Bridge Marina Hosts Representative Mikie Sherrill

Bridge Marine is an active MRAA member and represents the association on the BoatPAC Board of Directors.

Last Friday, Representative Mikie Sherrill visited Bridge Marina in Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey to discuss the controversial closure of the lake because of harmful algae blooms.

Ray Fernandez, President of Bridge Marina indicated that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) is overstating the algae issue, leading to an unnecessary level of concern. “NJDEP standards are twice that of national standards and of neighboring states, such that the current levels that cause NJDEP to shut down beaches would be acceptable in other states and the federal government,” said Fernandez.

During her visit, Rep. Sherrill discussed communication issues with the NJDEP, met with constituents – including the mayors of Hopatcong and Jefferson Township – and inspected the water quality issue firsthand. Local elected officials encouraged Rep. Sherrill to help direct additional funding for protecting and improving the lake’s water quality.

While on the docks, Ray Fernandez highlighted the lack of boat traffic. “The rental business has been down about 90 percent since this swimming closure started. We have spent about 40 hours answering calls from the public, boating club members, and slip members because of the issue.”

For more information regarding harmful algae blooms in New Jersey, visit the NJDEP website.

ORR, NGA Launch Outdoor Recreation Learning Network to Promote Economic Growth

The National Governors Association (NGA) today announced the launch of the Outdoor Recreation Learning Network – of which the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) is a founding sponsor – to help governors and their staff leverage their states’ unique natural, cultural and historical outdoor recreation resources to advance economic, workforce, health and environmental benefits.

“ORR is proud to partner with the National Governors Association to launch the game-changing Outdoor Recreation Learning Network,” said Jessica Wahl, executive director of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. “This partnership will ensure that the outdoor recreation sector has the support it needs at the state and local level to continue to grow, providing jobs, outdoor access for all, and health and quality of life benefits for generations to come.”

ORR has been working with states across the country to set up Offices of Outdoor Recreation. Thanks in large part to the actions of ORR members, and our partners Outdoor Industry Association and REI, fifteen states across the country now have outdoor recreation offices or task forces dedicated to growing this essential part of the economy by increasing collaboration, investment and more. In the past few months, Nevada, New Mexico, Virginia and Wisconsin established their own Offices of Outdoor Recreation.

To promote these offices and provide support and coordination for the creation of new offices, the NGA Center for Best Practices will partner with state outdoor recreation directors to convene governors, their staff and other state officials. Through peer-to-peer exchanges, the network will spotlight strategies states can use to advance outdoor recreation. It will focus on key issue areas, including conservation, stewardship, education, workforce training, economic development, infrastructure, public health, equity and wellness.

“Oregonians share a special connection with the outdoors; our communities and economies are built on its natural beauty and bounty. People flock to our state both for its majesty and for the progressive policies we have put in place to preserve it,” said Governor Kate Brown of Oregon, which established an office of outdoor recreation in 2017. “But you can’t just protect the outdoors, you have to enable access too. Our outdoor recreation industry is thriving and still has enormous potential, and I am pleased to join my fellow Governors to support this sector that contributes so much to our health, to our spirits, and our livelihoods.”

Governors launched the network at NGA’s annual Summer Meeting in Salt Lake City, where state leaders share best practices and hear from experts in various fields. In addition to Gov. Brown, participants included Maine Governor Janet Mills, Montana Governor Steve Bullock, Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak, Utah Governor Gary Herbert, Vermont Governor Phil Scott and outdoor recreation directors from many states.

“NGA’s decision to create an initiative solely focused on supporting and expanding outdoor recreation opportunities across the country is an ironclad endorsement of our industry’s rapidly increasing economic significance,” said Thom Dammrich, president of the National Marine Manufacturers Association. “The Outdoor Recreational Learning Network will provide states with vital resources to help our industry – and cherished American pastimes – continue to thrive and we thank NGA for leading the way on outdoor recreation issues.”

