BOATING MEANS BIG BUSINESS IN OHIO WHAT IS BAO? BAO ACCOMPLISHMENTS BAO PROGRAMS THAT BENEFIT YOU BAO MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS BAO BOARD OF TRUSTEES JOIN BAO

BOATING MEANS BIG BUSINESS IN OHIO Recreational boating contributes an estimated $1.7 billion to our state's economy… Recreational boating in Ohio ranks 8th among all states with over 416,000 registered watercraft… Recreational boating provides more than 19,500 full-time, part-time, and seasonal jobs, accounting for over $386 million in annual payroll to Ohio residents… As a boater, you are part of an important business. Your needs and concerns should be addressed, and you deserve to have input in government actions that affect you. But most of us feel that we can't influence the legislative or regulatory decisions being made. We can be and we are important players on the field of government regulations and legislation in Ohio. In fact, Boating Associations of Ohio (BAO) has been doing it for years…and with great success. The BAO was established to unify Ohio's recreational boating community -- boat owners and industry alike. Together these entities have strengthened boating's presence in the Ohio State House by constantly keeping lawmakers aware of boating's interests and issues. The BAO serves Ohio boating with year-round Columbus representation and is widely recognized and respected by lawmakers as the "voice" of Ohio boating. Together with the lobbying services of the Towner Policy Group, BAO supplies state lawmakers with accurate information on bills and proposed regulations that affect Ohio's boating community…and your livelihood. As a BAO member you can directly impact the future of Ohio boating. Become a BAO member and your voice will be heard. . . and with great success.

WHAT IS BAO? The BAO was established to unify Ohio's recreational boating community -- boat owners and industry alike. Together these entities have strengthened boating's presence in the Ohio State House by constantly keeping lawmakers aware of boating's interests and issues. The BAO serves Ohio boating with year-round Columbus representation and is widely recognized and respected by lawmakers as the "voice" of Ohio boating. Together with the lobbying services of the Towner Policy Group, BAO supplies state lawmakers with accurate information on bills and proposed regulations that affect Ohio's boating community.

BAO ACCOMPLISHMENTS Won an increase in the amount of gas tax revenue allocated to the Ohio Waterways Safety Fund from 3/4% to 7/8%. Funding is earmarked for launching ramps, docking facilities and safety programs. Won passage of legislation that clarified the Wildlife Boater Angler Fund is to be used for boating access construction, improvements and maintenance on lakes on which the operation of gasoline-powered watercraft is permissible. Won passage of legislation establishing electronic titling and cross county titling for watercraft and outboard motors. Won passage of legislation establishing exemptions to the retail food establishment licensure law and included marina operators on each health district licensing council. Won passage of a Difference Law on new and used boats that has saved millions of dollars in sales tax. And many more positive actions for boating!

BAO PROGRAMS THAT BENEFIT YOU Legislation BAO and the Towner Policy Group aggressively pursue a positive legislative agenda for Ohio boating. BAO also reviews and monitors all bills in the Ohio House and Senate, plus agency proposed regulations, which may positively or negatively impact boating in the state. Communication BAO produces several publications (BAO Helmsman and Recreational Boating: Vital to Ohio) to keep members and Ohio legislators aware of boating issues and concerns as well as disseminate accurate information. BOAT-PAC This non-partisan, non-profit political action committee raises voluntary contributions for state and local elective offices that support recreational boating legislation. Helping to elect officials who view boating in a favorable light is the best defense against unfair treatment of our sport. Annual Legislative Seminar A two-day seminar held in Columbus provides BAO members with an opportunity to participate in roundtable discussions, hear guest speakers from the Statehouse, receive legislative updates, and meet one-on-one with state representatives and senators.

BAO MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS Lake Erie Marine Trades Association (LEMTA) Central Ohio Marine Dealers Association (COMDA) Southwestern Ohio Marine Trades Association (SOMTA) Greater Cleveland Boating Association (GCBA) Inter-Lake Yachting Association (I-LYA) Associated Yacht Clubs (AYC), Toledo Area Members-at-Large

BAO BOARD OF TRUSTEES BAO President Kevin Dick Captain’s Cove BAO Vice President Open BAO Secretary/Treasurer & COMDA Representative Jay Jordan Bexley Marine BAO Executive Director & LEMTA Trustee Norm Schultz LEMTA, Westlake I-LYA Representatives Dennis Mintus John Onacila LEMTA Representative Bill Schaeffer Beaver Park Marina GCBA Representatives Rich McKee Rolf Tinge GCBA Trustee Rich McKee Port Clinton AYC Trustee Ron May Strongsville At-Large-Trustee Steve Cross Alum Creek RV/Marine Legislative Representative Carolyn Towner Towner Policy Group Legal Representative Open

JOIN BAO As a BAO member you can directly impact the future of Ohio boating. Become a BAO member and your voice will be heard. If you would like more information about the BAO or wish to become a member, contact BAO Executive Director Norm Schultz at (440) 899-5009 or

Home About Us Current Issues BOAT-PAC
You Can Help Issues Forum Contact

Copyright © 2003 Boating Associations of Ohio
Website development by Victory Vision

Sign up to get the latest BAO news.r