Brought to You by Diamond

At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA), we are dedicated to advocating for the interests of our members, many of whom are the small businesses that drive the marine industry’s success. To protect the interests of our members and cultivate a strong selling environment, our Government Relations (GR) Team is constantly advocating on behalf of marine retailers and ensuring that you have a seat at the table. While membership dues support the MRAA GR Team’s basic advocacy responsibilities, we also rely on the crucial support of our Diamond Ambassador Members, whose contributions allow us to do more on behalf of all MRAA members and be your voice when important legislative and regulatory decisions are made. Their commitment helps amplify the voices of marine retailers, ensuring our industry’s unique challenges and needs are heard and addressed.

Senators Manchin, Graham Introduce Legislation to Pause Right Whale Vessel Speed Rule

Supporting Marine Retailers through Advocacy
Most of our members are small, family-owned businesses and we understand the unique challenges they face. From fluctuating economic conditions to complex regulations, small businesses need advocates who understand their specific challenges. The contributions of our Diamond Ambassadors have allowed us to expand our advocacy initiatives in direct support of MRAA Member businesses, such as:

  • Government Relations Software: With the support of our Diamond Ambassador Members, the MRAA made the investment in Quorum, a GR software provider which allows the MRAA GR Team to actively track state and federal legislation and regulation, connect with key officials and their staffs, track meetings, and report out our actions to interested members and stakeholders. Quorum ensures that the MRAA Team is actively monitoring for legislative and regulatory developments that may impact your business while simultaneously helping us to build relationships with key decision makers to work proactively to support our members.
  • Legislative Tracker: A tool designed with small businesses and partner organizations in mind, the Legislative Tracker gives our members, and our advocacy partners the ability to monitor legislative developments across the states and at the federal level. By staying informed, our members can quickly respond to issues that could impact their operations while staying in tune with how the MRAA is advocating on their behalf.
  • Expanding our Government Relations Team: The ability to hire Mike Sayre as the MRAA’s Government Relations Director has been another transformative achievement made possible by our Diamond Ambassadors. Beyond just expanding the bandwidth of MRAA’s efforts, Mike’s background in government affairs is perfectly suited to ensuring that our small business members have a strong and knowledgeable advocate on their side. His expertise enables us to navigate the complex legislative landscape with confidence, positioning MRAA as a key player in shaping policies that impact our members.
  • Amplify your voice more often and across more channels: Diamond Ambassador funding allows our advocacy team to be present more often when we need to meet face-to-face with policymakers, attend important industry events where policy decisions are made. Not only does this allow us to address large-scale issues but local ones as well. This not only strengthens our relationships with policy makers and industry partners but ensures that the specific concerns of marine retailers – such as workforce challenges, tax incentives, and environmental regulations – are consistently highlighted.

Securing a Seat at the Table
Thanks to the generous support of our Diamond Ambassadors, MRAA’s GR Team is actively engaging in more of the policy discussions that directly impact our members. Whether it’s participating in high-level meetings with lawmakers or contributing to policy development at key industry events, we ensure the marine retail sector is represented. Without this vital support, the voices of small marine businesses – often competing with larger industries –might not have the same influence or visibility. The Diamond Ambassadors make it possible for us to be where it matters most, advocating for legislation and regulations that foster a healthy business environment for our members and fighting to protect our members from challenges to your business interests.

Focusing on the Future for Marine Retailers
At MRAA, our focus remains on supporting the growth and sustainability of marine retailers. Through the continued support of our Diamond Ambassadors, we are able to fight for favorable policies and ensure that our members’ voices are heard. The journey ahead is filled with opportunities, and with our Diamond Ambassadors by our side, we’re confident that we can protect the interests of the marine retail industry, be a vital voice in any recreational marine policy discussion and create a prosperous future for all.

Join Us as a Diamond Ambassador
As the marine industry continues to evolve, so does the importance of strong government relations and effective advocacy. Our ability to influence key legislative and regulatory outcomes and provide critical support to MRAA Member businesses hinges on the generous support of our Diamond Ambassador Members. By joining as a Diamond Ambassador, you are directly investing in the future of the marine retail industry and ensuring that our members—many of whom are small, independent businesses – have a powerful voice in Washington D.C. and in state legislatures across the country.

