SeaDek Sponsors MRAA Retail Compensation Study

MINNEAPOLIS, December 15, 2016 — The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas announced recently that SeaDek Marine Products has come on board to support MRAA’s efforts to field and finalize a retail compensation and benefits study.

 

As a manufacturer of non-skid, closed-cell EVA traction products, SeaDek has demonstrated a deep commitment to supporting the marine dealer body with its new membership with the MRAA and its participation in the Marine Dealer Conference & Expo. SeaDek COO Serenity Gardner and VP of Marketing/Advertising Jason Gardner have also voiced a desire to help the industry work to solve its workforce issues.

 

“We talked with the SeaDek team about its sincere interest in supporting industry efforts on the workforce front as far back as the American Boating Congress event,” explains Matt Gruhn, President of MRAA. “We’re honored to work alongside them on this compensation and benefits study, as one of our first steps in identifying and addressing the workforce issues our industry is faced with.”

 

This first-of-its-kind study has already seen participation from hundreds of retail outlets in the United States and Canada. The deadline to submit compensation data, which will be collected in confidence, is today, December 15th. Retailers have received an invite and two follow-up reminders to date. If they have not received an invite but would like to participate in this survey, please contact Matt Gruhn at matt@mraa.com or 763-333-2421.

 

This compensation study follows an intensive Workforce Assessment project conducted by MRAA, which outlined that, among other factors, one of the largest issues the marine industry faces in hiring and retaining employees is its ability to compete with the compensation rates of other industries.

 

“As a fast-growing U.S. manufacturer, hiring and retaining employees is an important issue we face every day,” says Jason Gardner, VP of Marketing for SeaDek Marine Products. “The only way to properly address a complex challenge such as this is with a more comprehensive understanding of the underlying factors at work. We feel that this study will help our industry better comprehend and contend with the issues surrounding this problem.”

 

The survey itself asks dealers to provide some demographic information, such as geographic location, total revenue category, type of retail operation, employee benefits offered, and service rates, in addition to specific compensation data for 34 common job titles. MRAA partnered with Readex Research, a third-party firm that specializes in self-administered research methods, association research projects, and specifically, salary and benefits surveys to conduct the survey on MRAA’s behalf.

 

 

About MRAA

At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, we believe that for the marine industry to thrive, the companies that interact with the boater in their community must thrive. Those businesses determine the boater’s experience and are the leading factor in the industry’s success. The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting those businesses, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, please call 763-315-8043.

 

About SeaDek Marine Products

SeaDek manufactures a wide range of EVA non-skid products for OEM boat builders, aftermarket customers, and dealers. In addition to custom products, SeaDek offers an extensive line of retail items, including DIY sheet material, anti-fatigue helm station pads, coaming bolsters, and more. As a safe and comfortable alternative to molded-in non-skid, paint-on textures and other marine traction products currently available, SeaDek provides exceptional traction and aesthetically pleasing stylistic options. Made from UV protected non-absorbent EVA foam, SeaDek utilizes an acrylic-based 3M™ pressure sensitive adhesive for a lasting bond and simple peel-and-stick application. In 2014, SeaDek became an employee owned company with the implementation of an ESOP profit sharing plan. With a wide array of colors, textures, and thicknesses available, there is a place for SeaDek on every boat. Learn more at http://www.seadek.com.

Pre-Conference Workshops Open MDCE Educational Sessions

More than 250 dealers attended workshop sessions as the 2016 Marine Dealer Conference & Expo gets underway

 

ORLANDO, Dec. 6, 2016 — Educational sessions began at the 2016 Marine Dealer Conference & Expo Tuesday morning with more than 250 dealers attending Pre-Conference Workshops that traditionally kick off the education portion of the event.

 

The 11 morning sessions were attended by 257 dealers who came to learn about topics ranging from leadership to new sales and marketing strategies to social media efforts. MDCE runs Dec. 5-8 at the Orange County Convention Center and Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando.

 

After successfully launching the Pre-Conference Workshops in 2013, MDCE organizers have improved and refined the sessions each year. The workshops give marine retailers access to hands-on training with leading experts in areas that have the biggest impact on their future success.

 

“Historically, our Pre-Conference Workshops have been our highest-rated sessions of the entire MDCE,” said Liz Walz, vice president and director of education for the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, which produces the annual event in partnership with Boating Industry magazine. “That’s because of the in-depth, hands-on nature of these small group sessions, where dealers can get some work done while they’re here, on site.”

