Bob Longstreth Rejoins MICD as Consultant Post author By MRAA Post date January 27, 2016 Categories In News <span>Bob Longstreth has rejoined the Marine Industry Certified Dealership Program and will immediately begin huddling with boat dealers engaged in the Certification process. A resident of southeast Michigan, Bob previously served as the national sales director for Mr. Norm’s Sport Club and as a consultant for Five Star Solutions.</span> </p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span><picture decoding="async" style="width: 250px; float: right;"> <source type="image/webp" srcset="https://mraa.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/BobGood.jpg.webp"/> <img decoding="async" src="https://mraa.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/BobGood.jpg"/> </picture> </span></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span> </span></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span>With a background in the automotive industry and experience serving both retail and wholesale customers, Longstreth has built his career around a reputation for improving dealership processes, strengthening long-term business planning and continuous client improvement.</span></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span> </span></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span>“Bob brings a career’s worth of lessons and experience to the MICD Program, and his impact on the team will be felt right away,” Matt Gruhn, President of MRAA, said. “Bob has seen for himself the tangible benefits dealerships reap by completing the Certification process, and he will play a key role in the continued evolution of the MICD Program.”</span></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span> </span></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span>M</span><span>ore than 300 of the nation’s premier marine dealers currently participate in the MICD Program, which has seen rapid growth and expansion during the last two years.</span></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span> </span></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span>“Marine Certification isn’t new to me,” Longstreth said. “I’ve completed over 500 dealership Certifications for 250 unique stores. I believe in Certification because I know it will make you a better dealership and improve both employee and customer satisfaction.”</span></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span> </span></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span>Longstreth and the rest of the MICD team have already begun work on strategy for 2016 and beyond. The consultant team, lead by industry veteran Bob McCann, met for several days in Minneapolis last week to discuss how best to continue </span><span>providing </span><span>dealers with standards, business processes and best practices to streamline retail operations, increase sales and improve customer and employee satisfaction. </span></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span> </span></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span>“I believe in the Certification process because I’m confident it will improve customer and employee satisfaction,” Longstreth said. “I’m looking forward to working with the entire MRAA team and dealers who have made adoption of best industry practices a top priority.”</span></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span> </span></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">For more information about the MICD Program or to enroll, contact Bob via email at BobL@mraa.com</span></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span> </span></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><b><span>About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas<br /> </span></b><span>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.</span><span> For more information, visit </span><a href="https://mraa.com"><span>MRAA.com.</span></a></p> <p class=" align="center" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span> </span></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">About the Marine Industry Certified Dealership Program</span></b></p> <p class="><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">Managed by the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA), the Marine Industry Certified Dealership Program (MICD) is dedicated to improving the customer experience at the retail level. The first step in the Certification process focuses on establishing a high level of customer satisfaction through communication, appearance and quality. The second tier of Certification continues to enhance the customer experience by implementing processes for overall dealership functionality. At the program’s Five Star level, established organizational procedures are implemented to ensure smooth operations and happy customers. To learn more about the MICD Program, visit </span><a href="https://mraa.com/certification"><span style="color: rgb(231, 0, 27);">MRAA.com/certification</span></a><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">.</span></p> <p> </p> </div> </div> </article> <article class="post-5342 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-news tag-mraa-press-releases" id="post-5342"> <header class="entry-header m-auto px"> <h2 class="post__title entry-title m-0"><a href="https://mraa.com/mraa-and-spader-business-management-partner-on-virtual-training/" rel="bookmark">MRAA and Spader Business Management Partner on Virtual Training</a></h2> <div class="post__meta--wrapper post__meta--single post__meta--top"> <ul class="post__meta list-reset"> <li class="post-author meta-wrapper"> <span class="meta-icon"> <span class="screen-reader-text">Post author</span> <svg role="img" aria-hidden="true" width="24px" height="24px" viewBox="0 0 24 24" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"> <g fill="none"> <g fill="currentColor"> <path d="M16,18 L0,18 L0,16 C0,13.790861 1.790861,12 4,12 L12,12 C14.209139,12 16,13.790861 16,16 L16,18 Z M8,8 C5.790861,8 4,6.209139 4,4 C4,1.790861 5.790861,0 8,0 C10.209139,0 12,1.790861 12,4 C12,6.209139 10.209139,8 8,8 Z"></path> </g> </g> </svg> </span> <span class="meta-text"> By <a href="https://mraa.com/author/mraa/">MRAA</a> </span> </li> <li class="post-date"> <a class="meta-wrapper" href="https://mraa.com/mraa-and-spader-business-management-partner-on-virtual-training/"> <span class="meta-icon"> <span class="screen-reader-text">Post date</span> <svg role="img" aria-hidden="true" height="24" viewBox="0 0 24 24" width="24" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="m19 5h-1v-2h-2v2h-8v-2h-2v2h-1c-1.1 0-2 .9-2 2v12c0 1.1.9 2 2 2h14c1.1 0 2-.9 2-2v-12c0-1.1-.9-2-2-2zm0 14h-14v-10h14z" /></svg> </span> <span class="meta-text"> <time datetime="2016-01-21T10:08:00-06:00">January 21, 2016</time> </span> </a> </li> <li class="post-categories meta-wrapper"> <span class="meta-icon"> <span class="screen-reader-text">Categories</span> <svg role="img" aria-hidden="true" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="24" height="24" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none"><path d="M21 12c0 1.66-4 3-9 3s-9-1.34-9-3"></path><path d="M3 5v14c0 1.66 4 3 9 3s9-1.34 9-3V5"></path></svg> </span> <span class="meta-text"> In <a href="https://mraa.com/category/news/" rel="category tag">News</a> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </header> <div class="content-area__wrapper"> <div class="content-area entry-content"> <p class="><span>The </span><a href="https://mraa.com"><span>Marine Retailers Association of the Americas</span></a><span> and Spader Business Management have formed an online education partnership, resulting in the launch of three powerful new courses within the MRAA Interactive Virtual Training System.</span></p> <p class="><span><picture decoding="async" style="float: right; width: 175px; top: 180px; height: 254px; margin-bottom: 5px;"> <source type="image/webp" srcset="https://mraa.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/JohnSpader1-scaled.jpg.webp"/> <img decoding="async" src="https://mraa.