Priority One Financial Services Announces Website Launch

St. Petersburg, Florida – Priority One Financial Services, Inc., the industry’s oldest and largest F&I outsourcing provider, has announced the launch of its website for their Forest River Consumer Card Program. The Forest River Consumer Card is a revolving consumer credit card that can be used to purchase select merchandise and services at Priority One partnering recreational dealerships that sell Forest River products. Items and services include new utility/cargo trailers, new non-motorized RV’s, boat motors, parts, accessories, service repair bills and winterization.

The new website provides a list of the products and services that can be financed with the Forest River Consumer Card, explains the benefits dealers receive (i.e. increased customer loyalty) and the perks dealers’ customers receive (no annual fees and promotional offerings) for enrolling in the program and more.

According to Lauren Ebner, Dealer Coordinator of Priority One, “We are excited about our new website launch so we can provide more information on this popular program while making it quick and easy for dealers and customers to enroll.”

Other website features include:

  • A secure dealer portal that allows dealers to process applications, make and track sales, follow their funding progress and more.
  • A secure customer portal that includes enrollment forms, account information, current terms and more.
  • Common program questions and answers.
  • How to contact Priority One

The new website can be accessed at www.forestrivercard.com.

About Priority One Financial Services
Priority One Financial Services has been offering competitive financing options since 1987 and currently serves the bus, trailer, marine and RV industry. Acquired in 2007 by Forest River, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway company, Priority One serves as the F&I managed services provider for hundreds of dealers nationwide. Dealers who use Priority One will see an increase in loan approvals and F&I profit. Visit www.p1fs.com for more information.

Barletta Boat Company becomes newest MRAA Platinum Partner

MINNEAPOLIS – Barletta Boat Company, LLC, manufacturers of Barletta Pontoon Boats, an all-new entry into the pontoon segment of the marine industry, has become the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas’ newest Platinum Partner Member, the MRAA’s highest level of support.
 
“We are entering the marine business with an all-new approach to dealer and customer relations,” says Bill Fenech, President and Co-Owner of Barletta Boats. “As a long-time participant in the RV industry, the partnership we developed with our dealer network was absolutely the difference between being a good company and being a great company. It seems a natural starting point to engage with the MRAA and all that it does to support the growth and success of the marine industry dealer body. This is an important step for us to take.”
 
Based in Bristol, Ind., Barletta Pontoon Boats is the newest, and maybe the most anticipated, entry into the pontoon boat segment in years. President and co-owner Bill Fenech, a long-time boater, brings nearly 30 years of RV experience to Barletta. Bill, along with brother Ron and good friend Don Clark, was part of the ownership group that led Keystone RV Company to become the largest travel trailer and fifth wheel company in the world. In 2012, the three of them created Grand Design RV (GDRV) and led that company to $500 million in sales in just four short years.
 
With a customer-focused/dealer-centric approach, high quality products and truly partnering with the dealer network, GDRV achieved record setting scores from RV dealers on the Dealer Satisfaction Index (DSI) survey. The success of GDRV, along with Bill’s experience and leadership, has provided a road-map for Barletta’s future. Bill is developing an all-star team of industry professionals to help him build a solid foundation for Barletta, with the goal of launching the company’s first model later this year.
 
“Bill and his team have demonstrated a passion for a dealer-centric approach to conducting business,” says Matt Gruhn, President of MRAA. “We are encouraged by the thinking that this business model has been built upon, and we’re very much looking forward to partnering with Barletta Boats on dealer development projects.”
 
Barletta Boat Company, LLC, joins a rapidly 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 MRAA to expand the products and services 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.
 
About the Marine Retailers Association
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.
 
About Barletta Boats
Barletta Pontoon Boats, built by Barletta Boat Company, LLC, will be a leading manufacturer of outboard powered (Yamaha & Mercury) aluminum pontoon boats. For more information about Barletta Pontoon Boats, visit our website at BarlettaPontoonBoats.com, or email us.

MRAA, Tiara Yachts and Tiara SPORT Partner on Dealer Development

HOLLAND, MICH. – Tiara Yachts, Tiara SPORT and the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas have partnered to help deliver their customers an incomparable and intensely satisfying ownership experience, through the introduction of the Tiara’s Flagship Dealer Program.

Last week, at the same time that Tiara introduced its highly anticipated entry and brand into the outboard market with the Tiara Sport 38LS, Tiara also rolled out the Flagship Dealer Program in an effort to further strengthen its position as a brand leader. The Flagship Program was developed as a baseline that both Tiara as the manufacturer and its dealer network can use to build a culture of continuous improvement. Tiara has decided to use the MRAA’s Marine Industry Certified Dealership Program as a business template to build upon with this program.

