CHICAGO (February 8, 2012) —North American marine accessory manufacturers will soon join boat and engine manufacturers in funding the Discover Boating marketing campaign. A voluntary funding model for Discover Boating contributions for accessory manufacturers was unanimously approved by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA)’s Accessory Manufacturers Division (AMD) Board of Directors at the International Boatbuilders' Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) in September. The volunteer-based model, which goes into effect in March, is a suggested fee of 1/10th of one percent of North American marine sales or a fee that is equal to the current year NMMA membership commitment.

“Every business with a stake in recreational boating benefits from Discover Boating—and accessory manufacturers stand to gain the most immediate benefit from increased boating participation,” says Greg Lentine, chairman of the National Marine Manufacturers Association’s Accessory Manufacturers Division and president of NorCross Marine Products. “Aftermarket accessory sales correlate directly with boat ownership. Now, with a funding model in place, we’re solidifying our commitment to the industry’s effort to increase participation.”

Accessory manufacturers who contribute the full, outlined accessory funding model fee will have a premium posting on a new accessory search section on DiscoverBoating.com, launching this spring.  Consumers researching the latest aftermarket products or looking to make upgrades will be re-directed to individual accessory manufacturer websites from DiscoverBoating.com. 

Accessory manufacturers who are members of NMMA will receive an invoice the first week of March. To receive a posting on the new DiscoverBoating.com section, contributions must be received by July 31, 2012.

“Discover Boating needs support from accessory contributions to achieve its goals for the entire industry,” says Joe Lewis, Grow Boating Chairman. “By accessory manufacturers solidifying their commitment to industry growth, it will enable Discover Boating to reach more consumers to help welcome them to the water.”

Click here for more information on the Accessory Funding Model. Accessory manufacturers with questions related to the Assessment Funding Model should contact NMMA’s Freya Olsen at folsen@nmma.org or 312-946-6255.