Anglers and Boaters Call on Youngkin to Move Menhaden Reduction Fishing out of the Chesapeake Bay

• National and regional groups launch effort to protect the health of the Bay and coastal economy

RICHMOND, VA, June, 14, 2022— The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas and a coalition of 10 national and 10 Virginia-based groups is urging Governor Glenn Youngkin to move menhaden reduction fishing out of the Chesapeake Bay. The recreational fishing community is concerned that years of localized depletion from the annual harvest of over 100 million pounds of menhaden in the Bay has deprived gamefish like striped bass, bluefish, and weakfish of a critical food source.

Organizations including the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP), American Sportfishing Association, Coastal Conservation Association, Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, and the Virginia Saltwater Sportfishing Association (VSSA) are dedicated to maintaining the health of the Bay, the region’s economy, and the broader marine ecosystem in the Atlantic. The coalition, which represents thousands of anglers and conservationists from Virginia and beyond, sent a letter to Governor Youngkin today asking that reduction fishing for menhaden be moved out of the Bay until science shows that it isn’t having an impact on fish and habitat.


“Our members have witnessed years of decline in our striped bass, and we believe there is a causal relation to the menhaden reduction industry in the Bay,” says Steve Atkinson, President, VSSA. “Large-scale reduction fishing is outlawed by every other state on the East Coast, so it’s high time that Virginia took action.”

The striped bass fishery is the largest marine recreational fishery in the U.S., driving $166 million in recreational fishing activity in Virginia alone. However, the economic value of striped bass fishing to Virginia has declined by over 50 percent in the past decade.

“Industrial menhaden fishing in the Bay has almost wiped out striped bass fishing charters in the fall and winter,” says Bill Pappas, Owner, Playing Hookey Charters in Virginia Beach. “Nobody will book a trip when striped bass fishing is this bad.”

Science Points to Striped Bass Numbers Decline

According to the latest science, menhaden reduction fishing contributes to a nearly 30-percent decline in striped bass numbers coastwide. Omega Protein, part of Cooke Inc., is responsible for this immense menhaden harvest, which is harming the most important striped bass nursery on the East Coast and undermining the sportfishing economy and small businesses throughout the Commonwealth. It is up to Governor Youngkin and the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) to implement commonsense regulations until science demonstrates that menhaden fishing can be allowed without negatively affecting the broader Bay ecosystem.

“Boating and fishing in the Chesapeake Bay are primary drivers of business for boat dealers across Virginia and largely depend on a robust menhaden population and strong striped bass fishery,” says Chad Tokowicz, MRAA Government Relations Manager. “For that reason, the MRAA and our Virginia members hope that Governor Youngkin will support small businesses and the state’s outdoor recreation economy by ending menhaden reduction fishing in the Chesapeake.”

A Call for Change

Local and national groups are calling on their Virginia members, as well as boaters and anglers across the East Coast, to push for change.

“Virginia has an immense responsibility to the Bay ecosystem and anglers up and down the East Coast, where recreational fishing for striped bass is a way of life,” says Whit Fosburgh, President and CEO, TRCP. “We’re making sure that there is national attention on this effort to move menhaden reduction fishing out of the Bay, an iconic fishing destination in its own right, and working closely with fisheries managers in the Atlantic and Gulf to account for the critical role of menhaden in the marine food chain.”

See the petition that fishing and boating groups are circulating now through October, when the VMRC has an opening to change menhaden regulations.

Read the coalition’s letter to Youngkin.


Important Facts for Media:
     • Reduction fishing for menhaden is the industrial harvest of an oily baitfish that is then ground up and “reduced” for use in pet food and other products.
     • This practice contributes to a nearly 30-percent decline in Atlantic striped bass.
     • Virginia is the only East Coast state where reduction fishing for menhaden has not been outlawed.
     • A single foreign-owned company, Omega Protein, removes more than 100 million pounds of menhaden every year from the Chesapeake Bay, the most important striped bass nursery on the East Coast.
     • The striped bass stock has been struggling to recover for over a decade, affecting fishing opportunities and coastal businesses.
     • Anglers are complying with an 18-percent reduction in striped bass harvest, with more cuts expected this year.
     • Omega Protein would still be able to harvest menhaden in state and federal waters.
     • A coalition of 11 national and 10 Virginia-based groups is urging Governor Glenn Youngkin — and the Youngkin-appointed Virginia Marine Resources Commission — to regulate menhaden reduction fishing in the Chesapeake Bay.

About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, we believe that for the marine industry to thrive, the retail organizations that interact with the boaters in their community must thrive. With that in mind, MRAA works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting those retailers, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, visit MRAA.com or contact us at 763-315-8043.

