MRAA Launches Online Marine Industry Directory

The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas has made it easier than ever for marine industry suppliers to increase visibility in the marine marketplace and for dealers and retailers to locate potential business partners by launching a new online business directory, mraaindustrydirectory.com.

The MRAA Marine Industry Directory contains hundreds of complimentary company listings for MRAA members, plus opportunities for them to upgrade to more detailed, comprehensive listings for even greater industry exposure.

“MRAA receives e-mails and phone calls from members on a regular basis requesting contact information for suppliers of various types — everything from software providers to boat manufacturers,” says MRAA president Matt Gruhn. “Similarly, our Partner and Associate members are not only looking for referrals, but also frequently inquire about ways the association can help them promote their businesses’ products and services to generate growth opportunities in the industry. The directory provides a means of easily organizing this information and providing 24/7 access to it online, giving them increased exposure for their products and services.”

A basic listing in the MRAA Marine Industry Directory is free for all industry suppliers and includes company name, address and phone number. MRAA Partner and Associate members, including Premier Partners and Platinum Partners, will be recognized with an MRAA logo noting their level of membership, as a free upgrade to their listing. Edits to current listings can be made by contacting the directory’s administrator, YourMembership, at 888-777-6578 or by e-mailing Andy Kropff at akropff@yourmembership.com.

Enhanced profile listings also are available and include the following:

• Full-page listing for your organization

• Listing in 10 categories of your choice

• Rich text company description and logo

• Image, video and audio supported

• Address with Google Maps integration

• Linked website address and contact form

• Phone and fax numbers

• Contact person’s name and e-mail address

In addition to these upgraded features, with an enhanced profile listing MRAA members also will receive a “MRAA Directory Supporter” badge for display on their company website and other relevant marketing materials.

Any company can upgrade their basic MRAA Marine Industry Directory listing to an enhanced listing for $399, but built-in discounts are available for various levels of MRAA membership. Associate Members receive 10 percent off the $399 price; Partner Members receive 30 percent off; Premier Partner Members receive 35 percent off; and Platinum Partner Members are entitled to 40 percent off.

As a special promotional offer, all current MRAA members will receive an additional $40 off the regular full price, on top of their allotted member discount. The discount is valid now through May 15. To take advantage of the $40 discount, use coupon code MRAA40 at checkout.

To get started, MRAA members simply can visit mraaindustrydirectory.com and select the “Create a Listing” tab on the top navigation bar to create an enhanced profile listing today.

For questions regarding listings in the MRAA Marine Industry Directory, to learn more about MRAA membership in general or to join the association, contact MRAA membership coordinator Hannah Muerhoff at 763-333-2420 or hannah@mraa.com.

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

Certified Dealers: Enjoy Exclusive Benefits, Coverage Enhancements on Insurance

The Marine Industry Certified Dealership Program has added a new benefit exclusively for Certified Dealerships. Participants at any level of the MICD Program are entitled to exceptional business insurance coverage through CNA, the exclusively endorsed insurance company of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas.

CNA has partnered with Norman-Spencer Marine Insurance, MRAA’s exclusively endorsed insurance broker, to bring this valuable perk to Certified Dealers. Step 1, Step 2 and Five Star Certified Dealers enjoy escalating levels of comprehensive business insurance coverages that are unattainable anywhere else in the recreational marine industry.

“The relationship that exists between CNA, Norman-Spencer and the MICD Program is a profound, meaningful way to underscore the overall value of becoming Certified for dealers,” says MICD Program director Sonja Moseley. “There are an incredible array of choices when it comes to selecting business insurance. It’s a critical component of any marine retailers’ operation, and finding the right option can be tricky without expert guidance. Not only can CNA and Norman-Spencer advise dealers on the best route to take, but this program also makes it easier to secure top-of-the-line coverage that provides the best protection available in the business.”

As part of the CNA/MICD Program benefit, Step 1 Certified Dealers will receive a Certification Expense Reimbursement of $250 off their insurance premiums. Step 2 Certified Dealers will receive a Certification Expense Reimbursement of $500, plus some automatic insurance coverage enhancements: Boat dealers coverage extension to extend inventory coverage to include loaner boats and boat trailers; and personal use of inventory by owners, officers and employees.