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/JohnSpader1-scaled.jpg"/> </picture> </span></p> <p class="><span> “The long-standing relationship between Spader and the MRAA is based on a shared mission to support the professional development of marine dealers and their employees,” Liz Walz, Vice President of MRAA, said. “By extending our partnership to include virtual training, we can not only offer Spader’s first-class educational programming to a whole new audience, but we can also serve the dealers our organizations currently reach in a deeper way, bringing this highly impactful training to their entire teams.”</span></p> <p class="><span>Led by Spader Business Management President John Spader and divided into eight separate chapters, “One Dollar Empowerment©</span><span>” headlines the group of new offerings. Not only will this virtual course strengthen a dealer’s core understanding of financial metrics, but it also will allow subscribers to initiate important financial conversations with their team regarding such topics as the key expense ratios to monitor, how to calculate those ratios, and tactics to improve net profit.</span></p> <p class="><span>The pair of other new courses, “Adaptability: The Single Best Predictor of Success” and “Effective Leaders and Managers” by Dr. Michael O’Connor, are also now available for purchase. Each contains five chapters designed specifically to unlock sustained success and teach the key priciples that differentiate high-performing leaders and managers from their industry peers.</span></p> <p class="><span> “We’ve been researching the opportunity to serve the dealer community through online education for years,” Spader said. “MRAA’s virtual training platform came along at the right time, allowing us to expand our service to the boating industry alongside a trusted partner.” </span></p> <p class="><span>“One Dollar Empowerment©</span><span>” is available exclusively to MRAA Retail Members at the discounted rate of $249 per year, which includes up to 25 employee profiles, while “Adaptability” and “Effective Leaders and Managers” are available to MRAA Members at $149 each. Learn more about these three new courses, as well as MRAA’s complete menu of interactive training, at </span><a href="http://www.MRAATraining.com"><span>MRAATraining.com</span></a><span>.</span></p> <p class="><b><span>About the Marine Retailers Association</span></b><span><br /> 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.</span><span> For more information, visit </span><a href="https://mraa.com"><span>MRAA.com.</span></a></p> <p class="><b><span>About Spader Business Management<br /> </span></b><span>Spader Business Management has spent more than 30 years educating businesses in markets such as marine, powersports and RV </span><span>how to have more time and make more money</span><span>, how to develop a strong culture and high performing staff, how to obtain and retain more customers, and how to see and adjust ahead of the marketplace. Thousands of people have applied what they’ve learned in Spader workshops to make and execute plans for efficient, productive and financially stable operations. Learn more at </span><a href="http://www.spader.com"><span>www.spader.com</span></a><span>. </span></p> <p class="> </p> <p><span></span></p> </div> </div> </article> <article class="post-5052 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-news tag-legislative-updates" id="post-5052"> <header class="entry-header m-auto px"> <h2 class="post__title entry-title m-0"><a href="https://mraa.com/marine-industrys-political-action-committees-merge/" rel="bookmark">Marine Industry’s Political Action Committees Merge</a></h2> <div class="post__meta--wrapper post__meta--single post__meta--top"> <ul class="post__meta list-reset"> <li class="post-author meta-wrapper"> <span class="meta-icon"> <span class="screen-reader-text">Post author</span> <svg role="img" aria-hidden="true" width="24px" height="24px" viewBox="0 0 24 24" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"> <g fill="none"> <g fill="currentColor"> <path d="M16,18 L0,18 L0,16 C0,13.790861 1.790861,12 4,12 L12,12 C14.209139,12 16,13.790861 16,16 L16,18 Z M8,8 C5.790861,8 4,6.209139 4,4 C4,1.790861 5.790861,0 8,0 C10.209139,0 12,1.790861 12,4 C12,6.209139 10.209139,8 8,8 Z"></path> </g> </g> </svg> </span> <span class="meta-text"> By <a href="https://mraa.com/author/mraa/">MRAA</a> </span> </li> <li class="post-date"> <a class="meta-wrapper" href="https://mraa.com/marine-industrys-political-action-committees-merge/"> <span class="meta-icon"> <span class="screen-reader-text">Post date</span> <svg role="img" aria-hidden="true" height="24" viewBox="0 0 24 24" width="24" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="m19 5h-1v-2h-2v2h-8v-2h-2v2h-1c-1.1 0-2 .9-2 2v12c0 1.1.9 2 2 2h14c1.1 0 2-.9 2-2v-12c0-1.1-.9-2-2-2zm0 14h-14v-10h14z" /></svg> </span> <span class="meta-text"> <time datetime="2016-01-13T15:44:00-06:00">January 13, 2016</time> </span> </a> </li> <li class="post-categories meta-wrapper"> <span class="meta-icon"> <span class="screen-reader-text">Categories</span> <svg role="img" aria-hidden="true" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="24" height="24" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none"><path d="M21 12c0 1.66-4 3-9 3s-9-1.34-9-3"></path><path d="M3 5v14c0 1.66 4 3 9 3s9-1.34 9-3V5"></path></svg> </span> <span class="meta-text"> In <a href="https://mraa.com/category/news/" rel="category tag">News</a> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </header> <div class="content-area__wrapper"> <div class="content-area entry-content"> <p class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><i>Federal Elections Committee grants final approval to merger of MRAA and NMMA political action committees</i></p> <p class="p3"><span class="s1">WASHINGTON, DC — The <a href="https://mraa.com/"><span class="s2">Marine Retailers Association of the Americas</span></a> and the <a href="applewebdata://BFCC3349-7C27-462B-88A4-6F3603E85C7C/wwwnmma.org"><span class="s2">National Marine Manufacturers Association</span></a> have merged their political action committees to form one voice for recreational boating on Capitol Hill. </span></p> <p class="p3"><span class="s1"><img decoding="async" src="https://mraa.com/resource/resmgr/Capitol2.JPG" style="float: right; border: 5px solid rgb(255, 255, 255);"></span></p> <p class="p3"><span class="s1">BoatPAC, the recreational boating industry’s political action committee, is overseen by a joint board of MRAA and NMMA members. BoatPAC enables the marine industry to build and strengthen relationships with lobbyists, policy-makers, fundraisers and others who share our industry’s interests and goals. It works by bringing all of the industry’s segments together to support Congressional candidates who will represent and protect the interests of the recreational boating industry on Capitol Hill.</span></p> <p class="p3"><span class="s1">“For years, our two organizations have managed separate PAC funds in separate ways,” explains Matt Gruhn, President of MRAA. “The merger of the two committees serves to further unite our industry when it comes to our advocacy work, and will magnify the reach and the volume of the marine industry’s voice.”</span></p> <p class="p3"><span class="s1">Thom Dammrich, president of NMMA says of the merger, “BoatPAC has taken an enormous step forward, showing decision makers on Capitol Hill that the recreational boating industry is a united front. I am pleased to see MRAA and NMMA working together to strengthen our collective voice through advocacy and look forward to celebrating many more victories together.” </span></p> <p class="p3"><span class="s1">Representing the MRAA and its members on the BoatPAC board of directors are: Carlton Phillips, Prince William Marine Sales (Virginia); Ray Fernandez, Bridge Marina (New Jersey); and Sam Lowrey, MarineMax, Inc. (Florida).</span></p> <p class="p3"><span class="s1">To learn more about the 2016 BoatPAC and the new Election Center website, <a href="https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3356391556942431489"><span class="s2">attend the BoatPAC webinar on Jan. 29 at 11 a.m.</span></a> This webinar will provide insight on the upcoming elections for both Congress and the White House. You’ll learn about the issues impacting the recreational boating industry over the course of the year and how you can take part in advocacy efforts during these important campaigns.