Capitalizing on the high-powered politicians and others who will descend on the Charlotte area during the DNC, the National Marine Manufacturers Association is meeting in Lake Norman to raise awareness about how the recreational boating industry spurs economic development. “The goal is to expose our area to others who might not have seen it otherwise,” said Visit Lake Norman’s Marketing & Communications Manager Courtney Wolfrom, adding that the organization has recruited the boating association since October. “We’re thrilled to be able to showcase our area.”
According to the NMMA, recreational boating generated $32.3 billion in sales and services in 2011, up 6 percent from 2010. Roughly 83 percent of recreational boats sold in the United States were manufactured in this country, said Lauren Dunn, public relations manager for the organization. In North Carolina, there are 204 marine manufacturers that employ 8,301 people. In 2011, state residents spent $626.7 million on recreational water craft and $661.8 on total trip spending. During that year, the recreational boating industry employed about 10,330 people.