Black Boaters Summit Comes to 3 Cities this Summer

• MRAA Dealers Welcome to Participate

Now in its third year, Discover Boating’s partnership with the Black Boaters Summit is expanding to three vibrant markets, each home to a strong and growing Black boating community:

  • Detroit, MI – Riverside Marina on Saturday, June 14
  • New York, NY – Breezy Pointe Yacht Club on Thursday, June 19 (Juneteenth)
  • Washington, D.C. – The Yards Marina on Saturday, June 21

The Black Boaters Summit is an exclusive, RSVP-only lifestyle event designed to celebrate culture, community, and the joy of boating. Unlike traditional sales driven boat shows, the Summit offers a relaxed, welcoming environment that fosters authentic engagement. Attendees many of whom are current boat owners, new enthusiasts, or prospective buyers will enjoy a full day of on water activities and conversations centered around the boating lifestyle.

Black Boaters Summit - 2025
Save the date: 2025 Black Boaters Summit to make stops in Detroit, Washington, D.C. and New York.

Prospective buyers and those looking to take the next step by first renting or chartering will have the opportunity to RSVP for on-water boating experiences from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The day continues with a dynamic “Ask Me Anything” panel featuring boating professionals, complemented by live music, local food vendors, boating trivia, and more. Participating partners including MRAA dealers, Carefree Boat Club, and others will each receive a 10′ x 10′ booth space to engage with attendees and showcase their products and services throughout the event. Between 250 and 500 guests are anticipated at each location, in addition to numerous boaters whose vessels will be docked at the marinas or rafted nearby.
This is a meaningful opportunity to connect with a passionate, fast-growing audience in a setting that prioritizes inclusion, experience and lifestyle. For more information, see the attached flyer or contact Kevin M. Williams (kwilliams@nmma.org).

Engage Customers, Encourage Boating

• Discover Boating Safe Boating Video Series — Empower boaters with confidence, safety and inspiration

Discover Boating, in collaboration with Progressive Insurance®, has launched a fresh wave of safety videos designed to build trust, encourage on-water confidence and support the long-term growth of recreational boating.

These five new videos are part of an ongoing commitment to make boating safer, more accessible and more rewarding for current and future boaters. As a boat dealer, you can use the content to engage customers, encourage boating, promote safety and boost retention.

How to File a Float Plan, No. 3 of the 2025 Discover Boating safe boating video series with Progressive Insurance, helps dealers engage customers and encourage boating and doing it safely.


2025 Safety Video Lineup

Prepare Your Boat for Boating Season — Help customers start smart. Help them learn how to inspect and ready a boat for a successful and safe season.

How to Boat Safely with Kids — Shere these simple tips, tailored to young passengers, to keep family outings safe and fun.

Use a Float Plan for Safety (Above) — Encourage the use of a float plan and how it can save lives on the water. This video tells them what it is, why it matters and how to use one.

Life Jacket Safety Essentials — Like boaters, life jackets come in various sizes, shapes and ages. Providing this video to your customers help them know how to choose, wear and maintain life jackets for every rider in the family.

Boat Sound Signaling Devices — Boat sound signals are important to know and understand. Help your customers know what the signals mean and how to use them. Promote safety and compliance.

Why These Boat Safety Videos Matter

Each Discover Boating, powered by the NMMA and MRAA, video within the boat safety series supports key goals that benefit your customers — and your business:

  • Builds confidence by making safety second nature
  • Positions boating as a welcoming lifestyle for all ages and experience levels
  • Turns curiosity into commitment, nurturing long-term participation and boat ownership
Engage Customers, Encourage Boating - Discover Boating Boating Safety Videos
The Discover Boating, in collaboration with Progressive Insurance®, boating safety videos are designed to build trust, encourage on-water confidence and support the long-term growth of recreational boating. (Discover Boating image)
How to Share:

These boat safety videos, which engage customers and encourage boating, are ready to embed, are easy to share and free to use from the Discover Boating Industry Resource Center or YouTube channel.

Use these videos in your:

  • Website resource sections
  • Email campaigns
  • Social media posts
  • Showroom displays

About Discover Boating
Discover Boating is your go-to resource for all things boating. We believe the water is a place of welcome, adventure, wellness and connection. We’re dedicated to helping you experience the joys of life on the water, advancing boater education, safety and conservation and sharing resources, advice, and stories from our community of boaters and boating experts.

Discover Boating serves as a comprehensive platform that effortlessly connects enthusiasts with the latest boat models, boat brands, trusted dealers, exciting events, boat rentals, boat clubs and thrilling on-water activities.