 

This year’s workshops included sessions on leadership, sales, marketing, social media, event planning, pay plans, increasing F&I profits and online chat. Each workshop featured takeaways (pay plans, assessments, workbooks/guidebooks, report cards, tip sheets, etc.) to help attendees implement what they learned without delay.

 

“We’re thrilled to once again have a great turnout for these workshops,” said Boating Industry Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Sweet. “The value-add that these sessions have provided MDCE attendees really is a tangible takeaway they can put to use immediately upon returning to their dealerships.”

 

In addition to the Pre-Conference Workshops, MDCE 2016 features 20 educational sessions and four educational tracks: Leadership, Sales, Marketing and Service Plus. Three keynote sessions, Learning Labs, Innovation Spotlight sessions and more than two-dozen Dealer-to-Dealer Roundtable Discussions are also being offered at this year’s event.

 

The Marine Dealer Conference & Expo has attracted an increasing number of dealers every year since 2007. To learn more, visit MarineDealerConference.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, 11 Pre-Conference Workshops, three Keynote Presentations, a Learning Lab, Dealer-to-Dealer Roundtable Discussions, and an Innovation Spotlight. The 2016 event will take place Dec. 5-8 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, with the Rosen Centre as the Host Hotel. For more information, visit MarineDealerConference.com.

 

About Boating Industry

Boating Industry is the leading trade magazine serving 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.

 

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.

Chaparral, Robalo Upgrade to MRAA Premier Partner Members

MINNEAPOLIS, November 16, 2016 — Chaparral Boats and Robalo Boats have upgraded their membership with the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas to a Premier Partner Member.

 

Based in Nashville, Ga., Chaparral Boats and Robalo Boats are one of the longest-standing boat builder members of the MRAA. With more than 50 models between the two brands, Chaparral and Robalo have grown to leadership positions within their respective markets, by continuing to be on the cutting edge of design and technology. Chaparral and Robalo have entered new markets in the past five years and have found great success in their new endeavors.

 

“Chaparral and Robalo are proud to support and continue our partnership with the MRAA,” said Ann Baldree, Sr. VP Chaparral and Robalo. “We feel very strongly about dealer education and dedicate significant resources to provide training to our sales professionals throughout the world. By enhancing our partnership commitment, we are able to further support our dealers and the MRAA.”

 

The MRAA has partnered with Chaparral and Robalo for each of the last three years on dealer education, delivering high-quality educational programs to the boat brands’ dealer networks. Again in 2016, MRAA, through MRAATraining.com, is providing access to several online training modules on the latest sales trends and expert advice to help power boat sales across the network.

 

“MRAA is honored by its long-standing relationship with the Chaparral and Robalo boat brands,” says MRAA President Matt Gruhn. “Our educational programming, whether it’s found at our annual Marine Dealer Conference & Expo or online through MRAATraining.com always seeks to provide real-world solutions for today’s dealers, and we’re proud that Chaparral, Robalo and their respective dealer networks continue to find great value in it, as well.”

 

Chaparral and Robalo lead a continually growing roster of boat manufacturers, vendors and suppliers that have chosen to support the dealer community through partnership with the MRAA. Find a full menu of partner benefits here.

 

About MRAA

At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, we believe that for the marine industry to thrive, the companies that interact with the boater in their community must thrive. Those businesses determine the boater’s experience and are the leading factor in the industry’s success. The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting those businesses, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, please call 763-315-8043.

 

About Chaparral Boats, Inc & Robalo Boats LLC.

Chaparral Boats, Inc. and Robalo Boats LLC are leading manufacturers of fiberglass boats under two brand names: sterndrive, jet and outboard pleasure boats by Chaparral, including H2O Sport and Fish & Ski Boats, SSi and SSX Sportboats, Sunesta Sportdecks, Xtreme Towboats, Signature Cruisers and Vortex Jet Boats, SunCoast Outboard Sportdecks, and outboard sport fishing boats by Robalo.

 

Chaparral Boats and Robalo Boats are subsidiaries of Marine Products Corporation (NYSE: MPX).  For more information about Marine Products Corporation, Chaparral, and Robalo visit our websites at www.marineproductscorp.com, www.chaparralboats.com, and www.robalo.com.

MRAA Launches Retail Compensation Study

MINNEAPOLIS, November 14, 2016 — The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas has embarked on a study of North American retail compensation programs as part of a multi-faceted effort to provide solutions for the marine industry’s workforce crisis.