</span></p> <p class="p4"><span class="s1">For more information or questions about MRAA’s government relations activities, contact Will Higgins at 202-737-9779, x. 502 or <a href="mailto:will@mraa.com"><span class="s2">will@mraa.com</span></a></span><span class="s3">.</span></p> <p class="p3"><span class="s1"><b>About BoatPAC</b></span></p> <p class="p5"><span class="s1">BoatPAC is a political action committee (PAC) used by trade associations and businesses to support members of Congress and candidates for public office. BoatPAC is the only trade association PAC that exists to further the goals of the U.S. recreational boating industry and is legally permitted to donate to federal candidates for public office. BoatPAC is regulated by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).<a href="http://associationdatabase.com/aws/YBAA/pt/sd/news_article/101426/_PARENT/layout_details/false#sthash.IP9LTzyK.dpuf"><span class="s2">See more</span></a></span><span class="s4">.</span></p> <p class="p3"><span class="s1"><b>About the Marine Retailers Association</b><br /> 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 <a href="https://mraa.com/"><span class="s2">MRAA.com.</span></a></span></p> <p class="p3"><span class="s1"><b>About the National Marine Manufacturers Association</b></span></p> <p class="p6"><span class="s1">The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is the nation’s leading trade association representing boat, marine engine and accessory manufacturers. Collectively, NMMA members manufacture an estimated 80 percent of marine products used in North America.</span></p> <p class=" align="center" style="margin-left: -4.5pt; text-align: center;"> </p> </div> </div> </article> <article class="post-5228 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-news tag-mraa-press-releases" id="post-5228"> <header class="entry-header m-auto px"> <h2 class="post__title entry-title m-0"><a href="https://mraa.com/popular-digital-marketing-master-series-returns-for-third-year/" rel="bookmark">Popular Digital Marketing Master Series Returns for Third Year</a></h2> <div class="post__meta--wrapper post__meta--single post__meta--top"> <ul class="post__meta list-reset"> <li class="post-author meta-wrapper"> <span class="meta-icon"> <span class="screen-reader-text">Post author</span> <svg role="img" aria-hidden="true" width="24px" height="24px" viewBox="0 0 24 24" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"> <g fill="none"> <g fill="currentColor"> <path d="M16,18 L0,18 L0,16 C0,13.790861 1.790861,12 4,12 L12,12 C14.209139,12 16,13.790861 16,16 L16,18 Z M8,8 C5.790861,8 4,6.209139 4,4 C4,1.790861 5.790861,0 8,0 C10.209139,0 12,1.790861 12,4 C12,6.209139 10.209139,8 8,8 Z"></path> </g> </g> </svg> </span> <span class="meta-text"> By <a href="https://mraa.com/author/mraa/">MRAA</a> </span> </li> <li class="post-date"> <a class="meta-wrapper" href="https://mraa.com/popular-digital-marketing-master-series-returns-for-third-year/"> <span class="meta-icon"> <span class="screen-reader-text">Post date</span> <svg role="img" aria-hidden="true" height="24" viewBox="0 0 24 24" width="24" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="m19 5h-1v-2h-2v2h-8v-2h-2v2h-1c-1.1 0-2 .9-2 2v12c0 1.1.9 2 2 2h14c1.1 0 2-.9 2-2v-12c0-1.1-.9-2-2-2zm0 14h-14v-10h14z" /></svg> </span> <span class="meta-text"> <time datetime="2016-01-12T12:03:00-06:00">January 12, 2016</time> </span> </a> </li> <li class="post-categories meta-wrapper"> <span class="meta-icon"> <span class="screen-reader-text">Categories</span> <svg role="img" aria-hidden="true" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="24" height="24" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none"><path d="M21 12c0 1.66-4 3-9 3s-9-1.34-9-3"></path><path d="M3 5v14c0 1.66 4 3 9 3s9-1.34 9-3V5"></path></svg> </span> <span class="meta-text"> In <a href="https://mraa.com/category/news/" rel="category tag">News</a> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </header> <div class="content-area__wrapper"> <div class="content-area entry-content"> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><picture decoding="async" style="text-align: center; width: 425px;"> <source type="image/webp" srcset="https://mraa.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/1f352a1c-a737-4dff-b98e-4dd5.png.webp"/> <img decoding="async" src="https://mraa.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/1f352a1c-a737-4dff-b98e-4dd5.png"/> </picture> </p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas and ARI Network Services (ARI) have extended their partnership and for a third consecutive year will offer MRAA members a popular series of cutting edge marketing webinars throughout 2016.</p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span> </span></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span>Approximately eight webinars, each designed<span> to compliment marketing efforts of all budgets, will take place during the year and focus on untangling the knot of online marketing tools and helping dealers to sell more boats. </span></span></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span> </span></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span>“</span><span>With today’s shoppers following a complex, digital path to purchase — with more than 80 percent of shoppers researching products and services online before they ever visit a brick and mortar store — it is critical for marine dealers stay on the cutting edge of today’s digital marketing trends,” Justin Di Villio, director of business development for ARI’s marine and RV divisions, said. “ARI is proud to continue to partner with the MRAA to help ensure the digital marketing investment marine dealers make promotes their dealership to the widest possible audience.”</span></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span> </span></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span>Access to the 2016 Digital Marketing Master Series is an exclusive benefit of MRAA membership</span><span>, as is unlimited use of an archive containing 16 webinars produced during 2014 and 2015. Past topics in the Digital Marketing Master Series have ranged from ways to increase boat show sales and ideas on maximizing post-sale profits to improving search engine optimization and setting an effective marketing strategy.</span></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span> </span></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span>A final schedule for 2016 will be finalized in the coming weeks, but the first webinar has been scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 14. </span><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">This capstone session will offer tools to conduct a self-audit of marketing campaigns and share MRAA’s annual digital marketing strategy outline to help dealers prepare a written, executable digital marketing strategy for 2016.</span></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span> </span></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span>Typical sessions feature an industry marketing expert or panel and loosely follow a Q&A-type format</span><span>. Attendees are asked to submit questions about their digital marketing challenges to panelists in advance, and the group analyzes most submissions during the 90-minute webinars.</span></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span> </span></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span>“Both boat dealers and attendees have told us over and over how beneficial they find having a chance to pick the brains of our industry’s leading marketing experts,” says MRAA Vice President Liz Walz. “Each webinar is always fresh and focuses on a different topic, and we believe dealers of all sizes will take away actionable items to implement at their business.”</span></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span> </span></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span>Access to webinar registration and previously recorded sessions are available on <a href="http://www.MRAATraining.com">www.MRAATraining.com</a>. Members will be required to log in with their username and password. </span></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span> </span></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><b><span>About ARI<br /> </span></b><span>ARI Network Services, Inc. (NASDAQ: ARIS) offers an award-winning suite of data-driven software tools and marketing services to help dealers, equipment manufacturers and distributors. ARI removes the complexity of selling and servicing new and used vehicle inventory, parts, garments and accessories (PG&A) for customers in the automotive tire and wheel aftermarket, powersports, outdoor power equipment, marine, home medical equipment and recreational vehicle industries. </span></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><b><span> </span></b></p> <p class="><b><span>About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas<br /> </span></b><span>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.