CYBA 46th Annual Dinner
Boating, Waterways, and Recreation Supporters Create Action in California’s Capitol
Annual California Boating Congress was a smashing success.
Sacramento, Calif. – Leaders from across the country who value California’s growing boating, waterways, and recreation industries descended on Sacramento on March 12-13, 2024 to attend the 8th Annual California Boating Congress (CBC). More than 75 industry leaders attend the two-day policy conference that featured state elected officials, regulators, and marine recreation experts.
“Each year our goal is to grow the CBC through a unified voice for California’s boating and waterway interests,” said Arron Pellerin, president of the Marine Recreation Association. “I was proud of the caliber of elected officials and state regulators who attended to hear directly from our respective industries about the challenges we are facing within our own businesses.”
The policy conference was kicked-off by State Treasurer Fiona Ma who discussed grant and loan programs offered by the Office of the State Treasurer to assist with infrastructure improvements that marinas, boat-yards, and other related industries can access. Treasurer Ma brought a team of staff from her office to directly interact with attendees to better understand the needs and challenges the state’s marine-related industries are facing.
Throughout the day participants heard from state regulators and legislators like the California Air Resources Board and the Division of Boating and Waterways about upcoming regulations and budget challenges. In the afternoon, legislative panels featured legislators representing the Central Coast Caucus, Problem Solvers Caucus, and wrapped up with a discussion on the state’s pending state budget crisis.
“To say this conference was a success for our industries would be an understatement,” said Kate Pearson, chair of the CBC. “Being in that room allowed participants to here directly from elected officials and state regulators who impact their businesses each-and-everyday. There are a lot of issues coming down from Sacramento that collectively we must engage in so that we can create change. The CBC is that opportunity.”
Besides the Marine Recreation Association, other co-hosts included BoatUS, California Association of Harbor Masters & Port Captains, Recreational Boaters of California, California Yacht Brokers Association, CCA CAL, California Marine Affairs and Navigation Conference, California Delta Chambers & Visitors Bureau, National Marine Manufacturers Association and Personal Watercraft Industry Association.
Once details are given for CBC 2025, we will provide the information to plan accordingly for attending next year.
