NMMA Canada Names New Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs... Sara Anghel, selected for newly created position, starts March 3^rd

  BOLTON , ONTARIO , February 21, 2008 – The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) recently hired Sara Anghel as vice president of Government Relations and Public Affairs for NMMA Canada.

Anghel has a breadth of experience in government, the private sector and associations spanning 11 years. Most recently, she served as vice president of Government Relations and Public Affairs with the Ontario Energy Association.

Anghel spent seven years working within the Ontario government in a number of ministries including energy, natural resources and health, and was Chief of Staff to Jim Wilson, MPP, Ontario’s Minister of Northern Development & Mines and Environment.

In her new role with NMMA Canada, Anghel will lead our industry representation and advocacy efforts in Canada by providing counsel, support and strategic input to a range of policy and advocacy issues. She will also play a key role in shaping, steering and implementing advocacy strategies primarily focused at the federal level.

To leverage support for important issues and initiatives, Anghel will be responsible for building relationships and interfacing with industry executives and key stakeholders, including members, boat manufacturers and federal agencies. She will help gather intelligence, advise senior management, represent and promote the organization, and educate government officials regarding industry activities. Anghel will likewise be responsible for managing the affairs of the Board of Directors and working groups of NMMA Canada, and working with Robyn Connolly , director of Member Services and Communications for NMMA Canada.

“We are thrilled to have Sara overseeing government relations efforts on behalf of NMMA Canada,” says NMMA president Thom Dammrich . “Her years and breadth of experience will serve the association well as she takes the reigns and begins working to support recreational boating interests throughout Canada .”

“The search committee for this position was impressed with Sara’s background in government, communications and as an industry lobbyist, as well as her experience managing association committees,” says NMMA Canada chairman Rick Layzell.  “She has the track record of success we were looking for in this position.”

For more information about NMMA Canada, contact Robyn Connolly at (905) 845-4999; rconnolly@nmma.org .

National Marine Manufacturers Association (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 in North America . The association is dedicated to industry growth through programs in public policy, market research and data, product quality assurance and marketing communications.