</span><span> For more information, visit <a href="https://mraa.com">MRAA.com.</a> </span></p> </div> </div> </article> <article class="post-5958 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-news tag-around-the-industry" id="post-5958"> <header class="entry-header m-auto px"> <h2 class="post__title entry-title m-0"><a href="https://mraa.com/five-things-you-can-do-in-2016-to-overcome-the-technician-shortage/" rel="bookmark">Five Things YOU Can Do in 2016 to Overcome the Technician Shortage</a></h2> <div class="post__meta--wrapper post__meta--single post__meta--top"> <ul class="post__meta list-reset"> <li class="post-author meta-wrapper"> <span class="meta-icon"> <span class="screen-reader-text">Post author</span> <svg role="img" aria-hidden="true" width="24px" height="24px" viewBox="0 0 24 24" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"> <g fill="none"> <g fill="currentColor"> <path d="M16,18 L0,18 L0,16 C0,13.790861 1.790861,12 4,12 L12,12 C14.209139,12 16,13.790861 16,16 L16,18 Z M8,8 C5.790861,8 4,6.209139 4,4 C4,1.790861 5.790861,0 8,0 C10.209139,0 12,1.790861 12,4 C12,6.209139 10.209139,8 8,8 Z"></path> </g> </g> </svg> </span> <span class="meta-text"> By <a href="https://mraa.com/author/mraa/">MRAA</a> </span> </li> <li class="post-date"> <a class="meta-wrapper" href="https://mraa.com/five-things-you-can-do-in-2016-to-overcome-the-technician-shortage/"> <span class="meta-icon"> <span class="screen-reader-text">Post date</span> <svg role="img" aria-hidden="true" height="24" viewBox="0 0 24 24" width="24" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="m19 5h-1v-2h-2v2h-8v-2h-2v2h-1c-1.1 0-2 .9-2 2v12c0 1.1.9 2 2 2h14c1.1 0 2-.9 2-2v-12c0-1.1-.9-2-2-2zm0 14h-14v-10h14z" /></svg> </span> <span class="meta-text"> <time datetime="2016-01-05T16:30:00-06:00">January 5, 2016</time> </span> </a> </li> <li class="post-categories meta-wrapper"> <span class="meta-icon"> <span class="screen-reader-text">Categories</span> <svg role="img" aria-hidden="true" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="24" height="24" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none"><path d="M21 12c0 1.66-4 3-9 3s-9-1.34-9-3"></path><path d="M3 5v14c0 1.66 4 3 9 3s9-1.34 9-3V5"></path></svg> </span> <span class="meta-text"> In <a href="https://mraa.com/category/news/" rel="category tag">News</a> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </header> <div class="content-area__wrapper"> <div class="content-area entry-content"> <p class=">As the marine industry has returned to sales growth, it has rekindled the age-old conversation on the technician shortage. Dealerships are selling and servicing more boats, but they simply can’t find qualified technicians to help with the increase in service demand, and that has hampered the growth of our individual businesses and the industry at large.</p> <p class="><span>This Marine Retailers Association of the Americas Special Presentation is designed to explore solutions for overcoming the technician shortage both as an industry and in your individual business. Here are five ideas you can begin exploring today.</span></p> <p class=" style="margin-left: 0in;"><b><span>1. Tap into your existing techs </span></b></p> <p class=" style="margin-left: 0in;"><span>Stay in close communication with your existing techs. Not only are they an excellent source of leads for new techs, but they also have valuable information on how to improve the shop processes, efficiency, and work environment. Being a great shop to work in is paramount for both retaining and attracting top talent. Not all techs are great communicators, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t have great ideas. Explore the best methods to mine their valuable insight: shop meetings, one-on-one discussions or anonymous surveys are options.</span></p> <p class=" style="margin-left: 0in;"><b><span>2. Hire Seasonal Help with Intention </span></b></p> <p class=" style="margin-left: 0in;"><span>How many kids really know what they want to be when they grow up? Dealers who hire seasonal or part-time help with the intention of exposing young workers to the many career paths in our industry have a better shot at finding young talent to develop. It starts in the interview: Tell the young person about the unique opportunities available in our industry – how many people started just like them – with a job washing boats and picking up trash and are now dealers, manufacturer execs and well-compensated technicians, parts, service and sales professionals. Let these new hires know what skills they need to develop to become indispensible to our industry – building customer loyalty, growing dealership profits, and suggesting new ideas. Many shops hire seasonal help but not enough of them actually hire with intention. Imagine how many young people we could attract if a large percentage of our dealerships did this. </span></p> <p class=" style="margin-left: 0in;"><b><span>3. Sponsor Your Techs</span></b></p> <p class=" style="margin-left: 0in;"><span>There are many different ways to sponsor a tech in training. Some service departments pay up-front to send a tech to school, but they can be disappointed when that individual leaves them in search of greener pastures just as the store starts recouping their investment. Here is one example of how a dealer has mitigated his risk: After a 90-day probation period, the service department will pay the tech’s following month’s student loan payment after each successful working month. If the tech leaves or is let go, no payment is made. Sponsorship can also include building the young tech’s tool inventory, allowing them to attend manufacturer training or other creative solutions.</span></p> <p class=" style="margin-left: 0in;"><b><span>4. Create a Mentorship Program </span></b></p> <p class=" style="margin-left: 0in;"><span>There is a reason why mentorship has been around for generations of employees: It works! If you currently have at least one tech capable of passing his knowledge along, create an internal mentorship program. Mentorship is the quickest way to build up a new tech’s skills and confidence, and set him up for success. Mentorship can help the older tech with an assistant to do the hard, heavy or tight space work – and it often feels good for the experienced tech to pass on what they’ve had to learn “the hard way.” Mentorship can also help the shop’s bottom line because it reduces the chance of costly comebacks, and allows more work to be accomplished. Some stores set up their mentoring techs with a bonus based on hours the apprentice turns. This is not always necessary, but it can help – not only with the lead but also with the student who is likely not used to being focused on hours. </span></p> <p class=" style="margin-left: 0in;"><b><span>5. Get the Word Out </span></b></p> <p class=" style="margin-left: 0in;"><span>Increase your community’s awareness of the career opportunities available in the marine industry. High school, community college, trade school boards, and local veteran job placement organizations, state and local Marine Trade Associations and local workforce boards are just a few examples of places where you can help shape decision making to put marine tech career choices in the forefront of educators’, career councilors’ and administrators’ minds. You offer a little bit of your time and a lot of real-world experience in return for a chance to attract more young talent to the amazing industry we love.