“We view the Dealer Certification Program as an excellent foundation upon which we want to build operational enhancements that will help elevate our dealers to the next level in overall customer satisfaction and profitability,” explains Tom Slikkers, CEO of S2Yachts, Inc., the parent company for Tiara Yachts, Tiara Sport and Pursuit Boats.

MRAA’s Dealer Certification Program provides boat and engine dealers with a proven roadmap for dealership success, focusing them on continually improving their organizations through an emphasis on operations, employee engagement, and customer satisfaction. Tiara requires its dealers to become a Certified Dealer in order to achieve “Flagship” status within its dealer network.

The Tiara Flagship Dealer Program guidelines are focused on improving and recognizing exceptional performance in dealership sales, service and marketing. The overall goal of the program is to drive Tiara dealer performance to consistently higher levels and to add value for their customers.

“The Dealer Certification Program aligns incredibly well with Tiara’s approach to elevating its dealers,” says Matt Gruhn, President of the MRAA. “Incorporating Dealer Certification into Tiara’s Flagship Program will accelerate their ability to exceed customer expectations. Tiara already boasts an established network of A-level dealers, and we are honored to work with Tiara and its dealers to develop a culture of continuous improvement that we know will help them strengthen their foundations for growth and success.”

“We feel this program demonstrates our commitment to supporting the retail segment of our business,” explains Slikkers, “and will help us strengthen the partnerships we have with each of our dealers.”

About Dealer Certification
The MRAA’s Dealer Certification Program provides a blueprint for boat and engine dealers to create a culture of continuous improvement within their businesses. Dealer Certification focuses on enhancing dealership performance through three key pillars of building a competitive advantage: Operations, Employee Engagement, and Customer Satisfaction. The program unites the best and most effective tools, resources and educational programming offered by the MRAA into one package that offers dealers the most direct route to growth and success in today’s market. For more information, please visit MRAA.com/Certification or contact us at 763-315-8043.

About Tiara Yachts
Tiara Yachts, headquartered in Holland, Michigan, manufactures inboard powered yachts ranging from 31 to 53 feet. Tiara Yachts line comprises the Tiara Series, Flybridge, Convertible, Coupe and Q models. Parent company S2 Yachts also manufacturers the Tiara SPORT and Pursuit Boats brands.  Tiara Sport focuses on luxury cruising while Pursuit Boats is centered around the luxury fishing boat market.  Tiara SPORT will debut their premier model, the 38 LS, during the 2017 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.  The Tiara SPORT brand will grow to include as many as 7 models in the 29-42 foot range. Pursuit Boats are manufactured in Fort Pierce, Florida in lengths of 23 to 40 feet. They are available in Center Console, Dual Console, Offshore, Sport and Sport Coupe configurations.  All three S2 Yachts brands participate in the NMMA CSI program.  As long standing participants, Tiara Yachts and Pursuit Boats are repeat recipients of the NMMA CSI Award, for excellence in customer satisfaction.  Tiara SPORT will be joining the process for the first time during model year 2018.  S2 Yachts, Inc. is one of the oldest privately held boat manufacturers in the United States. For more information, please visit tiarayachts.com, tiarasport.com and pursuitboats.com.

MRAA Delivers Dealer Development Presentation at IBEX

TAMPA – The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas delivered an educational seminar at last week’s International Boatbuilders’ Exhibition & Conference, highlighting methods that manufacturers and suppliers can use to create a competitive advantage through dealer development.

Featuring MRAA’s Lead Dealer Certification Consultant Bob McCann as the instructor, MRAA shared how manufacturers and suppliers can save time and money, improve customer loyalty and ultimately sell more product through effective dealer development strategies. The seminar offered ideas for how to strengthen dealer relationships, reduce dealer network turnover, and improve sales and profitability for both the dealers and their suppliers.

“Let’s face it: After the boat leaves the factory, the dealer takes over and becomes the face of our manufacturers, our suppliers, and our entire industry,” explains McCann. “They either accentuate or cloud our brands and the lifestyle that boating promises the end customer. Partnering with dealers is an effective template for success for the manufacturer, its brand, and its earnings, and it’s equally as beneficial to our dealers.”

The MRAA offers an array of products and services, all supported with tools, resources and educational programming to help strengthen the prospects for growth and success at the dealer level. Recently, the MRAA began rolling out manufacturer and supplier partner programs that can aid manufacturers in achieving their dealer development goals.

