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.

Florida Governor Signs Boat Titling Bill into Law

Earlier this month, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law the Uniform Certificate of Title Act (HB 475/S 676). MRAA, along with other industry partners, has actively advocated in favor of this top recreational boating industry priority.

Titling is considered a vital tool in the effort to protect consumers from buying damaged, destroyed, or stolen boats. The improvements to titles created by Florida’s law add significant consumer protection, helping boaters avoid unwittingly purchasing a stolen or previously damaged vessel. Additionally, titles create more confidence in the marketplace, leading to more reasonable financing options for boat owners. Plus, the new law helps protect all dealers – including the small, family-owned businesses – from being saddled with an unsellable craft.

Market Yourself: MICD Offers Best Practices for Certified Dealer Marketing

Certified Dealers have a wealth of qualities to brag about, yet some aren’t patting themselves on the back publicly, so the consumer knows what to expect from a Certified Dealer. We recommend you Certified Dealers post the following message on a Certification page on your website, or perhaps your blog. And when you do, send us a link. We’d love to see it!

The Boat House, a newly Certified Dealer took to their homepage to celebrate their Certified status. For more tips on how to do this, reach out to Certification Manager Liz Keener at liz@mraa.com and watch the Q3 Continuous Certification course “Align Your Dealership with Today’s Customer.”

Why You Should Buy a Boat from a Marine Industry Certified Dealer

By The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA)

When the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, we all know that dreams of owning (or upgrading) a boat begin to set in. To take that vision and turn it into a reality, however, working with a professional and knowledgeable boat retailer truly makes the difference.

Marine retailers who have completed the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas’ Marine Industry Certified Dealer Program have proven that they operate a solidly run business and employ industry best practices.

Through a third-party consultant, Certified Dealers are audited to verify their commitment to excellence in key areas related to dealership operations, employment and, most importantly, customer satisfaction.

Certified Dealers have proven that they have a strong customer experience plan to help ensure a smooth transition into boat ownership.

Certified Dealers are required to pledge to the Consumer Commitment. The Consumer Commitment states that, as a boat buyer and potential customer of their business, you should expect a higher standard of professionalism when working with a Certified Dealer. It is their commitment to you and it is your right to hold them accountable to that level of service.

When you’re daydreaming about yourself in that new boat, take a moment to think about the purchase experience you want to have — both before and after you get on the water — and choose the retailer you purchase from wisely.

ORR Members to Testify Before U.S. Trade Representative; Oppose Tariffs that will Hurt Outdoor Rec.

Members of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) will make their case before the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), and describe just how proposed Section 301 tariffs will hurt the outdoor recreation industry and American consumers. Tom Cove (President and CEO, Sports and Fitness Industry Association), Glenn Hughes (President, American Sportfishing Association), Scott Schloegel (Senior Vice President for Government Relations, Motorcycle Industry Council) and Nicole Vasilaros (Senior Vice President for Government and Legal Affairs, National Marine Manufacturers Association) will all testify at public hearings in the next 10 days.

Outdoor recreation relies on free and fair trade to sustain the thousands of businesses that make up an industry that accounts for 2.2 percent of the U.S. gross domestic product, supports 4.5 million jobs, contributes over $734 billion in goods and services and is growing faster than the economy as a whole.

The current administration’s practice of levying tariffs on a wide variety of products has had an adverse impact on the recreational community. From running shoes to boats, RVs and other motorized and non-motorized equipment, recreation is being caught in the crosshairs.

Outdoor recreation is also facing tariffs on raw materials such as steel, aluminum, fiberglass and upholstery as well as component parts essential to manufacturing countless products.  In addition, our allies have retaliated against key American-made recreational products, with devastating export tariffs. Recreation is being squeezed at both ends, with higher input costs and lost export sales.