“Fifteen state governments have established high-level staff positions or task forces to focus on increasing outdoor recreation opportunities and fostering the growth of outdoor industries, including bicycling,” said PeopleForBikes president Tim Blumenthal. “The Outdoor Recreation Learning Network will ensure success for these recently designated leaders and the many who will follow by establishing best practices and facilitating information sharing.”

“The RV industry applauds the launch of the Outdoor Recreation Learning Network and the commitment NGA is making to recognize the strength of the outdoor recreation economy and prioritize its continued growth,” said Craig Kirby, interim president of the RV Industry Association. “The learning network represents an unprecedented opportunity not only for outdoor recreation as a whole but for the 30,000 RV business across the nation who contribute $114 billion to the US economy, support 600,000 jobs and pay over $32 billion in wages.”

“The powersports industry, including motorcycles, ATVs and ROVs (known as side-by-sides), is a $40 billion industry in the U.S.,” said Tim Buche, president of the Motorcycle Industry Council. “The Motorcycle Industry Council salutes our nation’s governors for their commitment to preserving access to public lands for responsible riding opportunities that generate billions of dollars in state and local revenue.”

“The sportfishing industry is excited for the Outdoor Recreational Learning Network to help states better collaborate on strategies for improving outdoor recreation,” said Glenn Hughes, president of the American Sportfishing Association. “Recreational fishing consistently ranks as one of the most popular outdoor recreation activities, with 49 million recreational fishermen supporting over 800,000 jobs and contributing $125 billion annually to the economy.”

The founding sponsors of the Outdoor Recreation Learning Network also include REI Inc. and the Outdoor Industry Association.

Wisconsin Establishes Outdoor Recreation Office

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers signed the state budget bill into law, which subsequently created the Office of Outdoor Recreation within Wisconsin Tourism – an important initiative that will help expand outdoor recreation opportunities in the state. With this measure, Wisconsin becomes the 14th state to establish an outdoor recreation office, a testament to the growing understanding of the industry’s economic importance across the country. MRAA, and other outdoor recreation industries, actively advocate for creating outdoor recreation offices, including in Wisconsin, and is a top priority of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR).

Tourism Secretary-designee Sara Meaney said, “Our goal is to leverage the Office of Outdoor Recreation into more travelers, greater economic impact for local communities and new career opportunities for Wisconsinites. We consider this to be a game changer for Wisconsin. With one unified voice and shared priorities among stakeholders and resources, the sky’s the limit in growing this segments economy.”

Like the outdoor recreation offices and initiatives in 13 other states, the Wisconsin office will work to engage a new and diverse generation of Wisconsinites with the outdoors while focusing on growing local economies through recreation and tourism. Wisconsin is one of the first Midwest states to create a recreation office.

Outdoor recreation is a vital part of the economy, accounting for 2.2 percent of total gross domestic product (GDP). In Wisconsin, outdoor recreation is an economic powerhouse which generates nearly $17.9 billion in consumer spending, contributes $1.1 billion in state and local tax revenue, and directly supports 168,000 Wisconsin jobs.

Multiplying Success Through “Interdependence”

Sometimes, though you can’t take any credit for it, you find yourself doing the right thing at the right time.
 
That was the case this past week. The “right thing” was reading a classic book: “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey. And the right time was rocketing through the air on a flight to join MRAA’s Dealer Development Manager Nikki Duffney at the National Marine Trades Council meeting in Anacortes, Washington.
 
The part of the book I was reading was on what Covey calls “the maturity continuum” – one in which we start life with physical, emotional, mental and financial dependence, then move to independence, and eventually – on a quest to achieve our greatest success – may reach the pinnacle of maturity, interdependence.
 
The way Covey explains it, “interdependence is the paradigm of we – we can cooperate; we can combine our talents and abilities and create something greater together.” In our society, we often put independence on a pedestal as the ultimate goal – but the author does an excellent job of reminding us that idea is misplaced.
 
