MRAA Launches Guide to Building a Foundation for Accountability

The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas has released the MRAA Guide to Building a Foundation for Accountability, a digital publication available exclusively to its members and Marine Industry Certified Dealerships. The guide was developed in response to dealer survey results that suggest holding employees’ accountable is one of owners’ and managers’ leading challenges.

Within the 13-page educational resource, dealers are led through the fundamentals of developing a culture in which employees are held accountable for fulfilling their responsibilities and meeting their goals.

“Accountability is like many other areas within the dealership,” comments Liz Keener, MRAA education specialist. “The most significant results often come from mastering the basics. In the case of accountability, the basics involve setting clear expectations for your team members.”

The guide, which is made possible by the Marine Industry Certified Dealership program, was designed to complement the third quarter 2018 Continuous Certification course “How to Create a High Accountability Dealership” by John Spence.

The Marine Industry Certified Dealership program leads dealerships through the development and improvement of a number of tools that help dealers set clear expectations, such as job descriptions, an employee handbook, an employee satisfaction survey, and process maps. The Continuous Certification course is an advanced course specifically for Certified Dealers, while the guide offers value for all dealers, whether they are focusing on this topic for the first time or looking to refine an already robust accountability strategy.

“In his course, John makes it clear that lack of accountability is a barrier to success in businesses of all sizes and shapes,” adds Keener. “We’re excited to be able to offer a resource to the dealer community that can have such a significant impact on their results.”

The Guide to Building a Foundation for Accountability is available to MRAA members at www.mraa.com/page/guides and to Certified Dealers at MRAATraining.com within the 2018 Continuous Certification Curriculum.

 

 

About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting marine retail businesses, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, visit MRAA.com.

MRAA, Nautique grow Dealer Certification partnership

The Marine Retailers Association participation at the 2018 Nautique Boats Sales Training in Orlando, Fla., continued to attract new dealers into the Marine Industry Certified Dealership program. Today, there are nearly 50 percent of Nautique’s dealers enrolled in Certification.  

“We understand the importance of investing in tools that will foster growth and development across our dealer networks,” says Greg Meloon, president of Nautique Boats, “As we continue to produce innovative and industry-leading product, we need to ensure our dealerships are set up for success with the tools and resources necessary to deliver world-class customer service. We believe that MRAA’s Certified Dealership program will do just that.”

At last year’s Dealer Principals Meeting, Nautique announced the partnership between the brand and the MRAA that gave dealers greater access to the Certification program and rewards dealers who achieve Certified Dealer status. Beginning with the 2019 model year, Nautique rolled out an incentive for the 2019 model year to Nautique dealers who earned the Certified Dealer credentials. The incentive goes into effect January 1, 2019.

“It has been great to witness the dynamic shift that is happening with the industry’s participation in the Dealership Certification Program,” says Matt Gruhn, MRAA President, “Manufacturers and retailers alike now understand that the program is more than a checklist. It is a way to bring new life and opportunity into their businesses.”

As part of the Nautique event, the MRAA had the honor of presenting an Employee Satisfaction Award to Russell Marine – Real Island, as the top-rated Nautique dealer when it comes to Employee Satisfaction. It was the second year in a row that the Real Island location was recognized for this award, which is determined by MRAA’s Employee Satisfaction Survey results, a cornerstone of the Marine Industry Certified Dealer Program.

Seattle Boat Company to Represent Barletta in Northwest

Bristol, IN — Barletta Pontoon Boats, located in Bristol, IN, and Seattle Boat Co., located in Seattle, WA, have agreed to partner together to bring the dream of boat ownership to people in the upper northwest corner of the United States.

Since opening in 1984, Seattle Boat Co. has become one of the premier marine dealerships located in the heart of some of the world’s finest, most spectacular boating waterways. Seattle Boat Co. has been recognized as an industry leader throughout North America, named a Boating Industry Top 100 Dealer each year since the inception of the recognition program in 2005. In 2018, they became the only Five Star Certified Marine Dealer in the state of Washington. The boat models that Seattle Boat Co. represents are of the highest quality and standards and the very best that the industry offers. Always on the lookout for the best products in the marketplace for their customers, Barletta Pontoon Boats is a perfect fit for their business.

Barletta Pontoon Boats has assembled, and continues to assemble, an impressive network of exceptional dealers around the country. The Barletta team brings a unique customer-focused/dealer-centric approach that has been widely embraced as a breath of “fresh air” to the marine industry.

“Seattle Boat Co., goes out of their way to provide the best services and attention to the Seattle market,” stated Jeff Haradine, Barletta Vice President of Sales. “Just as with Barletta, Seattle Boat Co. built their business and reputation through creativity and innovation. They pay special attention to the relationships they build with vendors and suppliers to insure that the end customer, Seattle’s boating community, has the best experience possible from start to finish. We are thrilled to partner with Seattle Boat Co.”

