November 22, 2010

NEWS from BoatUS
Boat Owners Association of The United States
880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 22304
BoatUS Press Room at www.BoatUS.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: Mike Smith, NMBA, 231-409-3521, mike.smith@globalmarineinsurance.com
Peggy Bodenreider, NMBA, 714-473-8523, peggy@sterlingacceptance.com
D. Scott Croft, BoatUS, 703-461-2864, SCroft@BoatUS.com

BoatUS Foundation Receives $5,000 Donation From Marine Bankers


Photo Caption: National Marine Banker Association President Karen Trostle (L) and Director Mike Smith present $5,000 donation to Carroll Robertson (R), who is accepting it on behalf of the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water.
Download hi-res photo.
 

 CHICAGO, Ill., November 22, 2010 -- The National Marine Bankers Association (NMBA) presented the nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water with a donation of $5,000 as a gesture of gratitude for an organization that has served boaters well.

 
“We feel the BoatUS Foundation is a very worthy organization. They spend money responsibly to promote stewardship of America’s waterways and make boating safe and enjoyable,” said Mike Smith, representing the NMBA Board of Directors. “The organization effectively controls overhead with 85% of its income being used for a variety of education and life-saving programs.”
 
Smith highlighted several initiatives that made BoatUS Foundation a clear choice for this donation, including the Children’s Life Jacket Loaner Program (which is now established in all 50 states with over 500 active sites), the EPIRB rental program which has saved 63 lives to date, and, the more than $1 million awarded through boating safety and clean water Grassroots Grant programs since 1997.
 
“With this donation, the NMBA gives back to the industry and customers it serves and we greatly appreciate their generosity,” said BoatUS Foundation President Ruth Wood. “These funds will go to support programs and projects that touch boaters nationwide.”
 
In addition to this donation, the NMBA has recognized the efforts of Grow Boating, with contributions of more than $9,500 in the past three years. 
 
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About the National Marine Bankers Association:
 
Membership in the NMBA includes financial institutions such as commercial banks, private financing firms, savings and loan companies, and credit unions. Associate members provide services to the marine lending community. Members extend or originate credit to consumers, retailers/dealers and manufacturers of recreational boats and equipment. For details, visit www.marinebankers.org.
 
About the BoatUS Foundation:
 
The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating. Funded primarily by the half million members of BoatUS, it provides innovative educational outreach directly to boaters and anglers with the aim of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of America's waterways and keeping boating safe for all. To make a tax-deductible donation to this 501(c)(3) nonprofit, go to www.BoatUS.com/foundation.