“Interdependent people combine their own efforts with the efforts of other to achieve their greatest success,” he writes.  
 
I’m not telling you anything new. Most of you actively practice interdependence. For one, you experience the benefits of collaborating with your team to strengthen your business. You also might be a member of a 20 Group. And if you’re reading this, chances are you’re a member of a marine trade association. Or two. Or three. Take, for instance, the marine dealer with a marina who was a member of three of the associations in attendance at the meeting. He belongs to his state association, the MRAA and the Association of Marina Industries – each of which offers unique education and benefits to fuel success for that business owner and his team. Talk about 1 + 1 + 1 = 5!
 
It doesn’t hurt to be reminded of how much more we can achieve together than alone. The book was my first reminder this week, but it came to life again and again working alongside the brilliant and dedicated people who run the industry’s marine trade associations.
 
There are many ways in which we were already collaborating with the national, state and regional association professionals in the room. For example, we partner with the National Marine Manufacturers Association by sharing a political action committee, called BoatPAC. Many of us at the NMTC event co-host the American Boating Congress, which is produced by NMMA. MRAA collaborated with Wendy Mackie, her team at the Rhode Island Marine Trades Association and others to launch the Strategy 10 + 1 publication, a Guide to Growing the Workforce, and the MRAA Guide to Apprenticeship. And on a personal level, I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to work with Barb Caster of the Boating Industries Association of Upstate New York to serve those marine businesses in my local community.
 
One final example, inspired by the value of working alongside our marine trade association peers to serve you, is a co-host program at the Dealer Week event this December in Tampa. Five associations have already signed on as Dealer Week Co-Hosts, and after meeting with our peers to explore the value of this opportunity to our organizations and you, several more have expressed interest in co-hosting.

Thanks to NMTC leadership, there were lots of seeds planted that will sprout new opportunities for all of us who participated to practice interdependence this week, which multiply our ability to fuel your success.

To learn more about co-hosting at Dealer Week, MRAA’s annual conference and expo, reach out to Allison Gruhn or visit our partner page.

Five Additional Companies Join MRAA, Dealer Week as Strategic Partners

The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas is excited to announce the addition of four marine manufacturers for a three-year commitment as Strategic Partners of the MRAA and its newly reimagined Annual Conference and Expo, Dealer Week.

These key partners are: Malibu Boats, Inc.; CDK Global; Regal Boats; Smoker Craft, Inc.; and Yamaha Marine Group.

The MRAA has created an all-new approach to partner membership and conference support by developing a year-round program that embeds high-level partners in MRAA’s strategic dialog and planning.

Malibu Boats, Inc.
“We’re really excited about our long-term partnership with the MRAA and are proud of our joint efforts in facilitating programs and events that dealers representing all of our brands find valuable,” says Eric Bondy, Vice President Sales, Malibu Boats.

Malibu Boats Inc is the market leader in the performance sport boat category through its Malibu and Axis Wake Research boat brands, the leader in the 20’ – 40’ segment of the sterndrive boat category through its Cobalt brand and in a leading position in the offshore fishing boat market with its Pursuit brand.

CDK Global
“CDK is proud to support the MRAA and its members,” says Dan Flynn, executive vice president. “We look forward to the advancements this strategic industry alliance will bring and our continued support of marine dealers and their customers.”

CDK Global is a leading global provider of integrated information technology and digital marketing solutions to the marine, recreation, automotive retail and adjacent industries.

Regal Boats
“We believe dealers play a pivotal role in the Regal ownership experience and look forward to continuing to support the MRAA and its Dealer Week initiative,” says Duane Kuck, CEO of Regal Marine Industries. “Matt and his team have done a fantastic job of working with dealers and manufacturers in an effort to improve the consumer experience, and we are proud to stand behind them.”

