While many marine businesses are familiar with boat shows produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), some may not be familiar with the organization's role in representing the interests of the boating industry to different levels of government. NMMA Canada continues to actively advocate to government officials at all levels on behalf of its members and a network of boat dealers nationwide. Marine industry support for these efforts has been overwhelmingly positive – to the point NMMA Canada welcomed 13 new members in 2009, in spite of widespread economic uncertainty within the recreational boating sector.

At NMMA Canada's 2010 Annual General Meeting, held during the Toronto International Boat Show, Sara Anghel, VP of Government Relations and Public Affairs, spoke about the need for effective government relations efforts. "Success is measured by the growth of our businesses, but also by how well we interact with regulators and key government officials," said Anghel. "Being proactive and working collectively through one voice brings strong results for the industry."

As evidence of the closer ties between government and the recreational boating industry, this year's keynote speaker was Mike Wallace, Member of Parliament for Burlington, Ontario, and Chair of the federal government's Marine Caucus. Mr. Wallace provided members the opportunity to hear about the government's priorities, including specifics on projects affecting the recreational boating industry.

Wallace was open and candid on many issues of interest, including floorplan financing, export taxes, cross border shopping and environmental regulations. Wallace thanked NMMA Canada for bringing these important topics to the government's attention, and promised to keep working with the association to deliver results for the industry at the federal level.

NMMA Canada plays an integral role by coordinating government relations efforts on behalf of its members across Canada. Wallace noted the value of delivering a consistent message industry-wide, and outlined the added value for the industry to actively work with its elected officials at the local level.

Boating Business asked Sara Anghel to help the industry by developing a 'lobbying check list' for boat manufacturers, marine product dealers, marina operators and other industry stakeholders. Here are her recommendations:

•    Build relationships with your elected officials at each level of government, including Members of Parliament, Members of Provincial Parliament, Municipal Councilors and Mayors. Initiate a chain of communication via correspondence (letters of congratulations upon their election, holiday greetings, invitations to events at your facility/tours, invitations to speaking engagement opportunities).
•    Request to meet with elected officials when you have issues to discuss.
•    Build an outreach strategy which encompasses politicians from different political parties.
•    Maintain an open and ongoing relationship throughout the year.
•    Remember to engage with their staff and treat them respectfully.
•    Be a facilitator for elected officials, not a nuisance.
•    Be open to discussion and working collaboratively. Ask what you can do to assist them.
•    Know what your organization's objectives are while understanding that elected officials are faced with their own pressures and challenges - and milestones to achieve.
•    Remember that public criticism of elected officials is never professional nor constructive.