Tariff Policy & Cross-Border Marine Trade

• A Q&A with Kellen Friedlander, President, Great Lakes Marine

By Chad Tokowicz, MRAA Government Relations Manager

Rapidly shifting global trade policy is resulting in rising costs and supply chain disruptions, ultimately creating uncertainty for boat dealers, especially those serving both recreational customers and public safety agencies. To explore these challenges, we spoke with Kellen Friedlander of Great Lakes Marine in Denver, Colo. Since 1976, his dealership has not only sold and serviced boats for the general public, but also supplied critical patrol vessels to law enforcement, wildlife and emergency services agencies in his home state of Colorado.

In this Q&A, Kellen shares how sudden tariff changes have delayed boat orders, strained relationships with overseas manufacturers and complicated contracts with government agencies. His story reflects the broader impact trade policy has on dealers and the communities they serve.

Our conversation aims to spark dialogue, share real-world insight about tariff policy and cross-border marine trade and help you find clarity in uncertain times.

MRAA: Can you provide an overview of your business as well as your work with law enforcement or natural resource agencies?

Friedlander: Great Lakes Marine is a Colorado-based marine dealer that was founded in 1976 and we both sell and service boats. While we sell and service recreational boats for the general boating public, we have supplied and maintained patrol boats for various agencies in Colorado since 1984. I have sold boats and engines to everyone from biologists to law enforcement, to public safety professionals of every description. This is a very important aspect of our business, as we not only serve recreational boaters, but work closely with the various agencies and professionals who are tasked with keeping those recreational boaters safe while recreating on Colorado waterways.

Tariff Policy & Cross-Border Marine Trade - Kellen Friedlander
Kellen Friedlander, President, Great Lakes Marine


How important is Canadian and overseas boat manufacturing to your business model, particularly when it comes to sourcing boats for public safety use?

Due to the longstanding relationships we have developed in Colorado, we have had the opportunity to work very closely with multiple agencies to help develop a brand-new patrol boat suited for the ever-changing needs of daily patrol. During this process, I contacted many boat builders in an effort to find one that would be willing to work with us to develop this new boat. After many conversations pertaining to the specifications needed, the company that we ended up working with on the project is a Canadian boat manufacturer. This company offered the best products and a willingness to customize the patrol boat for the needs of the agencies and since then I have also used the same company to satisfy the needs of multiple other agencies in Colorado.

To be concise; this company is crucial to my ability to supply these agencies and at this time there are no American-made counterparts who can satisfy the requirements of the agencies in Colorado.

What types of boats or marine products are you typically importing from Canada or overseas for these agencies? What other work do you do in tandem with these agencies and how has this relationship changed over the years?

We are solely importing aluminum boats but the type of boat has varied dramatically from center console to landing craft. I work closely with many agencies including law enforcement, fire departments, fish and wildlife and many other emergency services providers. At Great Lakes Marine, we not only work to import these boats for Colorado agencies, but service and repair them as well. Working directly with the manufacturers to create custom crafts for Colorado agencies is a new evolution of our relationship within the state and unfortunately may be threatened by current trade policies.


Please compare how past and present U.S. trade policies impacted your ability to import boats from Canada or overseas.

The current policies have been very detrimental as I have contracts in place that were agreed upon before any of the different tariff rates were even proposed and now my pricing has changed dramatically. This rapid shift in pricing is even more complex when dealing with a government agency, as unlike a consumer, who are also negatively impacted by market uncertainty and price spikes; government agencies simply cannot authorize an increase in how much they are spending.

In the case of working with the Colorado state agencies on their custom patrol boats, I had to bid on a competitive contract, a process the state utilizes to ensure they are getting the best priced products. The issue this presented is that I was not able to price in the tariffs when making my offer, as the Trump Administration did not provide enough warning, or ramping up of the tariffs and now that they are in place, my profit margin has been severely undercut on this deal.

Can you share any specific examples where uncertainty around tariffs has delayed or complicated an order for a law enforcement or natural resources client? What was the impact on your business? What was the impact on the natural resource/law enforcement agency?

One of the agencies I work with, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), has had three patrol boats on order since January of 2024. The Canadian company that I ordered the boats from stopped building boats for the U.S. for a period when the tariffs were announced and pushed all those boats out of production. I am still waiting for those boats to be built, which also means that Colorado Parks and Wildlife is still waiting for their new boats. Obviously this is a detriment to their ability to ensure public safety, as CPW needs these new upgraded patrol boats to effectively keep recreational boaters safe on Colorado waterways.

Further adding to the issue is the fact that all of this is happening right before peak season, now is the time for CPW and other agencies to be training and getting familiar with their new vessels and safety equipment before using it to save lives during peak boating season. Simply put, the timing couldn’t be worse.


Have these cross-border marine trade challenges affected your relationships with Canadian or overseas manufacturers or with the government agencies you serve?