Regal Marine Industries is a family-owned, privately-held boat manufacturer. Founded in 1969, Regal is a world leader in design and production of sport boats, surf boats, express cruisers and yachts from 19’- 42’.

Smoker Craft, Inc.
“Smoker Craft, Inc. is proud to support Dealer Week,” says Peter Barrett, Senior Vice President of Smoker Craft, Inc. “Our dealer network is one of our most valuable assets. Keeping our dealer network in tune with today’s best practice is mutually beneficial.”

Smoker Craft, Inc. is a family owned and operated boat manufacturer with roots dating back to 1903. The company offers a complete line of marine products including aluminum fishing, pontoon, and fiberglass boats under the brand names Smoker Craft, Starcraft, Sylvan, Sunchaser, Starweld and American Angler.

Yamaha Marine Group
“Yamaha is committed to providing education and training to our valued dealers and this event will provide an opportunity for collaboration, networking and educational programming,” says John Rigsby, Division Manager, Dealer Sales, Marine Engine Systems. “We are excited to be a part of this best-in-class industry event and help dealers develop further and take their business to the next level.”

Yamaha Marine Group has spent more than 25 years providing customers in the United States with high-performance outboard technology and an outstanding boating experience. For anglers and boaters, the name Yamaha is synonymous with legendary reliability, award-winning innovation and high performance.

“Creating partnerships that benefit marine retailers has been one of the best parts of 2019 for us at MRAA,” says Matt Gruhn, MRAA President. “The support of our Strategic Partner network provides even greater resources for us to deliver on our mission, and we are grateful for the opportunity to continue to strengthen our long-term initiatives with companies who support what the MRAA is at its core.”

As part of this effort, MRAA has created a collaborative Strategic Alliance, through which Partners can support not only the MRAA and Dealer Week, but also provide input on MRAA’s strategic initiatives and priorities. The highest tier in the Strategic Alliance, known as Strategic Partners, represents an invitation-only opportunity to participate in and help shape strategic dialog with the MRAA board and staff. It also provides for maximum exposure to the marine industry in a year-round promotional campaign that seeks to identify these Partners as the backbone of the MRAA, both from a financial and strategic perspective.


About Dealer Week
For more than 40 years, the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas has delivered world-class educational programming to dealers, retailers and service operations that power the boating industry and serve today’s boaters. Dealer Week is MRAA’s rebranded and reimagined annual conference and expo, a profoundly new event experience designed to engage, energize and empower the dealer community. The MRAA envisions a brighter future for marine retail, and Dealer Week is the preeminent means for bringing that vision to life. Learn more at www.DealerWeek.com.

About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
At the MRAA, our team believes that for the marine industry to thrive, the dealers on the front lines of the industry must first find success. With that in mind, we work to create a strong and healthy boating industry by providing dealers with tools, resources and educational programs — such as MRAATraining.com, the Marine Industry Certified Dealership Program, and Dealer Week, The MRAA Conference & Expo — and by representing those businesses with a powerful voice.

60+ Organizations Support Adding U.S. Forest Service to Backlog Bill

Over 60 organizations have signed on in support of adding the U.S. Forest Service to the maintenance backlog bill. Below is the letter being sent to committee members.

Dear Members of the Committee:
The undersigned recreation groups and businesses strongly urge you to include the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) in the Restore Our Parks and Public Lands Act (H.R. 1225).

Outdoor recreation accounts for 2.2 percent of United States Gross Domestic Product, supports 4.5 million American jobs, and contributes $734 billion in economic output, surpassing other sectors such as agriculture, petroleum, coal, and computer and electronic products.

