MINNEAPOLIS — The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas announced today that it has hired Liz Walz as the organization’s Director of Membership & Marketing

“Liz and I have had a long working relationship together, and I’m absolutely thrilled to add her passion and enthusiasm for the marine industry to the MRAA team,” says Matt Gruhn, President of MRAA. “There are very few people who are as passionate about the marine industry and the dealer body in particular than Liz has proven to be, and that, along with her well-known communication skills, makes her the ideal person for this position and this association in general.”

Liz has spent the majority of her career at Boating Industry, which she joined in 1999. At B.I., she led the editorial team’s efforts and helped to create and produce the Top 100 Dealers Program and the Marine Dealer Conference & Expo, in addition to being a central contributor to the print and online editorial efforts for the better part of the last 10 years. She left B.I. at the end of April.

Walz is very familiar with the MRAA, as she has served on the association’s Young Leaders Advisory Council since its inception. As the only non-dealer to ever sit on that council, she played a significant role in its development as well as that of a handful of committees.

“I am delighted to join the MRAA during such an exciting time in the association’s growth,” says Walz. “This move is a natural one for me. Throughout my career, I’ve been inspired by the hard work, innovation and professionalism of today’s marine retailers. The opportunity to serve this group and contribute to a bright future for the boating business alongside Matt, whose work I have long admired and respected, is a dream come true.”

As Director of Membership & Marketing, Walz will be focused on interacting with MRAA members, growing MRAA membership, and driving the association’s marketing efforts. She will lead MRAA’s online efforts, including its new website and e-newsletters. And she will direct all outreach efforts to members and non-members alike as MRAA looks to continue its growth. Her official start date is today, August 15^th.

See Liz Walz’s Bio and contact info.

About Marine Retailers Association of the Americas

Celebrating its 40^th anniversary in 2012, the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas is the only North American association dedicated to furthering the interests of boat and engine dealers and other marine-related retailers throughout North America. Under the umbrella of MRAA Rewards, the MRAA offers a host of cost-saving, revenue-generating, business-improvement, and professional-development benefits exclusively for its members. MRAA is the united voice of marine retailers. For more information, visit