MINNEAPOLIS, Dec. 1 – The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) announced today that it added two new employees to its Education Team: Senior Education Developer Bernie DeGraw and Education Coordinator Carolyn Howell.
“Adding Bernie and Carolyn will help us enhance our educational initiatives and deliver on our mission to fuel dealer success,” said Liz Walz, Vice President of Education. “They both have already made great contributions to our educational products and bring with them unique perspectives and skill sets that will improve our team.”
Meet Bernie DeGraw – Senior Education Developer
DeGraw will work closely with the MRAA Education Team to develop new educational opportunities for MRAA Members, leveraging his valuable experience managing a marine dealership. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English and a Master’s in School Counseling. DeGraw will maintain his role as part owner of FLX Marine in the Finger Lakes of Central New York. He spends his free time with his family, boating and reading.
“I am incredibly pleased and proud to be a part of the outstanding MRAA Team,” says DeGraw. “It is exciting to be able to lend an additional perspective to the creation of the Education that MRAA provides. I look forward to helping dealers build and continue success, and to supporting the boating industry as a whole.”
Meet Carolyn Howell – Education Coordinator
Howell is a recent college graduate who joined MRAA after completing an internship with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. She brings a strong editorial and design background to her role, where she will support MRAA’s education efforts on behalf of retailers. Howell is an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoys hiking, boating, fishing and exploring the Twin Cities with her friends.
“I have been deeply impressed by the MRAA’s commitment to fostering the success of the marine industry, listening attentively to the individual voices of boat dealers across the country and helping them grow as businesses that bring people onto the water,” says Howell. “I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of such a passionate and driven team!”
Attendees of MRAA’s Dealer Week Conference and Expo, next week in Tampa, Fla., will have an opportunity to connect in person with Bernie and Carolyn.
About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, we believe that for the marine industry to thrive, the retail organizations that interact with the boaters in their community must thrive. With that in mind, MRAA works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting those retailers, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, visit MRAA.com or contact us at 763-315-8043.