Your support helps fund essential initiatives such participation in key policy discussions, the development of tools like the Legislative Tracker, and the ongoing leadership and work of the MRAA Government Relations Team. With your partnership, we can continue to champion policies that benefit our industry and protect the interests of marine retailers nationwide.

Become a Diamond Ambassador today and be a part of shaping the future of marine retail advocacy. Together, we can do more for the businesses that make our industry thrive.

Building Tomorrow’s Marine Workforce 

(NOTE: This is the second blog in a three-part blog series where MRAA members and staff share examples of how they have worked to develop the local workforce within their business and community.)

By Wendy Ramsey, General Manager, Pirate Cove Marina

Workforce development has become one of the most important topics in the marine industry over the last year. Here in Kemptville, Ontario, we’ve taken proactive steps by reaching out to our local high schools at the beginning of each school year to connect with co-op teachers. Co-op placements are work-integrated learning opportunities where students gain practical experience in their field of study by working for a company or organization. These placements are typically part of a formal education program, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings while earning academic credit. Co-op placements often last for several months. The main benefits of co-op placements include:

  • Work experience: Students gain hands-on experience in their industry, making them more competitive in the job market.
  • Networking: Co-op placements help students build relationships with professionals in their field, potentially leading to future job opportunities.
  • Skill development: Students can develop both technical and soft skills in a professional environment.
  • Career exploration: A co-op placement allows students to explore their chosen career path and confirm their interest in it.

Much like U.S. high school elective classes such as “shop,” art, computer programming, etc. We’ve found by making these connections early, we ensure that when students inquire about new opportunities, our dealership is one of the first options considered.

Since implementing this initiative, we’ve consistently brought in two to three students each year. These students work closely with the technicians in our shop. They will learn how to complete basic tasks in the shop and assist with the work the technician is completing that day. Whether it’s an oil change or diagnosing a blown engine they are there learning. Depending on the co-op student we can have them full days for a semester or a couple hours each day. This past summer we had one of our co-op students come back and work full time in the shop and requested to do full time co-op with us this semester. She completes her co-op for school then punches in to work the remainder of the day. 

Additionally, we collaborate with shop and career classes, visiting schools to discuss the range of career opportunities within the marine industry, from technician roles to service advisors. These conversations open students’ eyes to the possibilities of a fulfilling career in the marine field, and we’re always ready to answer any questions they may have.

While one dealership alone cannot make a huge impact on the workforce by itself, we can collectively. If each of us, or our teams took a little time to engage with local schools, the impact could be tremendous. We know students are not encouraged with the same enthusiasm as college paths, so it is up to us to make that difference. It’s an investment not just in our businesses, but in the future of the entire marine workforce.

Building Tomorrow's Marine Workforce

About the Author 
Wendy Ramsey is the incoming YLAC Chair and is the General Manager of Pirate Cove Marina and Owner of RBK Distribution in Kemptville Ontario, Canada. She’s been a leader and catalyst for workforce development in Ontario and with the schools in her region. 

Future-Proofing Your Workforce: Using AIMIE to Connect with the Next Generation

Acquiring and maintaining a steady, talented workforce is a tall task. We understand! That’s why Jennifer McLachlan, MRAA Membership Specialist, is hosting a webinar to share with you innovative ways that AIMIE (AI for Marine Industry Education) can help you grow and future-proof your workforce.

This conversational session explores the practical applications of AIMIE to enhance your dealership’s recruitment and training processes. Learn how to leverage AIMIE’s capabilities to attract and retain young talent, maximize efficiency and provide continuous education for your team.

Date & Time: Wed., Oct 9, 2024 / 12 p.m. CDT

Register for Webinar
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MRAA Resources to consider:

Learn more about YLAC here.

Future-Proofing Your Workforce Webinar

• October 9 — Using AIMIE to Connect with the Next Generation

Acquiring and maintaining a steady, talented workforce is a tall task. We understand! That’s why Jennifer McLachlan, MRAA Membership Specialist, is hosting an MRAA webinar to share with you innovative ways that AIMIE (our AI for Marine Industry Education content platform) can help you grow and future-proof your workforce.

