National Marine Manufacturers Association President, Thom Dammrich, has been appointed to the Industry Trade Advisory Committee (ITAC) on Consumer Goods. The ITAC is a part of the International Trade Administration; a government agency devoted to strengthening US industries through trade, investments and support for the National Export Initiative. Dammrich will represent the recreational boating industry as part of a committee dedicated to promoting U.S. trade and exports.

The committee itself provides nonpartisan industry input toward positions on trade agreements. It supports the administration through detailed policy and technical advice, information, and recommendations regarding trade barriers, negotiation of trade agreements, and implementation of existing trade agreements affecting industry sectors.

The ITAC will meet about six times a year in Washington, DC. The members, all of whom come from the private sector, serve in a representative capacity presenting the views and interests of a US entity in their respective industry sectors.

As exports continue to gain importance within the recreational marine industry, NMMA recently launched a new Export Development program  to respond to the growing needs of its members to explore opportunities in international markets. What’s more, NMMA has entered into a partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service (US&FCS) to create a formalized program that allows NMMA members improved access to international trade resources offered by the U.S. Federal Government.

Of his appointment, Thom Dammrich says, “I am honored to have been chosen to participate in this advisory body. Exports are an important part of the U.S. recreational boating industry and continue to help grow our members’ businesses during the economic recovery and bring American-made boats and marine products to boaters around the globe.”

Read more about the trade administration and its advisory committees here.  For questions or media inquiries please contact Lauren Dunn at 202-280-6928 or ldunn@nmma.org.

Logo courtesy of the National Marine Manufacturers Association