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

The MRAA created YLAC as an advisory group to represent the needs and the 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.

“YLAC has been an incredible benefit to the MRAA,” says Matt Gruhn MRAA President. “Not only does this group bring a new level of energy to the association, but its members also add a new perspective and a longer-term approach to our thinking, which helps us better fill the needs of all of our members in addition to attracting and fostering a new generation of leadership within the marine dealer body.”

Since its inception, YLAC has successfully infused the MRAA with new ideas and insights, and in order to continue this, 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. Applicants or nominees for this group must be under 40 years of age, must hold a position of significance in a dealership, and must have a minimum of 5 years of marine industry experience.

• Apply to the Young Leaders Advisory Committee
• Nominate a Young Professional to YLAC

Nominations must be submitted by June 30, 2012, and applications must be submitted by July 31, 2012. Please email MRAA President Matt Gruhn or call him at 763-315-8043 or email YLAC Chairman Ryan Hebert or call him at 409/898-7632 for more information.

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