From basic resources in the MRAA Resource and Career Centers to extensive educational programming at the three-day Marine Dealer Conference & Expo and on the ever-expanding MRAATraining.com, MRAA features a library of courses and tools to strengthen the foundation of dealer performance. And through the MRAA’s Marine Industry Certified Dealership Program, where all of those opportunities come together in one comprehensive package, MRAA helps provide a blueprint for dealership success and inspires dealers to incorporate a culture of continuous improvement.

“Our passion is to help dealers strengthen their businesses,” explains Liz Walz, Vice President and Director of Education for MRAA. “To do that, we devote ourselves to understanding the diverse array of dealers and what makes them successful. Our ability to assist manufacturers and suppliers with their dealer development goals is the next natural step for us to take, and we’re thrilled with the participation we’re beginning to see in this area.”

McCann’s seminar attracted more than a dozen attendees, who engaged in thoughtful conversation on the topic of dealer development. He provided attendees with a guide to help them develop a custom strategy for putting the concepts they discussed to work in their business. To see a copy of the guide, click here. To hear more about MRAA’s thoughts on dealer development or to explore options for your business, contact MRAA’s Lee Hetherington or call him directly at 763-333-2419.

About the Marine Retailers Association
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.

Marine Connection Announces New Fort Lauderdale Location

Marine Connection, an award-winning $35M boat retailer with dealerships in West Palm Beach, Miami and Vero Beach, FL, announces plans to open a new sales and full service facility at 17 W. State Road 84 in Fort Lauderdale this October, just in time for the opening of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

The dealership, ranked #16 in 2016 by Boating Industry magazine, will hang its shingle on a prime new 27,000 square foot property including a 2500-square foot building situated along Fort Lauderdale’s famous “Marina Mile,” directly across the street from the largest West Marine storefront in the country and within close proximity to Port Everglades and the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show. It is presently converting a former car retail establishment to encompass an indoor showroom and outdoor lot that will accommodate 40 new and premium pre-owned boats, sales offices, a fuel station, along with a large parts counter and multiple service bays.

“We are very excited about opening this beautiful new dealership in Fort Lauderdale, in one of the premier boating capitals of the world,” said owner Danny Goldenberg of Marine Connection who purchased the property in mid August along with partner John Kutuk. “We chose Fort Lauderdale for our latest expansion due to its strategic positioning between our Miami and West Palm Beach dealership locations, coupled with the popularity of boating in the marketplace. The Fort Lauderdale store will primarily serve boating enthusiasts residing in North Miami Dade and South Broward County.”

Marine Connection will initially sell Cobia, Sportsman and Hurricane brand boats from this location, and will exclusively offer Yamaha power. According to Kutuk, statistics gleaned from a leading marine industry research firm revealed that saltwater fishing boats sold in Broward County increased by 5.42% from June 2016 to June 2017.

“Fort Lauderdale is a major boating community with historically strong sales in our niches of focus. We expect to add $10 million to our top line revenue in our first year by providing boaters in the market with great value and outstanding product offerings, along with truly superior service,” said Kutuk. “Local boaters will appreciate our mobile service and turnkey boat and engine service, electronics/accessories installation, boat detailing and minor gelcoat repair, along with canvas and upholstery, not to mention our convenient access to local ramps and the intercoastal waterway.”

Kutuk also noted that final property renovations are presently underway, with plans for a mid October soft launch, followed by an early November grand opening. He added that the dealership is currently hiring for key management and staff positions in sales, reception, parts, service and general yard/wash support.   

 “We are looking forward to becoming an active contributor to the Broward County boating scene,” added Goldenberg. “We are all about going where the customers are located and providing an excellent boating experience and that includes convenient service. Our one-stop shop options from Vero Beach to Miami and now including Fort Lauderdale is a clear demonstration of our unwavering commitment to both our customers and to the boating business at large.”

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Marine Center of Indiana Joins Big Time Sports and Goes Solar

Marine Center of Indiana has completed the installation of over 110,000 square feet rooftop solar panels, which will cut down carbon emissions by 15,938 metric tons over the next twenty-five years.

“The completion of this project is a great leap forward not only for my building and the environment, but the city of Beech Grove, and the state of Indiana as well. It’s great to see a project come to fruition that has so many benefits for our community.” – Mike Hoffman, Owner and President of Marine Center of Indiana

After repurposing three oil drums for an extensive recycling program, MCI took a step back and evaluated their carbon footprint. For years they have been working on increasing their energy efficiency and have since implemented energy efficient heating, cooling, and lighting systems. The lighting system alone has reduced costs by over $3,000 per month.

MCI hopes to set itself apart from the rest of the marine industry regarding forward thinking, long term innovations, and the embracement of sustainable energy. This has been a four-year project from start to finish and they will go live producing electricity in September. MCI partnered with Solscient Energy, based out of Toledo, OH and Indianapolis Power and Light for the completion of this solar panel project.

