Boating Industry Representatives Testify at EPA Hearing on Year-Round E15 Sales

On March 29th, the Environmental Protection Agency held a public field hearing on its proposed rule to lift the restriction on summertime sales of gasoline with 15 percent ethanol (E15). Many in the recreational marine industry has long opposed increasing the volume of ethanol in the fuel supply, and are weighing all options to thwart EPA’s proposal.

Tim Reid, vice president of product development and engineering at Mercury Marine and David Slikkers, director of government relations at Tiara Yachts were joined in testifying by NMMA senior vice president of government relations and legal affairs, Nicole Vasilaros. Jim Stewart of the Michigan Boating Industries Association and Jim Coburn of the National Marine Lenders Association and MBIA also testified.

According to Vasilaros, “The EPA’s rule allowing year-round sales of E15 is an affront to consumers who use gas-powered products and expect the EPA to look out for their best interests. With year-round sales of E15, the risk of misfueling will lead to potentially disastrous consequences and jeopardizes the safety of the consumer. In the interest of consumer safety, the agency should consider abandoning the rule. 

“In certain products, E15 use is prohibited by law due to safety concerns. In fact, the use of E15 can destroy engines in a wide-range of consumer products including boats, generators, motorcycles, and others. What’s more, many Americans are unaware of the dangers of high ethanol fuels. A recent Harris Poll commissioned by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute shows that more than 3 in 5 Americans mistakenly assume any gas sold at a gas station is safe for their gas-powered products. Additionally, many gas stations have E15 labels smaller than a pack of gum. Boat owning Americans who have small, towable boats that they fill up at their local gas stations remain at increased risk of misfueling. 

“Lack of consumer knowledge about the new rule in addition to the demonstrated harmful effects of E15 on certain products make a clear-cut case for the EPA to abandon its proposed rule and protect consumers. While the EPA’s decision to potentially allow additional consumer education and protection measures is welcome news, the agency’s desire to hasten the roll out of the rule achieves the opposite effect. We hope to continue working with the EPA and other industry groups on improving labeling, strengthening consumer education, and otherwise mitigating the disastrous effects of this new rule.” 

MRAA is planning to submit testimony on this rulemaking in the coming weeks, and encourages any interested party to do the same.

If you have questions, please contact MRAA Public Policy Manager, Will Higgins.

MRAA breaks early registration records with Dealer Week

Registration for the inaugural event has outpaced previous MRAA conferences.

Dealer Week, the all-new MRAA Conference and Expo, concluded its “Earliest Bird” registration period on March 31 and broke all previous records for early registration at an MRAA event.

More than 250 dealership personnel have committed to Dealer Week, which represents a nearly 30-percent increase over early registration for the most recent MRAA conference. Not only that, those numbers represent registrants committed at the end of March, whereas past early registration periods have not opened until April.

“We knew there was excitement surrounding Dealer Week and our move to Tampa,” said Matt Gruhn, MRAA president. “It’s thrilling to us to have broken our early registration record before the date on which we normally open registration. In our view, this demonstrates the power of focusing on providing real-world solutions for our dealers and reinforces the strength of the educational programming and the event experience that MRAA has always delivered.”

Dealer Week represents a reimagining of the annual MRAA conference and expo. The event recently revealed its lineup of Education Hosts, its schedule and launched exhibitor registration.

“At MRAA, our team and our partners know that the success of our industry hinges on the success of our dealers,” said Mike Davin, MRAA director of education. “We are working hard every day to deliver on the expectation for world-class educational programming, an immersive event and experience, and a robust platform for business solutions. It’s rewarding to see such a large number of dealers demonstrate their faith in our ability to deliver on that promise before we’ve released all the details.”

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 evolves as 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 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. For more information, visit mraa.com.

Sea Tow Foundation Appoints Higgins to Serve on Inaugural Sober Skipper Advisory Council

Key Influencers from Multiple Marine Industry Segments Tapped for Safe Boating Collaboration

The Sea Tow Foundation has selected 13 marine industry stakeholders to serve on its newly launched North American Sober Skipper Advisory Council, with the goal to collaborate on current and future boating safety messages including its popular Sober Skipper campaign.