Outdoor Industry Execs Urge Congress to Act on Public Lands Package

As the 115th Congress prepares to return for a short “lame duck session,” MRAA and other members of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable are hard at work urging passage of key legislation reflecting ORR’s policy agenda. Two leaders of ORR, Chair Thom Dammrich of NMMA and Vice Chair Frank Hugelmeyer of RVIA recently penned an op-ed that appeared in the Washington Examiner.

The op-ed stresses the importance of the Lands Package which includes several pieces of key legislation that ensure access and improvement to one of America’s most important, but under-utilized resources.

To read the full op-ed, click here.

 

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

Public Lands Continue to Drive Economic Growth in United States

Recently, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke released the Department’s Economic Report for fiscal year 2017, which shows that for the first time in several years, economic growth and jobs supported by federal lands both increased.

According to the report, in the Trump Administration’s first year, the economic output of Interior’s federal lands and resources increased by $400 million to $292 billion and the number of jobs supported increased by 230,000 to 1.8 million jobs. The gains are the result of regulatory reform, changes to land uses and access, infrastructure projects, and other factors.

National parks, refuges, and other public lands managed by Interior hosted an estimated 483 million recreational visits in FY 2017—up from 473 million in FY 2016. These visits supported an estimated $52 billion in economic output and an estimated 418,000 jobs nationwide.

Additionally, Secretary Zinke increased deferred maintenance dollars and approved $256 million in funding to rebuild critical national park infrastructure supporting both construction jobs and higher visitation. The NPS completed over $650 million in maintenance and repair work in fiscal year 2017.

The economic impact of Interior’s public lands under President Trump and Secretary Zinke is expected to show increases in FY2018 as well due to expanded access to federal lands, regulatory reform, increased energy production, and more projects being approved for development.

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

Renew Your Prior Approval and Join the Party at MDCE

BoatPAC is the recreational boating industry’s political action committee. It works by bringing all industry segments together to support candidates running for Congress who will represent and protect the interests of the recreational boating industry on Capitol Hill. But we need your help. Each year, we update our compliance records to ensure that we have a prior approval form signed by our members, which authorizes BoatPAC to communicate with or solicit you and your executive and administrative employees. The Federal Election Commission (FEC) requires that we have this form on file in order to send you BoatPAC related communications. Please know that BoatPAC will be respectful of your corporate policies when partnering with you on all communications.

Please help us update our records by signing the online BoatPAC Prior Approval form today.

We encourage you to learn more about BoatPAC by visiting www.BoatPAC.org.

 

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

SeaDek Continues to Support MRAA At Highest Level

SeaDek, manufacturers of marine-grade, innovative non-skid products, has continued its commitment to the Marine Retailers Association and the marine retail community, at the Platinum level.

SeaDek says its product offers a safe and comfortable alternative to carpet, all while delivering a high-level of customer experience to its customers. SeaDek Certified Fabricators are factory trained to provide boaters and manufacturers with knowledge necessary for success.

“While we continue to experience strong growth in all segments, we are cognizant of the fact that SeaDek retail products represent a major area of opportunity, with significant demand from all user groups,” says Jason Gardner, VP Marketing and Advertising at SeaDek. “As we continue to develop and market this exciting line of products, our ongoing partnership with the MRAA will only serve to bolster these efforts.”

SeaDek can be found on many of the world’s leading boat brands, something the company says is a testament to the quality and care that the brand devotes to quality manufacturing and customer satisfaction.

“With the help of partners, like SeaDek, the MRAA is able to expand the tools and resources we offer to the dealer body,” says Matt Gruhn, President of the Marine Retailers Association, “This partnership has helped us build on our Awards Program and our compensation study, and we’re thrilled to continue it forward.”

SeaDek continues to support the dealer community through partnership with the MRAA.  As a result of the commitment and support of organizations, like SeaDek, the MRAA is able to expand the products and service it offers to dealers by providing them with more tools, resources and educational opportunities to fuel their success. Find a full menu of partner benefits here.

Senate Passes Critical Coast Guard Bill

Earlier this month, the Senate passed U.S. Coast Guard funding reauthorization legislation. The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2017 (S. 1129). The bill is a priority for the recreational boating industry as it includes provisions regarding boating safety, boat registrations, and environmental protections. Speaking on the importance of the Coast Guard reauthorization, Senate President Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor:

“First on the list is legislation that will reauthorize funding for our Coast Guard and implement a number of important reforms. Our nation calls on the Coast Guard to protect America’s ports and maintain shipping lanes, to interdict illegal drugs before they reach the border, and to risk their lives to save others in the midst of fierce storms and natural disasters. In each case, they embody their motto. ‘Semper Paratus.’ Always ready.