At the program’s apex, Five Star Certified Dealers are entitled to a $750 Certification Expense Reimbursement, the boat dealers’ coverage and personal use of inventory extensions, plus the following:

• Loss-Free Dividend Program: If no claims are reported or incurred, the dealer will receive up to 10 percent off their premiums returned

• Diminishing deductible: If no claims are reported on incurred, deductibles will be lowered on the policy renewal for each year, to a minimum deductible level of $250.

Both of these added benefits are exclusive to Five Star MICDs that are current customers insured with CNA.

In addition to benefits offered to Certified Dealers through CNA, participants in the MICD Program also are able to take advantage of many other insurance services provided by Norman-Spencer directly. These include: Analysis of current business operations and exposures; review of current insurance program policy against current operations and exposures; a complete report on findings and recommendations; alternative program design and pricing; and more.

“Both CNA and Norman-Spencer support the Marine Industry Certified Dealership Program, and in order to show that support, we created these unique benefits reserved solely for Certified Dealers that bring them a value they can’t find anywhere else,” says Mark Yearn, MICD Program manager for Norman-Spencer Marine Insurance. “We’re able to guarantee these kind of benefits and coverages and offer built-in bonuses like Loss-Free Dividend and diminishing deductibles. This is an opportunity only MICDs can take advantage of, providing an excellent reward for all the hard work these dealers put into earning their Certification.”

Certified Dealers wishing to take advantage of the incredible benefits and enhancements made available to them through CNA and Norman-Spencer should contact Yearn directly at 810-360-0757 or markyearn@norman-spencer.com.

For more information about enrolling in the MICD Program or additional benefits of becoming Marine Industry Certified, contact Sonja Moseley at 763-333-2424 or sonja@mraa.com.

About the Marine Industry Certified Dealership Program

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 MRAA.com/certification.

About Norman-Spencer Agency Inc.
Norman-Spencer Agency Inc. is a nationally recognized provider of high quality insurance products for all boats and yachts, serving hundreds of dealer and marina partners nationwide. Along with boat owner programs, the agency also provides market-leading business insurance solutions for all facets of the recreational marine industry, including dealers, marinas, manufacturers and marine artisans. Norman-Spencer has been the only MRAA-endorsed marine insurance provider for more than 25 years. For more information, visit norman-spencer.com. or e-mail Mark Yearn directly at markyearn@norman-spencer.com.

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MRAA Identifies Legislative Priorities for 2015

MRAA Identifies Legislative Priorities for 2015

“Take action to be an advocate and supporter of the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund to ensure its continued vitality and success as a “user pays, public benefits” program, as it is one of the most important programs in the nation for fisheries management, conservation, boating safety, angler and boating access, and many other initiatives.” 

  • “Actions to closely monitor and support favorable use of the Water Resources Reform & Development Act and the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund for the dredging of America’s small boat harbors.” 

  • “Actions to support reform of the Renewable Fuels Standard to eliminate the damaging impact of corn ethanol on millions of America’s marine and other small engines by repealing the mandate for continually increasing the quantity of ethanol in the nation’s gasoline supplies.”

  • “Take action to be an advocate and supporter of a revision of Magnuson-Stevens Reauthorization Act during its reauthorization process, calling for more time and latitude for US F&WS to rebuild overfished stocks using reliable scientific research and data.”

  • “Support action that helps stop the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS), prevents the introduction of new AIS, and helps eradicate AIS, as water quality and fisheries are vitally important to the survival of the marine industry in the U.S.”

  • “Actions to support local and state marine trades associations, where and when requested, in their efforts to gain favorable boating legislation and regulations.” 

  • MRAA Hires Public Policy Manager

    The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas today announced the hiring of William Higgins as MRAA public policy manager. Higgins assumed the role in mid-February and now serves as MRAA’s chief lobbyist, representing boat dealers in all legislative and regulatory issues and ensuring that MRAA members and boat dealers in general have a voice where issues concerning marine retailers are discussed.

    Higgins comes to MRAA from Stateside Associates in Arlington, Va., where he served as manager of local government services for a diverse group of clients, monitoring thousands of local governments and combing for relevant legislative efforts and political activity and providing detailed analysis and political intelligence. He’s interned for the Florida House of Representatives and U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill and has an extensive background in legislative research, reporting, strategy and issues management.