“The Sea Tow Foundation is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between the non-profit recreational boating safety community and the for-profit boating industry with the launch of the Sober Skipper Advisory Council,” said Executive Director Gail R. Kulp. “The highly qualified group of individuals that were nominated and subsequently appointed to serve on this inaugural council bring extremely valuable insight and unique perspectives which will help us to strengthen industry messaging, awareness and adoption of boating safety initiatives.”

Members of the inaugural Sea Tow Foundation North American Sober Skipper Advisory Council will serve a two-year term. Appointees in alphabetical order include:

  • David Connolly, Partner, TH Connolly & Sons Inc.
  • David Dickerson, VP State Government Relations, NMMA
  • Jim Emmons, Non-Profit Outreach Grants Director, Water Sports Foundation, Inc.
  • Kevin Falvey, Editorial Director, Boating Magazine/Bonnier
  • Mike Hankins, Operations Director, Crevalle Boats
  • Will Higgins, Public Policy Manager, MRAA
  • John Jost, Director of Marine Solutions, Ken Cook Co.
  • Captain Keith Lake, Delivery Captain, MarineMax
  • Dave Marlow, Director, Product Integrity/Government Affairs, Brunswick Corporation
  • Captain Frank Stoeber, Team Development Manager, Regal Boats
  • Nic Thomas, Corporate Director of Dock Operations, Freedom Boat Club
  • Stephanie Vatalaro, Senior VP Marketing & Communications, RBFF
  • Annamarie Worrell, Boat Club & Marketing Manager, Emerald Coast Marine Group

In addition, an executive committee of four will direct and facilitate advisory council efforts including Gail R. Kulp; Michael Wesolowski. Sea Tow Foundation Director of External Relations; Kristen Frohnhoefer, Sea Tow Foundation Board President; and Wanda Kenton Smith, president, Kenton Smith Marketing.

“Our executive committee was extremely pleased by the high level of interest and the positive response when we announced plans a few months ago to establish this council and extended the nationwide call for nominations,” said Kulp. “While our new council membership represents broad segments of the boating industry, everyone involved shares a strong passion for and commitment to boating safety. Our executive committee is very excited to get underway and to collaborate with these industry stakeholders in this important effort.”

About the Sea Tow Foundation Sober Skipper Program
Launched in 2015 and enjoying established partnerships with more than 130 organizations in 32 states, the Sober Skipper program encourages boaters to be or to designate a Sober Skipper before they leave the dock to promote safe, fun boating experiences for all, with the ultimate goal to reduce the number of boating accidents and deaths on North American waterways.To learn more about the Sea Tow Foundation’s North American Sober Skipper program, please visit www.soberskipper.com.

About Sea Tow Foundation
With a focus on safe boating practices that result in fun on the water, the Sea Tow Foundation – a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization – was established in 2007 by Sea Tow Founder Capt. Joe Frohnhoefer. After his passing in 2015, Captain Joe’s legacy continues as the Foundation brings attention to the number of preventable boating- related accidents, injuries, and deaths, and directly addresses prevention methods through education and awareness. More than 500 life jacket loaner stands are now available across the United States and the Foundation’s Sober Skipper program continues to grow. For more information on the Sea Tow Foundation, please visit BoatingSafety.com.

NMTA Opens 2020 Grow Boating Grant Application Process

The Northwest Marine Trade Association’s (NMTA) Grow Boating Grant Program announced it has given $27,083 in funding or loan opportunities to 21 boating programs in the Pacific Northwest. Over the past 16 years the program has invested more than $2-million in funding to non-profit groups or organizations that help boost the number of boaters and watercraft users and encourages boaters to use their boat more often. The Grow Boating Program is funded through a surcharge on square-footage rented during the Seattle Boat Show.

This year 33 applicants submitted a request of $169,337, and the Grow Boating Committee members spent the past two months pouring over the requests, which were all noteworthy in one way or another.

“The committee has gone through another successful grant process for 2019, putting members’ funds to good use to increase boating activity, education and excitement around the Pacific Northwest,” said Joe Cline, the NMTA’s Grow Boating Committee Chairman.

Those awarded in 2019 with funding supported a very diverse area that includes everything from power and sail boats; smaller watercraft like kayaks, canoes and paddle- and sail-boards; learn to sail guide publication; equipment and gear; promotional and marketing funding; to educational youth events and outreach programs.