</span></p> </div> </div> </article> <article class="post-1487 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-blog" id="post-1487"> <header class="entry-header m-auto px"> <h2 class="post__title entry-title m-0"><a href="https://mraa.com/member-spotlight-andrea-chase/" rel="bookmark">Member Spotlight: Andrea Chase</a></h2> <div class="post__meta--wrapper post__meta--single post__meta--top"> <ul class="post__meta list-reset"> <li class="post-author meta-wrapper"> <span class="meta-icon"> <span class="screen-reader-text">Post author</span> <svg role="img" aria-hidden="true" width="24px" height="24px" viewBox="0 0 24 24" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"> <g fill="none"> <g fill="currentColor"> <path d="M16,18 L0,18 L0,16 C0,13.790861 1.790861,12 4,12 L12,12 C14.209139,12 16,13.790861 16,16 L16,18 Z M8,8 C5.790861,8 4,6.209139 4,4 C4,1.790861 5.790861,0 8,0 C10.209139,0 12,1.790861 12,4 C12,6.209139 10.209139,8 8,8 Z"></path> </g> </g> </svg> </span> <span class="meta-text"> By <a href="https://mraa.com/author/mraa/">MRAA</a> </span> </li> <li class="post-date"> <a class="meta-wrapper" href="https://mraa.com/member-spotlight-andrea-chase/"> <span class="meta-icon"> <span class="screen-reader-text">Post date</span> <svg role="img" aria-hidden="true" height="24" viewBox="0 0 24 24" width="24" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="m19 5h-1v-2h-2v2h-8v-2h-2v2h-1c-1.1 0-2 .9-2 2v12c0 1.1.9 2 2 2h14c1.1 0 2-.9 2-2v-12c0-1.1-.9-2-2-2zm0 14h-14v-10h14z" /></svg> </span> <span class="meta-text"> <time datetime="2015-12-22T15:33:00-06:00">December 22, 2015</time> </span> </a> </li> <li class="post-categories meta-wrapper"> <span class="meta-icon"> <span class="screen-reader-text">Categories</span> <svg role="img" aria-hidden="true" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="24" height="24" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none"><path d="M21 12c0 1.66-4 3-9 3s-9-1.34-9-3"></path><path d="M3 5v14c0 1.66 4 3 9 3s9-1.34 9-3V5"></path></svg> </span> <span class="meta-text"> In <a href="https://mraa.com/category/blog/" rel="category tag">Blog</a> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </header> <div class="content-area__wrapper"> <div class="content-area entry-content"> <style> select{width: 100%} </style> <p><span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/SeaRayofCincinnati/?fref=ts"><span style="color: windowtext;"><strong>Sea Ray of Cincinnati</strong></span></a><strong> was recently recognized (again) as one of </strong></span><strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BImag/?fref=ts"><span style="color: windowtext;">Boating Industry Magazine’s</span></a><span> “Top 100 Dealers.” Talk a bit about </span><span style="font-size: 12px;">the secret sauce over there and what it means to the team to be included amongst the industry’s heavyweights.</span></strong></p> <p><span>Our team is extremely proud to be a Top 100 Dealer again for the 10<sup>th</sup> consecutive year. We believe that our ‘secret sauce’ is our great group of employees. Many of us have been here 10, 15, even 20+ years. We’ve seen a lot of dealerships come and go so we’re always proud of our longevity. We have a lot of expertise in our departments yet we’re always willing to learn more. Our goal, regardless of which department we’re in, is always to make certain that our customers have incredible experiences on the water.</span><span style="font-size: 12px;"> </span></p> <p><span><strong>How has being an MRAA member helped Sea Ray of Cincinnati both streamline day-to-day operations and craft long-term strategy?</strong></span></p> <p><span>Recently, we attended the MRAA Annual Conference in Orlando, sitting in on various dealership related seminars and discussions. From marketing to service to sales, the takeaway was a lot of great ideas currently being implemented by other dealers across the country. We are also in the process of our MRAA Recertification, which requires us to review and fine tune our day-to-day processes and operations. The MRAA has been very helpful in this process.</span></p> <p><span><strong>What do you see as the No. 1 challenge facing the boating industry? How are your dealership(s) countering?</strong></span></p> <p><span>We see the No 1 challenge facing the industry today is exposing new people to the sport as well as getting existing boaters to spend more time on their boats. We counter this by continuing to promote the boating lifestyle and reminding people that great memories are made on a boat. We not only reach out to existing boaters but potential future boaters via digital marketing channels such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.</span></p> <p><span><strong>Offer some advice to small (or large) dealerships as they battle the lull of winter.</strong></span></p> <p><span>Battling the lull of wintertime can actually be super productive. Not only do we suggest taking time to do those projects that are difficult to achieve in the busy boating season such as Recertification, product training, mechanic certifications, management training and employee reviews. But, we also suggest taking the time to walk around the dealership and do some facility reviews. What can be cleaned up, thrown away, painted etc.? You might even find excess parts, tools or furniture that can be listed on Craigslist or eBay. Really take the time to get some much-needed projects completed. When you finish with that, look at your used and brokerage inventory and identify what can be reconditioned and tuned up before spring. Before you know it, the boating season will be here!</span><span style="font-size: 12px;"> </span></p> <p><span><strong>Please share some exciting news with our members: employee highlights, community involvement, new inventory, etc.</strong></span></p> <p><span>Our recent end-of-year team bonding included an evening of laser tag. We divided into two groups, mixing up departments, and had a lot of fun and laughs strategizing to be the best laser tag team. We followed up with dinner and drinks (and a lot of smack talk discussion) on who the best team really was. Fun was had by all!</span></p> </div> </div> </article> <article class="post-5508 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-news tag-mraa-partner-news" id="post-5508"> <header class="entry-header m-auto px"> <h2 class="post__title entry-title m-0"><a href="https://mraa.com/kpa-client-alert-osha-fines-are-set-to-increase-75-80/" rel="bookmark">KPA Client Alert – OSHA Fines Are Set to Increase 75-80%</a></h2> <div class="post__meta--wrapper post__meta--single post__meta--top"> <ul class="post__meta list-reset"> <li class="post-author meta-wrapper"> <span class="meta-icon"> <span class="screen-reader-text">Post author</span> <svg role="img" aria-hidden="true" width="24px" height="24px" viewBox="0 0 24 24" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"> <g fill="none"> <g fill="currentColor"> <path d="M16,18 L0,18 L0,16 C0,13.790861 1.790861,12 4,12 L12,12 C14.209139,12 16,13.790861 16,16 L16,18 Z M8,8 C5.790861,8 4,6.209139 4,4 C4,1.790861 5.790861,0 8,0 C10.209139,0 12,1.790861 12,4 C12,6.209139 10.209139,8 8,8 Z"></path> </g> </g> </svg> </span> <span class="meta-text"> By <a href="https://mraa.com/author/mraa/">MRAA</a> </span> </li> <li class="post-date"> <a class="meta-wrapper" href="https://mraa.com/kpa-client-alert-osha-fines-are-set-to-increase-75-80/"> <span class="meta-icon"> <span class="screen-reader-text">Post date</span> <svg role="img" aria-hidden="true" height="24" viewBox="0 0 24 24" width="24" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="m19 5h-1v-2h-2v2h-8v-2h-2v2h-1c-1.1 0-2 .9-2 2v12c0 1.1.9 2 2 2h14c1.1 0 2-.9 2-2v-12c0-1.1-.9-2-2-2zm0 14h-14v-10h14z" /></svg> </span> <span class="meta-text"> <time datetime="2015-12-22T10:25:00-06:00">December 22, 2015</time> </span> </a> </li> <li class="post-categories meta-wrapper"> <span class="meta-icon"> <span class="screen-reader-text">Categories</span> <svg role="img" aria-hidden="true" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="24" height="24" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none"><path d="M21 12c0 1.66-4 3-9 3s-9-1.34-9-3"></path><path d="M3 5v14c0 1.66 4 3 9 3s9-1.34 9-3V5"></path></svg> </span> <span class="meta-text"> In <a href="https://mraa.com/category/news/" rel="category tag">News</a> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </header> <div class="content-area__wrapper"> <div class="content-area entry-content"> <p class=" align="center" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: rgb(0, 92, 185);"> </span></b></p> <p