Absolutely. Firstly the relationship between my company and the Canadian company have been strained greatly as they are very unhappy with the policies. This strain has thereby also filtered down to my relationship with the agencies I deal with as I really have no good answers as to time frame or pricing of new boats. This is really putting everyone in a tough position, compromising long-standing international relationships and potentially limiting the ability for state agencies to engage in on-water-safety.


What adjustments or workarounds have you had to make — either operationally or financially — to keep fulfilling these critical contracts?


This is still to be determined as I have reached out to U.S. companies who are still unwilling to and/or unable to satisfy the requirements laid out in my purchase orders. While a goal of the Administration is to bring more manufacturing back into the U.S., the stark reality is that this will take a serious investment of time and money.


What changes in trade policy would you like to see to better support businesses like yours and the public agencies you serve?

I think that it would be logical to make allowances for existing contracts that were made prior to changes in tariff rates, as the tariff regime is making pre-existing deals simply unprofitable and unfair. I also think that exemptions for public safety and government purchases would make sense since those contracts usually are for longer, the money is locked in more than a private sale and done through a competitive bidding process. An exemption on these types of transactions would ensure that our law enforcement and public safety agencies are not hamstrung by the unintended externalities of international trade policy and can continue to focus on what they do best – saving lives and helping people have fun on the water.

Marine Trade & Your Voice

Friedlander’s story underscores how tariff policy and cross-border marine trade are directly affecting dealers and the public safety agencies they support. As the industry navigates these challenges, your voice and experience are more important than ever. Want to tell us about your experiences with tariffs? Take our survey here. If you have questions or are interested in other opportunities to get involved in MRAA advocacy efforts, please email me at Chad@mraa.com.

IDS Launches Marine Division to Provide Specialized Expertise and Strategic Partnerships

For over 40 years, IDS has been a trusted DMS partner across the recreational industry, delivering unmatched transparency, integrity, and innovation. Drawing on that deep well of industry expertise, IDS Marine will focus entirely on the unique needs of marine dealerships, providing a unique consultative approach to client management and acting as a trusted partner to boat dealers.

IDS Marine is charting a course to provide:

  • Purpose-Built Solutions – Developing products and integrations specifically designed for the Marine industry.
  • Customer-First Service – Delivering industry-leading support and personalized attention.
  • A Dealer-Driven Approach – Ensuring your voice shapes our roadmap to help you streamline operations and maximize profitability.

“The launch of IDS Marine comes at a critical time when dealers are seeking more from their DMS partner,” says Marc Hertert, General Manager of IDS Marine. “They need a partner solely focused on the unique needs of marine dealerships—one that offers exceptional customer service along with unrivaled accounting and reporting capabilities.”

As IDS Marine begins this journey, the company is calling on marine dealers, OEMs, and technology partners to share their ideas, feedback, and integration requests to help shape the future of marine dealership management technology.

“Dealer feedback will play a vital role in guiding our path forward,” says Hertert. “Our success hinges on your success, and we’re committed to delivering solutions to streamline operations, strengthen customer relationships, and drive profitability.”

To learn more about how IDS Marine can be your dealership’s trusted partner, contact the IDS Marine sales team at ask@ids-marine.com or visit ids-astra.com/ids-marine.

About IDS Marine

Integrated Dealer Systems (IDS) is the leading provider of DMS solutions throughout the recreation industry. Trusted by thousands of dealers, IDS has set the standard for quality service and continuous innovation for more than 40 years. Backed by a team of dedicated professionals with strong marine industry partnerships, IDS Marine’s mission is to understand the unique challenges dealers face and deliver the tools and expertise needed to power their success.

IDS Marine is a proud Partner and Education Champion of the MRAA. Education Champions fuel the educational programming that the MRAA delivers through Dealer Week, MRAATraining.com, and other programs through which MRAA delivers content. Learn more about how your organization can Partner with the MRAA.

MJM Yachts Commits to Platinum Partner Membership

MINNEAPOLIS, May 29 – The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) is excited to announce MJM Yachts, a premier builder of luxury performance yachts, as its newest Platinum Partner. This partnership highlights MJM’s commitment to supporting marine retailers and advancing the boating lifestyle through innovation, dealer collaboration and premium customer experiences.

Platinum Partner

As a Platinum Partner, MJM Yachts joins a select group of industry leaders committed to supporting MRAA’s dealer development initiatives, educational programs and efforts to grow boating participation nationwide. Their partnership strengthens the association’s ability to equip marine retailers with the tools and insights needed to thrive in a competitive marketplace.

“At MJM, we believe that great boating experiences start with strong dealer relationships,” said Natascia Hatch, CEO of MJM Yachts. “Our partnership with MRAA is a natural extension of our values — to support those who support our customers and elevate the standards of the marine industry through innovation, performance and collaboration.”

