MINNEAPOLIS — The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas and the Wisconsin Marine Association announced today that the MRAA has been selected to take over the management of the WMA.

The WMA, now based in Minneapolis, is a four-year-old marine trades association that serves the state of Wisconsin. It was managed primarily as a marina association over most of its existence, but recently changed its focus to serve more of the broader marine industry, including dealers, manufacturers and suppliers. The association has maintained some part-time assistance over the years, but for the most part had been managed by volunteer members.

The MRAA took a similar step last year by taking on the management of the North Central Marine Association. Since that time, activity within the association has been rising, having held a golf tournament, a member meeting, and most recently, by hosting a Marine Retail University that drew more than 70 people.

“We are honored to be selected to manage the WMA,” says Matt Gruhn, President of MRAA and newly named Director of WMA. “We are proud to say that our management of the NCMA, which began in mid-2012, has been a success, and with the businesses of Wisconsin and Minnesota sharing so many traits, this is a logical step for MRAA. We’re just happy to be able to help the Wisconsin association strengthen its footprint in the market.”

The MRAA will manage the WMA’s administrative functions and bookkeeping responsibilities in addition to taking on full responsibility for the WMA’s marketing and legislative efforts and membership growth. MRAA will also organize and execute WMA events.

“This is a great opportunity for WMA to take the next step in its evolution,” says Jon Kukuk, chairman of the WMA board and president of Nestegg Marine, Marinette, Wis. “We’ve watched closely as the MRAA and NCMA relationship developed, and we believe that this is a perfect partnership for us to strengthen the WMA.”

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