    “Will is the perfect fit for MRAA, and we’re so excited to have him on board as our public policy manager,” says Matt Gruhn, MRAA president. “Not only is he an experienced boater and truly understand the issues boaters and the boating industry face, but in his previous role he also was responsible for monitoring boating-related legislation at the state level. His grounding in the industry is undeniable, and he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to MRAA. We look forward to the ways his outreach and lobbying efforts on behalf of MRAA will help our members and further expand MRAA’s legislative agenda and presence, which has become a major priority of the association.”

    In his role as public policy manager, Higgins monitors activities affecting boating in governmental and regulatory settings and provides MRAA with regular updates of activities on Capitol Hill. He also represents the legislative and regulatory interests of MRAA members and all North American retailers before Congress, administrative departments and agencies, coalitions, other associations, and special interest groups. Additionally, Higgins lobbies members of Congress and other legislative and regulatory bodies on behalf of MRAA members; serves as the liaison between MRAA and all state Marine Trades Associations; and establishes the MRAA advocacy agenda, among other duties.

    Higgins is based is Washington, D.C. and will maintain a private MRAA office inside the National Marine Manufacturers Association’s D.C. headquarters, in an effort to foster increased cooperation between the associations and create a strong, unified industry voice on the Hill in matters that relate to recreational boating interests.

    Among his goals as MRAA’s key legislative representative, Higgins seeks to create a more fruitful experience for MRAA members attending this year’s American Boating Congress, taking place May 11-13 at the Renaissance Hotel in Washington, D.C. ABC provides one of the best opportunities for marine retailers to score face time with legislators and share their concerns with Congressional leaders and their supporting staffers.

    “Having a presence at ABC is paramount for marine dealers, as there’s no better time to garner the attention of Washington decision-makers,” says Higgins. “I’m eager to help dealers navigate and prepare for their ABC experience, as it truly provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity for marine retailers to voice opinions in local and national politics.”

    In addition to his efforts related to ABC, Higgins also plans to closely monitor several critical pieces of legislation that impact dealers: The Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund; Water Resources Reform & Development Act; and the Renewable Fuels Standard; as well as any other matters that impact marine retailers’ interests.

    Originally hailing from Florida, Higgins graduated from Florida State University with an undergraduate degree in Political Science and Social Science and a Masters in American Politics and Policy. He comes from a family of lifelong boaters. His father was one-time president of the Central Florida Offshore Anglers, and Higgins has been offshore fishing since the time he was able to crank a reel. He’s also an avid wakeboarder and rowed on his high school crew team, eventually serving as assistant coach for the Florida State Club Crew Team. Now that he’s based in D.C., Higgins plans to take up sailing.

    To learn more about MRAA’s ongoing outreach efforts in Washington or to discuss concerns related to proposed legislation in your area, contact Will Higgins at 202-737-9779, ext. 502 or william@mraa.com.

    To learn more about MRAA membership or to join, contact MRAA membership coordinator Hannah Muerhoff at 763-333-2420 or hannah@mraa.com.

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

    • MRAA Names Certification Development Manager to Help Grow MICD Program

    The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas has brought Gerald “Jerry” Lofberg on board as its Certification development manager to oversee recruitment of new participants in the Marine Industry Certified Dealership Program.

    In his role, Lofberg will reach out to marine retailers on a regular basis, talking to them about the incredible value that the MICD Program offers their businesses and helping dealers get on the path to Certification.

    Lofberg comes to MRAA with an extensive marine industry background, having worked for several major boat manufacturers in sales and leadership capacities, in marine dealerships in retail sales roles, and also as a manufacturers rep.

    “We’re so thrilled to have Jerry on board as a key member of the Certification team,” says MICD Program director Sonja Moseley. “He brings to us a wealth of knowledge about the marine business, as well as an incredible amount of enthusiasm for the program. Jerry is very familiar with the evolution of the MICD Program over the last 10 years and is going to be instrumental in bringing more dealers into the Certification fold.”

    Lofberg, a U.S. Army veteran, got his start in sales with Omaha-based department store J.L. Brandeis, where he worked from 1964 to 1978. Afterwards, he took a sales position in Denver, working for a friend selling boats at the Boat House, which carried six major boat manufacturer lines and was one of the city’s largest dealers. He worked for Boat House until 1989, when he was offered a manufacturers representative position in San Diego.

    In 1992, one of the lines Lofberg repped, Celebrity Boats, brought him on board as vice president of sales and moved him to Benton, Ill. Celebrity would eventually be sold to BRP, and following the buyout he landed a job with Crownline Boats as director of dealer development, where he worked until 1998. That same year, Lofberg was hired by KCS international and transferred to Florida as director of sales for Shamrock Boats and Rampage Sport Fishing Yachts. He worked for KCS until 2008, when he decided to retire.

