Anti-Ethanol Lobby to Support H.R. 875

With 24 co-sponsors, a bill introduced by Rep. James Sensenbrenner (R-WI) has the full support of several large, diverse organizations working together to repeal the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). H.R. 875 was reported out of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee in April 2014 and is waiting for House floor action.

The coalition has prepared a list of talking points for use when meeting with Congressional representatives during the current recess.

Sample talking points include:

• As you know, last year the House Energy and Commerce (E&C) Committee held several hearings and prepared a bipartisan white paper on adverse impacts of the RFS

• The committee is considering a short-term bridge to provide more stability to the market and address some of the immediate concerns

• In particular, the E&C Committee is interested in moving on an amended version of H.R. 875.

H.R. 875 would commission a study by the National Academy of Science on E-15 and rescind the E-15 waiver during the course of study. The edits under committee consideration would include broadening the study beyond E-15 and replacing the waiver rescission with a codification of the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed volumes for 2014 and 2015 during the course of the study.

“While MRAA believes this is not a long-term fix, nor is it as much as Congress can and should do,” says MRAA president Matt Gruhn, “at the very least, this action would prevent the problem from worsening as the House continues working toward a more permanent solution.”

The E&C Committee is considering floor action under suspension of the rules. The Senate also will need to take action before an amended H.R. 875 can be sent to the President.

Congress Sends Highway Bill to President

Congress sent H.R. 5021, the Highway and Transportation Funding Act, to President Obama Aug. 1. The bill successfully amends the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund to May 31, 2015 and provides funding for programs important to recreational boating for coastal wetlands restoration, recreational boating safety, sport fish restoration, projects under the Clean Vessel Act, boating infrastructure grants, and the national outreach program. The bill increases the total obligation for all projects under the Highway Trust Fund to $26,800,569,863, for an increase of $10.8 billion until May 31, 2015.

The House passed the bill first; the Senate followed with its own, slightly different version, which would have raised additional money to help keep the fund afloat. Republicans in the House held out for the possibility of winning the Senate during November elections and increasing their advantage in the House to make major tax or policy changes. But because time was clearly running out before the Highway Trust Fund was expected to encounter financial difficulties in honoring its current projects, the Senate agreed to the House language. This action gives Congress more time to come up with a long-term fix.

The Highway Trust Fund is challenged with decreasing revenues due to improved vehicle gas mileage. Congress last passed the norm in transportation policy, a six-year funding bill, in 2005. It’s estimated transportation needs are now about $100 billion over six years. Members of Congress face a tough task in the coming months to resolve funding needs and repair the nation’s existing transportation system. Meanwhile, the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund hangs in the balance.

Do-Nothing Congress on Five-Week Recess

Many conservatives who believe “no legislation is good legislation,” after years of Congress passing laws that created an anti-business government bogged down by too many rules and regulations, may rejoice in the inaction of our current Do-Nothing Congress. Others may feel the opposite and lament Congress’ inability to get things done. But either way, there’s no arguing that it’s been a slow year for Congress, with a lot of partisan bickering and no real success achieved on the issues.

Congress is now home campaigning for reelection at a time when a recent Washington Post poll stated that 51 percent of Americans are unhappy with their own elected Congress members. That’s an all-time-high level of dissatisfaction. It’s higher than the 45 percent dissatisfaction level in 1994 when Republicans swept the Democrats out of office. The D.C. rumor mill is giving the Senate to Republicans by a small majority, but it may be a majority that’s too small to govern effectively.

Efforts earlier in the year to pass big-ticket measures — such as overhauling the tax code, raising the minimum wage and extending long-term unemployment insurance — went nowhere.

There was a last-minute flurry of legislative action on the House and Senate floors, with Congress completing work on the Highway bill. The Senate bowed to the demands of the House and went along with a $10.8 billion measure to replenish the depleted Highway Trust Fund from the General Revenue Account, which should be enough to keep the fund afloat until May 2015.

This action ensured continuation of the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, a sub-fund of the Highway Trust Fund, at current program levels. Many Senate Democrats and Republicans favored a shorter-term extension of funding highway programs until December 31 that would’ve forced Congress to adopt a multi-year, comprehensive bill.

