LIVONIA, Mich., Nov. 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Understanding the need for boaters to have their own voice, the Michigan Boating Industries Association (MBIA), which serves marine retailers and manufacturers, has created the Boaters' Association of Michigan (BAM).

BAM's members will be boat owners, boating enthusiasts and those who simply want to support boating in Michigan. BAM's mission is to create a voice for Michigan's boaters to effectively express their views on legislative and regulatory issues that impact the boating lifestyle. In addition to representation in Lansing, member benefits will include discounts at participating marine businesses and boat shows and networking at social events.

A new Web site, www.boatmichigan.org, will act as a portal and information source for BAM members as well as all boaters in Michigan. A BAM members only section will be included as well as a comprehensive product and services guide for boaters.

"We are pleased to be able to unite and organize boaters in Michigan so they can effectively express their views on legislative and regulatory issues that impact the boating lifestyle," said Van Snider, CAE, president the Michigan Boating Industries Association. "BAM is a division of MBIA, which has been protecting the boating lifestyle since 1958, through its lobbying efforts in Lansing, efforts to keep rivers, inland lakes and the Great Lakes clean and helping boaters enjoy our natural water resources."

Recreational boating is a popular outdoor recreation activity. The Secretary of State's most recent report states Michigan has 954,431 registered boats on file. "There are many challenges to the future of Michigan Boating," said Eric Foster, general partner of Belle Maer Harbor, Harrison Twp., Mich. "I highly recommend all boaters join BAM -- sailors, power boaters, paddle sport enthusiasts, and anglers. Uniting all segments of our industry can insure Michigan maintains its leadership role in boating nationwide and that we protect boating for future generations."

For a small annual investment of $25, a boater can support their favorite past time, strengthen the industries voice in Lansing, stay informed on boating issues, save on products and services, and enjoy the camaraderie. To join, boaters should go to www.boatmichigan.org and click on JOIN BAM or contact the MBIA at boatmichigan@mbia.org or 734.261.0123, ext. 200.

Michigan Boating Industries Association

CONTACT: Van W. Snider, Jr., CAE, president, MBIA, vsnider@mbia.org,
+1-734-261-0123 ext: 205, or Nicki Polan, director of communications, MBIA,
npolan@mbia.org, +1-734-261-0123 ext. 204