EPA Releases Ethanol Standards

EPA Releases Ethanol Standards

“The proposal seeks to put the RFS program on a steady path forward – ensuring the continued growth of renewable fuels while recognizing the practical limits on ethanol blending, called the ethanol ‘blend wall.’ The blend wall refers to the difficulty in incorporating increasing amounts of ethanol into the transportation fuel supply at volumes exceeding those achieved by the sale of nearly all gasoline as E10 (gasoline containing 10 percent ethanol by volume). Although the production of renewable fuels has been increasing, overall gasoline consumption in the United States is less than anticipated when Congress established the program by law in 2007. In order to address that issue, EPA is proposing – to use existing authorities under the law – to reduce the advanced biofuel and total renewable fuel standards for 2014. The agency also is proposing to maintain the same volume for biomass-based diesel for 2014 and 2015 as was adopted for 2013. Once the proposal is published in the Federal Register, it will be open to a 60 day public comment period.”

To read the full EPA Report, visit http://www.epa.gov/oms/fuels/renewablefuels/documents/420f13048.pdf.

MDCE 2015 to Expand Pre-Conference Workshop Lineup

In response to record high ratings from attendees in 2014, organizers of the Marine Dealer Conference & Expo have expanded the number of Pre-Conference Workshops offered at this year’s event from seven to 12.

“When we consider where to invest in growing MDCE, the most important consideration is the potential impact it will have on our attendees,” explains Liz Walz, vice president of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, which produces the annual event in partnership with Boating Industry. “The workshops were a natural fit this year because not only were they rated higher than any other type of education at last year’s event, but as the most in-depth sessions at MDCE, they also give dealers a chance to do the most work on their business.”

The MDCE Pre-Conference Workshops were first launched in 2013 to satisfy dealers’ requests for hands-on education that digs deep into the issues that have the biggest impact on their success.

“More than half of our dealer attendees have yet to experience an MDCE workshop, and I don’t think they realize that they’re missing one of the most powerful offerings of the event,” says Boating Industry editor-in-chief Jonathan Sweet. “In 2014, 99.3 percent of all workshop attendees reported that the experience was ‘well worth their time and money.’”

Get Hands-On with Industry Experts

MDCE Pre-Conference Workshops are designed to help dealers get their hands dirty building processes, tools and strategies to drive their success with expert guidance from leading authorities.

In 2015, that not only includes MDCE Opening Keynote Speaker Steve McClatchy, but favorites like Valerie Ziebron, Sam Dantzler, John Spader and Jennifer Robison, who will be back by popular demand.

Here’s a brief overview of workshop topics on deck for MDCE 2015:

• Performance guru Steve McClatchy will show dealers four keys to effective execution, three skills possessed by the most organized executives, and numerous ways to manage interruptions and improve efficiency.

• Merchandiser Jennifer Robison will return to MDCE to give attendees the tools they need to improve sales through better showroom design.

• Perennial favorites Valerie Ziebron and Dan Fujiwara will help attendees make more in the service department by analyzing and improving their scheduling of repairs, maintenance and rigging.

• Expert instructor John Spader will expose attendees to a 20 Group experience and teach a step-by-step process attendees can use to analyze their financials.

• Workflow specialist Jack Huffman will identify strategies dealers can use to improve the front and back end of their parts and accessories departments.

• Finance teams will learn how to get more boats sold and deals during this how-to workshop on subprime lending.

• Leadership specialist David Spader will lead a young professionals workshop on the difference between leading and managing, and how to determine which your dealership needs.

• Industry educator Bob McCann and marketing expert Colleen Brousil will share social media skills and strategies that are proven to deliver dealership ROI.

• Marketeer Samantha Scott, APR, will show dealers how they can use data on today’s consumer and their buying process to succeed with a higher percentage of prospects.

• Dealership consultant Sam Dantzler will use personality profiling to help dealers gain insight into customer behavior and close more deals.

• Industry veteran David Parker will help dealers identify and create the most effective compensation plans for their team.

• Marine Industry Certified Dealership consultant Paul Weaver will provide step-by-step instruction on improving dealer performance through process mapping.

In addition to the Pre-Conference Workshops, MDCE 2015 will include an Opening and Closing keynote address and four Educational Tracks — Leadership, Sales, Marketing and Service Plus — specifically designed to address the most critical aspects of marine dealer operations. New for 2015, MDCE also will include Learning Labs, where attendees can consult one-on-one with leading experts.

The 2015 MDCE is scheduled for Nov. 15-18 at the Orange County Convention Center, Rosen Plaza Hotel and Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando. The Pre-Conference Workshops are scheduled for the morning of Monday, Nov. 16. To learn more, visit marinedealerconference.com/pre-conference-workshops.

