The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas is currently accepting applications and nominations for its Young Leaders Advisory Council.

“YLAC has proven to be a major influence on the MRAA,” says MRAA president Matt Gruhn. “The energy and enthusiasm that the group brings to pushing the association forward has been extremely valuable, and many new programs and initiatives have been launched because of their passion. And we’re excited because YLAC has proven to be a great way to introduce young leadership into our board, with three of our current board members having once served on YLAC.”

The MRAA created YLAC as an advisory group to represent the needs and thinking of the next generation of marine retailers and to provide additional insight and direction to the MRAA Board of Directors. The council’s creation was based on a desire to help develop future leaders to aid in the progress and growth of the boating industry.

Since its inception, YLAC has successfully infused the MRAA with new ideas and insights. One initiative YLAC recently launched is the Young Professional Network and Event, which takes place annually at the Marine Dealer Conference & Expo. This event has grown over the last two years and is providing young leaders an avenue to connect with one other and discuss issues that are important to their growth, development and management of their careers.

In order to continue YLAC’s successful momentum, the association is looking to add new members to this vibrant group.Applications can be submitted by anyone interested in joining the group, and individual nominations of potential YLAC candidates can be submitted directly to the MRAA, who will then contact each nominee.

Applicants or nominees should be willing to meet face-to-face with the group twice a year and provide their ideas and insights, in addition to working jointly with other council and MRAA Board of Directors members on subcommittees. To apply or be nominated, candidates must be under 40 years of age, hold a position of significance in a dealership and have a minimum of five years of marine industry experience.

Click here to apply to YLAC, or click here to nominate a young professional for YLAC. Applications and nominations must be submitted by Sept. 30.

For more information, contact Matt Gruhn at 763-315-8043; matt@mraa.com or YLAC chairman Josh Vallely at 701-258-9223; josh@vallelymarine.com.

About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA), we believe that for the marine industry to thrive, the companies that interact with the boater in their community must thrive. Those businesses determine the boater’s experience and are the leading factor in the industry’s success. MRAA works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting those businesses, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, visit ###