This conversational session explores the practical applications of AIMIE to enhance your dealership’s recruitment and training processes. Learn how to leverage AIMIE’s capabilities to attract and retain young talent, maximize efficiency and provide continuous education for your team.

Don’t miss this opportunity to discover how AIMIE can be your co-captain in navigating the future of workforce development. Register now to secure your spot!

Date & Time: Wed., Oct 9, 2024 / 12 p.m. CDT

Register for AIMIE Webinar

Have questions? Email Jennifer, or call 763-272-4310.

Improving Your Parts Department Performance

By Erick Jauregui, Fixed Operations Training Specialist for EasyCare

The parts department is a critical yet often undervalued component of dealership profitability. Adopting strategic measures that can enhance inventory management and help bolster sales through targeted customer service is essential. Here is a comprehensive plan designed to help boost parts gross profits, leveraging market data, inventory control, and interdepartmental synergy. 

Understanding Market Dynamics 
The first step towards profitability: understanding local gross profit percentage and averages. This insight provides a benchmark, enabling dealerships to position themselves competitively. Establishing processes and policies around these metrics can help with maintaining healthy profits. Further, educating parts department staff on these principles is paramount. Training equips them with the knowledge to apply data, preventing profit erosion.

Inventory Management: Tackling Obsolescence 
A common pitfall for parts departments is the accumulation of obsolete inventory. Aged stock occupies precious space and ties up capital. Identifying and addressing this issue will help you deploy this stock more productively. Several different approaches to stock include: 

  • Inventory Analysis: Conduct a thorough inventory audit to pinpoint slow-moving items. You can make better-informed decisions by understanding how long parts have consumed valuable resources.
  • Return Policies: Explore return options for unsellable stock. Many suppliers offer buy-back programs, which can mitigate losses on unsold parts. 
  • Alternative Sales Avenues: Look beyond traditional sales channels. Online marketplaces, direct marketing, and parts liquidation services offer avenues to recoup investment on hard-to-sell items. 
  • Inventory Management Systems: Inventory software aids in monitoring metrics, like stock levels of fast-moving items and lost sales opportunities. These tools are invaluable in maintaining operational visibility and agility. 

Leveraging the Service Department: Your Premier Customer 
There is a symbiotic relationship between the parts and service departments. The service department’s reliance on the parts division for timely and accurate parts supplies makes it the most significant internal customer. Ensuring a well-stocked inventory tailored to the service department’s needs guarantees a streamlined workflow. This provides an environment where parts are sold efficiently. Key strategies include: 

Stock Optimization: Align inventory with demand. Focus on fast-moving parts and those with a high turnover rate to meet the service department’s requirements. 

Pricing and Availability: Competitive pricing and immediate part availability can help strengthen the service department’s confidence in the parts division. This enhances the customer service experience. 

The Takeaway
Improving the performance of the parts department requires a deliberate approach to market analysis, inventory management, and internal collaboration. By understanding market dynamics, addressing inventory obsolescence, and strengthening the partnership with the service department, dealerships can unlock significant profit opportunities.

Improving Your Parts Department Performance

About the Author
Erick Jauregui, Fixed Operations Training Specialist for EasyCare (merged with Relentless Dealer Services), brings nearly 20 years of automotive, powersports and marine service department experience. Erick is focused on training, consulting and creating new fixed ops content to help dealers supercharge their operations. During his career, Erick was certified by several OEMs, with his service departments exceeding gross profit, parts and CSI. Learn more about EasyCare at www.easycare.com.

IDS to Host Industry Webinar

• Warranty – The Biggest Untapped Profit Center at Your Dealership

IDS, an MRAA Education Champion, is hosting an industry webinar entitled “Warranty – The Biggest Untapped Profit Center at Your Dealership.”

IDS Hosts Industry Webinar

Details: You probably have a goldmine of uncollected revenue sitting in your lot right now. Everyone thinks of warranty as a post-sale upsell when they should be thinking of warranty as a profit center. Kevin Gribble, dealership expert at IDS and former Warranty Manager of a multi-location dealership, will share best practices for increasing revenue and decreasing liability with warranty.

Key Discussion Points:

  • Who manages your unit while you own it?
  • How to follow the warranty of the life of a unit, from the moment it leaves the factory to one year later and beyond.
  • How to bring deferred dollars into the present while also speeding up your turnaround time.