The NMTA Grow Boating Committee oversees the management and allocation of NMTA’s regional Grow Boating fund, and determines what programs, events and promotions should be undertaken to encourage boating in the Northwest.

2019 Grant funding was awarded to:

  • Anacortes Waterfront Alliance: $1,000 for youth week-long sailing programs and loan for dinghies.
  • Bellingham Yacht Club: $500 toward youth sailing and boating instruction, scholarships and marketing.
  • Clam Island Rowing: $400 to cover Boater Education Card fees and for gear, instruction, maintenance and marketing.
  • Gig Harbor Boat Shop: $900 for supplies, materials, equipment and help fund free summer boat rental days to engage a new audience.
  • Lopez Island Family Resource: $1,500 for scholarships and maintenance to a small rural community with little access to structured youth sailboat programs.
  • Maple Bay Yacht Club Junior Program: $1,000 to fund expansion of junior program that offers a free community boating event in June.
  • Metro Park Tacoma, Point Defiance Park: $2,000 offset boat rental rates and educational instruction for Free Fishing Weekend in June.
  • Multihull Youth Sail Foundation “My Sail”: $2,000 to help their youth programs get off the ground plus a loan offer to purchase a Hobie 16.
  • Northwest Maritime Center, Port Townsend: $5,000 pilot project to create 20,000 printed “Learn to Sail” guides and post the guide online.
  • Oregon Women’s Sailing Association: $750 for education materials, safety gear and meeting fees for their women’s intro to sailing classes.
  • PNW Chapter of Antique Classic Boat Show in Renton: $600 for launch fees and lifejackets for a free boat show as part of the Renton River Days on July 27.
  • Port Angeles Yacht Club Sailing Program: $1,000 for marketing purposes, plus initiatives to get adult/youth on the water and improve their free boating day events.
  • Renton Sailing Center: $1,000 for sailboat maintenance to a longstanding all-volunteer program promoting and growing sailing.
  • Sail Sand Point: $2,500 to fund youth scholarships at camps and build an outreach program toward at-risk kids in the community.
  • Schooner Martha Foundation: $833 for maintenance, moorage, staff time and overhead toward a spring public school youth sailing series.
  • Sea Scout Ship 100 Charles N. Curtis: $1,000 to purchase Furuno GPS that will replace an outdated version.
  • Shaw Island Youth Sailing Program: $500 for PFDs, first aid kit and instructing materials for youth boating and sailing programs.
  • Sound Experience: $2,000 to help pay for 143 students including underserved teens interested in an on-water experience program.
  • Spokane Canoe and Kayak Club: $500 to cover insurance, State Park fees and marketing for the “Paddle, Splash and Play” summer event.
  • Tidewater Cove Marina: $100 for signage for their “Wear It” lifejacket station and committee will find help for lifejacket donations.
  • The Center for Wooden Boats: $2,000 for maintenance and pay for 8,000 brochures to create opportunities for engagement of visitors.

About the Northwest Marine Trade Association
The NMTA is the nation’s largest regional marine association. It represents more than 700 companies in the recreational boating industry, including boat dealers, boat brokers, marinas, boatyards, manufacturers, retailers and suppliers of boating accessories and services. The NMTA’s mission is to promote the growth of recreational boating and members’ businesses. The NMTA produces the Seattle Boat Show, the West Coast’s largest boat show, Anacortes Boat & Yacht Show and the Northwest Paddling Festival. Learn more at www.nmta.net.

Dealer Week Exhibit Reservations Open

The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas has opened exhibit and sponsorship reservations for its newly reimagined annual conference, Dealer Week. Companies looking to support and exhibit at the largest gathering of marine dealership personnel in 2019 can now reserve their space and explore sponsorship opportunities at DealerWeek.com.

Dealer Week will feature the largest expo hall in MRAA conference history, with exhibit space available for manufacturers, suppliers and service providers who would like to grow their dealer networks or who simply want to support the success of their current networks. Further, Dealer Week provides a platform for partners to contribute to the learning that dealers gain through the powerful educational programming available throughout the event.

Dealer Week continues MRAA’s four-decade tradition of producing dealer-focused educational events. The event’s new format places a renewed focus on the variety of ways dealers learn — classroom education; dealer-to-dealer discussion; and, equally importantly, leveraging the knowledge and resources of our industry partners. Based on feedback from MRAA’s partners, culminating in a strategic planning session that brought together dealers, manufacturers, suppliers and other industry leaders, Dealer Week has been designed to facilitate dialogue and information-sharing between dealers and exhibitors like never before.

