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   

OneWater Marine Signs as MRAA Premium Retail Member

OneWater Marine has finalized an agreement to join the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas as a Premium Retail Member — the association’s highest level of retail membership. OneWater Marine formed in 2014 following the merger of Singleton Marine Group and Legendary Marine and today includes nearly 40 individual dealerships, primarily located in the southeastern United States.

“We’re excited to partner with the MRAA; from education, to their legislative work in Washington, as well as their goals to improve our industry through the Dealer Certification Program, we believe the work that the MRAA is doing is vital to the long-term health of our industry.” said Anthony Aisquith, Chief Operating Officer of OneWater Marine.

Founded in 1987, Singleton Marine has been recognized as the No. 1 worldwide dealer of Cobalt, Malibu, Regal, and Harris Boats; Legendary Marine was named Dealer of the Year by Boating Industry magazine in both 2012 and 2013. Under the umbrella of OneWater Marine, CEO Austin Singleton said earlier this year that the company is actively working to add 15 additional retail locations in 2016.

Many of OneWater Marine’s dealer locations have earned Five Star Certification status through the Marine Industry Certified Dealership Program, and have a proven track record of sales growth.

“Welcoming OneWater Marine as a Premium Retail Member underscores the company’s commitment to enhancing the vitality of pleasure boating nationwide,” MRAA President Matt Gruhn said. “This family of dealerships not only survived — but thrived — when many dealerships collapsed under the weight of the Great Recession. This company is healthy, active and a true industry ally.”

OneWater Marine joins a continually growing roster of marine retailers choosing to support the dealer community through partnership with the MRAA. 

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe Appoints Paul Rauch To Lead Agency’s Wildlife and Spo

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe Appoints Paul Rauch To Lead Agency’s Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe today announced the appointment of Paul Rauch as the Service’s new Assistant Director for Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration (WSFR). Rauch, a career Service employee of more than two decades, has served as WSFR’s Acting Assistant Director since April.

In his new capacity, Rauch will oversee grant programs that provide more than $1 billion annually to States, territories and federally-recognized Indian Tribes to support on-the-ground wildlife and fisheries conservation.

“The Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Grant Programs are among our nation’s greatest conservation successes, funding thousands of vital wildlife conservation, education and wildlife-associated recreational opportunities for Americans across the nation,” said Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe. “Safeguarding and managing these programs effectively and efficiently is our highest priority, and there is no one more qualified to ensure their continued success than Paul Rauch. Paul has consistently shown the ability to solve complex management challenges and find efficiencies in our business operations, and I’m excited that he’s agreed to lead WSFR on a permanent basis.”

Rauch replaces Hannibal Bolton, who is now spearheading the agency’s diversity recruitment and retention efforts.

He previously served as Assistant Director for Business Management and Operations beginning in 2012, and as BMO’s Deputy Assistant Director for four years prior to that. In those capacities, he helped the Service significantly improve transparency and accountability of the Service’s business operations.

Under his leadership, BMO made great progress in improving and streamlining contracting and acquisition services. He oversaw the successful deployment of the Department’s Financial and Business Management System (FBMS), the single largest and most complex Service-wide system deployment in our history. FBMS will be a key part of the Service’s future business successes.

Rauch also played a pivotal role in the development and implementation of more than 700 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act projects nationwide.  This enormously complex initiative was completed on time and on-budget, with unprecedented transparency and financial accountability. Its success is a tribute to Paul and his team across the agency.

Most recently, Paul spearheaded the Service’s move to a new Headquarters building in Falls Church, VA. The new building has significantly reduced the Service’s carbon footprint, fostered greater collaboration among employees and programs, and reduced operating costs – enabling the agency to allocate millions of additional dollars to on-the-ground conservation work.

Before becoming Deputy Assistant Director, Paul served as Chief of the Division of Engineering in Headquarters.  He also Served as Regional Engineer and worked in the Water Resources program in the Pacific Northwest Region.

Rauch received a bachelor degree from Oregon State University and a master degree from University of Nevada.  He and his wife Patty reside in Virginia.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information, visit www.fws.gov, or connect with us through any of these social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, YouTube.