About the Marine Dealer Conference & Expo
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 Boating Industry, and it features Educational Tracks, Pre-Conference Workshops, Opening and Closing keynote presentations, and the all-new Learning Labs. It will be held Nov. 15-18 at the Orange County Convention Center, Rosen Plaza Hotel and Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Fla. For more information, visit marinedealerconference.com.

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Member + MICD = Excellence

Most people are familiar with the phrase “Work smarter, not harder.” It’s a sentiment we strive to achieve in life and career. For Certified Dealers, membership in the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas serves to underscore the value of Certification, granting MICDs access to a whole host of benefits that help them further improve overall business operations and give them a clear competitive advantage in the retail marketplace.

 
Access to educational opportunities is one of the key advantages to MRAA membership. MRAA members enjoy 24/7 access to helpful business tools, tips and templates on the MRAA website, MRAATraining.com, the association’s online educational training portal. The site lets MRAA members decide when and where it’s convenient for them to educate themselves or members of their dealership team at a cost that’s far less than traveling to events outside of their local area, saving time and money and keeping dealership principals at their respective places of business during the busiest seasons.

MRAA members also receive deep discounts on registration for the industry’s premier annual dealer educational event, the Marine Dealer Conference & Expo, this year being held Nov. 15-18 in Orlando, Fla. Certified Dealers that join MRAA can take advantage of these savings and help send even more of their dealership team to this all-important industry event.

Membership in MRAA offers Certified Dealers more than just valuable educational opportunities, however; it also opens up a window to the Nation’s Capital, where decisions that impact the industry are made and dealers have a voice with key legislators and Hill staffers. MRAA employs a full-time public policy manager on staff, Will Higgins, who works every day on behalf of MRAA members who have an interest in protecting their businesses and the industry at large. Higgins is available to work with all MRAA members, taking their concerns to the seats of power and helping lobby for the business interests of dealers. He keeps his finger on the pulse of the issues and ensures MRAA is well represented in Washington.

Each year, MRAA has a growing presence at the American Boating Congress, the industry’s premier annual legislative conference and event. MRAA membership helps give Certified Dealers a seat at the table, allowing their voices to be heard and giving them the opportunity to affect change in several key areas that impact the health of boating.

But MRAA membership benefits don’t stop there. The association offers more than 30 tangible benefits to its members, either helping them save or make money, on things like insurance coverage, freight and shipping, warranty reimbursement and much more. The complete list of benefits associated with MRAA membership can be accessed by clicking here.

Earlier this year, MRAA launched an online MRAA Career Center, directly in response to member requests, with the aim of helping connect MRAA member-employers with qualified job seekers. Members receive discounts on job postings and have the ability to browse all uploaded resumes, many of which come directly from current students and recent graduates of North America’s leading technical schools.

Last, but not least by any means, MRAA continues its commitment to educating dealers by creating a series of annual custom publications on various topics, giving MRAA members even deeper access to tips, strategies, and processes to help them improve overall business operations and remain among the industry’s retail elite. MRAA’s annual Guides to Success are available for free, in a PDF downloadable format, for all MRAA members. The Guides, four of which were produced for 2015, correspond with the educational tracks offered at the annual MDCE and contain articles written by dozens of key industry and business leaders, offering insight unavailable anywhere else in a comprehensive, easy-to-navigate and affordable (i.e. free) package.

Becoming an MRAA member is a natural fit for Certified Dealers. At a cost of just $300 annually to join, the benefits and privileges are more than worth the price of admission.

To get started on the path to becoming Certification or renew your Certified status, visit MRAATraining.com/Certifications, or contact MICD Program director Sonja Moseley at 763-333-2424 or sonja@mraa.com.

House Committee approves Coast Guard Reauthorization Bill

House Committee approves Coast Guard Reauthorization Bill

The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015 (H.R. 1987) authorizes Coast Guard and Federal Maritime Commission funding levels for two years and includes provisions to improve Coast Guard mission effectiveness, help modernize the Service’s aging vessels and other assets, and reform U.S. maritime transportation laws. The bill was introduced by Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Chairman Duncan Hunter (R-CA), along with Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-PA), Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Peter DeFazio (D-OR), and Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Ranking Member John Garamendi (D-CA).

In addition to providing operating funds for USCG, the measure contains a key component regulating model years for recreational vessels. The change in regulation, which defines model year as the period beginning June 1 of any year and ending July 31 of the following year, is the result of a successful effort by MRAA and NMMA to provide the marine industry with appropriate discretion to market their product.

http://transportation.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398868.

