NMMA - National Marine Manufacturers Association Inc.
11/06/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/06/2026 08:39
Chaparral and Robalo Boats Showcase American Manufacturing During Rep. Austin Scott Visit
Chaparral and Robalo Boats welcomed Rep. Austin Scott (R-GA) to its manufacturing facilities on Oct. 26 for a tour and discussion about economic pressures and policy challenges facing the recreational boating industry.
During the visit, Rep. Scott met with the company's new president, Jeromie Johnston, and toured the manufacturing facilities alongside company leadership. Rep. Scott, an avid sportsman and boating and fishing enthusiast, was joined by members of his staff, including Alice Johnson and Charles White.
Company leaders shared insights into current industry conditions, including economic pressures and policy challenges affecting marine manufacturers. The visit gave Rep. Scott and his staff an opportunity to hear directly about the issues facing American boatbuilders and see firsthand the craftsmanship and innovation behind the company's boats.
"We appreciate our longstanding relationship with Congressman Scott and his team, and we thank him for taking the time to visit our facilities," said Ann Baldree, Senior Vice President, Chaparral and Robalo Boats. "Visits like these provide an important opportunity to showcase American boatbuilding and discuss the policies that help manufacturers like ours remain competitive, support good-paying jobs, and continue to invest in our industry."
The recreational boating industry supports more than 812,000 jobs nationwide and generates approximately $230 billion in annual economic impact. With 95% of boats sold in the U.S. made domestically and 93% of boatbuilders classified as small businesses, congressional visits offer elected officials valuable insight into the industry's manufacturing footprint and the policies that affect recreational marine businesses.
NMMA thanks Chaparral and Robalo Boats for hosting Congressman Scott and his staff and helping to strengthen the industry's relationships with elected officials.
NMMA encourages member companies to invite their elected officials to tour their facilities and learn more about the recreational boating industry. These visits help demonstrate the industry's economic impact and ensure manufacturers have a strong voice in policy discussions in Washington. Members interested in arranging a facility visit can contact [email protected].
Pictured from left: Mike Fafard, Rep. Austin Scott (R-GA), Jeromie Johnston, Ann Baldree, and Alice Johnson.
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NMMA - National Marine Manufacturers Association Inc. published this content on November 06, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on November 06, 2026 at 14:39 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]