The Ohio Marine Trades Association employs a full-time lobbyist to monitor all proposed legislation and new regulations that directly and indirectly impact the marine industry. OMTA members have access to exclusive information that impacts the boating industry in Ohio.
PARTICIPATE IN OUR INITIATIVES AS A MEMBER
A Proven Record of Change.
- Successfully worked with Governor DeWine’s team to include Ohio’s marine businesses and boating in general as “essential” services to remain open during the COVID-19 crisis.
- Defended Ohio sales tax law so boaters only pay tax on difference between their newly purchased boat and trade in value (not on full price of new boat).
- Ensured the Waterways Safety Fund benefited from Ohio’s gas tax increase.
- Increased the time to transfer boat titles.
- Lobbied for Clean Vessel Act federal grants to build pump-outs.
- Promoted access to Boating Infrastructure Grants to build transient docks.
- Advocated for increased Division of Parks and Watercraft funds for building new launching ramps.
- Improved basic requirements for the proper issuance of Ohio’s ZZ numbers.
- Continuous monitoring of the Waterways Safety Fund expenditures.
- Successfully worked with lawmakers to designate June officially “Ohio Goes Boating” month (only state in nation with designation).
- Successfully headed off multiple attempts to cut off boaters’ trade-in tax credits and thus increase the sales tax required.
OHIO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2023 RECREATIONAL BOATING EVENT
Ohio legislators and business leaders from across the state descended upon Sandusky, Ohio for the Ohio Chamber of Commerce’s biennial policy conference. The Ohio Marine Trades Association (OMTA) was proud to sponsor the recreational boating activity on Thursday, August 10th, 2023. OMTA members and staff generously donated their time, expertise, and most importantly BOATS to make the afternoon a success! A special thanks to OMTA members: Catawba Moorings, Clemons Boats, Pier 53, South Shore Marine, Skipper Buds and True North Yacht Sales for volunteering their resources.
The event hosted roughly 20 lawmakers, including key members of House and Senate leadership, along with area leaders from Shores and Island and Cedar Fair to name a few. A former Lt. Governor of Ohio was also on board! The day was spent exploring all that Lake Erie has to offer, including special exhibits on Put-In Bay hosted by Lake Erie Awareness Day.