“These tariffs have placed an unnecessary burden on our member dealers and manufacturers, as well as the consumers who choose to participate in outdoor recreation,” says Matt Gruhn, President of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas. “We continue to urge our leaders to find a speedy resolution of these trade issues so we don’t hamper the growth and enjoyment of the outdoor recreation industry, which is such a critical contributor to the U.S. economy.”

Ultimately the consumer will pay the price as most manufacturers are unable to absorb all of the recent additional tariff costs. This will make outdoor recreation less affordable to Americans and could stymie economic growth in a vibrant manufacturing and retail sector.

ORR supports the protection of intellectual property rights and leveling the playing field to unfair competition, but these tariffs threaten the health of our robust outdoor economy. History has shown that tariffs are ultimately counterproductive and injurious to American companies, workers and consumers. 

Member Spotlight: Roxanne Rockvam

Roxanne Rockvam, of Rockvam Boat Yards, located in Spring Park, Minn., continues to be a strong advocate for boating and water preservation. We had the chance to ask her a few questions about working in her family’s business and her new initiatives, Pontoongirl.com and the Clean Boater Pledge.

Q: First of all, tell us a little about yourself and how you got your start in the boating industry.

Rockvam: I’m told my first boat ride was at 6 days old. But as a 3rd generation in the boating industry, I’ve been told “the water is in my veins”. We have a family marina and with a family business I’ve always been around it. In fact, I started on payroll at age 7 and I remember having to stand on the edge of the showcase to reach the cash register.

Although I’ve had other jobs including College Admissions, I worked holiday retail, I was the Easter Bunny at the local mall, and we can safely say after working at a family restaurant… you don’t want me as your table server, haha. The nice thing is the experience gained at these jobs has helped me with our marina, which I joined full time in 1999.

Q: Your parents, Jerry and Joyce, opened the marina over 50 years ago. Do you have certain family values you carry over into your business?

Rockvam: Absolutely. Work hard! My parents started the marina and carefully grew the business. The story is quite inspiring. Looking back at what they developed from our house with the store in the lower level, one dock, and a warehouse, to the four warehouses, repair shop, fifteen pontoons, a boat club, dry stack for 120, two docks, and three forklifts and a full time crew of 6 and part time crew of over 30! That’s your work hard inspiration story that transcends all generations. Every day when you come to the marina you get to experience it, first hand. That’s a great motivator.

Q: Rockvam Boat Yards is one of the founding “First Five” of the Minnesota Clean Marina program. Explain what it means to be a Certified Clean Marina in the state of Minnesota. What has the certification means for the team at Rockvam Boat Yards?

Rockvam: The Minnesota Clean Marina Program was a journey.  It took a working committee of about 18 business and agencies to formulate and launch. Without the help of the DNR, MN-Tap, and founding partners, it would have stayed a great idea. The idea came to life when Jerry was at CMM training in 2001 and learned about the Florida program from another classmate. That’s when Jerry pitched the idea to his MInnesota colleagues, but it wasn’t until 2008 when Sunnyside, Afton, Windmill, Bayport and Rockvam’s got together and started the plan. The collective collaboration and industry contacts brought the team to 18. The “other team” includes the Clean Marina Programs before us and their ability to guide and advise us, which greatly reduced our launch time to success. That happened when we were able to certify the first five marinas in 2010! It’s a fantastic program where each marina need to meet criteria concerning 300 Best Management Practices, things from proper hazardous waste disposal, environmental spill equipment, and the education of boating public. Next is a visit from the certification committee. We are now over 20 marina’s that fly our Minnesota Clean Marina flag. Our goal is to continue to grow our certified marinas and achieve a revenue source to help us move forward!

Q: You are involved in many initiatives that focus on educating boaters on the importance of protecting our waters. Recently, you launched Pontoongirl.com and the Clean Boater Pledge. Tell us about the programs and how they came to be.

Rockvam: Pontoon Girl focuses on the boating lifestyle for women… the “Water, Sun, Friends” aspect.

For the past 30 years I’ve watched people rent our pontoon boats. Paying attention to why they’re taking a cruise, what they bring, and how much fun they have.