 

This first-of-its-kind study, which launched last week, invited more than 3,000 retail outlets in the United States and Canada to participate, asking them to provide certain demographic and compensation-related information. It follows an intensive Workforce Assessment project conducted by MRAA, which outlined that, among other factors, one of the largest issues the marine industry faces in hiring and retaining employees is its ability to compete with the compensation rates of other industries.

 

“The fact is that our industry just does not have a complete picture of the types of compensation programs or the compensation levels that our retailers are offering,” explains Matt Gruhn, President of MRAA. “But we can’t really define the problem, let alone offer any possible solutions, until we have a complete understanding of our current situation. This study will give us that insight.”

 

The survey itself asks dealers to provide some demographic information, such as geographic location, total revenue category, type of retail operation, employee benefits offered, and service rates, in addition to specific compensation data for 34 common job titles. MRAA partnered with Readex Research, a third-party firm that specializes in self-administered research methods, association research projects, and specifically, salary and benefits surveys to conduct the survey on MRAA’s behalf..

 

“I’ve personally worked with Readex for a number of years in the publishing industry, and I know how well-respected they are,” Gruhn says. “Most importantly, though, our survey participants can rest assured that Readex will handle the sensitive information they collect with the utmost confidentiality. Not even MRAA will see any specific organization’s answers in any other form than the aggregate report.”

 

The MRAA Compensation Study will remain open for participation until December 15th to give retailers ample time to complete the survey. The results will be shared in three formats in early 2017: An executive summary, an in-depth report, and an online calculator, where retailers can search for compensation information in their specific region. Those retailers that participate will receive free access to some data and discounts on the larger report. If you’re a retailer and you did not receive an invite but would like to participate in this survey, please contact Matt Gruhn at matt@mraa.com or 763-333-2421.

 

About MRAA

At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, we believe that for the marine industry to thrive, the companies that interact with the boater in their community must thrive. Those businesses determine the boater’s experience and are the leading factor in the industry’s success. The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting those businesses, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, please call 763-315-8043.

Brooks Marine Group becomes MRAA Premier Partner

Minneapolis — The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas announced today that Brooks Marine Group has joined MRAA as a Premier Partner Member, in what will be a multi-tiered relationship that will create several benefits for MRAA members.

 

Nationally recognized as a top management recruiting firm dedicated to serving the marine industry, Brooks Marine Group shares with MRAA a desire to bolster the industry’s workforce. The relationship has been designed to foster new tools, resources and opportunities for marine dealers.

 

We’re excited to partner with the MRAA to help address the workforce challenge that exists across the marine industry,” says Neal Harrell, President of Brooks Marine Group. “Our organization has a deep appreciation of how difficult it has become to find, attract, train and keep a great trades workforce.”

 

In addition to its financial support of the MRAA, Brooks Marine Group president Neal Harrell will assist and advise MRAA on the creation of a guide to successful employee on-boarding.

 

“Our members come to us regularly for assistance with acclimating employees to working within their dealerships,” explains MRAA President Matt Gruhn. “This relationship with Brooks Marine Group gives us direct access to expert insight on solutions that can help our members help their employees make a successful transition into their workforce.”

 

MRAA and Brooks Marine Group are closely aligned in their workforce endeavors. Brooks Marine Group offers recruting services and a jobs board, and MRAA has worked extensively to develop a Career Center with numerous tools and resources for dealers to use. Harrell is also lending his expertise to deliver relevant content to be included in MRAA’s Pre-Conference Workshop called “Training: A Simple Path to Continuous Improvement,” to be held at the Marine Dealer Conference & Expo, on Dec. 6, 2016 at 8:15 a.m.

 

“We believe this is just the beginning of a relationship that will prove to be greatly beneficial for the marine industry,” Gruhn says.

 

About MRAA

At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, we believe that for the marine industry to thrive, the companies that interact with the boater in their community must thrive. Those businesses determine the boater’s experience and are the leading factor in the industry’s success. The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting those businesses, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, please visit MRAA.com or call 763-315-8043.

 

About Brooks Marine Group

Brooks Marine Group is nationally recognized as the leading recruiting firm specializing in placing talent across the recreational marine industry. BMG’s clients include recreational boat builders, yacht builders, boatyards, marinas, boat dealerships, yacht brokerage agencies and marine industry suppliers. The firm also assists recreational marine companies in ‘trades’ workforce initiatives to include training & development, internships, apprenticeships, workforce assessments, on-boarding, employee retention and the establishment of career ladders. Based in Newport, RI, Brooks Marine Group searches are conducted nationwide for talent in marine industry disciplines such as design & engineering, manufacturing management, sales & marketing, operations management, QA, service management, project management, human resources, purchasing and finance. 

