of business and thousands of individuals, whose mission is “To promote the Superyacht Industry of the United States and to serve as its voice.” The USSA is made up of a variety of businesses across the United States that represent thousands of jobs and tremendous economic impact on our economy. For more information about the USSA contact Kitty McGowan at 954-792-8666 or at [email protected].  Located at 757 SE 17 Street, #662, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316. www.ussuperyacht.com

The Florida Yacht Brokers Association (FYBA) was established in 1987 to unite those professionals engaged in the practice of buying and selling yachts in the state of Florida.  Today, FYBA is a statewide Association that has grown into one of the world’s largest organizations of yacht brokers and charter brokers with over 1,100 members including affiliates of the marine industry at large.  The organization promotes and maintains a high standard of conduct in the transacting of the yacht brokerage and charter business. For more information about the FYBA contact Ann Vernon at 954-522-9270 or at [email protected].  Located at 1550 SE 17 Street, #1, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316. www.fyba.org