class=" align="center" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: rgb(0, 92, 185);">KPA Client Alert – OSHA Fines Are Set to Increase 75-80%</span></b></p> <p class=" style="text-align: justify;"><span>Unlike the EPA, whose fines are regularly increased due to inflation, OSHA was never included within the same structure and was required to obtain Congressional approval in order to increase penalties. The result – OSHA maximum penalties have virtually remained the same for decades and disproportionate to the severity of penalties enforced by other agencies such as the EPA and DOT. </span></p> <p class=" style="text-align: justify;"><span>In a deal to avoid a default on the nation’s debt, the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 was signed into law on November 2nd. The law included a provision that will bring OSHA fines in line with inflation over the past 25 years. </span></p> <p class=" style="text-align: justify;"><span>The Budget Act includes a provision, entitled the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015, which will allow OSHA to a “catch-up adjustment” dating back to the year 1990. From 1990 through the end of 2015, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rise is expected to be north of 78%. Applying this logic, the resulting increase in OSHA penalties are estimated as follows:</span></p> <table class=" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="border: none;"> <tbody> <tr> <td width="153" valign="top" style="width: 153pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; text-align: left;"> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><b><span>VIOLATION:</span></b></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span>Serious Violation:</span></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span>Repeat or Willful Violation: </span></p> </td> <td width="315" valign="top" style="width: 314.5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; text-align: left;"> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><b><span>MAXIMUM PENALTY:</span></b></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span>From $7,000 currently to approx. $12,500 per incident</span></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span>From $70,000 currently to approx. $125,000 per incident</span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p class=" style="text-align: justify;"><span> </span></p> <p class=" style="text-align: justify;"><span>The initial penalty increases must become effective by August 1, 2016. After the initial catch up adjustment is made, OSHA will be permitted to increase penalties annually each year based on CPI. </span></p> <p class=" style="text-align: justify;"><span>Dr. David Michaels is the longest servicing Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA and has consistently worked to strengthen OSHA’s enforcement strength and effectiveness. During Michael’s administration, OSHA expanded the concept of multiple workplace violations, expanded repeat violations across multiple rooftops, increased focus on high risk industries, implemented the Severe Violator Enforcement Program, and has increased focus on OSHA’s data analysis including changes to the OSHA 300 log exemptions. Amongst these changes, the 2016 increase in OSHA penalties will likely be the most significant. </span></p> <p class=" style="text-align: justify;"><span>As a call to action, now is a good time to re-evaluate your safety program – ensure your inspection frequency is adequate, ensure training is up to date, and confirm your paperwork and documentation is in order including 300 logs, written programs, medical evaluations, and fit-testing if applicable. As always, we are here to assist and please contact your KPA consultant with any questions. </span></p> </div> </div> </article> <article class="post-5737 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-news tag-mraa-partner-news" id="post-5737"> <header class="entry-header m-auto px"> <h2 class="post__title entry-title m-0"><a href="https://mraa.com/attendance-growth-sold-out-expo-hall-mark-2015-mdce/" rel="bookmark">Attendance Growth, Sold Out Expo Hall Mark 2015 MDCE</a></h2> <div class="post__meta--wrapper post__meta--single post__meta--top"> <ul class="post__meta list-reset"> <li class="post-author meta-wrapper"> <span class="meta-icon"> <span class="screen-reader-text">Post author</span> <svg role="img" aria-hidden="true" width="24px" height="24px" viewBox="0 0 24 24" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"> <g fill="none"> <g fill="currentColor"> <path d="M16,18 L0,18 L0,16 C0,13.790861 1.790861,12 4,12 L12,12 C14.209139,12 16,13.790861 16,16 L16,18 Z M8,8 C5.790861,8 4,6.209139 4,4 C4,1.790861 5.790861,0 8,0 C10.209139,0 12,1.790861 12,4 C12,6.209139 10.209139,8 8,8 Z"></path> </g> </g> </svg> </span> <span class="meta-text"> By <a href="https://mraa.com/author/mraa/">MRAA</a> </span> </li> <li class="post-date"> <a class="meta-wrapper" href="https://mraa.com/attendance-growth-sold-out-expo-hall-mark-2015-mdce/"> <span class="meta-icon"> <span class="screen-reader-text">Post date</span> <svg role="img" aria-hidden="true" height="24" viewBox="0 0 24 24" width="24" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="m19 5h-1v-2h-2v2h-8v-2h-2v2h-1c-1.1 0-2 .9-2 2v12c0 1.1.9 2 2 2h14c1.1 0 2-.9 2-2v-12c0-1.1-.9-2-2-2zm0 14h-14v-10h14z" /></svg> </span> <span class="meta-text"> <time datetime="2015-12-22T10:22:00-06:00">December 22, 2015</time> </span> </a> </li> <li class="post-categories meta-wrapper"> <span class="meta-icon"> <span class="screen-reader-text">Categories</span> <svg role="img" aria-hidden="true" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="24" height="24" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none"><path d="M21 12c0 1.66-4 3-9 3s-9-1.34-9-3"></path><path d="M3 5v14c0 1.66 4 3 9 3s9-1.34 9-3V5"></path></svg> </span> <span class="meta-text"> In <a href="https://mraa.com/category/news/" rel="category tag">News</a> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </header> <div class="content-area__wrapper"> <div class="content-area entry-content"> <p class=" align="center" style="text-align: center;"><b><span>Attendance Growth, Sold Out Expo Hall Mark 2015 MDCE</span></b></p> <p class=" align="center" style="text-align: center;"><i><span>Boating industry’s premier educational conference featured three days of professional development</span></i></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><b><span>Orlando, FL </span></b><span>— </span><span>Final tabulations have been completed, and it’s official: the 2015 Marine Dealer Conference and Expo (MDCE) featured more than 4-percent growth in retail attendance, a 21-percent jump in Pre-Conference Workshop registrations, and a sold-out Expo Hall with more than 100 exhibitors. </span></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span> </span></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span>A total of 1,147 marine industry professionals from throughout North America and as far away as Australia traveled to Orlando this November for MDCE 2015, which is co-produced by <i>Boating Industry </i>magazine and the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA). That compares to the 1,130 industry professionals who attended in 2014. </span></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span> </span></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span>“We introduced several new offerings for 2015 to increase the value of the event for all who participated,” said Liz Walz, vice president of MRAA. “The numbers and the feedback we received during the show suggest that both dealers and exhibitors felt the positive impact of those changes.”