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.

2022

July

MRAA rebrands to celebrate 50 years

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

DW Online MRAA hosts first Dealer Week Online virtual event

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

2011

Head shot of MRAA President Matt Gruhn in a blue collared shirt in front of wood backdrop

September

Matt Gruhn becomes President of MRAA, replacing Phil Keeter

2008

November

MRAA rebrands MRAA Annual Conference as Marine Dealer Conference & Expo, contracts Boating Industry magazine to help produce event

2005

February

MRAA, NMMA launch Discover Boating

2004

July

The MRAA Educational Foundation is established

1997

September

MRAA, NMMA partner in “Uniting the Industry for Growth”

1995

December

MRAA buys the Charleston International Boat Show

1995

June

MRAA launches new logo, Bearings newsletter

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

October

MRAA forms ACMA, the Advisory Council of Marine Associations

1989

April

MRAA opens Chicago office

1989

April

MRAA names first Washington, D.C.-based lobbyist, Larry Innis

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

1982

November

MRAA Hosts First National Convention

1979

November

MRAA launches first annual Dealer Congress

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

1972

January

MRAA Established in Texas