MRAA Releases 2016 Workforce Assessment

Minneapolis — The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas today released the marine industry’s first comprehensive Workforce Assessment, outlining the issues faced by boat and engine dealers across North America when it comes to hiring, developing and retaining employees.

Featuring insights from 517 respondents, who represented more than 1,300 individual dealership locations, the 2016 MRAA Workforce Assessment delivers 35 pages of statistics and commentary on everything from current staffing demographics to the skill deficiencies of new hires and from dealership training budgets to opinions on why the marine industry has such a difficult time finding and retaining quality employees. This guide is a free download for MRAA members at https://mraa.com/careercenter

“What this study tells us is that our industry is facing a workforce crisis unlike it’s ever seen before,” says Matt Gruhn, president of MRAA. “Dealers are operating their businesses at less than 80 percent of their staffing needs, and they expect to need even more employees over the course of the next three years. This problem is only getting worse as Baby Boomers are retiring from the workforce and our industry finds itself needing even more employees in order to support its current growth trajectory.”

Responses to the MRAA Workforce Assessment show that more than 21 percent of the positions dealers had budgeted to have on their payrolls in 2016 remain unfilled, and more than 90 percent of dealers have multiple positions unfilled. Coupling those staffing needs with the six additional positions dealers expect to need to fill over the next three years, the study shows that the marine industry could be faced with a deficit of nearly 10 employees per dealership location, or 30,000 total employees — at just the dealer level — in the very near future.

“This report should serve as somewhat of a wake-up call for the marine industry,” Gruhn says. “We’re glad that we finally have real life data to support the anecdotal evidence we’ve had on this problem, but now it’s time to get busy acting on this very specific insight into the challenges that our dealers, and in fact our entire industry face every single day.”

About MRAA
At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, we believe that for the marine industry to thrive, the companies that interact with the boater in their community must thrive. Those businesses determine the boater’s experience and are the leading factor in the industry’s success. The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting those businesses, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, please visit MRAA.com or call 763-315-8043.

Priority One, MRAA Partner on Webinar

Minneapolis — The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas announced today that it is partnering with Priority One Financial Services to host an educational webinar on “What You Need to Know about Credit Bureaus,” for MRAA Members.

 

Hosted by Eric Craig, Senior Dealer Account Executive of Priority One, this webinar, which will be held Thursday, November 3, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern, will provide information to consider in the top-three credit bureaus, what lenders review to determine loan approvals, tips on how to turn current declines into future approvals, and more.

 

As the lending environment for boat buyers continues to improve, it’s critical for dealers to understand how they can help their financing customers,” says Matt Gruhn, president of MRAA. “We’re thrilled to be able to bring Eric and Priority One’s expertise in this area to benefit our members.”

 

MRAA and Priority One have partnered on several projects over the last few years. As a Premier Partner member of MRAA, Priority One created the Bonus Bucks program, which pays MRAA Members $5 for every loan fulfilled through Priority One. Additionally, Priority One’s team of experts wrote the PCI Compliance Guide, a 44-page book that helps dealers ensure they are in compliance with numerous finance-related federal regulations. Priority One staff members have also spoken at MRAA’s Marine Retail University and Marine Dealer Conference & Expo events several times over the last five years.

 

“In todays market, the F&I department has such an important role in the dealership’s sales process,” says Eric Craig, Senior Account Executive, of Priority One Financial Services. “To be truly spectacular at F&I, the first step is knowing how the lenders will evaluate your customer’s credit.”

 

MRAA Members can enroll for the webinar by clicking HERE.

 

About MRAA

At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, we believe that for the marine industry to thrive, the companies that interact with the boater in their community must thrive. Those businesses determine the boater’s experience and are the leading factor in the industry’s success. The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting those businesses, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, please visit MRAA.com or call 763-315-8043.

 

About Priority One Financial Services

Priority One has been serving the marine and RV industry since 1987. 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. For more information, visit www.p1fs.com.

Blackbeard Marine becomes MRAA’s newest Premium Retail Member

MINNEAPOLIS, October 13, 2016 — The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas announced today that Blackbeard Marine, based in Kingston, Okla., has become the association’s most recent dealer to join as Premium Retail Member.

