The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas wants to remind businesses in the marine industry who utilized Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loans that the deadline to apply for forgiveness is fast approaching. PPP loans provided a major relief to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, giving businesses additional funds for payroll and other expenses. To […]
Author: MRAA
MRAA Submits Public Comment to Federal Trade Commission ahead of Right to Repair Decision
The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas submitted comment to a newly proposed policy statement on repair restrictions by manufacturers and sellers by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Following President Joe Biden’s July 9 Executive Order, Promoting Competition in the American Economy, the FTC announced an open meeting of the Commission on July 21. Before […]
Ontario Moving to Step Three of Roadmap; to Reopen, Friday, July 16
Our friends at Boating Ontario, have reported some fabulous news about the Ontario, Canada, regarding its “Roadmap to Reopening” plan. Ontario is entering Step Three of its reopening efforts at 12:01 a.m., Friday, July 16. “Thank you members for working tirelessly to keep your families, staff and customers safe, all of your hard work is […]
NMMA Adds Former BMW Multicultural Marketing Executive Kevin M.Williams
NMMA announced today the hire of Kevin M. Williams as vice president of marketing. In this new role created in support of the NMMA’s strategic plan to expand the market for recreational boating, Williams will oversee the industry’s Discover Boating campaign and the integration of the Discover Boating brand with boat shows. This includes all […]
Pass the Handle Initiative Sunday, July 18
The Water Sports Industry Association (WSIA) shared that this Sunday, July 18, is Pass the Handle day. The initiative, created by wakeboarding legends Shaun Murray and Zane Schwenk, exists to introduce new people to towed water sports. The national awareness-driven initiative introduces friends, family, customers, co-workers and first-timers to towed water sports and teaches them […]
MRAA Celebrates the Life and Legacy of Industry Veteran, Ken Lovell
Marine industry veteran, Maxey Kenneth “Ken” Lovell, passed away July 6, 2021. “Ken Lovell has been one of the most significant contributors to the success of the MRAA since its inception nearly 50 years ago,” said Matt Gruhn, MRAA President. “Ken not only helped get MRAA on its feet in the early days, but he […]
MRAA Submits Comments on Proposed Watercraft Excise Tax Increase in Washington State
The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas submitted joint comments to the Washington state Department of Revenue (DOR) challenging their proposed increase in the Watercraft Excise Tax depreciation schedule. MRAA joined regional and national groups challenging this proposal such as BoatUS, Recreational Boating Association of Washington, Northwest Marine Trade Association, Washington Retail Association, and Washington […]
Boat History Report Joins MRAA as Platinum Partner Member
MINNEAPOLIS — July 8 — The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas announces Boat History Report has joined as a Platinum Partner Member. “Today’s information-driven boat buyers crave decision-making power from the comfort of their homes,” said Grant Brooks, CEO. “With so many options available to buy a boat, they prefer dealerships that make it […]
MRAA Supports Bipartisan Legislation To Protect GPS Systems
The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas endorsed legislation that will assure GPS units continue working, despite possible interference from 5G technology. The Recognizing and Ensuring Taxpayer Access to Infrastructure Necessary for GPS and Satellite Communications Act of 2021 (RETAIN Act) was introduced by U.S. Senators Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), ranking member of the Senate Armed […]
U.S. Coast Guard Releases 2020 Boating Safety Statistics Report
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Coast Guard released its 2020 Recreational Boating Statistics Report Wednesday, revealing that there were 767 boating fatalities nationwide in 2020, a 25.1 percent increase from 2019. From 2019 to 2020, the total number of accidents increased 26.3 percent (4,168 to 5,265), and the number of non-fatal injured victims increased 24.7 percent […]
