Marinas Provide a Solid Contribution to Local Economies

Marinas have come a long way since the days of tying an old wooden rowboat on a dock. Today, many of these floating communities not only house boats, but also have expanded to include other establishments and amenities such as restaurants, arcades, entertainment, boardwalks and more.

Numbering more than 12,000 nationwide, marinas play a vital role in many economies around the country. In a recent study, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) found that the marina industry is responsible for 32,000 full-time jobs plus many part-time positions.

Just as important as the jobs marinas create, they also generate sales income for other businesses in the communities they serve. Studies show that for every dollar spent at a marina in the U.S., two to three dollars are spent in the local community. So local businesses such as restaurants, hotels, gift and clothing shops, service stations, auto repair shops and more benefit from marinas.

To highlight the role marinas play in communities, two years ago the Marina Operators Association of America (MOAA) launched National Marina Day (NMD). Saturday, August 14 marks the third annual event. All across the country, marinas are hosting special events for the boating and nonboating public. One of the goals of NMD is to educate politicians, civic leaders and the public on the important role the marina industry plays in cities and towns across the nation as family-friendly gateways to boating and stewards of the environment. The 2004 National Marina Day is being chaired by Kirby Scheinmann of Aqualand Marina in Flowery Branch, GA.

National Marina Day celebrates not only the rich history of the marina industry, but its bright future as well. In 1928, the word "marina" was used - for the very first time - by the National Association of Engine and Boat Manufacturers to define a recreational boating facility. Since then, marinas have become an integral part of not only American recreation, but also of American life.

The Marina Operators Association of America represents a diverse membership of over 950 marinas, boatyards, yacht clubs and public/private moorage basins across the United States . These companies provide slip space for over 240,000 recreational watercraft and employment for over 13,000 marine tradesmen and women. Suppliers of equipment and services to this industry complete MOAA's membership.