 

A two-location dealer with aspirations for more locations, Blackbeard Marine has seen significant growth since owner Steve Jennings purchased the dealership just five years ago. Jennings attributes the success of the Kingston dealership to an ongoing commitment to providing quality products, in conjunction with exceptional sales and service teams. Replicating the successful model of the Kingston store, Jennings expanded Blackbeard Marine to its Tulsa location in late 2015, with plans for a third location already underway.

 

“At MRAA, we like to say that if you have a desire to be the best, that you belong within the MRAA family,” says Matt Gruhn, MRAA President. “When you couple the astounding growth with the numerous accolades that Blackbeard Marine has achieved, the team in Oklahoma certainly showcases that desire. We’re honored to have Blackbeard come on board at the MRAA, particularly at such a high level of support.”

 

Blackbeard Marine says on its website that it is the No. 1 G3 dealer in the world, the No. 1 Yamaha dealer in the Heartland, a region it outlines as its territory in western Oklahoma, in addition to New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, and parts of eight other states, as well as the No. 3 Skeeter Boats dealer—an accolade achieved in its very first year offering Skeeter products.

 

“Joining MRAA was the next logical step for Blackbeard Marine,” says Jennings. “When you strive to be a premier dealer, associating with an organization that promotes industry excellence and longevity is vital to our continued growth and overall success.”

 

Premium Retail Members are the highest level of membership that a retailer can select upon joining or renewing their membership with MRAA. Dealers choose this level to offer a greater level of support for MRAA, in addition to gaining a greater level of access to member benefits and programs.

 

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 companies that interact with the boater in their community must thrive. MRAA works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting those businesses, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, visit MRAA.com.

MRAA Foundation Challenge Enters Final Stretch

Money raised will fund marine industry training and professional development scholarships

Minneapolis — Colleagues and companies from throughout the retail marine industry have responded in a big way to a special fundraising challenge issued this summer by Dave Briggs, owner of Wayzata Marine. Dave, who will be running the Chicago Marathon this Saturday, Oct. 9, has dedicated his training efforts to supporting the MRAA Educational Foundation and says he has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support.

“There are a lot of people in the boating business who believe in training and education as a path to industry improvement and growth, but to have so many put their money where their mouth is has motivated me during my training and perhaps more importantly strengthened my faith in our industry’s future,” said Dave.

Regular updates on Dave’s training and progress have been posted throughout the summer on his Instagram page — DaveInRea1Life. Pledges in support of the MRAA Foundation Challenge will be accepted through Oct. 8 at www.mraa.com/foundation.

A 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, the MRAA Educational Foundation provides financial support for training and professional development in the recreational boating business. Dave has a personal connection to the Foundation: the Darlene Briggs Woman of the Year Award, which this year celebrates its 30th Anniversary, was created in honor of his mom.

 

The Darlene Briggs Woman of the Year honor is just one of the scholarships and awards distributed each year by the MRAA Educational Foundation. The Kevin Lodder Scholarship, ABYC Scholarships, Duane Spader Leadership Development Scholarship and MRAA Technical Scholarships are all presented by the Foundation annually at the Marine Dealer Conference & Expo (MDCE). This year’s scholarships and award are expected to be worth more than $25,000 in training and education for people working in the boating business.

Dave will feature the logo of the company, group or individual donating the most to the MRAA Educational Foundation by the end of the day, Friday, Oct. 8 both as part of his activities at the Chicago Marathon and on stage during the Awards Breakfast at the 2016 MDCE, Dec. 5-8, Orlando.

 

Below are a list of many of the companies and individuals who have already publicly pledged their support for the MRAA Foundation Challenge. The highest single pledge thus far has been $5,000, contributing to a combined total of more than $20,000. Dave’s fundraising goal – in honor of the 30th anniversary of the Darlene Briggs Award – is $30,000.

 

  • Chaparral & Robalo Boats
  • Parker Cobalt 20 Group
  • Spader 20 Group 104
  • Volvo Penta
  • Chris Craft Boats
  • Four Winns Boats
  • Dave Briggs, Wayzata Marine
  • Tom Johnson, Reed’s Marine
  • Don MacKenzie, Boats Inc.
  • Gavan Hunt, Chris Craft
  • Joe Lewis, Mount Dora Boating Center
  • Paul Sexton, Norman Spencer
  • Nancy Smith, Colorado Boat Center
  • Matt Lodder, Lodder’s Marine
  • Butch Parks, Parks Marina
  • Jay Rasmusson, MarineMax
  • Ryan Good, Chaparral and Robalo Boats
  • David Parker, Parker Business Management
  • Rallee Chupich, Gordy’s Lakefront Marine
  • Rob Soucy, Port Harbor Marine

Donations from independent donors and corporate partners make the scholarships provided by the MRAA Educational Foundation possible. To learn more about donating, or to find more information about the MRAA Educational Foundation, visit www.MRAA.com/foundation.