    In 2010, Lofberg returned to Omaha to be near his family. He came out of retirement this year to become part of the MICD Program and says that in his role as Certification development manager, he looks forward to demonstrating for dealers how Certification can truly help elevate their businesses, boosting sales, improving efficiencies, and heightening employee and customer satisfaction.

    “I’m excited to be a part of Certification and am eager to help marine retailers navigate the nuances of the MICD Program,” says Lofberg. “Certification brings an incredible value to dealerships. In my sales roles, both on the dealer and manufacturer sides, I’ve seen first hand how standards that the MICD Program is based on strengthen operations, increase productivity and ultimately yield more sales. It’s the smartest, most impactful thing a dealership principal can do for his or her business.”

    For more information about the MICD Program or to enroll, contact Sonja Moseley at 763-333-2424 or sonja@mraa.com.

    About the Marine Industry Certified Dealership Program
    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 MRAA.com/certification.

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    Registration Opens for Newly Redesigned MDCE

    Today, organizers of the Marine Dealer Conference & Expo kick off the grand opening of registration with a brand new marketing campaign. MDCE 2015 is scheduled to take place Nov. 15-18 at the Orange County Convention Center and Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando, Fla.

    The fresh look for MDCE includes an updated logo and all new imagery inspired by marine retailers’ passion for the boating business.

    “MDCE attendees are a pretty diverse group, but what they share in common is a drive to be the best in delivering the boating lifestyle to their customers,” explains Liz Walz, vice president of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, which produces the annual event in partnership with Boating Industry. “This year’s marketing campaign celebrates that drive and MDCE’s unique ability to fulfill it through education, networking, products and services that help dealers take their business to the next level.”

    As an added bonus, marine retailers who register in the month of April receive a $50 discount off of the Full Conference Rate of $499. MRAA members receive an additional $75 off of their registration, for a total discount of $125. This represents the lowest registration rate of the year.

    “There’s no other event that gives marine retailers so many opportunities for growth and improvement under one roof,” says Boating Industry editor-in-chief Jonathan Sweet. “The special pricing available in April represents an incredible value, especially when you consider all the new offerings we’ve been adding in recent years.”

    To receive the special April pricing, registrants need only visit marinedealerconference.com and register by April 30. MRAA members should log into the website with their username and password before registering to receive their $75 member discount on top of the special April pricing.

    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 an even more impactful lineup of unique, hands-on sessions. New for 2015, MDCE also will include a Learning Lab, 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 and Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando, Fla. In 2014, MDCE attracted more than 580 dealers, 40 percent of which attended for the very first time. MRAA’s goal is to grow the event to more than 1,000 dealer attendees. 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 Lab. It will be held Nov. 15-18 at the Orange County Convention Center and Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando, Fla. For more information, visit marinedealerconference.com.

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    Dealership Certification Goes Virtual

    With the goal of streamlining the Certification process for North American marine retailers, the Marine Industry Certified Dealership Program recently launched a virtual Certification platform housed on MRAATraining.com that dealers can use to complete the entire program.

    Inside the system, MRAATraining.com/Certifications, dealers will find all the tools they need to get Certified. They can download program forms and templates directly in the system and receive step-by-step instructions on how to meet Certification standards. MRAA staff walks dealers through each standard in every program step, helping familiarize dealers with what they need to do in order to complete program requirements. The system also allows dealers to save their progress as they work through the various program standards one by one, adding a key convenience that permits dealers to complete the program at the pace that’s best for their respective businesses.

    The online platform features detailed instructions regarding when to upload documentation and includes a video tutorial for every standard contained within each step of the MICD Program: Step 1, Step 2, Five Star, Five Star Fast Track, and Five Star Recertification. That’s dozens of videos designed to simplify the process for dealers, as if an MRAA representative is right beside them every step of the way, guiding them through to program completion.

    “Dealers have expressed in the past that one of the most common barriers to entry into the MICD Program was the complexity of the actual Certification process: Documenting processes and business practices, managing the paperwork, things of that sort,” explains MICD Program director Sonja Moseley. “Housing the program online streamlines the process for dealers, removing a perceived ‘hassle-factor’ and allowing them to complete the various steps at their own pace, in the comfort of their own dealership, when it is convenient for them.”

