We would like to thank everyone that attended and supported our Christmas Party held on December 15th at Jumping Brook Country Club in Neptune. It was a wonderful night of good spirits and generosity and a great time was had by all!

Over 215 people attended to celebrate the holiday season and enjoy good company and good food. MTA/NJ members once again came through with unbelievable generosity and support by donating over 500 lbs. of food and over $100 in gift cards tor our local food banks.

Additionally, attendees purchased $3,160 in 50/50 raffle tickets. Congratulations to Gary Pstrak of Lockwood Boat Works who was the lucky winner of the 50/50! Thanks to everyone who purchased tickets, the MTA/NJ was able to help support Danicka Fike, a local 4 year old girl who is battling Stage 4 cancer.  Your generosity will help to support Danicka and her family during this very difficult time.  

Thanks to our DJ, John from Black Tie DJ's, you can view and purchase photos from the party. Not only does he provide great music during the event, he also takes some great photos! The Photobooth was a big hit once again. All attendees were able to stop by and capture all of the fun they had at the event. Be sure to check out all the great photos here!

In addition to the generosity of those that came to the party and supported the food drive and the 50/50, forty-four of our members sponsored the party. Sponsorship dollars help to cover the costs of the event and purchase all of the fabulous gifts everyone receives!

Be sure to thank a sponsor next time you see them!

Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act  Signed by President Obama

President Obama Signs Outdoor REC Act into Law

Last Thursday, President Obama signed the Outdoor Recreation Jobs and Economic Impact Act of 2016 into law, a critical bill that quantifies the true size of the outdoor economy, including recreational boating. Better known as the REC Act, it will instruct the Bureau of Economic Analysis of the Department of Commerce (DOC) to assess and analyze the U.S. outdoor recreation economy and its effects on the overall U.S. economy.

"NMMA celebrates the passage of the REC Act passage, which ensures boating and outdoor recreation access for generations to come by highlighting the economic value of recreation, an industry that supports an estimated 6 million jobs and $646 billion in economic activity," noted Thom Dammrich, NMMA president. "We're excited to be a part of the team that will work with the Bureau of Economic Analysis to shape how outdoor recreation is defined and ensure the boating and outdoor recreation industries economic reach are recognized."

The REC Act directs the Secretary of Commerce, through the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), to "conduct an assessment and analysis of the outdoor recreation economy of the United States." A temporary pilot program was enacted by the Secretary of the Interior in April, and the passage of the REC Act was needed to make sure that the outdoor economy receives official government recognition for years to come.