 

 

-FWS-

Boat Dealers Earn $15,000 with MRAA/Priority One Rewards Program

As the endorsed F&I outsourcing provider of the MRAA, Priority One has provided MRAA members who partner with Priority One, $5 for every customer loan that is facilitated by Priority One. These BonusBucks are paid out on a quarterly basis and since 2012, $15,000 have been awarded.

Above and beyond the financial rewards, Priority One has also provided MRAA members a number of other services, including free training webinars related to F&I management best practices, educational seminars at several Marine Dealer Conference & Expos, a PCI compliance kit containing pertinent advice and forms necessary to remain compliant with federal regulations and generic dealership operations forms to be downloadable from the MRAA Resource Center.

“The MRAA has had a great partnership with Priority One ever since we first built this relationship in 2012,” says Matt Gruhn, president of the MRAA. “Not only does Priority One offer industry-leading F&I outsourcing services, but their team members genuinely care about our members and their businesses, and that can be seen through the numerous resources they offer, above and beyond the incredible BonusBucks program that has benefitted our members so greatly.”

Young Leaders Advisory Council Seeks Applications

Shape the future of retail boating by applying or nominating young leaders to join council in 2016 

The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas is currently accepting applications and nominations for its Young Leaders Advisory Council.

Created as an advisory group to represent the needs and thinking of the next generation of marine retailers and to provide additional insight and direction to the MRAA Board of Directors, the council’s creation was based on a desire to help develop future leaders to aid in the progress and growth of the boating industry. Since its inception, YLAC has successfully infused the MRAA with several new ideas and insights.

In order to continue YLAC’s successful momentum, the association is looking to add new members to this vibrant group. Applications can be submitted by anyone interested in joining, and individual nominations of potential YLAC candidates can be submitted directly to the MRAA — who will then contact each nominee.

“YLAC has proven to be a major influence on the MRAA,” MRAA President Matt Gruhn said. “The energy and enthusiasm the group brings to pushing the association forward has been extremely valuable, and many new programs and initiatives have been launched because of their passion.”

Four one-time YLAC members — Jeff Haradine, Wakeside Marine (Ind.), Martin Boyer, Austin Boats & Motors (Texas), Carly Poole, Buckeye Marine (Ontario), and Jake Jostand, Oak Hill Marina (Iowa) — currently serve on the MRAA Board of Directors; a fifth YLAC member, Liz Walz, has since joined the MRAA staff as vice president and director of education; and two other former YLAC chairmen have also sat on the board.

For the immediate future, the YLAC group expects to continue its focus on helping provide solutions to the dealer body’s workforce development challenges.

Applicants or nominees should be willing to meet face-to-face with the group twice a year and provide their ideas and insights, in addition to working jointly with other council and MRAA Board of Directors members on subcommittees. Candidates must be under 40 years of age, hold a position of significance in a dealership and have a minimum of five years of marine industry experience.

Click here to apply to YLAC, or click here to nominate a young professional for YLAC. Applications and nominations must be submitted by Sept. 30. For more information, contact Matt Gruhn at 763-315-8043; matt@mraa.com or YLAC chairman Jake Jostand at 712-332-2701; jakejostand@oakhillmarina.com.

Last Call: Early Bird Registration Ends Today

Marine retailers planning to attend the 2016 Marine Dealer Conference & Expo have just today — Friday, Sept 23 — before special Early Bird Registration pricing expires. Each registration processed before 11:59 p.m. EST today, qualifies for an instant $25 discount per attendee, and members of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas can also enjoy an additional $75 in savings.

As of the end of the day Thursday, more than 400 retailers have registered for the MDCE, keeping the event on pace to set records for dealer attendance. More than 33 percent of those registrants will be attending MDCE for the first time in 2016.

A total of 169 marine retailers registered for MDCE during the month of April, setting a new record, and August registrations were up nearly 5 percent year-over-year, according to organizers. In addition, year-to-date, retail registrations were up 13 percent as of the end of August, compared to the same time in 2015 — putting the 2016 MDCE on track to be one of the largest to date.  

