SureShade co-founders Ron and Dana Russikoff recently spent an afternoon hosting federal, Pennsylvania and Philadelphia lawmakers on their company boat, Shady Lady, to focus attention on the Delaware riverfront’s development and boating opportunities.

NMMA’s Erica Crocker co-hosted the event. Dana Russikoff is an NMMA Marine Accessories and Components Division board member.

On the boat ride were U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle, D-Penn., Democratic state Rep. Mike Driscoll, Philadelphia Councilman Bobby Henon, Philadelphia City Councilmen at-large Derek Green and Al Taubenberger, and former U.S. Rep. Bob Borski, according to a company statement.

Capt. Jim Morrissey, officer of the both the Delaware River Yachtsman’s League and Chesapeake Bay Yacht Clubs Association, also attended.

The mission of DRYL is to promote yachtsmanship on the Delaware River, its tributaries and surrounding territory. The CBYCA is an association of yacht clubs, boating clubs, and marine associations located throughout the five-state Chesapeake Bay region and the District of Columbia.

The ride allowed everyone to view current projects like the Riverfront North Greenway project from the perspective of the Delaware River. It also helped spark discussion for future amenity development and re-imagining the riverfront as a destination for tourists to come to by boat or by land.