Headquartered in Washington, N.C., MJM Yachts is a recognized leader in all-weather, all-conditions day and cruising yachts, utilizing advanced vacuum-infused, post-cured epoxy composite construction for unmatched strength, efficiency and speed. Combined with cutting-edge hull geometry, MJM delivers industry-leading stability, ride comfort and performance — providing boaters with an elevated experience and dealers with a product of lasting value and distinction.

“MJM Yachts is known for its commitment to quality, innovation and strong dealer relationships — all values that align perfectly with the MRAA’s mission,” says Freya Olsen, MRAA Senior Director of Engagement. “As a Platinum Partner Member, they bring a premium brand perspective and a collaborative spirit that will enrich our efforts to support and elevate the marine retail community.”

About MJM Yachts
MJM Yachts is a premier builder of luxury performance yachts located Washington, North Carolina, Known for its modern Carolina Downeast style and C5 Composite Construction Process, the company’s current model lineup includes the MJM 3, MJM 4, MJM 35 and MJM 42, designed by boaters for boaters. The company’s market-leading post-cured, epoxy-infusion composites process delivers all-conditions capability. Designed for all-weather comfort and effortless handling, MJM Yachts offer an uncompromised boating experience for owners who demand the best. For more information on the company and each model please visit MJMYachts.com.

About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, we believe that for the marine industry to thrive, the retail organizations that interact with the boaters in their community must thrive. With that in mind, MRAA works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting those retailers, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, visit MRAA.com or contact us at 763-315-8043.

South Carolina’s Boat Tax Reform: A Victory for Boaters, Dealers and the Marine Industry

There is big news coming from South Carolina, as the state is one step closer to cutting the nation’s highest boat property tax. With an overwhelming 89-7 vote in the South Carolina House of Representatives, this reform effort has picked up serious momentum — and it’s a major victory for boaters, dealers and the entire marine industry. The proposed change brings more than just tax relief; it represents a push for clarity, fairness and economic growth that could ripple well beyond state lines.

A recently passed bill in the South Carolina House, H. 3858, proposes removing titling requirement for outboards while simultaneously lowering the personal property tax on recreational boats, effectively bundling boats and their motors as a single unit. This legislation addresses longstanding concerns about double taxation that has inflated the cost of boat ownership for South Carolina residents. This initiative, led by the South Carolina Boating and Fishing Alliance and supported by the MRAA and other national recreational boating trade associations, has garnered strong support from both lawmakers and Palmetto State Governor Henry McMaster, who has publicly endorsed efforts to reduce boat property taxes.

“Boating shouldn’t be out of reach for working families because of outdated and unfair tax structures,” said Gettys Brannon, President and CEO of the South Carolina Boating & Fishing Alliance. “H. 3858 takes direct aim at the nation’s highest boat tax, finally ending a system that punished everyday South Carolinians with double taxation. High taxes don’t just hurt wallets — they limit access to the water for working families. We look forward to working with the South Carolina Senate in January to deliver long-overdue tax relief and protect our state’s boating way of life.”

For years, South Carolina boat owners have faced the burden of being taxed separately for their boats and motors, leading to confusion and financial strain. The proposed legislation simplifies this process by consolidating the tax assessment, eliminating the issue of double taxation and ultimately lowering the tax rate. While the change won’t be retroactive, it lays the foundation for a fairer tax system moving forward and stands to benefit the entirety of South Carolina’s recreational boating industry.

“The MRAA is glad to see the positive reception of H.3858 among South Carolina Legislators and Governor McMaster,” said Chad Tokowicz, MRAA Government Relations Manager. “This support underscores the state’s commitment to their recreational boaters and anglers as well as the recreational marine businesses who call South Carolina home. This progress could not have been made without the leadership and partnership of the South Carolina Boating and Fishing Alliance (SCBFA), who shepherded this effort and led grassroots efforts to highlight the broad support for this provision among South Carolina recreational boating businesses.”

Governor McMaster’s endorsement of the bill, which has 60 co-sponsors, underscores the importance of this reform. By supporting the reduction of property taxes on recreational vessels, the state acknowledges the vital role that the recreational boating industry plays throughout the Palmetto State, fueling the outdoor recreation economy and boating and fishing culture. The recreational boating industry in South Carolina generates $6.5 billion in annual economic impact and supports more than 27,000 jobs at more than 600 businesses. This move is expected to boost boat sales, encourage tourism and support local businesses connected to the marine sector.

The Case for Change
South Carolina’s Boat Tax Reform letter

High personal property tax rates in South Carolina have long made boat ownership more expensive for everyday Americans. These costs add up — fuel, service, safety equipment, registration, and on top of it all, some of the highest personal property taxes in the region.

