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Update on Hurricane Sandy Recovery Efforts and Information
The MTA/NJ is continuing its efforts to support recreational marine businesses impacted by Hurricane Sandy and address the challenges the industry is facing. There is much to report on so please take a moment to read this important update below.
Waterways & Regulatory Update: On January 9th, Executive Director Melissa Danko along with MTA/NJ Board members met with DEP Commissioner Martin to discuss waterway debris, the need for a more streamlined, coordinated effort for marinas to dredge, the urgency in moving forward with coastal rule changes for marinas, new permitting issues as a result of the storm, as well as the Barnegat Bay Action Plan and a number of other items that are critical to rebuilding and ensuring that the waterways are accessible and safe for the upcoming boating season.
The meeting went very well and Commissioner Martin was very receptive to the challenges the industry is now facing and committed to working with the industry. The Commissioner stated that the DEP is the lead state agency in the effort to clear the waterways of storm debris and shoaling and much work is already underway. The MTA/NJ is urging officials to do an announcement of the work that is being done to ensure that the boating community is aware of what is going on and to allay concerns that boaters may have for the upcoming season.
In support of the MTA/NJ's requested action items from the meeting, the following correspondence was provided to Commissioner Martin and the Governor's office:
Coastal Rule Changes: MTA/NJ Letter of Support
Economic Analysis of the Importance of Maintaining Navigable Waterways Impacted by Hurricane Sandy
Funding for Recovery & Rebuilding: On January 10th, the MTA/NJ met with the Economic Development Authority (EDA) to discuss funding opportunities and financial support for marine businesses impacted by Sandy and in need of immediate assistance. The EDA is currently working on the Community Development Block Grants that may provide grants for businesses and is also exploring the possibly of industry specific financing.
I BOAT NJ: The MTA/NJ is continuing to lobby for the immediate restoration of the I BOAT NJ program for grant assistance. Members should contact the Governor's office ASAP and urge him to immediately restore the I BOAT NJ Program to help the boating industry recover from Hurricane Sandy. Simply click here to send an email and copy the bold text above.
Congress Sandy Aid: As reported, on January 15, the House approved more than $60 billion in aid for states impacted by Hurricane Sandy after weeks of negotiations behind the scenes. Unfortunately, only $5 million, as opposed to the original $150 million, was approved for fisheries disaster funding which could provide assistance to marinas and fisheries businesses impacted by the storm. With the House passage of the package, action now lies with the Senate, which had passed its own $60.7 billion Hurricane Sandy Emergency Supplemental measure at the end of last year that died with the end of the 112th Congress. For more details on this, click here to read the latest RFA news release on fisheries funding.
To read MTA/NJ's Sandy relief appeal letter to members of Congress, please click here.
SBA Deadline Reminder: Please note that the filing deadline to return applications for Physical Property Damage is January 30, 2013. The deadline to return economic injury applications is still July 31, 2013. Click here for the NJ Declaration for this.
SBA Outreach: On January 23, MTA/NJ Executive Director met with representatives from the SBA who are on the ground and looking to meet with marine businesses in need of assistance. If you have applied for an SBA loan and are experiencing problems or need assistance, please email your information to info@mtanj.org.
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MTA/NJ Recovery & Relief Fund
The Marine Trades Association of New Jersey (MTA/NJ) recently announced the establishment of its new Recovery & Relief Fund to provide aid to recreational marine businesses impacted by Hurricane Sandy. To read the full news release, click here.
NMMA, MRAA Make Joint $10,000 Contribution to Marine Trades Association of New Jersey Recovery & Relief Fund
MTA/NJ fund board members are currently in the process of developing criteria as well as an application process for businesses to request aid from the MTA/NJ Recovery & Relief Fund. Additional details will be available soon.
Fundraising: The MTA/NJ is working to obtain additional funds for aid and has applied to The Robin Hood Foundation for a grant for the MTA/NJ Recovery & Relief Fund.
If you wish to donate to the Fund, please make checks payable to
MTA/NJ Recovery & Relief Fund and send to:
Marine Trades Association of New Jersey
2516 Highway 35, Suite 201
Manasquan, NJ 08735
Please share this information with others.
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Marina Assistance Workshop Recap
 On January 22, a workshop was held to provide information and assistance to marina owners and operators impacted by Superstorm Sandy. Marina owners and operators met one on one with state and federal officials for permitting guidance. The workshop was sponsored by the primary NJ Clean Marina Program partners, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Coastal Management Office, New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium and the Marine Trades Association of New Jersey. The workshop was hosted by the Barnegat Bay Partnership and Ocean County Community College.
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Growth Summit addresses 6 priorities and establishes Leadership Council
In December, leaders in the recreational boating industry from all over the U.S. met again to address growth challenges in the marine industry. This was the third meeting of individuals combining the opinions of nearly 200 participants and narrowing their efforts to focus on six priority action items: attracting younger and more diverse participants to boating; supporting industry marketing efforts; creating stronger boating advocacy and uniting to fend off unwarranted legislation that hampers boating growth; exploring issues related to the affordability of boating; and creating opportunities for growing boating through education and outreach.
Executive Director Melissa Danko is a member of Recreational Boating Leadership Council and attended the Summit. She is part of the Youth Committee whose priority goals are to quantify and inventory existing youth boating programs to understand opportunities and needs, explore opportunities with existing and new high school level fishing and boating clubs, create an industry-wide commitment to youth programs such as Sea Scouts, share news with industry stakeholders regarding their work and identify areas of opportunity.
Click here to read the full release on the outcome of the Summit.