“Our mission at MRAA, through Dealer Week and all of our programs and services, is to fuel the growth and success of our dealers and therefore the growth and success of our entire industry,” says Allison Gruhn, MRAA’s Director of Business Development, the point person for partner membership, exhibit and sponsorship sales. “We’re thrilled to align these partner opportunities so directly with that mission because when we collaborate with leading suppliers, together, we can magnify the impact of our work.”

Dealer Week’s all-new registration system puts control in the hands of the event’s exhibitors and sponsors by allowing them to explore exhibit space sizes and rates; ­book their space; secure sponsorship opportunities; add bulk space; build dealer-facing company profiles; add and manage staff registrations; and manage invoices and payments through a PCI-compliant, secure payment processing system. And coming soon, companies will be able to access exhibitor kits and choose their booth locations.

Dealer Week provides abundant opportunities for industry suppliers and service providers. The Education Champion sponsorship is a year-long event and promotional opportunity for companies that, like MRAA, believe in the power of educating dealers toward growth and success. It packages both MRAA membership with an event booth and sponsorship. Numerous standard booth sizes and bulk space offerings are available, in addition to several sponsorship opportunities. While the Education Champions receive the best booth and exposure value, MRAA Partner Members receive discounted pricing, and MRAA Platinum Partner Members receive greater discounts.

“Dealer Week has created a great deal of buzz around the industry, and dealer registrations continue to climb for this event,” says Matt Gruhn, MRAA President. “The support we’ve received from more than a dozen Strategic Partners, Education Champions and other exhibitors, in addition to companies that have never participated in our past conferences, has already been incredible. We look forward to maximizing the impact we can have on our industry’s dealers through the partnerships that Dealer Week is offering.”

Stay tuned for further announcements about Dealer Week in the near future. Dealer Week takes place Dec. 8-11, 2019, at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, Fla.

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 evolves as 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 DealerWeek.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.

Tell EPA: Stop Year-Round Sales of E15

The EPA just announced their plan to move forward with year-round sales of E15 – putting millions of Americans at risk.
 
Year-round E15 fuel sales are dangerous for anyone who operates machinery with small engines – including boats, chainsaws, and lawnmowers – because most don’t know the damage it causes or that it’s federally prohibited to use in their engines.
 
With 3 in 5 Americans trusting their local gas stations for all of their fueling needs – including these small engines – the last thing we need is more E15 at the pump. That’s why the MRAA and the recreational boating community has been fighting for increased consumer protections and is pushing the EPA and administration to stop year-round sales.
 
We need your voice in the mix. Tell the EPA to stop year-round sales of E15, and to protect boaters like you!

 

If you have questions, please contact MRAA Public Policy Manager, Will Higgins.

MRAA Board of Directors Approves Policy Resolutions

The MRAA Board of Directors has recently approved the Advisory Council of Marine Associations (ACMA) annual list of policy resolutions. ACMA is comprised of associations in the recreational marine industries, state and regional marine trade associations, and other interested parties. The group serves as a sounding board for MRAA’s legislative priorities and the recreational boating industry at large. During a meeting that took place at the 2018 Marine Dealer Conference and Expo, participants discussed the current state of the marine industry’s policy priorities, and devised a list of four major areas on which MRAA should focus its legislative and advocacy efforts for 2019.

The Advisory Council of Marine Associations, meeting at the 2018 Marine Dealer Conference & Expo, presents the following to the MRAA Board of Directors

BE IT RESOLVED, the members of ACMA recommend MRAA undertake the following actions in 2019:

1. Workforce development remains the highest priority in 2019. Accordingly, MRAA should seek ways to positively impact the problem by actions including, but not limited to:

  • To incorporate the 10+1 Workforce Strategy introduced in 2018 which includes but not limited to apprenticeship programs, training, marketing and coordination of assets and information.
  • Aggressively supporting any legislation, federal and state, that increases the creation of, access to and funding for vocational training programs and facilities on the middle, high school, technical schools and community college levels
  • To monitor and seek positive outcomes in the regulatory implementation of new laws that impact workforce development programs.
  • Promote member dealers directly connecting with their local school systems;
  • Call for the availability of government grants (such as Pell Grants), corporate and government scholarships and other form of financial assistance.