Time: 1 p.m. EST

Date: Thursday, Sept. 26

Registration Link

Getting into the Minds of Tomorrow’s Workforce

• How to Motivate, Cultivate and Maintain a New Generation of Employees

By Jon Stovall, General Sales Manager, Ocean Blue Yacht Sales

In 2024 and beyond, we have a new generation of people coming into the retail marine industry. How do we, as business owners and managers, connect with a generation that thinks and acts completely differently from us or any generation we have worked with?

The newest generation of workers that are now coming out of high school, trade schools and even four-year colleges have a way of thinking that we have not seen in the workforce before now. As business owners and operators, we have established mindsets, expectations and requirements when interviewing and hiring a new candidate. But, at some point, you start scratching your head when the new hire who you had high hopes for suddenly says they want to leave your dealership with no warning signs.

After seeing this happen consistently, not only at my dealership, but at others around me, I wanted to dive deeper into what motivates this generation and how we as operators can continue with our established dealership cultures and still develop our next work force.

The biggest lesson I learned is that this new generation is not always motivated solely by money. As a manager, sitting down with your new hire is critical. Yes, I am sure we all do this automatically, but do we really ask the questions or know the questions to ask? Asking questions that allow your new hire to really express their long-term goals and aspirations is a great starting point. I have found that young candidates don’t always know what their long-term goals are. Especially with how fast their lives change based on how integrated social media and technology is in their lives and early development. Having continuous conversations about this helps keep them engaged and feel appreciated by leadership.

My most successful hires with the new generation have required frequent check-ins, more than I normally would do with employees that are similar ages to me. These check-ins are critical. Helping them understand the big picture of what your dealership can do and where it can go with them as a part of that plan has helped me provide them with long-term goals, mentorship and empowerment that they thrive on. Taking monetary compensation out of the equation has helped take instant gratification emotions out of their mindsets. It does not completely go away – compensation is an extremely important topic – but providing a platform that can clearly show their potential and pave a path for long-term growth and success can far outweigh any other compensation they can dream of.

In summary, it’s important to take a different approach to developing employees than you have in the past. Providing purpose, identity and a connection to them and your everyday business could outweigh monetary compensation at a different job down the street.

Workforce - How to Motivate, Cultivate and Maintain a New Generation of Employees

About the Author
Jon Stovall is the General Sales Manager for Ocean Blue Yacht Sales in sunny southeast Florida. He has been in the marine retail industry for 10 years and has worked in just about every department of a marine dealership. He also serves on MRAA’s Young Leaders Advisory Council (YLAC). With a passion for the industry, he has learned that recruiting and developing new people is the key to long term success.

Future-Proofing Your Workforce: Using AIMIE to Connect with the Next Generation

Acquiring and maintaining a steady, talented workforce is a tall task. We understand! That’s why Jennifer McLachlan, MRAA Membership Specialist, is hosting a webinar to share with you innovative ways that AIMIE (AI for Marine Industry Education) can help you grow and future-proof your workforce.

This conversational session explores the practical applications of AIMIE to enhance your dealership’s recruitment and training processes. Learn how to leverage AIMIE’s capabilities to attract and retain young talent, maximize efficiency and provide continuous education for your team.

Date & Time: Wed., Oct 9, 2024 / 12 p.m. CDT

Register for Webinar
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Additional MRAA resources to consider:

4 Ways to Advance Your Business

• Help build careers and strengthen your dealership with continuing marine-industry education

As a dealership owner or general manager, we know you want to put your business in a position to win. You want your employees to have long careers and remain loyal to your store(s) while also needing your business to stay efficient and profitable. To help your team and strengthen your business, you must find resources to grow and improve together. The problem is that your team is so busy in your day-to-day roles that it’s impossible to find the time to explore continuing education.

We believe when you invest in your people and your business, you create success. And your success leads to better results for the entire marine industry. We also understand finding more time in your already busy day is a challenge in and of itself. However, to reach new levels in business, you have to be willing to push through your challenges and seek continuous improvement with additional time, effort and education.