Little work has been done to pass the 13 fiscal 2015 spending bills that must be approved by September in order to avoid another government shutdown.

According to Senate Democratic staff, Congress is again looking at a large omnibus appropriations bill to fund the federal government in one vote. There may even be short-term extensions to keep the government operating past the September 30 end to the 2014 Fiscal Year. Congress does not appear any closer to resolving differences over reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank, which is important to many businesses that have international markets for their products.

In addition, the Senate has been sitting on several bills passed by the House of Representatives that would be good for the economy. One bill would make permanent the Research and Development Tax Credit, and one would permanently allow small businesses to immediately deduct the cost of purchasing new equipment and property. MRAA continues pushing for the permanent tax credit for sales tax deductions on major purchases, as well as repeal of the Estate (death) Tax.

Congress returns Sept. 8 to a full plate of priority legislation. Now, during the current recess, is a good time to meet with your Congressmen and Senators at home to discuss important business and boating issues.

MRAA Members: Lock in Great Discounts on Motor Vehicle Purchases

The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas has added a new benefit strictly for MRAA members. MRAA members are now eligible to participate in the Chrysler Affiliate Rewards Program, yielding significant discounts on nearly all cars, vans or trucks — be they personal or work vehicles — in the Chrysler family of brands.

Participation in the Chrysler program, which is only available to MRAA members in the United States, entitles dealership employees, subsidiary employees, business retirees and employee family members to save thousands of dollars on their next Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, RAM or FIAT purchase (Dodge Viper and Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT models are excluded) by purchasing vehicles at the “Preferred Price” — one percent below factory invoice, plus a $75 administration fee. This offer extends to personal as well as commercial vehicles.

The Chrysler Affiliate Rewards Program member discounts are exclusive to MRAA members through the MRAA Rewards Program, which includes more than 30 tangible benefits that members can take advantage of for their $300 annual investment in MRAA membership.

“This new partnership with Chrysler is just another way MRAA is seeking to add even greater return on investment for MRAA membership,” says Sonja Moseley, MRAA director of benefits. “Most if not all dealerships require vehicles to operate their businesses, and this relationship helps dealers take advantage of discounts on new car, truck and van purchases.”

Each dealership employee, retiree or spouse/family member is entitled to purchase or lease a combined total of two vehicles per calendar year at the discounted, one-percent-below-factory-invoice rate. Individuals interested in taking advantage of the Chrysler program are given a special control number to apply for the discounts, which they can generate on the Chrysler website, ChryslerAffiliates.com, or by calling the Chrysler Affiliate Rewards Program Headquarters at 888-444-4321.

In order to gain access to the Affiliate Rewards Program website, dealership employees will enter a company code (supplied to them by MRAA representatives). The website contains information about how to participate in the program, sample vehicle pricing, shopping tools, and program rules/FAQs. After entering the code, they will key in some basic personal information, such as name, address, telephone number, company name, and company code, to generate a unique control number. To obtain the discount, dealers will take the control number, along with their company photo ID badge or recent, original pay stub (and a marriage certificate or license or similar documentation, if the spouse is to be the intended buyer) to any participating U.S. Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, RAM dealership or FIAT studio for redemption.

“The process is simple and straightforward, and provides marine dealers with an easy way to save money on both essential business and personal vehicles,” says John Wentzel,” Chrysler RAM brand advocate. “We offer better-than-competitive pricing on any of the vehicles dealers may need for themselves, their families or for their business — most certainly RAM trucks.”

Discounts offered through the Chrysler Affiliate Rewards Program also “stack,” Wentzel explains, meaning that other incentives Chrysler offers its retail customers likewise apply for Affiliate Program members, in addition to the one-percent-below-factory-invoice rate they’re already receiving as program participants. That could amount to thousands more dollars in savings on qualifying vehicle purchases.

Aside from discounts on vehicles, Affiliate Rewards Program members who are business owners can participate in the Chrysler Business Link program, where they are eligible for reimbursements on related car, truck and van accessories for their business. If a program participant buys an item or items, comes back to the dealership within 90 days and gives their salesperson the purchase invoice, they can be refunded up to $1,500 of the accessories purchase price directly from Chrysler.

