Press Releases

RBFF Names Thom Dammrich as New Board Chairman

ALEXANDRIA, VA (March 15, 2007) – The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF) is announcing Thom Dammrich as the organization’s new Board Chairman. Dammrich, who currently serves as president for the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), will work closely with RBFF leadership to set and achieve strategic goals.

Dammrich has been NMMA’s president since 1999 and has more than 30 years of association management experience. He has helped NMMA increase its membership by more than 30 percent, bolstered industry advocacy at both the state and federal level and expanded industry and consumer-related research efforts. Dammrich is also president of Grow Boating Inc., the organization behind the Grow Boating Initiative, the recreational boating industry’s integrated effort to increase boat sales and improve the boating experience. 

“Thom is an outstanding leader and is well-recognized for the contributions he has made to the boating industry,” said RBFF President Frank Peterson. “He has a unique understanding of industry concerns, market forces and consumer marketing that make his chairmanship especially important at this time in RBFF’s evolution.”

“I am very enthusiastic about taking on the role of Board Chairman,” Dammrich said. “Increasing participation in boating and fishing is critical for all of us in the industry. Without new participants we have no future customers. Equally important, research is now showing how essential outdoor recreation is for our nation’s youth. I believe in RBFF’s mission and I’m honored to help.”   

Dammrich is a long time proponent of collaboration between industry organizations. He serves on several industry boards including: American Boat & Yacht Council, American Recreation Coalition and International Marine Certification Institute, American Sportfishing Association, International Council of Marine Industry Associations and Sail America. He holds masters’ degrees in business administration and accounting and a bachelor’s degree in economics. Dammrich is also a Certified Public Accountant.

Officially elected at RBFF’s January Board meeting in Tampa, FL, Dammrich succeeds ZEBCO President Jeff Pontius.

About RBFF

RBFF is a nonprofit organization established in 1998 to increase participation in recreational angling and boating. RBFF helps people discover, share and protect the legacy of boating and fishing through national outreach programs including the Take Me Fishing™ and Anglers’ Legacy campaigns.

About NMMA

NMMA is the leading association representing the recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters and anglers in the United States. The association is dedicated to industry growth through programs in public policy, market research and data, product quality assurance and marketing communications.

For more information contact Stephanie West at 703-519-0013, ext. 105 or swest@rbff.org.

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