In testimony submitted to the South Carolina House Committee on Ways and Means, MRAA illustrated the scale of this burden using the example of a $70,000 South Carolina-built Sportsman Tournament 21 with a Yamaha F200XB outboard and trailer. In Bamberg County, S.C., the personal property tax would total $6,690.61 — $5,443 for the vessel and $1,247.61 for the outboard motor. By contrast, the same vessel would be taxed at:

  • $693 in Scotland County, North Carolina
  • $1,890 in Pittsylvania County, Virginia
  • $602.04 in Randolph County, Georgia
  • And not taxed at all in Florida, Alabama or Tennessee

This disparity puts South Carolina’s marine dealers at a competitive disadvantage and discourages boat purchases and ownership in the state, especially during uncertain economic conditions and softening consumer sentiment.

Our Role in Advocating for Change

The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) has been proud to stand at the forefront of this legislative effort, advocating on behalf of boaters, marine retailers and small businesses across the state. In collaboration with the South Carolina Boating and Fishing Alliance and other stakeholders, we have:

Our efforts ultimately culminated in the bill being favorably passed out of the South Carolina House and laid the groundwork to be favorable moved out of the Senate upon the reconvening of the legislative session January of 2026.

Looking Ahead — The Palmetto State & Beyond

As H. 3858 moves to the Senate for further consideration, the MRAA remains committed to seeing this critical reform enacted. This legislation represents a significant opportunity to improve tax fairness, grow the state’s marine economy and create better access to boating for Americans who call the Palmetto State home.

We thank the South Carolina House for recognizing the need for change and urge the Senate to move quickly in support of H. 3858. The MRAA stands ready to continue advocating for fair, effective policies that strengthen recreational boating in the Palmetto State and beyond. Should you have any questions about our efforts to bolster the recreational marine industry South Carolina, or across the nation, please do not hesitate to reach out to Chad Tokowicz, MRAA Government Relations Manager, at Chad@mraa.com.

MRAA Speaks Out Against Key Ban in Minnesota

In 2023, Minnesota legislators passed a ban on consumer products with certain levels of lead and cadmium, including jewelry, toys, cosmetics, kitchenware and art supplies. The law also included keys, and with the ban set to take effect, many businesses are in a difficult position since workable alternatives are not available or commercially viable at this time leaving them stuck with that keys are traditionally made of brass but include small amounts of lead for strength.

Transitioning to new materials, particularly ones that must meet the performance, durability and corrosion resistance standards needed on boats, takes time.  Additionally, boat dealers need replacement keys to remain compatible with the existing fleet of hundreds of thousands of boats in Minnesota. The materials used in keys and the pins inside of locks must be made of similar material to avoid premature wear, which could prove disastrous if it leads to a failure while on the water.

MRAA Joins Coalition, Advocates for Boat Dealers

Last week, a coalition of stakeholders representing the security industry, auto dealers, marine retailers, hardware stores and more gathered at the Minnesota State Capitol to advocate for an exemption for keys, a change to mirror the standards in California (which are less stringent), or at least an extension to allow more time to comply with the law. The coalition acknowledged the laudable public health intent of the law but urged lawmakers to address the unintended consequences of the ban before it caused harm to Minnesota businesses and consumers. Realistically, it was noted, national lock makers were more likely to stop distributing their products in Minnesota rather than completely retool their production process — assuming that was even possible — based on a single state law.

If enforced, the ban would negatively affect boat dealers, who would be faced with no legal way of providing replacement keys to customers, rendering their boats useless. Dealers would be subject to fines for simply providing a replacement key similar to the ones that exist in every home in the United States.

Mike Davin - MRAA Speaks Out Against Key Ban in Minnesota
Mike Davin, MRAA Vice President of Industry Relations

Fortunately, lawmakers from both parties in the Minnesota State Legislature attended to show their support, and Mike Davin, MRAA Vice President of Industry Relations, spoke to the assembled press to share boat dealers’ concerns.

“We strongly support bipartisan efforts to exempt keys and key fobs from the current ban,” said Davin. “An exemption would allow manufacturers to maintain high-quality, safe products while avoiding unnecessary financial strain.”

Furthermore, Dave Briggs, an MRAA Member and Owner and General Manager of Wayzata Marine, authored an op-ed article which was ran in the Minnesota Reformer. In his piece Briggs highlighted the implications for his business while urging the Minnesota Legislature to prioritize passing language that will fix this issue this session.

MRAA Advocacy & You

MRAA’s Advocacy Team is actively monitoring legislative activities in all 50 states, and when issues arise that have the potential to affect boat dealers, we speak up on behalf of our members. If you have legislative or regulatory issues that are affecting your dealership, reach out to MRAA Government Relations Manager Chad Tokowicz at chad@mraa.com.