About MRAA Educational Foundation
As part of its mission to create a strong and healthy boating industry, the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas is committed to offering training, education and professional development opportunities to its members and the entire marine dealer community. In 2004, the association launched the MRAA Educational Foundation, a not-for-profit 501(c) 3 corporation, to provide financial support for education, training and professional development in the recreational marine trades. 


About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas

At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA), we believe that for the marine industry to thrive, the companies that interact with the boater in their community must thrive. Those businesses determine the boater’s experience and are the leading factor in the industry’s success. MRAA works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting those businesses, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, visit
MRAA.com.

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MRAA Foundation Launches College Scholarship

This $5,000 opportunity is open to Marine Retailers Association members, employees and dependents

Minneapolis — What happens when industry leaders get together to give back to the marine retail community at the heart of the boating business? A new scholarship is born! The MRAA Educational Foundation is proud to announce that Retail Members of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, their employees and their dependents now have the opportunity to apply for a $5,000 college scholarship at MRAA.com/Foundation. This scholarship is made possible by the generosity of Priority One Financial Services, the Boater Rewards Association and MRAA Educational Foundation Donors. 

The first-ever Marine Industry College Scholarship to be offered by the MRAA Educational Foundation will be officially presented during the Marine Dealer Conference & Expo, Dec. 5-8 in Orlando, and is intended to financially assist the training and education of those working in or planning for a career in the marine industry. The deadline to submit a scholarship application is Oct. 31.

In order for applicants to be eligible to apply for the Marine Industry College Scholarship, they must fulfill the following criteria:

  • Display a passion for the boating lifestyle
  • Be preparing for or currently engaged in a career in the recreational boating business
  • Show evidence of enrollment in an accredited college, university or post-secondary technical school program
  • Be a Retail Member of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (includes all employees of Retail Members) or a dependent of a Retail Member.

“We were thrilled when both the Boaters Rewards Association and Priority One approached us in the same month with an interest in launching a college scholarship for MRAA Retail Members,” said Liz Walz, MRAA Educational Foundation Executive Director. “All three organizations share a common vision – that by supporting the education of current and prospective marine professionals, we will create a stronger workforce, armed with the training to help our customers live an outstanding boating lifestyle.”

Complete the online application, including uploading documentation demonstrating enrollment in an accredited college, university or post-secondary technical school program and an essay describing the applicant’s passion for the boating lifestyle, prior involvement in boating and/or the boating business, interest in the scholarship and how he or she plans to put it to use in pursuit of a career in the recreational marine industry. Apply for the MRAA Foundation’s Marine Industry College Scholarship here: https://mraa.com/?page=CollegeScholarship

A nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization, the MRAA Educational Foundation has handed out more than 60 scholarships and awards collectively worth more than $130,000 since it was launched in 2004.

Donations from individual marine professionals and corporate partners make the scholarships and awards provided by the MRAA Educational Foundation possible. To apply or donate to the MRAA Educational Foundation, visit www.mraa.com/foundation.

 

About the MRAA Educational Foundation
As part of its mission to create a strong and healthy boating industry, the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas is committed to offering training, education and professional development opportunities to its members and the entire marine dealer community. In 2004, the association launched the MRAA Educational Foundation, a not-for-profit 501(c) 3 corporation, to provide financial support for education, training and professional development in the recreational marine trades. Learn more at www.mraa.com/foundation.


About Priority One Financial Services
Priority One has been serving the marine and RV industry since 1987. 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. For more information, visit www.P1FS.com.

About the Boater Rewards Association

The mission of the Boater Rewards Association, started in 2015, is to provide boaters with resources, and information to enhance their boating experience. Boater Rewards was started by a group of leading marine insurance professionals, a boating safety association, several avid boaters, and a young entrepreneur, all looking for ways to make boating easier, safer and more fun. Boater Rewards is dedicated to connecting boat and yacht owners to local and national resources that help them get the most out of their time on the water. Relationships with vendors, dealers and marinas allows the association to provide a one-stop shop for insurance and industry-leading perks, including educational resources and discounts on products. For more information, email info@boaterrewards.com