Pontoon Girl captures the essence of how to enjoy your boat. The things “they” don’t tell you… such as appetizers that are boat friendly, festive drinks including non-alcohol ideas, super cute boat clothes. There’s a weekly theme in the free ToonDay Tuesday newsletter and even more ideas in our members VIP Pontoon Girl group.

Here’s the cool thing, the success of Pontoon Girl has given way to an amazing platform called CleanBoaterPledge.com and over 500 boaters in one month have taken the pledge! Get your customers to take the pledge, it’s super easy and it’s a wonderful way to engage the boaters across the country to be involved in clean habits. ALL boaters are welcome! In fact, I want them ALL to take the pledge and start practicing simple things, like using a mineral based sunscreen. Really, if you change one thing… this is it. The “footprint” of sunscreen in the water is devastating and it is HUGE. Research it, use mineral based sunscreen.

Q: Lastly, what are 5 things that people may not know about you?

  1. I’m a former national champion at baton twirling, I can twirl fire baton, and I performed at the Super Bowl.
  2. I can solve a Rubik’s cube, nerd alert… I have over 100 different types.
  3. I speak Japanese and I lived in Japan.
  4. Diet Pepsi and Chocolate Chip Cookies are one of the four food groups!
  5. My dog is big, fluffy, white, and his name is Mr. Pancake – but not because he’s big, fluffy, and white… he was actually named after the restaurant in the Wisconsin Dells (long story).

All-New Field Trip Experience to Kick Off Dealer Week 2019

As part of its re-imagined event experience, MRAA’s all-new Annual Conference and Expo, Dealer Week, will kick off with an immersive field trip opportunity on December 8th in Tampa, Fla.

Participants will tour local businesses and gather lessons on customer experience, business operations and employee relations from brands that are innovating in those areas.

“The field trip will provide perspective from outside the marine industry on how marine retailers can best serve their customers,” says Mike Davin, MRAA’s Director of Education. “Our hope is that attendees will walk away with inspiration and ideas that they can go back and implement in their own businesses.”

MRAA conference veteran Valerie Ziebron of VRZ Consulting will act as host and provide additional insights throughout the experience. During the site visits, Ziebron will help participants draw connections between what they are learning at the Tampa-area businesses and the marine retail industry. Ziebron has spent more than two decades helping businesses through education and motivation, and she makes it a point to uncover best practice “golden nuggets” that help people flip the switch from reactive to proactive for greater profitability and customer loyalty. Over the years, she has delivered over 5,000 presentations and helped more than 1,000 small businesses.  Her clients have included Chrysler, General Motors, Yamaha Motor Company and many others.

“When developing the field trip concept, we wanted ensure that we created an opportunity for exeperiential learning that would compliment the educational lineup attendees will experience throughout Dealer Week,” says Liz Walz, MRAA Vice President. “We are confident that with Valerie leading the way, not only have we done that, but this will be a highlight for anyone who is able to attend.”

The field trip is $249 for MRAA members and $299 for non-members. Attendees can register for the field trip by adding it to their cart at checkout or by editing their current event registration. Please reach out to the MRAA if you have any questions at 763-315-8043.

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.

MRAA Announces Commitment of Six New Education Champions

Marine Retailers Association of the Americas announces the edition of six Education Champion partners in 2019.

Education Champions agree to support the educational programming that the MRAA delivers to its members by leveraging their industry expertise and resources. Additionally, they help fuel the execution and creation of the Association’s education products through a year-round sponsorship. Education Champion is the MRAA’s second-highest level of Partner Membership.

ARI Network
ARI Network Services produces an award-winning suite of tools and services, including industry-leading data feeds, lead management tools and digital marketing services to help dealers reach their target audiences.

“ARI Network Services is honored to partner with MRAA,” says Robert Jones, Vice-President of Sales. “ARI and MRAA share the common goal of educating dealers on best practices, the latest technologies and how to succeed in today’s digital era.”

