Minneapolis, Minn. December 27, 2011 Minnesota ranked eleventh in the U.S. for annual new boat sales, generating $288 million in 2010, so its no wonder thousands of boaters and outdoor enthusiasts are expected to flock to the Progressive Insurance Minneapolis Boat Show again this year. Next month, the 2012 show marks its 40th year as the Upper Midwests premier boating event.

There is no question why Minneapolis is known as the City of Lakes. Each year, Minnesotans spend countless hours enjoying the dozens of beautiful lakes and parks that this city has to offer. Reaching this 40-year milestone is a celebration of how boating has become an important part of our citys culture, said Jen Thompson, show manager. For generations, the show has been a pastime for many Minnesota families to get a taste of summer, and were excited to honor four decades of on-the-water fun at the 2012 show!

Launched in 1972 as a way for marine dealers to showcase their new model year boats, marine products and services, the show rapidly gained momentum, becoming the prime marine marketplace in the region and an annual destination for fans of the water to escape the winter chill and soak up an indoor version of the boating lifestyle.

This decades-long tradition continues January 19-22, 2012 with a 25 percent increase in size at the Minneapolis Convention Center. This years show offers a larger-than-ever selection of the newest boats and marine accessories to shop, plus additions of indoor on-water experiences, including the Marina & Yacht Club, and Flowrider, one of the industrys most talked-about new water sports.

From celebrity appearances, to the debut of novelty acts such as Twiggy the Water-skiing Squirrel, to classic boat displays, the Progressive Insurance Minneapolis Boat Show has endured for 40 years as the areas premier boating showcase and one of the regions favorite pastimes. The history of the show is alive and well with icons of the Minnesota boating industry on hand to discuss the evolution of the show, including Dave Perkins, the original founder of the Minneapolis Boat Show, long-time exhibitors Ed Hannay of Hannays Marine and Jon Vogt of North Shore Marina.

For additional information and story ideas on the history of the Progressive Insurance Minneapolis Boat Show, visit our interactive timeline here.

Show Details

When: Thursday Sunday, January 19-22, 2012

Thursday and Friday, January 19-20 12:00-9:00p.m.

Saturday, January 21 10:00a.m.-9:00p.m.

Sunday, January 22 10:00a.m.-5:00p.m.

Where: Minneapolis Convention Center

1301 Second Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Tickets: Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.MinneapolisBoatShow.com or onsite the day of the show. Cost for tickets:

Adults (16 and older): $10.00

Youth (15 and under): FREE with paid adult

Active Military: FREE - present military ID at the box office onsite

Web: MinneapolisBoatShow.com; www.twitter.com/MPLSBoatShow; find us on Facebook.

Editors Note: Preview photos are available upon request. FREE wireless will be available in the exhibit halls during show hours.

About the Progressive Insurance Minneapolis Boat Show: The 40th annual Progressive Insurance Minneapolis Boat Show is produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the worlds largest producer of boat shows 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 information, visit www.nmma.org.

About Progressive

The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies is a leader in boat insurance and the largest seller of personal watercraft insurance in the U.S. It offers flexible, year-round coverage so boaters can go wherever they choose, whenever they choose and have peace of mind theyre protected. Specialty coverages which vary by state include On-Water Towing, Roadside Assistance, Personal Effects, Total Loss Replacement, and Pet Injury.

Progressive makes it easy to understand, buy, and use vehicle insurance. Progressive offers choices so consumers can reach us whenever, wherever, and however its most convenient for themonline at progressive.com, by phone at 1-800-PROGRESSIVE, or in-person with a local agent.

Media Contact: Bonnie Harris

612-801-0912 or harris@waxmarketing.com

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