While the National Park Service accounts for the largest share of the approximately $19 billion maintenance backlog on the nation’s federally managed lands and waters, the USFS holds the next largest share – approximately $5.2 billion – and continues to face mounting deferred maintenance needs. As you know, deferred maintenance compounds with cyclical maintenance, negatively impacting outdoor recreational pursuits and the associated economic benefits such activities bring to rural communities. In the wake of the worst extended fire season in U.S. history, it’s imperative that Congress addresses the agency’s $5.2 billion maintenance backlog to ensure that the USFS is able to meet both current demand and to keep up with the increasing desire of Americans to pursue outdoor recreation opportunities on USFS lands.

Eighty-four million people annually enjoy the 158,600 miles of trails managed by the USFS, which generate $9 billion in annual visitor spending and support 143,000 jobs. Maintenance of these routes is imperative to the outdoor recreation industry because the agency’s sustainable, multiple-use management concept supports a variety of activities and programs. Without including the USFS in the solution, the agency will continue to be limited in its ability to carry out the multiple-use approach that enables prioritization of shared conservation stewardship, American jobs in rural communities, and supporting outdoor recreation, the USFS’ top revenue generator.

The longer Congress allows the deferred maintenance needs of the U.S. Forest Service to mount, the longer and more expensive it will ultimately be to address them. Our nation’s forests, grasslands, and the communities that rely on them need Congress’ help so they can maximize recreational and conservation opportunities.

Thank you for your consideration and swift passage of this bill through committee. We look forward to working with you to achieving a historic and important step forward for places all Americans cherish.

Sincerely,

Access Fund
Alaska State Parks
America Outdoors Association
American Hiking Society
American Horse Council
American Motorcyclist Association
American Rivers
American Sportfishing Association
American Trails
American Whitewater
Archery Trade Association
Arizona Natural History Association
Arizona Trail Association
Association of Marina Industries
Back Country Horsemen of America
Backcountry Hunters and Anglers
Bike Walk Montana
Boat Owners Association of the United States
Canyonlands Natural History Association
CHM Government Services
Corazón Latino
Dan River Basin Association
Enchanted Circle Trails Association
Friends of Mount Rogers
Ice Age Trail Alliance
International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association
Mahoosuc Pathways
Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
Milwaukee Riverkeeper
Monmouth County Park System
Motorcycle Industry Council
National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds
National Forest Recreation Association
National Marine Manufacturers Association
New York-New Jersey Trail Conference
Outdoor Alliance
Outdoor Recreation Roundtable
Partnership for the National Trails System
Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation
Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society
Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance
Public Lands Alliance
Public Lands Interpretive Association
Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association
Rocky Mountain Field Institute
RV Dealers Association
RV Industry Association
San Juan Back Country Horsemen
San Luis Valley Great Outdoors
Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition
Southern California Mountains Foundation
Specialty Equipment Market Association
Specialty Vehicle Institute of America
Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association
Tahoe Rim Trail Association
The Biggest Little Trail Stewardship, Inc.
The Corps Network
Trails and Open Space Coalition
Tread Lightly!
Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado
Washington Trails Association
Wyoming Pathways

ORR Proposes Registered ORR Proposes Registered Appenticeship Report Language

Last month, the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable urged congressional appropriators to include report language in the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (LHHS) appropriations bill that expands the Department of Labor’s in-demand industries to include those which are critical to restoring economic resiliency to our rural and under-resourced communities, many of which directly support, service, and benefit from the growing outdoor recreation economy. The in-demand industries should include disaster resilience, response and recovery, energy, resource management, transportation and infrastructure (including green infrastructure), and the outdoor recreation economy itself (including manufacturing, retail, guiding, and related services). Doing so can help DOL support Registered Apprenticeships in these fields, expanding career pathways in the outdoor recreation space and supporting a vibrant and essential sector of the economy.

Read the proposed language below:

Proposed Registered Apprenticeship Report Language
Registered Apprenticeship programs are proven to connect underrepresented, minority, and economically disadvantaged populations to career opportunities, to decrease the current skills gap, and to support the emerging and growing industries that are helping to restore economic vitality and resiliency across America.

