KANSAS CITY, Mo. — With a rising need for talent in the recreational boating industry, as the industry continues its multi-year growth trajectory, the 66th Annual Progressive® Insurance Kansas City Boat & Sportshow® is hosting its first Career Day on Friday, Jan. 10. Open to high school, college and technical school students, as well as job seekers, Career Day will provide the opportunity for attendees to learn about marine careers from industry professionals and job opportunities available.
“As the industry continues to grow locally, there has been an increase in demand for skilled workers, which is how Career Day was born,” said Becca Doyle, Kansas City Boat & Sportshow Show Manager. “The inaugural boat and sportshow Career Day will host a dynamic array of speakers who will give students information firsthand on the size, impact and scope of the industry and details on the many career opportunities in Missouri.”
Students will get the chance to hear from marine business professionals on career advice, industry insights, job openings during a Q&A panel from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 10, in the Progressive Booth at Bartle Hall. Speakers and registration information for the event can be found here.
Recreational Boating Economic Impact
Recreational boating is an American pastime and economic engine. The industry has a positive impact on the Missouri economy, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). Following are key findings:
- $4.5 billion economic impact in Missouri. Recreational boating accounts for $4.5 billion of Missouri’s annual economic impact. This includes manufacturers, suppliers, sales, services, boating activities and business tax revenue.
- Recreational boating heavily supports local jobs and businesses. 16,420 Missouri jobs are supported by the industry, as well 673 Missouri businesses.
- Strong local market for recreational boating. 289,854 boats are registered in Missouri, and Missouri sees $468 million annually from the retail sale of new boats, engines and marine accessories.
On a national level NMMA research shows growth in the industry as well:
- U.S. boating is a net exporter, with $1.5 billion in annual boat exports.
- 95 percent of boats sold in the U.S. are made in the U.S.
- 84 percent of U.S. boat manufacturers are small businesses.
More About the 66th Annual Progressive® Insurance Kansas City Boat & Sportshow®
In additional to Career Day, the Kansas City Boat & Sportshow is a one-stop marketplace for everything outdoors. It is the region’s largest indoor gathering for outdoor enthusiasts. With more than 300 new boats to board and buy and a variety of activities and educational opportunities, the show offers plenty of outdoor fun for attendees of all ages.
This year’s show will take place Thursday, Jan. 9 from 2 to 9 p.m., Friday, Jan. 10 from noon to 9 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 11 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The show will be at H. Roe Bartle Hall, located at 301 W. 13th St., Kansas City, MO 64105.
A full list of 66th Annual Progressive® Insurance Kansas City Boat & Sportshow® exhibitors, events and more can be found at www.kansascitysportshow.com.
Keep up to date with giveaways and details for this year’s show by following the Progressive® Insurance Kansas City Boat & Sportshow® on Instagram and Facebook and #KCBoatShow.
For more information on the Career Day event or to sign up as a student, please visit: https://www.kansascitysportshow.com/career-day.Please note full show title: Progressive® Insurance Kansas City Boat & Sportshow®. About the Progressive® Insurance Kansas City Boat & Sportshow The Progressive Insurance Kansas City Boat & Sportshow is produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the world’s largest producer of boat and sportshows and 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 throughout the U.S. and Canada. The association is dedicated to industry growth through programs in public policy advocacy, market statistics and research, product quality assurance and promotion of the boating lifestyle. For more, visit www.nmma.org. To learn more about Progressive Insurance, visit www.progressive.com or contact Julie Kolencik at Julie_Kolencik@Progressive.com, (440) 395-2019. ###