“So if a dealer wants to buy a complete shelving system for his or her new work truck that costs $3,000, the Business Link program can provide up to $1,500 cash back from Chrysler helps take a bit of the sting out of that purchase,” Wentzel says.

Other incentives include four free oil changes (or oil changes for the first two years, whichever comes first); 5-year, 100,000-mile warranties on all vehicles; and discounts on vehicle graphic wraps (Chrysler gives program participants discounts up to 50 cents on the dollar up to a maximum cost of $2,000). For complete details of the Chrysler Business Link program, visit ChryslerCommercialVehicles.com/en.

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 ###

MDCE Launches VIP Event Planning Kit Promo

Organizers of the Marine Dealer Conference & Expo announced today that they have launched a VIP Event Planning Kit promotion designed to help attendees plan for and get the most out of their attendance at the 2014 MDCE.

This means that in addition to the Early Bird Discount of $25 and an MRAA Member discount of an additional $75, those who register on or before August 31 will receive an exclusive VIP Event Planning Kit that will feature numerous opportunities for attendees to maximize their success at MDCE. The MDCE is being held Nov. 16-19 in Orlando, Fla.

View details of the VIP Event Planning Kit.

“We not only want to be able to provide MDCE registrants an incredible value, with up to $100 in discounts, but we also want to help them fully prepare for the amazing opportunities available at MDCE,” explains Liz Walz, director of education of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, a co-producer of the MDCE. “So, in addition to those financial savings, we’ve once again created a fresh line-up of tools and resources that will provide attendees with an insider’s guide to making the most of the MDCE — a planning tool of sorts that they will receive in advance of the show.”

Available to anyone who registers for the MDCE prior to August 31, the MDCE VIP Event Planning Kit will include a host of tips, ideas and opportunities for amplifying their return on investment at the MDCE. The kit will include:

· A custom letter with advice on how to get the most out of the MDCE

· An advance copy of the MDCE Guide Book, featuring the most comprehensive MDCE details available

· A detailed overview of the educational schedule, content and speakers to assist in planning an agenda in advance, including speaker videos

· Exclusive discounts on books and other resources made available by MDCE presenters

· An advance copy of the MDCE Floor Plan & Exhibit Guide to help strategize how to navigate the expansive MDCE Expo Hall

· An “Experience Orlando” package with more than 30 coupons to use in the surrounding area, including some that can be used right across the street from the MDCE at Pointe Orlando

· A 20-plus-page Insider Tips Guide from show staff, showcasing little-known, behind-the-scenes tips and ideas that will help you maximize your time at the show

“We’ve made a number of exciting enhancements to this year’s MDCE,” explains Jonathan Sweet, editor-in-chief of Boating Industry, co-producer of the event. “From the addition of a fourth educational track and a second keynote address to the added hours of dedicated expo hall time, this will be the best MDCE attendees have experienced, and this VIP Event Planning Kit will help them make the most of it.”

This comprehensive promotional offer is available beginning today and lasting through August 31. The VIP Event Planning Kit will be delivered to attendees electronically the week prior to the MDCE.

Register for MDCE by clicking here.

The 2014 MDCE will offer 30 educational sessions in all, the most the event has ever offered, including seven Pre-Conference Workshops. The conference has traditionally included three educational tracks, but in 2014, it has expanded to four tracks: Leadership, Sales, Marketing and Service Plus. A Closing Keynote address also has been added this year.

The MDCE is scheduled for Nov. 16-19 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. It has attracted an increasing number of dealers every year since 2007. In 2013, MDCE featured double-digit growth in dealer attendance, for a total of 615 marine retail professionals. MRAA’s goal is to grow the event to more than 1,000 dealer attendees. To learn more, visit MRAA.com/MDCE.

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, the 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. The MDCE is co-produced by MRAA and Boating Industry, and it features Pre-Conference Workshops, Opening and Closing keynote presentations, four tracks of educational content and 30 sessions in all. It will be held Nov. 16-19 at the Orange County Convention Center and Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Fla. For more information, visit MRAA.com/MDCE.