 

Magnuson Stevens Reauthorization Clears First Hurdle

The House Committee on Natural Resources gave initial approval to H.R. 1335, or the “Strengthening Fishing Communities and Increasing Flexibility in Fisheries Management Act” on April 30th. Introduced by Congressman Don Young (R-AK), the measure incorporates key provisions of the Morris-Deal Commission Report on Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Management. Congressman Young commented on the measure, stating “H.R. 1335 reflects more than 4 years of work with fisheries, managers, and stakeholders across the nation. Through a number of modest but necessary reforms, this legislation ensures the needs of our fisheries resources are balanced with the needs of our fishermen and coastal communities. By reauthorizing the Magnuson-Stevens Act, we allow for this important law to more closely reflect the current science, management techniques and knowledge of our fishermen and regional management councils.  I look forward to building upon the many successes of the MSA, which has always recognized our nation’s different ocean conditions, harvesting methods, management techniques, and distinct community impacts.”

http://naturalresources.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398477

House Passes Repeal of Death Tax

Recently, the House approved legislation to repeal the 40% federal tax on estates. H.R. 1105, introduced by Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX) passed the GOP controlled chamber by a vote of 240-179.  In the Senate, Sen. Jon Thune (R-S.D.) is sponsoring a companion bill, as well as a successful amendment to the Senate’s 2016 budget. Although the legislative branch approves of repealing the tax, President Obama has indicated he is likely to veto such legislation, citing a $269 billion dollar increase to the budget deficit.

Steve McClatchy Named MDCE Opening Keynote Speaker

MINNEAPOLIS, May 7, 2015 — Steve McClatchy, a premiere authority on leadership, performance and work/life engagement, has been named Opening Keynote presenter at the 2015 Marine Dealer Conference & Expo in November.

Author of the New York Times best-selling book, “Decide: Work Smarter, Reduce Your Stress & Lead by Example,” McClatchy uses high energy and humor to deliver strategies and tools that help business leaders focus on the true drivers of performance, regain critical planning and thinking time, and improve their results, their companies and their lives. 

“In pre-MDCE surveys, dealers overwhelmingly asked us to provide experts on how to make better decisions, increase dealership performance, prioritize the many tasks they juggle and manage their time,” explains Liz Walz, vice president of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, which produces the annual event in partnership with Boating Industry. “Not only does Steve have expertise in and passion for helping leaders in all of those areas, but his keynote will provide real-world strategies that our audience can put to use immediately. There’s no more powerful way to kick off this year’s event.”

In fact, McClatchy’s message is so powerful that show organizers have decided to reward the first 200 marine retailers who register for MDCE 2015 with a free copy of his book. With more than 175 dealers already registered, time is running out to take advantage of this special offer.

“We want to show our appreciation to the dealers who are making 2015 a record-breaking year for MDCE attendance,” says Boating Industry editor-in-chief Jonathan Sweet. “By receiving a copy of Steve’s book, those dealers who registered for MDCE early will be able to get a jump start on experiencing the huge performance benefits this year’s show will deliver. It’s one more way the 2015 MDCE is Made New. By You.” 

McClatchy is a frequent guest lecturer in many of America’s top business graduate schools, including Harvard and Wharton, and has been quoted in The Wall Street Journal, WebMD Magazine, Fast Company, Oprah Magazine, Entrepreneur and Investor’s Business Daily. His client list includes the NFL, Google, Pfizer, Microsoft, Disney, NBC Universal, Accenture, HP, Discovery Channel, Under Armour, Tiffany’s, Wells Fargo and Campbell’s Soup.

In addition to his Opening Keynote address, MDCE 2015 will include a Closing Keynote presentation and four Educational Tracks — Leadership, Sales, Marketing and Service Plus — designed specifically to address the most critical aspects of marine dealer operations. The MDCE Pre-Conference Workshops, which have featured several of the most highly rated educational sessions for two years running, will return with a larger and even more impactful lineup of unique, hands-on sessions. New for 2015, MDCE also will include Learning Labs, where attendees can consult one-on-one with leading experts.

About the Marine Dealer Conference & Expo
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 Boating Industry, and it features Educational Tracks, Pre-Conference Workshops, Opening and Closing keynote presentations, and the all-new Learning Labs. It will be held Nov. 15-18 at the Orange County Convention Center, Rosen Plaza Hotel and Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Fla. For more information and to register, visit marinedealerconference.com.

 

Retail Registrations for 2015 MDCE Up 77 Percent

Marine retailers across North America with the drive to be the best have committed to attending the 2015 Marine Dealer Conference & Expo, Nov. 15-18 in Orlando, Fla., in record numbers.

