The Massachusetts Marine Trades Association (MMTA) has recognized state Sen. Paul Feeney as the 2024 MMTA Legislator of the Year. During a recent Business of Boating (BOB) conference held at The Lakeview Pavilion in Foxboro, Feeney was applauded for his active role in supporting the recreational boating industry in Massachusetts, his work in helping assist in workforce solutions, and support of technical schools around the state.

Released: February 1, 2025

The Massachusetts Marine Trades Association (MMTA) hosted its 19th annual Business of Boating (BOB) Conference at the Lakeview Pavilion in Foxboro, Massachusetts, on Thursday, January 23. The conference brought together just under 200 attendees. The professional development conference provided attendees with sessions that included workforce development, A.I. marketing tips and tools, Safe Boating updates, employment law, technological advancements within the industry, government relations, legislative issues and more.

Released: January 29, 2025

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey this week signed into law the Hanson-Milone Act, which requires state boaters to obtain a safety certificate that must be present on the boat being operated at all times. “The signing of the Hanson-Milone safe boating bill provides a gateway to further education for the recreational boating industry in Massachusetts, leading to lives saved on the waterways for years to come,” Randall Lyons, executive director of the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association, said in a statement. “Thank you to many involved in passing the bill, especially Rep. LaNatra and Christopher Jean, her chief of staff, for their many years of working on this bill.”

Released: January 10, 2025

The Massachusetts Marine Trades Association welcomes Representative Jessica Giannino (D-16th Suffolk) as the new Co-Chair of the Legislative Boating Caucus. Hailing from a waterfront district with a rich maritime history, Representative Giannino will undoubtedly help protect and support the recreational boating industry. This statewide industry contributes over 5 billion dollars annually to the Commonwealth. Representative Giannino will join current Co-Chairs on the Senate side, Senator Patrick O’Connor and Senator Paul Feeney, and the recently announced new Co-Chair on the House side, Representative Steven Xiarhos.

Released: November 13, 2024

The Massachusetts Marine Trades Association recently announced the release of a new report highlighting 17 of their educational partner schools.

With an economic impact of over $5 billion dollars, over 1,000 businesses and close to 20,000 employees in Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association (MMTA) and the Massachusetts Marine Trades Educational Trust (MMTET) recognize a top priority within the industry remains workforce solutions. Understanding the importance of training the future leaders within the industry, MMTA said it has been fortunate to work with many partner schools in and around Massachusetts.

Released: July 18, 2024

Recently, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey signed the 2025 state budget, which included $150,000 in funding for workforce development and career technical education initiatives within the recreational boating industry. This funding will continue the initiatives and progress that the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association (MMTA) has made to help meet the workforce challenges within the industry.

Released: August 20, 2024

The Massachusetts Marine Trades Association held Massachusetts Kids Boating & Fishing Week June 1 to 9. The program is intended to encourage kids to fish and go boating, with events held around the state.

Released: May 30, 2024

The Massachusetts Marine Trades Association held its annual Business of Boating Conference on Jan. 25 in Foxboro, Mass. The conference drew 175 attendees, a 10% increase over last year.

Released: Jan 30, 2024

U.S. representative Jake Auchincloss (D-Mass.) toured the Discover Boating New England Boat Show last week with National Marine Manufacturers Association vice president of Northeast boat shows Jon Pritko and Massachusetts Marine Trades Association executive director Randall Lyons.

Released: Feb 23, 2023