    Dealers can begin the Certification process in MRAATraining.com by enrolling in the Five Star Fast Track at an investment of just $2,499. This is the most efficient and cost-effective means of achieving Certification, saving $380 over completing the program one step at a time. The Fast Track consists of 15 standards dealers must meet in order to become Marine Industry Certified.

    Dealers that wish to work through the program at a less accelerated pace and ease into the process can start with Step 1, which focuses on outstanding customer service, for an entry point of less than $600. They can then graduate to Step 2, focusing on operational excellence, for $949. Finally, with a focus on superior performance, the third and final step, Five Star Certification, costs dealers $1,349, keeping the total fee for program participation under $3,000. Each of the three steps includes 10 standards that dealers must meet in order to fulfill Certification requirements.

    Members of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas receive additional discounts for the Five Star Fast Track and each individual step of the MICD Program (a $100 savings off the Fast Track and $50 savings per step).

    “It’s never been easier to begin your path to Certification,” says Moseley. “Dealers whom we’ve already spoken with regarding the virtual system have commented on how much more smoothly the process runs, and how much easier and less cumbersome it is to get through each of the standards and see Certification through to completion. The online platform is a true game-changer for the MICD Program.”

    For more information about the MICD Program or to enroll, contact Sonja Moseley at 763-333-2424 or sonja@mraa.com.

    About the Marine Industry Certified Dealership Program

    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 MRAA.com/certification.

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    How Does Attending ABC 2015 Help Strengthen My Influence as a Certified Dealer?

    Much of what impacts boating originates in our nation’s capital. That’s where influencers sit and decisions are made. As a Certified Dealer, you have an authoritative, respected voice in our industry, and that voice should be heard in Washington. Guarantee you have a voice at the table and attend the 2015 American Boating Congress May 11-13 at the Renaissance Hotel in Washington, D.C.

     
    Attending ABC 2015, the boating industry’s annual legislative and political conference, helps strengthen your influence as a Certified Dealer. It puts you directly in front of the nation’s decision-makers, giving you a unique opportunity to tell your Congressional representatives what issues are impacting your business and what you think can be done to improve the current retail climate. It’s is one of the most powerful and influential annual events our industry hosts.

    Certified Dealers that make the trip to Washington to gain face time with state representatives and are able to give their collective retail and individual dealerships a voice in front of lawmakers and regulatory agencies. There are numerous issues up for discussion at ABC, all of which could have a profound impact on the success of your business. If Certified Dealers attend, it helps boost participation and unity around common issues so that the needs of the boating industry aren’t compromised in favor of another industry’s agenda. It’s your opportunity to make a difference — both for recreational boating as a whole and for your individual businesses.

    ABC brings together recreational boating industry leaders to formulate public policy and present a unified front on the hot-button topics. At ABC, you’ll have the opportunity to:

    • Learn how to grow your business in the current economy

    • Discover how current state and federal regulatory issues affect your operations

    • Learn the status of key federal legislation concerning the marine industry

    • Hear industry experts discuss how pending legislation and regulation can impact your bottom line

    • Get first-hand knowledge from state and federal regulators, key congressional staff and industry experts about trends that impact the marine industry

    • Network with fellow industry leaders and Certified Dealers

    There will never be a better opportunity to personally influence legislation and protect your business interests in Washington. ABC is the perfect conduit for Certified Dealers to make lasting D.C. connections and leave an impression on policy-makers.

    Simplify your ABC trip by downloading the event’s smartphone app. The app includes a Google Map of the Capitol and surrounding area, ABC schedule of events, information about Hill visits, policy briefs, Congressional Directory, links to Boating United, and more. Everything you need to make your Hill visit(s) targeted and effective.

    Now’s the time for Certified Dealers to stand up and be heard. Register to attend ABC 2015 today and make your concerns a priority for Washington!

    For more information about ABC 2015 or to register to attend, visit nmma.org/government/abc/default.aspx.

    MRAA Named First Mate Sponsor of 2015 American Boating Congress

    The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas has signed on as a First Mate level sponsor of this year’s American Boating Congress. The boating industry’s annual legislative and political conference, ABC 2015 takes place May 11-13 at the Renaissance Hotel in Washington, D.C.