</span></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span> </span></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span>Represented at this year’s MDCE were 238 total dealerships, accounting for 875 separate locations and cummulatively employing more than 30,000 people. More than 40 percent of 2015 retail attendees were attending their first MDCE, and nearly 95 percent were current MRAA members. Further, more than 100 organizations representing almost every sector of the pleasure boating industry set up shop for the week at the Orange County Convention Center — filling in excess of 40,000 square-feet of exhibit space. </span></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span> </span></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span>“The enhanced level of engagement of our attendees with each other, our experts and our exhibitors was particularly noteworthy,” said Jonathan Sweet, editor-in-chief of <i>Boating Industry</i>. “I was also pleased to see the MDCE app had more than 950 downloads and north of 13,000 sessions. It’s just one more way dealers are taking full advantage of the MDCE experience.” </span></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span> </span></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span>As a result of their expansion in 2015, the MDCE Pre-Conference Workshops generated 266 registrations, up more than 21 percent year-over-year. During the 12 hands-on seminars, which were offered prior to the MDCE Opening Keynote, marine retailers worked alongside industry experts on areas of their business ranging from sales training to leadership, and from service department scheduling to social media strategy.</span></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span> </span></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><b><span>About the Marine Dealer Conference & Expo<br /> </span></b><span>The Marine Dealer Conference & Expo is the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas’ annual conference and member meeting. As the marine industry’s only dealer-specific educational conference, MDCE offers an in-depth lineup of educational topics, 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 <i>Boating Industry,</i> and it features Educational Tracks, Pre-Conference Workshops, Opening and Closing Keynote presentations, and the all-new Learning Labs. The 2015 was held Nov. 15-18 at the Orange County Convention Center, Rosen Plaza Hotel and Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Fla. The 2016 event will also be held in Orlando and is scheduled for Dec. 5-8. For more information, visit </span><a href="http://marinedealerconference.com/"><span>marinedealerconference.com.</span></a></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><b><span> </span></b></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><b><span>About <i>Boating Industry</i><br /> </span></b><i><span>Boating Industry</span></i><span> is the leading trade magazine serving the marine industry. For more than 85 years, boating professionals have turned to <i>Boating Industry</i> for market intelligence, product updates, best practices and industry news. For more information, visit </span><a href="http://www.boatingindustry.com/"><span>BoatingIndustry.com.</span></a></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><b><span> </span></b></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><b><span>About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas<br /> </span></b><span>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 </span><a href="https://mraa.com"><span>MRAA.com.</span></a></p> <p class="><span> </span></p> </div> </div> </article> <article class="post-5460 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-news tag-mraa-partner-news" id="post-5460"> <header class="entry-header m-auto px"> <h2 class="post__title entry-title m-0"><a href="https://mraa.com/ari-schedules-next-edition-of-helpforce-live-webinar-series-for-marine-dealers/" rel="bookmark">ARI Schedules Next Edition of HelpForce Live! Webinar Series for Marine Dealers</a></h2> <div class="post__meta--wrapper post__meta--single post__meta--top"> <ul class="post__meta list-reset"> <li class="post-author meta-wrapper"> <span class="meta-icon"> <span class="screen-reader-text">Post author</span> <svg role="img" aria-hidden="true" width="24px" height="24px" viewBox="0 0 24 24" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"> <g fill="none"> <g fill="currentColor"> <path d="M16,18 L0,18 L0,16 C0,13.790861 1.790861,12 4,12 L12,12 C14.209139,12 16,13.790861 16,16 L16,18 Z M8,8 C5.790861,8 4,6.209139 4,4 C4,1.790861 5.790861,0 8,0 C10.209139,0 12,1.790861 12,4 C12,6.209139 10.209139,8 8,8 Z"></path> </g> </g> </svg> </span> <span class="meta-text"> By <a href="https://mraa.com/author/mraa/">MRAA</a> </span> </li> <li class="post-date"> <a class="meta-wrapper" href="https://mraa.com/ari-schedules-next-edition-of-helpforce-live-webinar-series-for-marine-dealers/"> <span class="meta-icon"> <span class="screen-reader-text">Post date</span> <svg role="img" aria-hidden="true" height="24" viewBox="0 0 24 24" width="24" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="m19 5h-1v-2h-2v2h-8v-2h-2v2h-1c-1.1 0-2 .9-2 2v12c0 1.1.9 2 2 2h14c1.1 0 2-.9 2-2v-12c0-1.1-.9-2-2-2zm0 14h-14v-10h14z" /></svg> </span> <span class="meta-text"> <time datetime="2015-12-21T14:26:00-06:00">December 21, 2015</time> </span> </a> </li> <li class="post-categories meta-wrapper"> <span class="meta-icon"> <span class="screen-reader-text">Categories</span> <svg role="img" aria-hidden="true" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="24" height="24" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none"><path d="M21 12c0 1.66-4 3-9 3s-9-1.34-9-3"></path><path d="M3 5v14c0 1.66 4 3 9 3s9-1.34 9-3V5"></path></svg> </span> <span class="meta-text"> In <a href="https://mraa.com/category/news/" rel="category tag">News</a> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </header> <div class="content-area__wrapper"> <div class="content-area entry-content"> <p class="Default" align="center" style="text-align: center;"><b><span>ARI Schedules Next Edition of HelpForce Live! Webinar Series for Marine Dealers, January 12, 2016</span></b></p> <p class="Default" align="center" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span>Charting Your 2016 Digital Marketing Game Plan</span></i></b></p> <p class="Default" align="center" style="text-align: center;"><b><span> </span></b></p> <p class="><b>Milwaukee, Wis., December 14, 2015 </b>– ARI Network Services, Inc. (NASDAQ: ARIS) announced today that it will host the next HelpForce Live! webinar, <i>Charting Your 2016 Digital Marketing Game Plan</i>,<i> </i>on Tuesday, January 12 at 3:00 p.m. EST. </p> <p class=">Dealers can join ARI’s Director of Digital Marketing, Bill Wagner, and ARI’s Content Marketing Producer, Jessica Lee, for this information-packed session to learn how to build a digital strategy that works. Following the webinar, attendees will be sent a digital planning calendar template.</p> <p class=">“Whether a dealer is looking to boost eCommerce sales, drive in-store visits or book more service appointments, digital marketing can get them there. Unlike radio ads or commercials, digital marketing offers measurable and trackable insights to help dealers grow their plan year-over-year. Creating a process to organize and track 2016 strategies can help dealers go above and beyond their new sales goals,” says Wagner. </p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Interested dealers can register for the event at <a href="https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1132391793968164609">https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1132391793968164609</a></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><b><u> </u></b></p> <p class="><b><u>About ARI<br /> </u></b>ARI Network Services, Inc. (ARI) (NASDAQ: <a href="http://investor.arinet.com">ARIS</a>) offers an award-winning suite of data-driven software tools and marketing services to help dealers, equipment manufacturers and distributors in selected vertical markets Sell More Stuff!™ – online and in-store. Our innovative products are powered by a proprietary data repository of enriched original equipment and aftermarket electronic content spanning more than 17 million active part and accessory SKUs and 750,000 equipment models. Business is complicated, but we believe our customers’ technology tools don’t have to be. We remove the complexity of selling and servicing new and used vehicle inventory, parts, garments and accessories (PG&A) for customers in the automotive tire and wheel aftermarket, powersports, outdoor power equipment, marine, home medical equipment, recreational vehicles and appliance industries. More than 23,500 equipment dealers, 195 distributors and 3,360 brands worldwide leverage our web and eCatalog platforms to Sell More Stuff!™ For more information on ARI, visit <a href="http://investor.arinet.com/">investor.arinet.com</a>.