“So in passing these measures this week, the Senate will be fulfilling an important promise to some of the brave men and women who have taken an oath to keep us safe. Aspects of this legislation are particularly important to states like my home state of Kentucky – the heart of our nation’s inland waterways system.

“For too long, vessel owners and barge operators have struggled under a complex system of overlapping and duplicative regulations. They make normal shipping functions needlessly difficult, including the incidental discharge of ballast water. A confusing web of rules from states, the Coast Guard, and the EPA leave owners and operators to face constant uncertainty — and lead to higher costs.

“The Vessel Incidental Discharge Act, or VIDA, replaces the existing system with a uniform, cost-effective, and national standard enforced by the Coast Guard. For the 13,000 Kentuckians whose jobs depend on our state’s inland waterways, this provision can help cut costs, promote efficiency, and protect our natural waters.

“And for the countless farmers, miners, and manufacturers who depend on these waters to get their goods to market, VIDA ends the headache and delivers relief. VIDA passed out of the Senate Commerce Committee on a voice vote. In fact, it’s been reported out of committee numerous times in recent years – including when our Democratic colleagues were in charge.

“So it’s time to pass this bipartisan bill. It’s time to help the Coast Guard continue its important work. And it’s time to deliver much-needed predictability to the mariners we rely on.

To read the complete press release, click here.

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

Member Spotlight: Patrick Green

As a young professional in the boating world, he understands the importance of continuous improvement. Since his first job, Patrick Green has grown as a professional at some of the industry’s most reputable organizations.  Read on to learn more about how Patrick navigates the workplace in order to create a positive work culture.

Q: How did you get started in the boating industry?

Green: I got my first job working summers at Gordy’s in Fontana, Wisconsin on Geneva Lake. I actually was able to save enough money working my first two summers to buy a car on my own before I turned 16.

Q: Being a young professional, you fall into the category of Millennial. How do you navigate the workplace, as a leader, with that “label”?

Green: Reading the room. One of the biggest lessons I hope to carry with me 20 years from now, is understanding & learning from the generational gap. When a company’s culture becomes stagnant so do its people.

Q: Tobler Marina is a Marine Industry Certified Dealership. As the Director of Certification, what benefits are you seeing within the dealership after completing and actively participating in the program?

Green: We’ve gotten in the habit of including the Certification Curriculum in our weekly manager meetings, and then trickling it down through weekly dept meetings. This has enabled us to reflect, but also allowed us to push forward with simplifying process. The accountability tools have also helped us understand why the process is so important. Employee feedback is key.

Q: As a professional who puts an emphasis on growing and continuously learning, what would you say was the most important thing you learned in the business this year?

Green: It’s important to have values in an organization that match personal values. This also relates to employees and customers – and the relationships that coincide.

Q: We always end our Member Spotlight interview with this… What are 5 things that people may not know about you?

  1. I was a zipline guide in Alaska for one summer after college.
  2. I went snowboarding every month for 23 months in a row.
  3. I love to rock climb.
  4. I studied Philosophy in college.
  5. I aspire to do the Great Loop.

    RaftUp Technologies, Inc. Signs on in Support of the MRAA

    The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas is pleased to announce that RaftUp, an applications and software company, has signed on to support the association at the Partner level.

    RaftUp is a software development company that provides technical solutions that increase safety and social utility for boaters, recreational businesses, public safety agencies, and outdoor enthusiasts.

    “We couldn’t be more excited about joining the MRAA, as our core focus is increasing engagement between recreational boaters and marinas and outfitters”, Corey Boelkens, Founder & CEO of RaftUp. “We are here to help enhance the experience.”

    The free app, which is available for both Apple and Android products, allows boaters to connect with each other on waterways and provides a “Smart SOS” feature that can minimize downtime in the case of an unexpected breakdown. In addition to the social focus of the app, RaftUp also includes an enhanced feature that allows first responders and public safety agencies to receive a user’s location on the water, in case of emergencies.

    “We welcome RaftUp Technologies, Inc. into MRAA partnership,” Matt Gruhn, President of the Marine Retailers Association. “We are honored to partner with a company that is working to create a more safe and collaborative environment for today’s boaters.”

    RaftUp joins a growing roster of boat manufacturers, vendors and suppliers that have chosen to support the dealer community through partnership with the MRAA, The support of these organizations enables the MRAA to expand the products and service it offers to dealers, with the goal of providing them with more tools, resources and educational opportunities to fuel their success. Find a full menu of partner benefits here.