    In each of the last three years, MRAA has escalated its support of ABC. MRAA began by hosting one of its two annual MRAA Board of Directors meetings in conjunction with ABC in 2012. It also invited its Young Leaders Advisory Council to meet in Washington for the event.

    MRAA extensively promotes ABC to its membership every year, encouraging dealers to make the trip to Washington to gain face time with state representatives and to give their collective retail and individual dealerships a voice in front of lawmakers and regulatory agencies.

    “The American Boating Congress is one of the most powerful and influential annual events our industry hosts,” says MRAA president Matt Gruhn. “It provides dealers with a unique and turn-key opportunity to meet their Congressional representatives and speak directly to Hill staffers about the issues they face on a day-to-day basis. We’re ramping up our support of this year’s ABC, both promotionally and financially speaking, because we’ve seen first-hand the impact that can be made when dealers partner with the rest of the industry to give boating a stronger voice in Washington.”

    In 2014, MRAA was awarded the first-ever ABC Ambassador Award, recognizing the organization that most effectively and heavily marketed the event to its members and constituents. MRAA reached thousands of dealers on a daily and weekly basis through its newsletters, press releases, bulk e-mail campaigns, action alerts, social media posts, and personal outreach efforts, all of which espoused the value of attending the event and let dealers know how it could help positively impact their businesses.

    This year, MRAA has an even more aggressive plan in place to market and promote ABC to member dealers. Mention of ABC and ABC-related events will regularly be featured in both MRAA’s monthly legislative newsletter, Washington Watch, as well as the monthly Bearings newsletter. Additionally, MRAA will distribute targeted e-blasts and video promotions leading up to the start of the event, urging MRAA members to attend. Personal member outreach, social media posts and mention of the impact that ABC can have for MRAA members at various MRAA presentations and events also will help drive dealer attendance in Washington this May.

    “There are numerous issues up for discussion at ABC, all of which could have a profound impact on the success of our businesses,” explains MRAA public policy manager Will Higgins. “We need greater participation and unity around these issues so that the needs of the boating industry aren’t compromised in favor of another industry’s agenda. ABC is our opportunity to make a difference.”

    For more information about ABC 2015, visit nmma.org/government/abc/default.aspx.

    To learn more about MRAA membership or to join, contact MRAA membership coordinator Hannah Muerhoff at 763-333-2420 or hannah@mraa.com.

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

    Member Spotlight: Christi Romero

    Christi Romero is one tough and determined lady. She’s spent nearly the last three decades at The Sportsman in San Benito, Texas, working her way up from secretary to general manager. And she’s done it with a style and grace all her own; one that inspires her co-workers and her boss. Christi takes a few minutes out of her super-busy day to talk about what it takes to get ahead in the boating biz, the importance of life-long learning, and how to have fun at work.

    Q: What is your current role with The Sportsman?

    Romero: General Manager. I’ve been with The Sportsman for 27 years! Say that, T-W-E-N-T-Y -S-E-V-E-N  Y-E-A-R-S! All joking aside, it really doesn’t seem like that long.

    Q: How did you get started in the industry?

    Romero: I started in 1988 as a secretary to the president, Rob Youker. He actually interviewed and hired me. I think he felt bad for me because I waited around for an interview for 4 hours. He was probably testing me.  

    I was a secretary at the dealership for 14 years, until 2002, when I was promoted to office manager, and then promoted to general manager in 2009. I have worked in each department here at The Sportsman — from maintenance to sales. I like to know what each of my staff members do and experience through on a daily basis so I can better understand the importance of their position in our organization.   

    Q: Have you had any challenges along the way? If so, what were some of the biggest/hardest you faced?

    Romero: The biggest challenge originally was trying to convince my co-workers that I was now their “manager.” To this day, I’m still told that I’ve changed since I became the general manager. Wellllllll, yeahhhhh! We have a longevity, so a lot of the same people I worked with as a secretary are still here. We’re all very close, which could be good and bad, but for the most part, it works!

    The second biggest challenge was being female in a predominantly male industry. Our customers, vendors, co-workers, manufacturer reps, business owners, etc. are generally all male; wait, no… they ARE all male! Except for my assistant, Sandra. I had to hire a bodyguard to protect me, and she fits the job nicely.
    For some time now, Rob had wanted me to attend his Spader Dealer meetings, and I remember being hesitant because most members were older, white, well-educated men who had been in the industry for years, and I felt intimidated. I finally gave in and have now attended several. Instead of feeling intimidated now, I look at these meetings as a learning place; I can and have learned so much from these old guys and maybe, just maybe, one day I can teach them something!