</p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><b><u>Additional Information</u></b></p> <p class=" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in;"><span>·<span> </span></span>Follow @ARI_Net on Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/ARI_Net">twitter.com/ARI_Net</a></p> <p class=" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in;"><span>·<span> </span></span>Become a fan of ARI on Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ARInetwork">www.facebook.com/ARInetwork</a></p> <p class=" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in;"><span>·<span> </span></span>Join us on G+: <a href="https://plus.google.com/117293073211296447579">plus.google.com</a></p> <p class=" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in;"><span>·<span> </span></span>LinkedIn: <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/company/ari_2?trk=company_logo">www.linkedin.com</a></p> <p class=" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in;"><span>·<span> </span></span>Read more about ARI: <a href="http://investor.arinet.com/about-us">investor.arinet.com/about-us</a></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: justify;"><b><u> </u></b></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><b><u>Media inquiries, contact:</u></b></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Colleen Malloy, Director of Marketing, ARI, 414.973.4323, <a href="mailto:colleen.malloy@arinet.com">colleen.malloy@arinet.com</a></p> <p class=" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><b><u> </u></b></p> <p class="> </p> </div> </div> </article> <article class="post-5259 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-news tag-legislative-updates" id="post-5259"> <header class="entry-header m-auto px"> <h2 class="post__title entry-title m-0"><a href="https://mraa.com/new-sales-tax-law-gives-nj-boating-industry-big-boost/" rel="bookmark">New Sales Tax Law Gives NJ Boating Industry Big Boost</a></h2> <div class="post__meta--wrapper post__meta--single post__meta--top"> <ul class="post__meta list-reset"> <li class="post-author meta-wrapper"> <span class="meta-icon"> <span class="screen-reader-text">Post author</span> <svg role="img" aria-hidden="true" width="24px" height="24px" viewBox="0 0 24 24" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"> <g fill="none"> <g fill="currentColor"> <path d="M16,18 L0,18 L0,16 C0,13.790861 1.790861,12 4,12 L12,12 C14.209139,12 16,13.790861 16,16 L16,18 Z M8,8 C5.790861,8 4,6.209139 4,4 C4,1.790861 5.790861,0 8,0 C10.209139,0 12,1.790861 12,4 C12,6.209139 10.209139,8 8,8 Z"></path> </g> </g> </svg> </span> <span class="meta-text"> By <a href="https://mraa.com/author/mraa/">MRAA</a> </span> </li> <li class="post-date"> <a class="meta-wrapper" href="https://mraa.com/new-sales-tax-law-gives-nj-boating-industry-big-boost/"> <span class="meta-icon"> <span class="screen-reader-text">Post date</span> <svg role="img" aria-hidden="true" height="24" viewBox="0 0 24 24" width="24" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="m19 5h-1v-2h-2v2h-8v-2h-2v2h-1c-1.1 0-2 .9-2 2v12c0 1.1.9 2 2 2h14c1.1 0 2-.9 2-2v-12c0-1.1-.9-2-2-2zm0 14h-14v-10h14z" /></svg> </span> <span class="meta-text"> <time datetime="2015-12-15T09:58:00-06:00">December 15, 2015</time> </span> </a> </li> <li class="post-categories meta-wrapper"> <span class="meta-icon"> <span class="screen-reader-text">Categories</span> <svg role="img" aria-hidden="true" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="24" height="24" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none"><path d="M21 12c0 1.66-4 3-9 3s-9-1.34-9-3"></path><path d="M3 5v14c0 1.66 4 3 9 3s9-1.34 9-3V5"></path></svg> </span> <span class="meta-text"> In <a href="https://mraa.com/category/news/" rel="category tag">News</a> </span> </li> </ul> </div> </header> <div class="content-area__wrapper"> <div class="content-area entry-content"> <p><span><strong><em><a href="http://www.mtanj.org">Via the Marine Trades Association of New Jersey (MTA/NJ): </a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span>The recreational boating industry in New Jersey was given a big boost this month when Governor Christie signed a new sales tax bill into law. The bill provides a partial exemption and maximum sales and use tax imposition amount for boats and vessels, as well as establishes a grace period for use tax imposition on certain boats and vessels used by resident purchasers.</span></p> <p><span><picture decoding="async" style="float: right;"> <source type="image/webp" srcset="https://mraa.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/MRAA.jpg.webp"/> <img decoding="async" src="https://mraa.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/MRAA.jpg"/> </picture> </span></p> <p><span>“This is a tremendous victory for the industry and boating in New Jersey,” stated MTA/NJ Executive Director, Melissa Danko. “We are very thankful to everyone that helped make this happen, including our legislative sponsors Senator Van Drew and Assemblyman Andrzejczak and especially Governor Christie for expanding the tax savings on all boats, signing this important legislation into law and supporting the boating industry in New Jersey. This new law will not will not only get more people out on the water enjoying our waterways but will ensure the future health and growth of the New Jersey recreational boating industry by increasing revenues and creating jobs.” </span></p> <p><span>This new law reduces the tax rate to 3.5 percent across the board for boats, regardless of the price of the boat — with a cap of $20,000. The bill also includes a 30-day grace period for use tax imposition. The Senate approved the bill by a vote of 35-1 and the Assembly approved it 64-0.</span></p> <p><span><a href="http://" id="http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2014/Bills/S3000/2784_R2.HTM"><strong>Click here to read the entire bill</strong></a></span></p> <p><span>“Our industry has been struggling for many years following the economic downturn, the devastation of Hurricane Sandy and competition from other states with many lost sales,” Melissa said. “This new law will not only get more people out on the water enjoying our waterways but will ensure the future health and growth of the New Jersey recreational boating industry by increasing revenues and creating jobs.”</span></p> <p><span>Senator Van Drew stated in a release, “The production of boats and other vessels has declined in recent years due to a range of factors, including the economic recession and the impact of Superstorm Sandy. This new law will help to revive the industry through changes to our tax structure. It will allow us to compete with states like Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware and Florida. Ultimately, it will help to bring back consumers to our state for these purchases, supporting our shore-area businesses and growing local jobs.” </span></p> <p><span style="color: rgb(13, 49, 99);">In summary, these new changes expand the tax savings to a larger segment of boat sales in the state. The sales tax will be reduced to 50 percent of the tax for every boat sold in New Jersey. </span></p> <p><span>“I want to thank the governor for working with us and for signing this legislation, which is so important to New Jersey. Reducing the sales tax amount on non-commercial boats will provide a much-needed boost to the industry that we expect will have a real, lasting impact for years to come,” Senator Van Drew stated. </span></p> </div> </div> </article> <div class="pagination-wrapper m-auto max-w-wide px"> <nav class="navigation pagination" aria-label="Posts pagination"> <h2 class="screen-reader-text">Posts pagination</h2> <div class="nav-links"><a class="prev page-numbers" href="https://mraa.com/posts/page/150/">← <span class="nav-prev-text">Newer <span class="nav-short">Posts</span></span></a> <a class="page-numbers" href="https://mraa.com/posts/">1</a> <span class="page-numbers dots">…</span> <a class="page-numbers" href="https://mraa.com/posts/page/149/">149</a> <a class="page-numbers" href="https://mraa.com/posts/page/150/">150</a> <span aria-current="page" class="page-numbers current">151</span> <a class="page-numbers" href="https://mraa.com/posts/page/152/">152</a> <a class="page-numbers" 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