About the Recreational Boating Leadership Council:
The Recreational Boating Leadership Council is a group of leaders from across all segments of the marine industry working together to address growth challenges facing the marine industry. To achieve long-term growth, the council is focused on six priority action areas: attracting younger and more diverse participants to boating, supporting industry marketing efforts, creating stronger boating advocacy, exploring issues related to the affordability of boating and creating opportunities for growing boating through education and outreach.
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Nominations Now Open for Boating Industry Top 100
Awards program recognizes top marine dealers in North America
Boating Industry magazine, the leading trade publication for marine dealers, has announced that nominations are now open for the 2013 Top 100. Every year, Boating Industry recognizes the top 100 boat dealers, selecting the best in the industry from the thousands of marine dealers in North America.
The Top 100 is honored at an invitation-only gala at the Marine Dealer Conference & Expo in November and featured in the December issue of Boating Industry and online at BoatingIndustry.com. Top 100 dealers also receive a marketing package to help promote their achievement and all applicants to the program can receive feedback on their business and application.
To read the full news release, click here.
For more information on the Top 100 or to apply for the 2013 list, go to: BoatingIndustry.com/ top-100/application/. To nominate another company, contact Jonathan Sweet at jonathan.sweet@boatingindustry.com.
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Report a Maritime Observation
The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) offers an opportunity for boaters, who know New Jersey's waterways best, to send their observations about aids to navigation, shoaling, debris, etc., within a state navigation channel directly to Maritime Resources. This information is especially critical in the wake of Hurricane Sandy and will assist government officials in identifying debris and shoaling issues in the waterways.
REPORT YOUR OBSERVATION HERE
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MTA/NJ Website: Members Helping Members
If you have items or services that could help other members in their recovery and rebuilding from Hurricane Sandy, or if you are in need of something, please contact the MTA/NJ and we will post it on the page. To visit the Members Helping Members page, click here.
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Progressive Insurance Atlantic City Boat Show
The show is being held February 6-10, 2013 at the Atlantic City Convention Center. The MTA/NJ proudly endorses the Progressive Insurance Atlantic City Boat Show and encourages members to support the show by becoming an exhibitor, attending and promoting the show to your customers, colleagues, friends and family. "We are excited for the upcoming Progressive Insurance Atlantic City Boat Show. The NMMA's support of the Marine Trades Association of New Jersey is important for our success and the health of our industry. An effective boat show in Atlantic City translates into a prosperous year for our members," stated Kersten Roehsler, Viking Terminal Marine and MTA/NJ President. "We are proud to endorse this show." For the latest Exhibitor News, including Move-In Schedule, Discounts and the Salesperson Award: click here.
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New Jersey Boat Sale & Expo
 The 2nd Annual New Jersey Boat Sale & Expo will be held on February 21-24, 2013 at the New Jersey Convention & Expo Center in Edison. The inaugural show was held in February 2012 and was a highly successful event that delivered results for exhibitors and exceeded expectations for attendees. Exhibitor applications are available and spaces are selling fast. Be sure to review the event layout as well as the exhibitor application.
We are looking forward to a great show that we know will bring you qualified buyers and deliver results. We have put together a comprehensive and aggressive marketing plan that includes a mix of television, billboards, print, radio, online advertising, social media promotions and more. Click on our Marketing Summary to see all of the ways we are promoting the show. Click on on the links below to view some of our Marketing materials, including a poster you can print and hang at your business to help promote the show.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available for the show. Please contact Melissa Danko by email or at 732-292-1051 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor of the New Jersey Boat Sale & Expo.
As your Trade Association, it is our goal to provide affordable and effective opportunities to sell your products and services and help grow your business.
If you have any questions at all, feel free to give us a call at 732-292-1051 or send an email to info@jerseyboatexpo.com.
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MTA/NJ Conference & Expo 2013
March 14, 2013 - Eagle Ridge Country Club, Lakewood, NJ
The MTA/NJ Conference & Expo is a one day educational event that is held every other year and organized specifically for marine business owners, operators, employees and anyone involved in recreational boating in New Jersey. The conference will cover a wide range of subjects with informative presentations and interactive sessions designed to help participants manage their businesses more prosperously and provide them with the tools needed for success. The conference will also address many of the new issues and challenges that members are dealing with as a result of Hurricane Sandy. Please mark your calendars now for this important event and look for more detailed information to be sent in early February.
If there are any issues or topics you wish to hear about at the 2013 Conference, please contact the MTA/NJ office by calling 732-292-1051 or email: info@mtanj.org.
Sponsorship opportunities are now available for the Conference. For more information, click here.
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Save these important dates for 2013:
February 6-10, 2013
Atlantic City Convention Center
February 21-24, 2013
NJ Convention & Expo Center
March 14, 2013
Eagle Ridge Golf Club, Lakewood
Full 2013 Calendar of Events Coming Soon
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Marine Trades Association of New Jersey
"New Jersey's Voice on the Water"
2516 Highway 35, Suite 201 | Manasquan, New Jersey 08736
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MTA/NJ Website Highlight
The Members News & Events page is a new member benefit that was added in 2012 for Members use only. If you have an event coming up or news that you wish to get out to the membership, please fill out the form and send back to the MTA/NJ office. We will then have it posted. Be sure to check out the page to see other members events and news. Click here if you have an event or news you wish to be posted.
To visit the Members News & Events page click here.
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Help Grow the MTA/NJ Membership!
Help spread the word about our great Association to local marine-related businesses in your area. Tell them what we do and why you are a member.
Here are some resources to help:
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