Weekly 5: WRRDA passes both houses

The BI Weekly 5 is a collection of news, tips and data affecting the boating industry this week. Be sure to look for the BI Weekly 5 every Tuesday on BoatingIndustry.com.

1. WRRDA passes both houses

The Water Resources Reform and Development Act, which funds improvement to the nations’ waterways from dredging to harbor expansions, overwhelmingly passed both the U.S. Senate and House last week. The bill now heads to President Obama for his signature.

2. California boat sales rebound, but still below peak

Boat sales in the nation’s largest state were up nearly 17 percent in 2013, but are still about a third of what they were in 2006, the Orange Country Register reports.

3. Consumer confidence improves in May

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index, improved in May after a decrease in April.

Consumers are slightly more optimistic about both current conditions and future expectations, The Conference Board reported. The overall index climbed to 83.0 from 81.7 in April.

4. 5 traps in paying estimated taxes

Attorney Barbara Weltman via the Small Business Administration on five mistakes that many small businesses make when it comes to making their quarterly tax payments.

5. 6 key shifts in thinking about social media

The best ways to get results from social media are shifting. Entrepreneur shares six key changes.