MRAA) has been selected from a distinguished field of nominees and recently named the “2015 Association of the Year” by the Midwest Society of Association Executives (MSAE). The award was presented during MSAE’s annual leadership conference in St. Cloud.

Founded in 1972 and headquartered in Minneapolis, the MRAA renders educational, developmental, legislative, regulatory and promotional services to boat retailers located in all 50 states and throughout Canada. Membership uncorks a dynamic benefit bundle that includes the industry’s only dealer certification program, customized marketing solutions, discounted insurance rates, warranty processing and access to a vast archive of interactive training material. 

The leading edge of MRAA’s member benefit package centers around the popular Marine Industry Certified Dealership Program, which offers a roadmap to developing and maintaining a successful dealership. Retooled and modernized under the direction of Sonja Moseley, participation in the certification program has grown by more than 50 percent over the last two years and now includes online portals covering areas ranging from techniques to maximize sales and enhancing customer satisfaction to search engine optimization and digitizing inventory. 

Additionally, more than 1,100 retailers, marina owners and boat builders recently attended the annual Marine Dealers Conference and Expo in Orlando—hosted jointly by MRAA and Boating Industry Magazine. The gathering is the largest educational event of its kind in North America and features an itinerary stacked with marquee speakers, laser-focused seminars covering a dynamic array of subject matter and events designed specifically for young professionals.