2. Continued recognition that fishing is a cornerstone of success for many marine retailers across the nation and an integral part of Outdoor Recreation overall, MRAA should be fully engaged in:

  • Federal issues, such as monitoring the roll out of the “Modern Fish Act” and other action that impact access to fishing for recreational boaters;
  • Advocate for recognition of recreational boating and fishing’s enormous positive economic impact;
  • Remain actively engaged in the growing Outdoor Recreation movement.
  • Support marine trade associations’ effort regarding fishing issues, for example the ongoing threat of Asian Carp entering the Great Lakes

3. Increasing Participation by Federal Legislators in the Boating Caucus.

  • With over 30 former caucus members no longer in Congress, educating and attracting supportive new members should be paramount.
  • Continuing education of industry issues and impacts..

4. The increase in Ethanol above the E10 level remains a significant threat and the continued denunciation of the economic and social importance of boating in our nation. 

  • MRAA continue the effort of advocating for and supporting all revisions to the Renewable Fuel Standard and other similar efforts to cap the amount of ethanol in fuel supplies.
  • With the advent of 2018 action on E-15, significant educational efforts should be undertaken at all levels to inform and educate the public as to the harmful effects of ethanol, especially E-15.  This should include:
    • Labeling & signage at fill points
    • Information in all marine outlets

5. Given the future health of recreational boating is threatened by several environmental considerations, MRAA should be actively advocating for:

  • Call for aggressive action (federal and state) on the nation-wide algae bloom problems;
  • Support programs to prevent aquatic invasive species (AIS) that threaten the health of our waterways and to assist with development of individual state policies for a cohesive effort;
  • Be prepared to lobby for projects positively impacting waterways and boating in federal infrastructure proposals.
  • The prioritization of “low tonnage” federal channels by the Army Corps of Engineers;
  • To assist in research, development and legislative efforts to minimize the harmful effects of derelict or abandoned vessels.

 

If you have questions, please contact MRAA Public Policy Manager, Will Higgins.

Interior Prioritizes Recreation Access with New Secretarial Order

Acting Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt signed a secretarial order directing that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) adequately weigh public access for outdoor recreation – including hunting and fishing – when determining the appropriateness of the disposal or exchange of public lands. Identifying lands as available for disposal or exchange is required under federal law.

The Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA) directs the BLM to identify lands for potential disposal or exchange, using a public process and with state and county involvement. BLM has carried out these provisions revising land use plans and disposal since 1976. However, the BLM’s criteria do not require the agency to weigh public access considerations for outdoor recreation (fishing, hunting, hiking, etc.).

Secretarial Order 3373, Evaluating Public Access in BLM Land Disposals and Exchanges directs the BLM to – for the first time ever – formally consider what impact the disposal or exchange of any BLM land will have on the public’s ability to access federal lands for recreation.

“This order will help ensure that the Bureau of Land Management considers public access to public lands,” said Acting Secretary David Bernhardt. “It requires that before the BLM exchanges or disposes of any land, they must first consider what impact the disposal or exchange of land will have on public access. The Trump Administration will continue to prioritize access so that people can hunt, fish, camp, and recreate on our public lands.”

“Sportsmen and women across the West will benefit from this Interior Department action to sustain and enhance recreational access to BLM public lands,” said Whit Fosburgh, President and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “In some places, there are small parcels of BLM land that serve as the only means of nearby access to hunting and fishing or as the only access points to adjoining public lands managed by other agencies. The Secretarial Order will ensure that key parcels are valued for this recreational access and help keep these lands in the public’s hands.”

About Secretarial Order 3373
Secretarial Order 3373 directs the BLM to ensure that when identifying BLM-managed public lands as available for disposal the increase or decrease of public access for outdoor recreation – including hunting and fishing – will be one of the factors considered in determining the appropriateness of the disposal or exchange.