Why Boat Sales Follow-Up Wins More Buyers

Let’s say you’re in the market for a new SUV – a big investment these days. You’re torn between two models from two different dealerships. They seem similar from the looks, performance, price and test drive.

The salesperson at one dealership has called to check on you since your visit – “What questions do you have?” He texted and asked how your weekend was, taking the kids to the cabin. He continued to ask, “Where are you driving to next?” The other salesperson? Crickets. You haven’t heard a thing.

Which person are you likely to buy from?

The one who cares enough to know about you and your situation and why you need the bigger vehicle (that ride to the cabin was cramped), or the one who seems to care less if you return to buy?

Touchpoints & Rapport

Our boat buyers are thinking the same. And boat sales follow-up is especially delicate due to how many prospects don’t buy on the first visit.

During the pandemic, dealers shifted quickly from nurturing prospects to closing fast and keeping customers engaged while waiting on inventory. But now, the buying cycle has stretched again – and follow-up needs to return to the forefront of the sales strategy.

Rebuilding the Follow-Up Mindset After COVID

It’s time to flip the follow-up process back to support the 187-day buying cycle we were managing pre-pandemic. If you want to outperform the competition and become the top salesperson at your dealership – or even in your market – you must “Get Real about Follow-Up or Get Gone”, says Jordon Schoolmeester, a top-rated Dealer Week educator.

How to Structure an Effective Follow-Up Strategy

Boat sales follow-up is not a linear process. It involves multiple touchpoints through multiple channels: return visits, phone calls, emails, and texts (with permission).

Your goal is to stay top-of-mind and build trust. Most boats don’t sell themselves – and if your dealership isn’t visible or persistent, buyers will move on.

Tactics for Modern Pre-Sale Follow-Up

One simple message or call can make all the difference. Thank your prospect for visiting. Send a link back to their dream boat. Call the next day to continue the conversation and answer new questions.

Your follow-up should always:

  • Be timely and personalized
  • Mix communication methods
  • Move the sale forward without being pushy

And yes, even a classic letter can help you stand out.

Your CRM is Only as Good as What You Put In

Update your CRM immediately after each interaction. Note what you learned, what the next step is, and when to follow up again.

Without this, your follow-up process becomes guesswork – and great prospects fall through the cracks.

Don’t Ghost Your Buyers – Follow Up Every Time

Boat sales follow-up is a foundational part of the sales process. It’s how you build relationships, nurture trust, and stay in a customer’s line of sight until they’re ready to buy.

Make it part of your culture, and your team will reap the benefits in both sales volume and customer loyalty.

And make sure you’re following up with every prospect, every time. The Fortune is in the Follow-up!

MRAA Resources to Support Your Sales Strategy

Editor’s note: this article was originally published in 2023 and has been updated as of May 2025.

Improve Service Department Communication at Your Dealership

After a kiss goodbye, my husband said: “Good luck at the dealership” as I walked out the door. Those words rang in my head. How often do people feel the need for “luck” when they visit your dealership – and why? His comment stuck with me – not just because of what was said, but because of what it revealed about service department communication and the customer experience in dealerships.

What Makes Customers Feel Like They Need Luck?

The dealership in question on this particular day is an impressive organization overall. They have a beautiful building in a convenient location with better than average customer amenities. On every visit, I see many of the same smiling faces, and they seem to care about their work and their customers. They have state-of-the-art technology to support a quality customer experience, and yet, things slip through the cracks.

On my last visit, they had to send a part off to a sublet for work. “It should be ready in a week or so,” they said. That was six weeks ago. But that’s not what bothered me most.

I called the dealership every week to check on the status. No one ever called to update me. Why not?

The No. 1 customer complaint in service has long been lack of communication. And service certainly isn’t the only department that could improve their communication – both internally and externally with customers.

The Real Reason Communication Breaks Down

The reasons for lack of communication usually fall into two categories: people and process.
The people don’t have the skill or will to do proper follow-up. Either they don’t care or don’t know how. Or the business does not have a system to ensure that customers, jobs, parts and deals are properly followed through to completion. Both people and process issues are costing many dealerships in both customer loyalty and profitability.

Those of us in the industry likely take a stronger interest than the average customer on how dealerships do things. My mind was certainly wondering:

  • Do they generate a work order to attach parts and sublet work to?
  • Does the service advisor have a way to track and schedule units waiting on parts?
  • How does the parts department know if an order has been delayed, canceled, or denied warranty or service contract coverage?
  • How can they tell when/if the customer has been communicated with?

And even worse, I wondered:

  • If the customer didn’t follow up, would they lose the parts sent to the sub forever?
  • Could they be giving away their parts and losing customers in the process?

But if I could ask dealerships just one question, it would be this: How are you proactively using the information from your failures to improve your processes and to better educate your people? If we don’t learn from these failures, chances are very good the same situation will happen repeatedly.

