About MRAA
· Why Statement · Vision · Mission · Core Values · Strategic Plan · History ·
Why Statement
At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, we believe that the success of the marine industry begins and ends with the success of our dealers – the retail organizations that deliver sales and ownership experiences to today’s boaters. These organizations and the individuals they employ must deliver on the promise of the boating lifestyle every single day with every single interaction. Their success drives the success of our entire industry.
As the leading training and education organization for the marine dealer body, MRAA fuels the success of the boating industry by delivering dealerships the tools, resources and educational programs they can use to strengthen their organizations and find the success they desire. Stronger dealers lead to stronger manufacturers and suppliers, which lead to a stronger industry. And in the midst of it all, MRAA promotes and protects that success by serving as the voice of those dealers, continuously working to ensure a business environment that is conducive to boat sales and retail operations.
Vision
A thriving marine industry, driven by dealer success.
Mission
We fuel dealer success.
Core Values
AUTHENTICITY – First and foremost, we lead with genuine humility, kindness and integrity in building and nurturing relationships with MRAA team members, volunteers and all industry stakeholders.
ACCOUNTABILITY – We demonstrate transparency and accountability in operating a member-driven organization, using great care and responsibility in how we invest our industry’s time and financial resources in pursuit of the MRAA mission and vision.
LEADERSHIP – We exemplify authentic leadership in how we serve our industry, the dealership community and our team, and in how we represent the voice of marine retailers, collaborate on behalf of their best interests, and deliver them quality programs and services.
DRIVE – We strive for continuous improvement in everything we do on behalf of our organization, our team, our members and our industry, investing in growth and encouraging the development of those we work with and work for.
Strategic Plan
MRAA staff, board and strategic partners set updated priorities for the association’s work in serving North American dealerships. Click here for the Strategic Plan
History
Timeline
2023
February
The MRAA and MRAA Dealer Solutions successfully launched the MRAA Verified Program. Learn more about MRAA Verified Program.2021
December
MRAA hosts first Dealer Week in Texas, where the association was Founded
2021
December
MRAA launches Certified Pre-Owned Boat Program. Learn more about CPO.
2020
December
2019
December
MRAA launches Dealer Week. Learn more about Dealer Week.
2015
January
MRAA launches MRAATraining.com online courses. View all MRAATraining Courses
2014
October
MRAA acquires the Marine Industry Certified Dealership Program. Learn more about Certification.
2013
May
MRAA Opens Minneapolis Office
2011
December
MRAA President Phil Keeter retires
2008
November
MRAA rebrands MRAA Annual Conference as Marine Dealer Conference & Expo, contracts Boating Industry magazine to help produce event
1997
September
MRAA, NMMA partner in “Uniting the Industry for Growth”
1995
December
MRAA buys the Charleston International Boat Show
1994
July
MRAA forms MRAA Boat Shows, Inc., names Larry Russo Sr. President
1993
August
MRAA forms MOAA, the Marina Operators Association of America
1992
September
MRAA buys the Atlanta Marine Trades Expo
1989
April
MRAA opens Chicago office
1989
April
Phil Keeter Named MRAA Executive Director (title later changed to President)
1989
February
MRAA produces first model Dealer/Manufacturer Agreement
1989
January
MRAA signs agreement with CNA Insurance to provide boat dealer insurance
1988
December
MRAA Executive Director Matt Kaufman retires
1987
September
MRAA creates “Darlene Briggs Marine Woman of the Year” award
1986
August
MRAA sponsors first national trade show, The Atlanta Marine Trade Expo
1985
July
Matt Kaufman named Executive Director of MRAA
1978
January
MRAA adds Duane Spader as first dealer trainer
1977
November
MRAA launches Shirtsleeve Session as first educational program
1972
January
MRAA names Bill Ferguson its first Executive Director, a part-time volunteer “donated” by the Boating Trades Association of Metro Houston