The total number of marine retailers who have registered since MDCE registration opened on April 1 is 167, which breaks the all-time record set in 2013 of 162 retailers at April registration rates and represents a 77-percent improvement over last year’s retail registrations for this time of year.

Anchored by a brand marketing campaign inspired by retailers’ passion for the boating business, record 2015 MDCE registration could represent a “tipping point” in optimism and enthusiasm for the industry.

In preparation for the 2015 event, MDCE organizers have done more to collect retailers’ ideas for building the best education and networking event — and act on them — than ever before.

“This year’s show takes everything dealers love about the MDCE and expands on it,” explains Liz Walz, vice president of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, which produces the annual event in partnership with Boating Industry. “In 2015, we’re offering the widest selection of educational workshops and sessions in our history, plus brand new ways to learn through features such as our Learning Labs and Dealer-to-Dealer sessions.”

Inspired by marine retailers own recommendations for the ideal event, this year’s MDCE campaign theme — “Made New. By You.” — may become the rallying cry for a resurging industry. With web banners that claim “Only you can sell the wind without a shield,” and “Only you can sell a lift without a ticket,” among others, the new marketing campaign is designed to celebrate retail and service opportunities unique to boating.

“There’s no other event that gives marine retailers so many chances to grow and improve under one roof,” says Boating Industry editor-in-chief Jonathan Sweet. “The record-breaking registration numbers suggest the industry is ready to exploit that to the fullest.”

MDCE 2015 will include an Opening and Closing keynote address and four Educational Tracks — Leadership, Sales, Marketing and Service Plus — designed specifically to address the most critical aspects of marine dealer operations. In addition, the MDCE Pre-Conference Workshops, which have featured several of the most highly rated educational sessions for two years running, will return with a larger and even more impactful lineup of unique, hands-on sessions. New for 2015, MDCE also will include Learning Labs, where attendees can consult one-on-one with leading experts.

The 2015 MDCE is scheduled for Nov. 15-18 at the Orange County Convention Center, Rosen Plaza Hotel and Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando. To learn more, visit marinedealerconference.com.

About the Marine Dealer Conference & Expo
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 Boating Industry, and it features Educational Tracks, Pre-Conference Workshops, Opening and Closing keynote presentations, and the all-new Learning Labs. It will be held Nov. 15-18 at the Orange County Convention Center, Rosen Plaza Hotel and Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Fla. For more information, visit marinedealerconference.com.

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What are the Advantages of Housing the MICD program on MRAATraining.com?

The MICD Program recognizes that in order for dealerships to want to become Certified, the process by which they go about earning the distinction must be as organized, easy-to-manage and painless as possible. That’s why MRAA has conveniently housed the entire Certification program, from start to finish, on MRAATraining.com/Certifications.

Having the entire program available 24/7 online has a plethora of advantages for dealers, not the least of which is allowing them to complete the program at the pace that feels right to them. The MICD Program knows dealership principals are busy people and sometimes cannot be pulled away from customers, paperwork or myriad other daily tasks required at the dealership. The online program allows dealers to go into the system at their convenience and work on as much of the program standards as they can in one sitting. Progress on each section is saved, so no work is lost in the process. If the only time someone has to complete a few program requirements is at 10 p.m. on a Tuesday, or a Saturday afternoon, no problem; it’s available for you when you need it, for however long you have to dedicate to the process.

Not only is the program always accessible, but it’s also much easier to navigate. Certification requirements are easily explained in the online system, so it’s clear what dealers must do in order to meet each of the program standards. There’s also a video walk-through of each standard, explaining in detail what documentation dealers need to upload into the system to complete individual standards. It’s as if a personal guide is sitting right alongside you, personalizing the Certification experience and making it simple for dealers to follow along and advance through the program.

A big complaint dealers used to register about the previous iteration of the Certification program had to do with the binders dealers were required to keep in order to show proper documentation of standards met. We listened to that feedback when the program was revamped, and gone are the days of messy, cumbersome binders and folders exploding with unnecessary paper mess. With the entire program being housed online, there’s no need for a paper trail; all documentation is submitted and saved electronically, avoiding the muss and fuss. The new program is neat, clean and organized — making the entire process less of a headache for dealers.

Ditching the binders also made it much easier for dealers to know how far they’d come towards completing the program and actually becoming Certified. Tracking progress in the various steps and standards is a cinch on MRAATraining.com. As mentioned above, you can save your progress at each step, stopping and starting when you need to. Dealers can check back in the system at any time to see how much they have completed and how much more they have yet to accomplish, always knowing how close they are to earning their Certified status.