Marine Center of Indiana is a family-owned and operated boat dealership providing service, storage, and boating accessories since 2001 to central Indiana and the surrounding areas. They are the one-stop-shop for all things boating and located in Beech Grove, Indiana.

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Overtime Update: Department of Labor Reaches Out to Public

You may remember in 2016 when President Obama’s Department Of Labor made an unprecedented change to the requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act by mandating a 100% increase in the minimum salary threshold for overtime pay requirements. MRAA and many other groups fought against it, as it could have limited workplace flexibility and increased labor costs for dealerships. Thankfully, in November of 2016, a Texas federal judge issued a preliminary nationwide injunction for all employers blocking the DOL from implementing the new rule.

With a new presidential administration at the helm, the Department of Labor is asking for public input to revise the controversial rule. The agency says the recent public Request for Information (RFI) is an “opportunity for the public to provide information that will aid the department in formulating a proposal to revise these regulations which define and delimit exemptions from the Fair Labor Standards Act’s (FLSA) minimum wage and overtime requirements for certain employees.”

The RFI seeks comment and information on 11 particular questions, including whether the standard salary level set in that rule effectively identifies employees who may be exempt, whether a different salary level would more appropriately identify such employees, and whether changes to the duties test would be necessary to sync up the exemption to the salary level.

While there have been no changes since the implementation of the rule was halted in federal court, MRAA is tracking the progress of this new Labor Department initiative. RFI’s give the public an opportunity to comment on an issue, and it may eventually lead to the development of a new rule proposal.

If you would like to learn more about the new RFI, please take the time to read the 11 questions posed by the department, and feel free to submit your comment.

Recreation Leaders Meet With Commerce Secretary Ross

Outdoor recreation is vital to the economic and healthful well-being of America. The industry generates $887 billion in direct spending and supports 7.6 million jobs across all 50 states. Ninety-nine percent of RVs and 95% of boats sold in the United States are made in America. Many of the jobs supported by the industry are in rural communities and small businesses, making outdoor recreation an essential part of American life.

ORIR urged that the new Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account — created as part of the recently enacted Outdoor Recreation Jobs and Economic Impact Act and managed by the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Economic Analysis — be expedited and measure all outdoor recreation economic activity, not just the economic impact of recreation on federal lands and waters. ORIR offered to provide expertise, data and more to assist in the development of ORSA and urged that it then be used to influence public sector budget and policy decisions.

Additionally, ORIR members highlighted the economic importance of the North American Free Trade Agreement to the outdoor recreation industry, noting key trade partnerships with Canada and Mexico and recommending that the overall framework of NAFTA be retained but important “harmonizing” provisions be added.

Millions of international and domestic tourists visit America’s public lands and waters each year, spending money at local businesses that provide lodging, dining, retail and outdoor recreation experiences.

Increasing international and domestic visitation to federal lands and waters and surrounding towns can help stimulate the economy and create jobs in both urban and rural America. Partnerships between the outdoor recreation industry and the Department of Commerce can help ensure that America’s Great Outdoors welcomes visitors – new and returning alike – for years to come.

The Secretary showed interest when ORIR explained the importance of delivering the benefits of international tourism to all 50 states with the proven and growing allure of parks and other special places and was encouraged to change the focus of marine sanctuaries and marine fisheries policies to support recreational enjoyment.

ORIR members told Secretary Ross that it seeks to partner with the Department of Commerce to keep America’s recreation economy strong by ensuring that the American people and their international guests have access to healthy, active outdoor fun on their public lands and waters and outlined assets ranging from major communications channels to trade shows to fresh ideas.

To see ORIR’s presentation to Secretary Ross, click here.

MRAA Launches Marine Retail Lifetime Achievement Award

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas announced today that it is launching a Lifetime Achievement Award to recognize and promote marine retail professionals who have made fundamental, significant and sustained contributions to the marine industry.

 

To be presented on December 10, 2017, on the opening night of the Marine Dealer Conference & Expo, the inaugural MRAA Lifetime Achievement Award was created to pay tribute to marine retail leaders who have worked most of their career in the marine industry; made a positive impact on the marine industry and community; obtained recognition from other industry or business groups; exhibited business, community and industry leadership; and earned the respect of their peers.

 

“We expect the MRAA Lifetime Achievement Award to quickly become the most sought-after recognition that MRAA offers,” says Matt Gruhn, President of MRAA. “With a nod to our association’s 45-year history, and particularly at a time when we will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of MRAA’s first annual conference, now is the perfect time for us to shine a spotlight on those individuals who have emerged as marine retail leaders.”

