The Boating Trades Association of Metropolitan was founded in 1950 by a group of concerned and dedicated marine industry leaders in the Houston area in response to a growing need for healthier regulations and to address the needs of the ever-increasing marine and recreational boating industry along the Texas Gulf Coast. It is a non-profit organization whose code of ethics states:

"It is the sole purpose of this organization to foster better understanding between it's members, to raise the standard of service within the boating industry in this area, and to create an interested and informed boating public. We strive to promote, nurture and improve the recreational boating industry on the Texas Gulf Coast, all to the end that each member shall realize from his effort and investments that fair return which characterizes the American system of free enterprise."

Through years of experience in the recreational boating industry, the BTAMH has developed the following objectives to maintain our goals:

• To devote it's efforts and resources to the promotion of recreational boating in the Texas Gulf Coast, for the benefit of the industry, its members and the boating public.
• To maintain active committees in the fields of boat shows, legislation, education, boating safety and boating promotion.
• To work closely with local, regional and national marine organizations in an effort to increase the industry's effectiveness.
• To dedicate any and all profits from the boat shows or any other money making endeavors to be used only on behalf of programs beneficial to the sport of boating and the industry connected therewith.
• To maintain cordial and active relationships with all forms of news and advertising media.
• To maintain a permanent office, open all months of the year, properly staffed, to represent its membership and assist in any of its purposes.

Since its inception, The Boating Trades Association of Metropolitan Houston has functioned as the unifying entity in this ever-growing market, providing marine enterprises, large and small, with the necessary support, knowledge, resources and encouragement to operate successful businesses through all types of economic conditions. Now 150 members strong, The Boating Trades Association of Metropolitan Houston is one of the oldest and largest regional marine trade associations in the country. The Boating Trades Association of Metropolitan Houston is governed by its members, through regularly scheduled elections of officers to its eleven member Board of Directors.

On a daily basis, a paid, full-time staff implements the directives of the governing board operates BTAMH. BTAMH also works in conjunction with other regional, state and national boating trade associations to accomplish its goals. For over fifty years, BTAMH has proven to be an indispensable force in the overall success and well being of the Texas Gulf Coast marine market.

Through the years, the BTAMH has made numerous grants and donations to many organizations which support the recreational boating industry, including:

• Boating Trades Association of Texas
• Houston Chapter U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
• Seabrook Volunteer Fire Department - Fire & Medic Boat
• Houston Safe Boating Council
• Clear Lake Area Special Promotions
• Houston Power Squadron
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
• Better Boating Adventures
• Gulf Coast Conservation Association
• Big Brothers - Big Sisters Youth Fishing Program
• KidFish

For information on becoming a member, please contact us at 713-526-6361.