Business View Magazine | March 2021

36 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE MARCH 2021 Scott Kolodny, president of the NMRA, believes the industry has to be more inclusive to the average family and that more people have taken an interest in boating in recent years. He reports, “Times are changing in many ways. Anyone can get into boating... there are all kinds of avenues for people to get involved. We’re a very inclusive industry and that’s important because we want to offer something for everyone, and we do provide something for just about everyone who wants to be on the water.” The NMRA is headquartered in Gurnee, Illinois and has 34 full member independent sales agencies as part of their body, inclusive of 150 reps that work out in the field. They also have 59 affiliate members who are suppliers and manufacturers. “Working together with a unified goal helps keep the industry going strong,” says Kolodny. “We understand and appreciate what others do in the field and they want to be part of our organization as well, so we have an affiliate membership.” NMRA members also play a significant advocacy role, participating in initiatives that lobby the government for industry standards, rights, and even global issues that affect the American marine industry. The NMRA are also members of, or are affiliated with, other associations like the National Marine Manufacturers Association, the National Marine Distributors Association, and Manufacturer Agents National Association. They hold voting seats with many groups, as well as some non-voting advisory seats. Kolodny notes, “We certainly have a voice and a seat at the table with what happens within our industry and how our industry is shaped. The association also President, Scott Kolodny