To help address the predicted growth and workforce needs of many industries not currently categorized as “in-demand,” connect underrepresented, minority, and economically disadvantaged populations to opportunity, decrease the current skills gap, and expand Registered Apprenticeships to industries not currently utilizing the system, we propose the following report language in a Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. These changes are not unprecedented. The House recently included the following language expanding “in-demand” industries:

Current Language from House Labor-HHS FY20 Committee Report: The Committee supports the use of apprenticeship grants that provide worker education in in-demand fields, including first responder, utility (water), as well as in goods movement sectors such as global logistics, rail and other freight-related employment.

We propose the following changes to meet the growing workforce demands in the listed industries. In addition, we advocate to expand the Registered Apprenticeship program to industries not currently using or underutilizing this system. Registered apprenticeship is a proven successful model. Expanding it to more industries may address the growing skills gap, address current and future workforce needs, and create economic opportunity and growth.

Proposed Language: The Committee supports the use of apprenticeship grants that provide worker education in in-demand and emerging fields, including first responder; disaster resilience, response, and recovery; utility (energy and water) and resource management; transportation and infrastructure (including green infrastructure); goods movement sectors such as global logistics, rail and other freight-related employment; and outdoor recreation economy-related employment. The Committee is expanding in-demand industries to better reflect current and future workforce and economic opportunities and needs. Additionally, the Committee encourages the use of “next-gen” apprenticeship grants to encourage higher education institutions to support registered apprenticeships in emerging and nontraditional industries. This can expand registered apprenticeship to industries and careers that are not currently using or underutilizing this system, deliver transferable, and durable 21st century skills and create affordable transfer opportunities to a college education for our youth.

MRAA Releases “Job Descriptions That Amp Up Productivity” White Paper

The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas published its latest white paper, “Job Descriptions That Amp Up Productivity,” presented by the Marine Industry Certified Dealership program.

This digital publication was developed to empower employers to craft internal and external job descriptions that create a more productive, accountable and satisfying work environment. The white paper directs readers to use their job descriptions to outline employee job roles, prioritize responsibilities and measure success in order to create better clarity and accountability across their team.

“We’ve been offering our dealer members sample job descriptions for years, but this white paper teaches them how to take those job descriptions a step further,” says Mike Davin, MRAA’s Director of Education. “It’s a step-by-step references that shows dealers exactly how to create job descriptions based on results.”

“Job Descriptions That Amp Up Productivity,” was developed as supplemental material to the 2019 Continuous Certification course, Boost the Productivity of Your Leadership Team, presented by Ty Bello.

“Our Certified dealers focused on productivity in the second quarter of this year. This white paper shows them how to take what they’ve learned about productivity and build it into the culture at their dealership,” says Liz Keener, MRAA’s Certification Manager.

MRAA members can login and access the full publication at MRAA.com/guides. “Job Descriptions That Amp Up Productivity” and Quarter Two of the MICD Continuous Certification program are available now.
 

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.

Dealer to Dealer: June 2019

In regards to sales, how did the weather impact your
first and second quarter?

I’m sure that the weather impacted sales because we have experienced record rains over the first half of 2019, however, the strong economy has countered the negative effects of the weather and dealership is up 30% in boat sales to last year.  Hard to say what could have been. – Michael Brown, Cabela’s Louisville KY

[The weather] has affected May/June sales by 25% – Rob Rule, Maple City Marine

The weather has caused sales to be completely stalled out in April through June.  Inventory is at record levels because of it. – Jerry Brouwer, Action Water Sports

We had a good start considering the weather has been terrible, however, I am seeing head winds building from interest rates, price increases and the up coming election year.  It think it will slow significantly as we enter the fall season. – John Ladner, Breath’s Boats & Motors