That is why we built the robust MRAA Certified Dealership program. We partnered with the American Boat and Yacht Council to create Service Management Certification. This fall, you have four ways to empower your crew and benefit your business. So stop worrying about your next move and take action today to correct your inefficiencies, nurture skills and advance your business.

Service Management Certification
You need your Service Manager to be a problem-solver and decision-maker, especially if you have multiple technicians on staff. When your daily operations get muddled up in inefficient processes and poor communication, employee morale suffers, customer experience is hindered and your business can struggle. More service issues arrive when a manager lacks financial oversight and control over workflow. Even vendors will start to notice delays and miscommunication.

Whether you have one of these issues or many, you can overcome them by helping your Service Manager(s) develop the confidence and skills to remove poor practices and ineffective behaviors and replace them with proven best practices.

The Service Management Certification Program, developed by the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) and MRAA, empowers your team to manage challenges, enhance communication and leadership skills and take action. Investing in this certification strengthens your service department, providing long-term stability and growth for your dealership.

Program participants gain the training and tools to fine-tune their results at a time when dealerships need it most. The next training opportunity begins This September! Don’t miss the chance to fortify your service department and dealership, getting them both on track for greater profitability and success.

Enroll today to begin your journey to becoming Service Management Certified!

    Certification Unleashed

    MRAA Dealership Certification
    The last four years in the boating industry has felt like an exciting but precarious rollercoaster ride filled with peaks and valleys. It’s exhilarating in one turn, but the next turn brings disbelief or alarm. Feeling like you have a lack of control is not rewarding. We get it. The MRAA designed the influential Certified Dealership program helps you streamline your operations, improve processes and create adaptability, regardless of the turns in the market ahead of you.

    From enhancing customer experience at every touchpoint to enriching your employees’ expertise to boosting your overall profitability, Dealer Certification puts you on an elite level. Your commitment to winning begins today!

    Whether you are considering certification for the first time or looking to renew your commitment, the “Certification Unleashed” webinar with Bob McCann, MRAA Lead Certification Consultant, is designed to provide you with both information and actionable tips to help you navigate MRAA Dealership Certification with confidence. In this interactive webinar and exclusive Q&A session, Bob will let you explore more of this business-altering program. He will answer your burning questions at 10 a.m. (CDT), Wednesday, Sept. 25, about the MRAA Dealership Certification program and share insights on how certification is the step you’ve always needed to take, especially heading into 2025.

    MRAA Educational Foundation Opens Call for 2024 Award Applications

    MRAA Educational Foundation Scholarships
    You want all your co-workers to be models of consistency in that they are as reliable as they are predictable. But what if you could help them maintain their consistent performance and advance in a way that fosters their career growth and improves the dealership you both represent?

    You seek to grow your role in the business in a two-fold effort to prolong your career and help it succeed. We understand it’s hard to find time to focus on career development with your demanding schedule and in your busy season. You are good at your craft. However, like a trapeze artist, you eventually have to try new things or leave the safety of the net to advance your skills and put on a better show for your customers (audience).

    The 2024 MRAA Educational Foundation Scholarships develop talented marine-industry professionals by expanding their abilities through training. Through education, they evolve into future managers and leaders. It is crucial to apply or nominate a marine industry professional and future leader for the 2024 Duane Spader Leadership Development Scholarship and the 2024 Kevin Lodder Scholarship for business management.

    Career advancement, a catalyst for change, is an integral part of workforce development. Don’t miss out on your chance to grow your career or help a co-worker improve. Nominate or apply for these career-changing scholarships. The Educational Foundation contributes to marine industry growth through workforce development. Learn more.

    MRAA reveals Dealer Week 2024 Theme

    Marine Industry Education
    Please close your eyes and picture your dealership perfectly, without blemishes, errors, workforce issues, or complaining customers. Now open your eyes and think about the areas in your business that could improve if you just had a way to help your departments learn and grow together. Now, imagine a place where you go as a team, to gain timely education and industry-specific tactics to help you aim for your perfect state.

    I understand your skepticism. Before you say, “This place doesn’t exist,” let me introduce you to Dealer Week 2024. From sales to service to marketing and even your own leadership, MRAA’s conference helps you become the dealership you want to be and need to be for your staff, family and the boating community you serve.

