Page 8 - Mid America Boating - March 2023 issue

Recent Cleveland Boat Show defied recession talk

MARCH 2023 [ MID-AMERICA BOATING ] 8

For the thousands of show goers that poured packing the show aisles were clearly in a “ready lent buyer response. ed a 20 percent increase in purchases by exist-
into January’s Progressive Cleveland Boat Show, to hit the water” mood. Similarly, Jim Armington, Buckeye Sports ing boaters determined to move up this year,
including a record-breaking Saturday, the “R” “By all accounts, attendees approved of Center, the largest exhibitor with 50 water- Many reportedly delayed their purchase last
word simply didn’t exist as the sales of boats our all-new show area and floor plan in the crafts on display, noted his sales team record- year. “The big difference - availability and deliv-
and accessories topped exhibitor expectations. I-X Center,” beamed Michelle Burke, pres- ery are so much better now,” Armington said.
Concern about a possible recession slowing ident of the Lake Erie Marne Trades Asso- Looking around the show was clear evidence
down sales at Ohio’s oldest and largest show ciation and show manager. “Exhibitors also dealer inventories have significantly improved
were proven unjustified. In fact, figures on cited the new look and atmosphere as boost- as manufacturing supply chains are enjoy-
income and jobs actually are underscoring an ing their sales success.” ing major rebuilding since the pandemic. For
energetic economy that’s now seeing rising For example, attendee Ron Chiocchio of boaters, it boils down to better choices and
household incomes, continuing hot labor Mentor said the expanded features like the more immediate availabilities than have been
demands, and an incredible 53-year-low unem- Paddling Pool, more emphasis on fishing, experienced in the past 2 years.
ployment rate! and the increase in fun events were all most In addition, to the current buyer’s advantage,
Add to that a slowing inflation rate, the welcome. Meanwhile, exhibitor Tom Mack the better supply also has triggered the return
delivery of recent pay increases plus automat- of South Shore Marine reported his delight of pre-season sales incentives that had literal-
ic cost-of-living adjustments, and the boaters with the enthusiasm of the traffic and excel- ly disappeared when the pandemic hit. And,
notably, virtually all dealers reported interest
rates were hardly even brought up by buyers!
Overall, it’s agreed the show passed a
serious test with exhibitors and attendees
WE MAKE YOUR SERVICE AND when it faced the need to relocate to a new
STORAGE NEEDS CONVENIENT area in the I-X Center this year. The move was
precipitated when new I-X ownership opted to
AND AFFORDABLE significantly expand the primary distribution
and warehousing businesses, but also recog-
nized the importance of finding a way to keep
Offering the center home to the community’s most
popular annual expositions. MAB
THE MOST
COMPETITIVE Ohio legislature revises tax policy

STORAGE PRICING to spur boating businesses

We ARE your AROUND!
FULL SERVICE Ohio’s recreational boating businesses are applauding the recent action of the General Assem-
MARINE SHIPYARD • Engine, driveline & stern drive repair bly to modify a tax law that’s been causing out-of-state boatowners to balk at giving their busi-
ness to Buckeye dealers and marinas.
For several years, the Boating Associations of Ohio (BAO) has been seeking a revision to
• Full, minor to major fiberglass repair a Use Tax policy that would make the law more acceptable to out-of-state boatowners and,
• Complete gelcoat & paint services thereby, increase business for Ohio. The proposed change was passed by the General Assembly
• Headliners, wall liners, upholstery in House Bill 66 and signed by Governor DeWine.
& full carpeting repair or installation The provision was sponsored by Representative D.J. Swearingen who represents Erie and
• All winterization needs Ottawa Counties.
“Boating, especially on Lake Erie, and the economic impact it has on my district, is critically
• Mobile dockside services important,” said Swearingen. “It’s been an honor to champion this bill and I am certain it will
• Plus – heated or cold inside storage
help Ohio’s marine trade businesses thrive.”
The new provisions will encourage out-of-state owners to use winter boat storage and its
9454 Park Row, Lakeside, related services in Ohio. That’s because out-of-state customers will no longer face a provision
Lakeside-Marblehead, OH 43440 in Ohio’s Use Tax policy that would tax them on the value of their boat because it’s in winter
storage for more than 90 days. In the past, boating organizations in neighboring states have
419 798-2628 Office literally issued warnings to their members to “never winter store your boat in Ohio or face a
419 798-4700 Fax Use Tax!”
lakesideyacht@yahoo.com “We don’t want any customer to keep their business out of Ohio over fear of an unexpected
tax bill.,” said Michelle Burke, BAO’ Executive Director. “This needed revision has been narrowly
www.lakesideyachtserviceandstorage.com crafted to prevent any abuse and Ohio’s overall tax base is still protected.”
According to Burke, this long-sought change is expected to result in more off-season busi-
30 TON & 70 TON HOISTS ness for dealers, marinas and boat yards, secure jobs in the industry and, hopefully, even spur
additional watercraft sales. MAB