Looking around the dealership as I wait for my part to (finally!) get installed, I think about all the areas where a customer might feel that luck was (or wasn’t) on their side . . .

How “Luck” Shows Up in Every Department

  • The F&I experience: The ‘luck’ of getting someone who makes you comfortable discussing a topic that makes many people extremely uncomfortable. Someone who doesn’t appear to judge you based on your credit score. Someone who doesn’t use pressure to sell service contracts or financing. Someone who instead educates you, helps you compare apples to apples, and gives you the space to come to your own conclusion on what is best for your situation.
  • The sales experience: The ‘luck’ of getting a sales professional who listens, who really knows their product and the competition’s product, who seems genuinely interested in giving you the best options for your specific wants and needs. Someone who helps you think through not just the buying process, but also the ownership of the products you’re considering. Someone who wants your lifelong business, not just your next sale.
  • The parts experience: The ‘luck’ of getting someone who knows exactly what your parts options are, how much they’ll cost, how available they are, how long it will take to get, and the pros and cons of one option over the other. Someone who understands how you use your boat and gives you suggestions on how to enjoy it even more.
  • The service experience: The ‘luck’ of getting someone who loves and understands your product so well they take the guesswork out of ownership. Someone who explains in language you can understand how to best enjoy and care for your boat. Someone who lets you know ahead of time what work you’ve got coming up next, who reminds you and has your back every step of the way – even when it’s time to start thinking about trading in.

Building Trust Starts With Better Communication

Every one of our departments rely on proactive, honest communication for building trust. It’s called ‘building’ trust because it takes work, and it takes time.
Most customers begin their relationship with a dealership with a deficit of trust.
They think “dealer” – they think “Vegas” – they think “I’m gonna lose!”

It’s up to our team to build trust with each customer in each interaction.

It’s up to leadership to notice when things are happening with our people or with our process that is making trust-building difficult or even impossible – and to remove those barriers.

What does luck have to do with it? Thankfully, not much. It really comes down to that famous Samuel Goldwyn quote: “The harder I work, the luckier I get.”

The more we work at engaging the team in creating, improving and relying on processes, the more we encourage and facilitate strong service department communication, the luckier we will be … and the more trusting our customers.


About the Author

Valerie Ziebron, president of VRZ Consulting, has spent more than two decades helping businesses “fire on all 8” through education and motivation. She makes it a point to uncover best practice “golden nuggets” that help people flip the switch from reactive to proactive for greater profitability and customer loyalty.

Through studying and comparing hundreds of dealerships across North America, VRZ Consulting specializes in what stores can do to maximize their resources, specifically their people, processes, space and location. Visit their website here.

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Editor’s note: this article was originally published in 2021 and has been updated in May 2025.

MRAA Advocates for Marine Retailers in Minnesota Boat Wrap Stewardship Program

The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) has provided feedback on the proposed Minnesota Boat Wrap Stewardship Plan, aiming to ensure that the program minimizes the financial and operational impact on marine retailers across the state.

MRAA Advocates for marine retailers in Minnesota Boat Wrap Stewardship Program

In a comment letter submitted to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and the Commercial and Industrial Flexible Film Recycling Organization (CIFFRO) on Thursday, May 15, 2025, the MRAA emphasized the need for practical implementation strategies that consider the unique challenges faced by Minnesota’s small, family-owned marine businesses.

Need for Financial Support Mechanisms

While MRAA supports the program’s objective to divert boat wrap from the waste stream, it expressed concerns about the burden the proposed collection processes may place on marine retailers. Specifically, MRAA highlighted the potential increase in labor costs for businesses required to clean and sort boat wrap for collection. MRAA recommended that CIFFRO and MPCA establish financial support mechanisms to offset these costs, thereby preventing the additional expenses from being passed on to consumers.

MRAA Advocates for Grace Period

Furthermore, MRAA advocated for a “grace period” until January 1, 2026, for non-compliant producers to join the Stewardship Organization, providing time for further outreach and education to ensure more brands participate in the program.

An Offer to Collaborate

MRAA also proposed that marine retailers, boat storage facilities and marinas be exempted from stringent cleaning requirements if no financial assistance is provided to support these efforts. Additionally, the association offered to collaborate with CIFFRO and MPCA to identify new collection locations, leveraging its network of Minnesota members to expand the program’s reach effectively.

MRAA remains committed to working closely with regulatory bodies to develop an equitable Minnesota Boat Wrap Stewardship Program that achieves environmental goals without placing undue pressure on Minnesota’s recreational marine businesses. For further inquiries about the MRAA advocating for marine retailers or to get involved, please contact Chad Tokowicz, MRAA Government Relations Manager, at Chad@mraa.com.

Read MRAA Comment LEtter