The new MICD Program is loaded with advantages that make the process even more worth your while than ever before. If you have multiple locations, consider registering your other dealerships for the program. Discounts for multi-location dealerships are available, and the process is far and away the easiest, most straight-forward and effective it’s been in the history of the program.

To get started, visit MRAATraining.com/Certifications, or contact MICD Program director Sonja Moseley at 763-333-2424 or sonja@mraa.com.

Member Spotlight: Judy Herring

Q: How did you get started in the Boating Industry?

A: I got my start in boating as a child. My first memory of being aboard a boat was at about age 5 and I can still remember the feeling of the wind in my face – I’ve been hooked ever since. I am a lifelong boater and have spent many years with my primary residence on the water. Boating is, quite simply, part of my life.

Regarding joining the industry professionally, it was actually a matter of chance. I knew someone who knew someone. The Nunmaker’s were looking to bring in someone who could handle their marketing in-house and do sales for the new dry storage marina they were building. I fit the role and we have been growing together ever since.

Q: What is your current role with Nunmaker Yachts, Inc. and how did you get there?

A: My current role is with Nunmaker Boat Group, which consists of both Nunmaker Yachts, Inc and Nunmaker Boat Sales, LLC. I am the Marketing Director for both locations as well as the F&I manager for both dealerships. Additionally, I perform as a salesperson when the need arises.

Q: What are some beliefs or talents that Nunmaker Yachts, Inc. has that you believe attribute to your success? Or make you stand out from the pack.

A: The Nunmaker Family has its roots firmly planted it its Faith. They are intelligent businessmen and women, but they are driven by their beliefs and put their heart and soul into everything they do. There is not a single task they will ask you to do that they are not willing to do themselves. This down-to-earth attitude commands respect and I will go above and beyond for someone I respect and that I, in turn, believe respects me and appreciates what I bring to the company.

Q: What are some new marketing strategies that Nunmaker has started to implement and how successful have they been?

A: It may sound crazy that we have combined Marketing and Finance – areas many people believe are like oil and water. 18 months ago, I would have agreed, but it has worked for us. Much of what goes on in the F&I department is sales based. With a background in Sales and Marketing, adding F&I to my list of responsibilities has turned out to be a positive revenue stream for us. It also gives me direct insight into F&I for marketing purposes.

We host a number of events at our Marina. Being directly on the river, with a large outdoor covered showroom, we are able to host live music, serve food and setup dance areas in addition to people hanging out on their boats 20 feet away enjoying themselves.  New Orleans is known for Mardi Gras and one of our favorite events here each year is our Mardi Gras party. I am the current President of the Krewe of Tchefunte, a local Mardi Gras krewe in Madisonville, LA. Each year, there is a boat parade that Nunmaker Yachts participates in, often acting as the Grand Marshall. Immediately following the parade, we host a customer appreciation and Captain’s party with live music, great food, dancing and of course, a toast to the King and Queen. The Nunmaker Yachts event, and parade, are also used to raise money for the The Eplipesy Foundation of Louisiana.

In 2015, we are looking forward to the addition of a floating entertainment area at our marina for our customers who like to come hang out on their boats, and for our dry storage marina customers. Our goal is, as always, to keep giving our customers things to do with their boat.

Q: What prompted Nunmaker Yachts, Inc. to become an MRAA Member? Any special benefits? Or just the status that comes with being an MRAA Member?

A: Nunmaker Yachts decided to join the MRAA as part of our efforts for continual improvement. We strive to do better today than yesterday. Joining the MRAA provided access to data that allows us to better educate ourselves and that, in turn, allows us to better serve our clients. Lastly, not just every dealer is a member of the MRAA – we appreciate the national recognition that accompanies the MRAA status.

Q: What are “Five Fast Facts” about yourself?

1. I’ve been in boating my entire life and I’m still nervous every time I have to dock.
2. I was born with bright red hair – as an adult it’s become mostly blond, but I warn people as a precaution – I’m still a redhead on the inside
3. I saw Jaws in the theater at a very young age – I still think of it when I swim in a pool at night
4. I’ve been in some form of sales for a long time, but I still close the door to my office and do a happy dance when I close a big deal
5. I try to live by our state’s mantra: “Laissez les bon temps roulez” (Let the good times roll!!) 

Here at MRAA we love doing Member Spotlights to not only learn about our members and their businesses but to also find our members hidden talents. During the interview process we learned that Judy is a part-time professional photographer. Don’t believe us? Check out this gorgeous photo she took of Nunmaker Yachts!

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