We had record breaking sales, both in units and volume, during our first two quarters. We reside in South Florida where these quarters are the best seasons for our local weather. This year was exceptionally temperate with an abundance of Chamber of Commerce days. We also attend the Miami and Palm Beach International Boat Shows during these quarters.  Seasonal residents, along with good weather, contributed to sales. Very active boating occurs here in winter and spring spread out between seasonal residents, fishing enthusiasts, and the large yachts that berth here for repairs, maintenance, and in need of new tenders. – Frank Ferraro, Nautical Ventures

Yes, the weather effected us. Because the lakes stayed frozen longer, we couldn’t get boats on the water. This backed up, both, service and sales. – Patrick Green, Tobler Marina

The weather has been good to us in Alabama even though we had a little above average rainfall. We had our In-Water Boat Show at the end of April and the weather was almost perfect for this type of show. Due to these conditions, we had our best show ever. The weather this year has helped us very favorably. – Dave Commander, Russell Marine

Being that we’re in FL, the weather certainly didn’t affect our sales like it did for other areas.  BUT we did have a much later start to the selling season, I’d say about 45 days later than normal.  We had some late season cold fronts that kept our fishing and boating seasons pent up.  And because the season was late, we didn’t get that early season urgency/spree.  So I feel that the overall calendar year for sales will be down by about 15% as a result of missing out on a month and a half of sales. – Greg Knop, Family Boating Centers

Sales are off by 15% from a year ago. Store traffic is down as is the service. We need the lakes to get back to normal. People want to go because of the heat but can’t go because they are limited to where  you can go. People don’t want travel 3-4 hours to play for the day. We are in northeastern Oklahoma. – Alan Atkins, Sundown Marine

Cold and Snowy Q1, Cold and Rainy Q2. We’re experiencing fantastic water levels, but the surfers, tubers and riders are running 30 days behind because it was so cold and rainy in May and first part of June. Numbers were a little off, but catching up quickly. – Brian Ulrich, Fred’s Marine

How did the weather impact you? Tell us below in the comment section!

Certification Program Launches Q3 Course

The Marine Industry Certified Dealership Program has released its third quarter Continuous Certification course: Align Your Dealership with Today’s Customer. This course is part of the requirements for dealers to maintain their Certification status and to continually improve their dealership.

Align Your Dealership with Today’s Customer teaches dealers about consumers’ needs and wants and how they’ve changed in recent years. It also shows dealers how to address those shift and make their dealership the retailer of choice for modern boat buyers.

Helping dealers achieve success are a variety of subject matter experts knowledgeable about the marine industry and consumer trends. MRAA’s Liz Walz and Jim Million, of Million Learning, lead dealers through the course, which also includes interviews from Sam Dantzler of Garage Composites, Rich Delancey of Level 5, John Spader of Spader Business Management and Bob McCann of the MRAA.

After dealers learn how consumers have changed, they have the opportunity to choose how they’ll adapt their dealership to the changes. Like a Choose Your Own Adventure book, after dealers take a self-assessment to determine their needs, they will choose one of three pathways to complete the course. The Culture Pathway offers dealers advice on adjusting their culture to meet the needs of today’s customer. The People Pathway helps dealers adjust their staffing needs to best serve the customer, and the Process Pathway walks dealers through new processes that can improve the customer experience.

Though dealers are only required to complete one pathway to fulfill their quarterly Continuous Certification requirement, they are welcome and encouraged to go back and watch all three pathways when they’re ready to continue improvement in how they serve their customers and prospects.

“This course offers a unique opportunity for our Certified dealers to learn about new retail trends, assess how they’re addressing those trends now, consider where they have gaps to fill and learn from the pathway that best assists them in filling those gaps,” says Liz Keener, Certification Manager for the MRAA. “We’re glad to give our Certified dealers this customizable e-learning course for the third quarter of 2019.”

Certified Dealers can access Align Your Dealership with Today’s Customer at MRAATraining.com. If you’re not currently Certified and want more information on the program, reach out to Nikki Duffney at 763-333-2420 or nikki@mraa.com or visit MRAA.com/Certification.