Chris Craft
Chris Craft, a Florida-based manufacturer of recreational powerboats, has been contributing to the success of the marine industry since 1874.

“We are excited to participate in Dealer Week, and look forward to welcoming the best dealers in the world to our local area,” says Gavan Hunt, Vice President of Sales at chris Craft Boats, “Consistent improvement is the key to success, and the best dealers, and manufacturers implement team training programs each year. We support and applaud the efforts of the MRAA.”

Dealer Profit Services
Dealer Profit Services is a full-service provider of F&I service, training, consulting and compliance support company focused on delivering dealers the consulting, training and services needed to increase their overall earnings.

“After working with so many dealers over the years, Dealer Profit Services firmly believes that there is an exponential relationship between dealer education and training and dealer profit,” says Myril Shaw, Chief Operating Officer at Dealer Profit Services. “The largest part of the DPS mission is to help train dealers to be their best and to strive to help dealers continually improve their results through our education, training, support and services.  We have long believed in and supported the MRAA Educational efforts and are excited to help enhance and advance those activities through our participation as an Education Champion.”

DockMaster
DockMaster is a leading marina and marine management software company that provides the marine sector with the ability to streamline processes and drive greater efficiencies through the use of its software, the new DockMaster Mobile app for marine technicians and the services delivered by its team, with well over 100-years of combined marine industry and accounting expertise.

“We are thrilled to see the MRRA’s growth in its educational programs and the tremendous support they provide dealers year-round,” says Cam Collins, President of DockMaster. “DockMaster has been part of the MRAA family for over 15 years and we’re excited to participate as a technology innovator in simplifying the boating experience.”

National Marine Distributors Association
The National Marine Distributors Association is a national trade association that represents marine accessories wholesale distributors. NMDA has been a strong proponent of the MRAA since 2013.

“MRAA’s efforts, especially with the new Dealer Week, to educate their dealer members and help them grow their businesses represent a goal that NMDA is proud to support,”  said Nancy Cueroni, Executive Director of NMDA.

Vantage Resource Group
Vantage Resource Group is a North Dakota-based 3M National Market Developer and distributor of marine protection film, pontoon wrap kits and protective coatings, in addition to providing marine dealer profit programs.

“We are excited to partner with the MRAA to support marine dealers through education, training and implementation of our proprietary Vantage Profit System,” says Ross Solwold, President of Vantage Resource Group, Inc. “Process-driven  programs based on  innnovative products, education and training at the dealership level are the cornerstone of our business model, which aligns well with the MRAA mission.”

Education Champions make it possible for the MRAA to work with many of the industry’s top subject matter experts and instructional engineers to create education that will make a lasting impact within marine dealerships, whether through Dealer Week, the all-new MRAA Conference and Expo; MRAATraining.com; or the numerous other publications the Association produces annually.

“We are excited to announce the 2019 MRAA Education Champions,” says Allison Gruhn, MRAA Director of Business Development. “We look forward to further utilizing the expertise of the association’s Education Champions in order to deliver timely and relevant information to the industry.”

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.

June is Great Outdoors Month!

The weather is warming up and that means summer vacation is right around the corner. Great Outdoors Month® 2019 is a great way to experience healthy, active outdoor family fun in your great outdoors! Public and private organizations from across the country are coming together as members of the Great Outdoors Month® Council to help all Americans Escape the Indoors and celebrate the educational, economic, health, and social benefits of active fun outdoors. 

Be a part of Great Outdoors Month in 2019!  Events like Kids to Parks™ Day, the American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day®, Bike Travel Weekend, National Fishing and Boating Week, National Get Outdoors Day, National Marina Day, the Great Outdoors National Day of Service, the Great American Campout and more are great ways to #EscapetheIndoors and discover new ways to have fun with family and friends this June.