 

Nominations for the MRAA Lifetime Achievement Award may be submitted by anyone, including self-nominations. Nominations may not be made anonymously, as the burden of offering evidence of merit falls on the nominator. Those nominations should include the nominee’s resume and/or career summary; a comprehensive description of the nominee’s major contributions to marine retailing, with supporting documentation; and at least three letters of endorsement, providing further evidence of the significance and magnitude of the nominee’s professional achievements.

 

Anyone who lives up to these criteria is eligible for consideration, although individuals selected for this award should normally be in or near their retirement. The award may be received posthumously.

 

“This honor will recognize historic contributions to our great industry,” Gruhn says. “We’re seeking to identify the individuals who have helped to shape marine retailing as we know it today and to hold them up as inspirational examples to be emulated.”

 

Selection of the recipient will be made on the basis of the nominee’s contributions to the industry; the lasting impact of those contributions; and the demonstration of a lifetime commitment to the business of selling and/or servicing boats, and the delivery of an outstanding boating lifestyle to consumers.

 

Please find more information at https://mraa.com/?page=LifetimeAchievement. Nominations can be sent to Matt Gruhn, 8401 73rd Ave. N, Ste. 71; Minneapolis, MN 55428; or via email at matt@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

Marine Distributors Association Returns as MDCE Education Sponsor

The National Marine Distributors Association has signed on, for the sixth-consecutive year, as an Education Sponsor for the Marine Dealer Conference & Expo.

Representing distributors of marine products, as well as many accessory manufacturers, the NMDA supports the broader marine industry through promotion of boating to consumers, promotion of wholesale distributors as the best way for manufacturers to move products and promotions to independent marine outlets, and promotion of the independent marine outlets as the best places to sell and buy products.

“We see the MDCE as the ultimate way to help support dealers and their ability to deliver quality products and services to today’s boaters,” explains Nancy Cueroni, Executive Director of NMDA. “We support the educational programming to help bolster the quality of speakers and to help ensure that the event offers the latest trends and insights for success in today’s market.”

In addition to the promotional programs noted above, NMDA offers a Sales, Training, Education and Purchasing event for its members; a Supplier of the Year Award, as recognized by its distributor members; a distribution profit report; and an Executive Conference where meetings between distributors and manufacturers are pre-arranged.

“NMDA has been passionate about its mission to promote independent marine outlets through its support of both the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas and the MDCE,” says Matt Gruhn, MRAA President. “They’ve come to us year after year with a desire to directly support the educational programming that we use to help our retailers grow and find greater success, and we are grateful for this great relationship.”

“NMDA’s return to the MDCE as Education Sponsor is welcome news,” says Boating Industry Editor Tim Hennagir. “Their continuing support will help bring leading experts and insights to the four education tracks at this year’s conference.”

The 2017 MDCE will be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., Dec. 10-13. It is co-produced by the MRAA and Boating Industry.

About the National Marine Distributors Association
The National Marine Distributors Association (NMDA) was founded in 1964 and consists of wholesale distributors, manufacturers and manufacturer’s reps. The NMDA’s mission is to improve the business conditions of wholesale distributors of marine accessories and of the marine industry. The NMDA fosters cooperation among members to improve the productivity, profitability, and performance of members’ business through seminars, conferences and other educational opportunities. Additional information is available at www.nmdaonline.com

About the Marine Dealer Conference & Expo
The marine industry’s only dealer-specific educational conference, MDCE offers an in-depth lineup of educational sessions, a full-featured expo hall and a series of fixed networking opportunities, all of which are designed to help marine dealers connect with and learn from others who can foster their success. MDCE is co-produced by MRAA and Boating Industry, and it features four Educational Tracks, Pre-Conference Workshops, Keynote Presentations, a Learning Lab, Dealer-to-Dealer Roundtable Discussions, and an Innovation Spotlight. For more information, visit MarineDealerConference.com.

About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas has been delivering powerful educational programs for marine dealers since 1977. At the MRAA, the team of professionals believes that for the marine industry to thrive, the dealers on the front lines of the industry must first find success. So MRAA works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by providing dealers with tools, resources and educational programs, such as its annual conference, and by representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, visit MRAA.com.

About Boating Industry
Boating Industry is the leading trade magazine serving the marine industry. From award-winning editorial to awards programs including the Top 100 dealers program, Movers & Shakers, Top Products of the Year and more, Boating Industry serves all aspects of the marine industry. For more than 85 years, boating professionals have turned to Boating Industry for market intelligence, product updates, best practices and industry news. For more information, visit BoatingIndustry.com.