    Dealer Week, a boating-specific gathering focused on dealership growth, is an on-site event you can’t miss. From expert advice to implementable solutions and unmatched networking opportunities with vendors and dealership peers, the annual event will help you drive performance in today’s market and help you install the process to make your earlier vision a reality.

    Save on Early Bird registration, which runs to Monday, Sept. 30. Register today, and join us Dec. 8-11, in Orlando, Fla.

    Achieve More!
    While doing all four of these options will help your entire business improve, we understand if that could feel overwhelming for you on both a team bandwidth and financial scale. However, by choosing to do at least one of these this year, you will set up your team to achieve more and improve your customer relations, which, in turn, will help advance your business.

    Have questions about MRAA Membership, signing up for training for your team or other membership-related questions, contact: Sherri Cuvala, MRAA Director of Membership at sherri@mraa.com; 763-333-2420.

    Helpful Content to Inform & Engage Customers

    Let’s imagine for a second that one of your new customers texts their sales contact at your dealership asking for offshore fishing tips. They add in a follow-up question about wind and its effect on fishing. While some dealers have fishing experts on staff and could answer them quickly and with expert advice, other teams may lack the proper knowledge. What do you do in the latter case?

    Helpful Content to Inform & Engage with Customers
    Image courtesy of Discover Boating

    One method is to use the resources from Discover Boating. In fact, fresh, relevant content is created and shared each month to keep your customers and fellow boaters engaged in the journey as an owner and enthusiast. The content helps businesses connect with existing boaters, so as an industry stakeholder, you are encouraged to share the articles, videos and resources with your customers. You can respond via text as in the scenario above or integrate the content into your social media, e-newsletter and other communication plans.

    These stories are meant to save you time and energy while helping you stay in contact with your customers and keep them boating.

    Here are some of the top content offerings from August from Discover Boating:

    Buying guides:

    Travel guides:

    Safe boating tips:

    Sailing tips:

    Other August articles:

    Future Discover Boating content will highlight the Norwalk Boat Show, fall fishing and boating tips, boat-buying guides and more. Need additional resources, data and info, check out https://b2b.discoverboating.com/.

    Fortify Your Service Department

    • ABYC / MRAA Service Management Certification helps dealerships improve their service department’s performance, while advancing their team’s careers.

    To keep your dealership operating like a well-oiled machine throughout the market’s ups and downs, you need a service department that is performing at its best.

    Whether you have one service manager leading that effort or a range of different positions contributing toward those results, you want to set them up for success, giving them the tools, training and resources to pull their department together to achieve next level outcomes.

    Fortify Your Service Department

    That’s the opportunity presented by the Service Management Certification Program, built in partnership between the MRAA and the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC).

    Here are seven reasons to sign up your key service leaders to become Service Management Certified.

    1. Enhanced Customer Satisfaction
    When you become Service Management Certified, you gain training on how to help your team fix the customer first. We’re living in the customer experience generation! All of your service customers want the same reassurances of top-notch treatment, complete transparency and trustworthy results. This certification program is designed to improve your processes to deliver quality and consistency, while instilling trust. It equips your service management professionals with the tools, know-how and confidence to manage your customers’ expectations and drive up their satisfaction. Customer experience and retention is huge for your dealership, and your service teams plays a vital role in helping you win in both areas!

    2. Improved Operational Efficiency
    You want your service department employees, including your service managers, to be efficient and proficient because it help your business operate smoothly. The Service Management Certification program focuses on critical areas of success, including: key performance indicators, time management and facility management to streamline operations (and reduce employee stress). Help your managers gain valuable insights and training to tackle challenges with poise, purpose and adaptability.

    3. Financial Benefits
    Strong processes often lead to better results. However, service management also involves understanding the drivers behind key departmental metrics so you can work to improve financial performance. This program helps your team members generate cost savings and increase profitability.

    4. Career Development
    Supporting your employee’s professional development inspires higher levels of loyalty, while creating buy-in for positive change. By offering programs that advance their learning and growth, you’re investing not only in your dealership, but also your employee’s career with your business. While you’ll generate immediate returns, many of the program’s offerings will continue to pay off throughout their career, helping them set better goals, identify opportunities for continuous improvement and better coach and manage others. By offering them a chance to advance in their role at the dealership, it can help your business grow. Their newfound education, confidence and leadership can take everyone to new heights.