    Q: What are some of your talents/traits that you believe have helped you become a successful female in the marine industry?

    Romero: I’ve worked down and dirty with my parts and service guys and learned a lot in those departments. The knowledge I gained allows me talk intelligently to customers. I’ve gained a lot of respect from our customers, since I’m very knowledgeable. I am not afraid to work in the trenches with my team; I will throw out my own trash, drive the forklift, and sell a boat when needed. I’ve always loved math and I’m a people person, so I believe that all of that combined has helped me become successful. Of course, I can’t forget my mentor, Rob Youker. He has been there for me on every leg of my journey and made me see things about myself that were hard for me to see on my own. I owe a lot to Rob; not only is he my mentor and my boss, but one of my best friends! He is a wealth of knowledge and is constantly passing on what he knows. I am truly blessed!   

    Q: What advice would you give to someone entering the marine industry today? 

    Romero: Don’t do it… just kidding! My advice would be to treat everyone, (customers, teammates, vendors, etc.) exactly how you would like to be treated. I think the same goes for any career. Make sure you enjoy what you do; that’s key as well! Always be open to new ways of doing things and to constructive criticism. Reach out to those who have been in the business both a short time and a long time — they both have their own way of thinking/methods, and you can gain from both. Take professional training courses from Spader and attend dealer conferences like MDCE and any courses offered by your product manufacturers.

    Q: How would you define “successful” in terms of a marine industry career?

    Romero: You have to enjoy what you’re doing and you have to put your time and energy in. Make sure you are open to learning something new every day (even after 27 years), and you can’t let yourself get intimidated. Everyone started in this industry not knowing a single thing; you are there now, but you won’t be for long. You have to be positive and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Make sure you pay it forward; pass your knowledge to others. You will need them to help you stay successful.

    Q: How do you overcome industry challenges?

    Romero: First of all, don’t be afraid to take the challenge on. Be positive and confident that you will overcome challenges. And If you fail at first, don’t let it keep you down; get back up and try again. You have to believe in yourself, even when you think no one else will! Rely on your teammates to help you as well. You’re not in this alone.

    Q: What are some tips you can offer women in the marine industry?

    Romero: Don’t be afraid to get dirty. Learn as much as you can about the position you’re in, and then learn as much as you can about everyone else’s position around you — which means below and above. Don’t stop learning. Don’t stop learning. Don’t stop learning. Did I happen to mention that you need to keep learning? Have confidence in yourself and keep moving forward, even if they are baby steps. Don’t forget you’re part of a team. You have to be confident in yourself as a person, not just as a woman. Try not to make emotional decisions, because even though men make them, women are usually the ones criticized for it.

    Q: Give us “Five Fast Facts” about yourself.

    Romero:

    1. I didn’t graduate from high school or go to college.  
    2. I only obtained my GED in 2014.
    3. I intend to go back to college soon, if only to take my basics. I’ve stressed education to my daughter since she could talk. I have to walk the walk as well.
    4. I love to fish. I know this is strange, since I work in this industry, but I only started fishing a few years ago.
    5. I haven’t always know how to speak Spanish, and I still have problems speaking correctly. I am Hispanic and live 20 minutes from the border, but it doesn’t come natural to me.

    Here’s what Rob Youker, Christi’s boss and president/owner of The Sportsman, has to say about what she brings to the business:

    “Christi’s 27 years of experience in the boating industry has rewarded her with a wealth of knowledge, yet her greatest attribute is her innate ability to think and act as an owner. Add in her attention to detail and her drive towards success, then mix those ingredients with a sound character and you have Christi Romero: Awesome parent, respected leader, role model.

    Two years ago, our service center was in disarray. Christi’s decision to temporarily lead the department gave her invaluable insights into the inner workings of the department, personnel concerns, procedural weaknesses, and training opportunities. The result was not only a more efficient department, but, more importantly, she spearheaded a new and engaging culture.

    Ask her anything about the San Antonio Spurs. And dolphins (as in fish)… they surround her life. The Spurs’ success is based on their league-leading team assists (passing the ball to your teammate so he can score). And dolphins? They’re known for countless tales of interacting with humans in friendly, protective ways, displaying hues of compassion, caring, community and generous spirit. Yep… that’s Christi alright!”