Secretarial Order 3373 directs the consideration of public access opportunities in all ongoing Resource Management Plan (RMP) revisions to ensure recreation access is evaluated using the following criteria:

  • If a tract of BLM land is contiguous to public lands managed by another Federal agency or state, BLM will consult with the respective management agency to coordinate how best to ensure continued or improved public access to the adjoining tracts;
  • The BLM will evaluate the benefits of public access when considering future disposal actions, making it a requirement to identify alternatives to the public access that would be lost as a result of the BLM’s final action;
  • When a tract of BLM-managed land being is considered for disposal and has been identified as providing public access, the public access will be characterized for evaluation purposes as one of the value criteria supporting retention; and
  • The BLM will ensure recreational public access to existing public lands is a factor when considering parcels resulting from an exchange.

Secretarial Order 3373 directs the BLM, when preparing documentation supporting the disposal or exchange of a tract of land, to include a discussion of the following in any decision document:

  • Existing recreational access that is utilized by the public or provided by road, trail, water, easement, or right-of-way, on the tract of BLM-managed public land being considered for disposal or exchange;
  • The impacts from the BLM-managed public land disposal or exchange decisions on recreational access to adjacent tracts of publicly accessible lands, including lands managed by other federal, state, and county agencies; and
  • Potential increased public recreational access to existing public lands resulting from an exchange.

If you have questions, please contact MRAA Public Policy Manager, Will Higgins.

Dealer to Dealer: March 2019

How has boat show season impacted your outlook for the prime selling season and remainder of the year ahead?

I found the show season to be good, but not stellar. The major price increase due to tariffs in Canada has caused sticker shock to potential boat buyers. High end product is selling, whereas mid-range product is struggling. Also, we are finding it hard to create a sense of urgency. – Robert Rule, Maple City Marine

The boat selling season is starting off RED HOT in Vermont! – Mark Saba, Saba Marine, LLC.

Boat show season told me, although we are okay now, the season ahead will be shaky, retail-wise. The boat tarriffs, currency and a slowing global economy are definitely having a negative impact on the the consumer and sales opportunities. – Andy Blenkarn, Desmasdon’s Boat Works

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

MRAA Enlists Three Top Industry Trainers as 2019 Dealer Week ‘Education Hosts’

The Hosts will serve as guides throughout the event’s educational sessions

Dealer Week, the MRAA’s all-new annual conference and expo, announced today that it will divide its education into three main classrooms, or Education Pathways: The Dealership, The Customer and The Employee. Each of these Pathways will feature sessions, case studies, workshops, dealer-to-dealer interaction — and a top marine industry trainer as host.

These dedicated “Education Hosts” will act as guides throughout the week to help draw connections, provide deeper context and ultimately move dealers toward implementation.

The 2019 Dealer Week Education Hosts are:

  • The Customer Pathway: Sam Dantzler, Wheelhouse College
  • The Dealership Pathway: David Spader, Spader Business Management
  • The Employee Pathway: Jim Million, Million Learning

“We are thrilled that three of the most requested trainers from previous MRAA events have agreed to take on this expanded role with Dealer Week,” said Mike Davin, Director of Education at MRAA. “Not only will each of these experts present material during the conference, they will be like personal guides for the dealers and ensure that our educational programming builds toward a greater whole.”  

The Education Pathways were selected because they represent the three pillars of MRAA’s education strategy. They were also designed to engage a cross-section of dealership employees.

“Our hope is that representatives from departments across the dealership will attend these sessions together,” Davin said. “We’ve built in additional time for discussion to give attendees time to process and discuss what they’re learning with the help of their peers and the Education Hosts.”

Sam Dantzler is a sought-after keynote speaker, 20-Club moderator and workshop trainer throughout in the U.S. and abroad for the marine, powersports and bicycle industries.

David Spader has served as a lead trainer and consultant for Spader Business Management for 18 years. He specializes in leadership development, succession planning, strategic development, company culture and effective hiring practices.

Jim Million has worked with dealerships for the past four decades as a salesperson, service writer, sales manager, facilitator, developer, writer, speaker and consultant. He has experience in both automotive and marine and works closely with MRAA as a Certification Consultant.

Also announced was the Dealer Week schedule, which can be viewed at DealerWeek.com/schedule. In addition to the new education pathways, the event will kick off with an optional field trip and feature an evening Dealer Week Industry Celebration. Additional details on both of these new events will be available in the near future.

For a video introduction to Education Hosts from MRAA Vice President Liz Walz, check out the MRAA’s latest Facebook Live video.

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 evolves as 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 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. For more information, visit mraa.com.