“The month of June is always an exciting time for the many facets of the outdoors recreation industry. With the weather heating up and schools concluding for the summer, we can count on the number of boaters on the water to increase,” says Matt Gruhn, President of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas. “The Great Outdoors Month celebration, particularly National Fishing and Boating Week, is the perfect way to kick off the summer and remind everyone to disconnect and spend time outside with family and friends.”

America’s kids face an outdoor crisis. A generation ago, kids spent more than four hours a day outside — now, it’s less than 40 minutes per week. Being outside has a multitude of health benefits. Children who engage in active fun outdoors are more likely to be physically fit, have better eyesight, improved cognitive development and more. And, the closer we feel to nature, the greater our concern for it becomes.

“All of the organizations involved are in the business of family fun, togetherness, adventure and making memories, and there’s no better way to accomplish these things than spending time together outdoors,” said Great Outdoors Month Council Chairman Frank Peterson. “We’re inviting Americans to Escape the Indoors during the month of June and throughout the year to disconnect from their hectic lives and take in all the wonderful things nature has to offer.” 

More information about Great Outdoors Month and events taking place across America can be found at www.greatoutdoorsmonth.org

9 Highlights from a Podcast on Dealer Week

Mike Davin, MRAA’s Director of Education, was recently featured on the Boat Dealer Profits Podcast talking about our reimagined conference experience, Dealer Week. We’ve summarized the 30-minute podcast into nine key highlights listed below (with timestamps). You can listen to the whole interview here.

  1. Dealer Week is built for dealers, by dealers. (1:50) We sat down with leading manufacturers, suppliers, and most importantly dealers and asked them, “What would make Dealer Week most valuable for you?” The collaboration was amazing, and we are excited to share the many things we are implementing this year according to their feedback.
  2. We did something dorky … we studied how people learn. (2:18) A conference is more than just sitting in the room and listening to the speaker. With Dealer Week, there will be opportunities to reflect on what you learn.

  3. NEW! Mike explains Education Hosts. (3:09) Sam Dantzler, Jim Million and David Spader will serve as your guides through the education at Dealer Week. (More about Education Hosts at the 13:00 mark)
  4. Extended educational session times with built-in dealer-to-dealer learning. (5:20) Through our research as well as experience from past conferences, we know the value that comes when dealers learn from each other. These conversations about challenges and opportunities will be integrated into our Education Pathways.
  5. What will be familiar? (7:34) Our mission and focus on education, industry connections and celebrating the accomplishments of dealers in 2019.

  6. What’s a Pathway? (9:00) Previously known as “tracks,” our breakout education sessions have transformed into Educational Pathways. Rather than being focused on specific areas of the dealership, they cut across various departments and will attract a cross-section of attendees. The Pathways are: the Dealership, the Customer and the Employee. We believe if you’re successful in those three areas, you’ll be successful as a business.
  7. Sneak peek into the education! (11:47) AKA the pain points you have in your dealership.
  8. NEW! 10×10 Sessions. (16:46) 10 industry leaders will spend 10 minutes discussing their take on the hottest topics in the marine world today.
  9. The goal of Dealer Week. (20:36) Dealer success always has and always will be the MRAA’s goal. At Dealer Week, we’ve brought together partners who believe in that mission as well. You can meet them in the Expo Hall!

Be the first to know when the Educational Pathway schedules are released as well as other fun Dealer Week news by following us on Facebook. Click here to see who’s already coming!

EPA Approves Year- Round E15 Sales, Industry Opposes

Last week, the Environmental Protection Agency approved a rule allowing the year-round sale of fuel with 15-percent ethanol. Through its voice at the American Boating Congress and through numerous other avenues, the MRAA along with its coalition partners voiced opposition to this effort. The MRAA believes that poor execution of ethanol-related warning labels at gas pumps, coupled with the harmful effects that ethanol has on small gas-powered engines, puts a greater number of boaters in jeopardy on the water this summer. We continue to encourage Congress to pass the Consumer Protection and Fuel Transparency Act, a bi-partisan legislative effort that aims to revise labeling and education requirements for fuel pumps that offer E15.