“Dealers are responding in large numbers to the incredible educational line-up we’ve created for this year’s event,” MRAA Vice President Liz Walz said. “We are particularly excited about our three keynote sessions, our dealer-to-dealer roundtables and the dealer case studies, and believe those sessions are driving the dealer interest to new heights.”

Manufacturers and suppliers are responding positively, as well, as their support is also outpacing that of 2015. The MDCE’s top “Powered By” sponsorship tier is nearly sold out, and several new exhibitors will be on display for the first time in 2016.

Taking place two weeks later in the calendar than usual, the new December dates avoid scheduling conflicts tied to winterization chores and hunting seasons, as well as events such as the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and Marine Equipment Trade Show in Amsterdam.

“We believe these new December dates are also adding to the excitement and attracting a host of new dealers and exhibitors to the event,” Jonathan Sweet, editor-in-chief of Boating Industry, said. “With all of the excitement surrounding the new educational programming, the new dates, and the new ways that MDCE can help dealers grow, we believe this record pace of registrations will continue all the way through the event.”

Jointly produced by the MRAA and Boating Industry magazine, MDCE is the premier educational conference designed exclusively for marine retailers and takes place Dec. 5-8 in Orlando.

Zenith Dealer Solutions Finalizes Platinum Partnership

Zenith Dealer Solutions, specialists in phone lead management for marine dealerships, has joined the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas as a Platinum Partner — the MRAA’s highest level of corporate partnership.

Based in Tempe, Ariz., Zenith offers a full menu of cutting-edge dealer solutions designed to maximize marketing campaigns, properly handle sales leads and recover missed opportunities. A growing list of industry leaders, including Tracker Boats, Singleton Marine, Skipper Bud’s and Yacht World, rely on Zenith Dealer Solutions for phone call and text tracking, advertising conversion and advanced call routing.

“Supporting the work done year-round by the MRAA and its partners fits seamlessly with our company mission of streamlining the sales process and helping dealers sell more boats,” Zenith VP of Dealer Services Ben Golemon said. “We’re pleased to offer our services to MRAA members and look forward to a long and frutiful partnership.”

Marine retailers utilizing Zentih Dealers Solutions testify the platform prevents missed phone leads, aids in gaining in-depth insights into process adherence and allows the sales team to track opportunities and appointments in real time.

“Zenith Dealer Solutions provides me with a unique view inside of our dealerships’ phone calls,” Evan Davis of Singleton Marine said. “Never before have I had this type of measurement and Singleton Marine is taking advantage of it. Missed calls and missed opportunities are a thing of the past.”

Additional products and services offered by Zenith include API and CRM integration, ad source tracking, customized alarms alerting the sales department to new leads, and even phone skills training.

“The team at Zenith offers MRAA members a modern solution to tracking phone and text leads and converting those leads into sales,” MRAA President Matt Gruhn said. “Welcoming Zenith as a Platinum Partner underscores their commitment to strengthening the future of the retail boating sector.”

Zenith Dealers Solutions joins 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.

MDCE Retail Registrations Break Previous Record

          Marine retail registrations have a record month as early bird deadline approaches

Organizers of the premier educational conference designed exclusively for marine retailers are reporting that the Marine Dealer Conference & Expo saw the most August retail registrations in the event’s history last month.

Hosted jointly by Boating Industry magazine and the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, sponsorships and exhibit space for MDCE 2016 are likewise off to a fast start, with the conference’s top “Powered By” tier nearly sold out. The 2016 MDCE takes place in Orlando, Dec. 5-8, a full two weeks later in the calendar than traditionally scheduled.

This year’s conference includes several new offerings, including Dealer-to-Dealer Roundtable Discussions, Dealer Case Studies and three Keynote Presentations.

Marine retailers who register for MDCE 2016 before the Sept. 23 Early Bird Deadline save $25 off standard rates; MRAA members save an additional $75 for a total of $100 in savings. Learn more and register at MarineDealerConference.com.