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The industry’s advocacy work is off to a strong start in 2020 as Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers toured Mercury Marine’s global headquarters in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin this week. Mercury’s Fond du Lac location is the hub of engine production and is home to over 3,200 employees of the 7,500 Mercury employees worldwide. Plant visits with elected officials are an important opportunity to highlight the recreational boating industry and NMMA encourages all members to work with elected officials to schedule a plant tour.

Mercury President Chris Drees led the visit by hosting Governor Evers and Mercury leadership for a brief presentation on company operations and issues facing the recreational boating industry in Wisconsin. Discussions centered around the opportunity for local jobs as Mercury provides 4,000 jobs in Wisconsin alone and each Mercury employee creates 2.5 job locally, which accounts to nearly $4 billion in annual impact to the local community. Drees noted it is vital to continue programs that help attract talent to Wisconsin and maintain growth for the recreational boating industry.

Additionally, Drees highlighted Mercury’s commitment to sustainability practices and focus on protecting and preserving the environment. In particular, Mercury recently garnered accolades from the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council (WSBC) for their commitment to responsible use of aluminum and was recently given a Green Masters Designation for the 9th consecutive year. After the presentation, Governor Evers toured Mercury’s outboard engine assembly line and spoke with over a dozen employees to learn more about them and their role at Mercury.

In a NMMA Marine Minute video encapsulating the governor’s visit, Mercury President Chris Dress noted that, “Advocacy is so important for Mercury, and not only Mercury, but I think the entire marine industry. With the amount of changes that are happening currently in the government, it’s important that we stay involved, and that’s exactly what we’re doing.”

The Marine Minute can be viewed here.

If you have questions or are interested in scheduling a facility visit with your local elected officials, please contact NMMA senior vice president of government and legal affairs, Nicole Vasilaros at [email protected]; NMMA senior director of political advocacy and engagement, Erica Crocker at [email protected] or NMMA manager of Great Lakes policy and engagement, Jill Sims at [email protected].

Photo caption: Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers visits with Mercury Marine employee to learn more about the engine manufacturing process.