    5. Better Communication Skills
    Active listening is a strength that can benefit managers, employees and customers. This program offers education in effective communication strategies and tools to enhance results both internally and externally. By improving their communication skills, your service team can prevent misunderstandings, avoid delays and reduce confusion with customers, while creating better teamwork across dealership departments.

    6. Proactive Management
    Ready, willing and able! The Service Management Certification training helps transform your service department from reactive to proactive! Managers learn to help their entire team prepare for and even prevent issues before they arise. They have the confidence and attitude to help others improve while keeping operations running smoothly.

    7. Comprehensive Training and Resources
    Service managers benefit from an extensive list of tools and education, including an 11-course online training program, downloadable resources, printed study guide and proctored examination, all developed with guidance from experienced service managers. Once they earn their Service Management Certified badge, they can proudly share it with their team, customers and manufacturers to show their commitment to professional excellence. This investment in education advances the marine industry as a whole, one service manager and one department at a time. 

    Strength & Stability in a Soft Market
    By helping your Service Department get stronger, you provide stability to help your dealership navigate a soft boat market. Service Management Certification participants gain the training and tools to fine tune their results at a time when dealerships need it most.

    The next training opportunity begins Wednesday, Sept. 18! Don’t miss the opportunity to fortify your department and dealership, getting them both on track for greater profitability and success. Enroll today to begin your journey to becoming Service Management Certified!

    Representative D’Esposito Visits Strong’s Marine

    • Chairman of MRAA Board Builds Relationship with Local Member of Congress

    FREEPORT, NEW YORK, September 9, 2024 – Strong’s Marine, a proud member of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, was honored to host Congressman Anthony D’Esposito (R-NY-4) for a visit to their Freeport location on August 28, 2024. The visit provided a unique opportunity for Representative D’Esposito to engage with the local marine industry, discuss important issues facing small businesses and marine retailers, and continue to build the Congressional Boating Caucus.

    Representative D’Esposito Visits Strong’s Marine
    (From Left) Jeff Strong, Owner Strong’s Marine, Representative Anthony D’Esposito and Dante Grover, Owner Al Grover’s Marine met to discuss recreational boating, small business and marine advocacy.

    During the visit, Rep. D’Esposito toured the facility, met with staff and spoke with Strong’s Marine Owner Jeff Strong and Dante Grover, Owner at Al Grover’s Marine, about the economic impact of the marine industry in New York’s 4th district. Rep. D’Esposito also had the chance to hear firsthand about the challenges and opportunities facing the recreational boating industry, including the proposed Right Whale Vessel Speed Rule, growing the marine workforce and the importance of having Federal fisheries and navigational information available digitally for recreational boaters while on the high seas.

    “After Jeff testified in support of my bill, the MAPOceans Act during a hearing in the House Committee on Natural Resources in June, I knew I had to visit and spend some time with Jeff in his element. Strong’s Marine at Grover’s is a cornerstone of our community, contributing to both our local economy and to the joy of countless families who enjoy time on the water,” said Rep. D’Esposito. “It’s important that we support businesses like this that not only create jobs but also enrich our way of life. I look forward to continuing to work with Jeff and his team as I focus on how to support the 4th district’s reactional marine industry and boating enthusiasts alike.”

    While Strong’s Marine has locations across Long Island, Strong’s Marine at Grover’s has quickly become a fixture in the Freeport community, bringing Strong’s legendary customer service, sales expertise and line of vessels to Grover’s, which has been a hub of boating activity in Freeport since 1950.

    “We were honored to have Representative D’Esposito visit us and witness the passion and dedication that goes into what we do every day at Strong’s,” said Strong, Chairman of the MRAA Board. “This visit underscores the importance of solid relationships between local businesses and our elected officials, and we look forward to continuing our work together to support the recreational marine industry on Long Island and nationwide.”

    The MRAA is committed to advocating for the needs of the marine retail industry and visits like this one play a crucial role in connecting industry leaders with policymakers. To learn more about how to set up a visit with your member of congress, reach out to Chad Tokowicz, MRAA Government Relations Manager, at Chad@mraa.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.