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MRAA, Dominion to Launch Third Marine Retail University Season

Dominion Marine Media and the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas have partnered to bring a third season of the Marine Retail University series of one-day educational conferences to life.

Designed to take fresh professional development opportunities to marine retailers in regions throughout the country, the series stops in seven or more locations each season, which runs from September through April.

Since the launch of this event series in November 2011, it has attracted more than 700 attendees. The MRU’s success can largely be attributed to the power of industry collaboration, such as that with Norman-Spencer Marine Insurance, which has supported the event series through a title sponsorship for three years running; the state and local Marine Trade Associations that host many of its stops, and Boating Industry magazine, which serves as the exclusive media sponsor.

“We feel incredibly grateful that we are able to share our passion for education through this partnership program with MRAA,” says Courtney Chalmers, director of marketing for Dominion Marine Media. “It is important to the mission of both our organizations that educational programs in our industry continue to grow and become more widely available to dealers and other marine retailers across the country.”

At each Marine Retail University, attendees participate in six educational sessions that offer local and national data, trends and best practices, as well as several networking opportunities. Topics range from analysis of the latest boat sales registration numbers and consumer research to expert advice and proven strategies in areas like succession planning, marketing, the service department, hiring and human resources, sales, and finance and insurance.

“Each year, we choose topics and speakers that provide attendees with new opportunities to improve and grow their businesses,” says Liz Walz, director of education for the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas. “For some retailers, the affordability of the MRUs makes quality professional development uniquely accessible. For others, they represent a rare opportunity to train together as a team. Either way, thanks to MRAA’s partnership with Dominion Marine Media, the MRUs offer those who participate an incredible value.”

About Marine Retail University
The Norman-Spencer Marine Retail University is a series of regional dealer educational conferences. Launched in 2012 as a partnership between the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas and Dominion Marine Media, these regional events seek to provide attendees with in-depth market knowledge and the tactics to capitalize on those insights. The partners work closely with regional and state associations to deliver additional value to their members. Norman-Spencer Marine Insurance Services supports MRU as the title sponsor of the event series. For more information about an MRU event, please contact Liz Walz at 315-692-4533 or liz@mraa.com. To sponsor or exhibit at an MRU event, please contact Bart Zienda at 763-333-2419 or bart@mraa.com.

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Test Your Dealership’s Digital Performance at MDCE 2014

In today’s business climate, online results are critical to marine dealer success. Dealerships that perform solidly across the digital platforms most used by consumers gain access to far more leads than those with lackluster internet visibility.

At the 2014 Marine Dealer Conference & Expo, taking place Nov. 16-19 in Orlando, Fla., participants in the “Don’t Flunk This Test” workshop by ARI’s Bob McCann and Lisa Buller will receive a website, social media and online reputation report card for their dealership and learn strategies they can use to move to the head of the class.

Dealers will walk away from the MDCE workshop with a 12-month content optimization plan, designed to enhance their results across many digital channels. The workshop takes place Monday, Nov. 17 from 8 to 11:15 a.m. ET as part of MDCE’s Pre-Conference Workshops.

“Even with all the online tools that exist today, few dealerships know how their digital performance stacks up or where they really need to focus to improve,” explains Liz Walz, director of education for the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, which produces the annual event in partnership with Boating Industry. “The report cards alone make this Pre-Conference Workshop stand out, and when you take in account the year-long plan dealers can build and take home with them, you see what a unique opportunity it is to do some serious work on your business.”

In 2014, workshop topics will include leadership, sales, marketing, social media, succession planning, video production and editing, and the service department. Each workshop will feature takeaways to help attendees implement what they learn without delay upon returning to their respective dealerships.

“Bob and his team at ARI have earned a reputation as terrific educators,” says Boating Industry editor-in-chief Jonathan Sweet. “This workshop, with its keen focus on digital performance, hits on several hot topics for dealers, and it wouldn’t surprise me if it sells out.”

The 2014 MDCE will offer 30 educational sessions in all, the most the event has ever offered, including seven Pre-Conference Workshops. The conference has traditionally included three educational tracks, but in 2014, it has expanded to four tracks: Leadership, Sales, Marketing and Service Plus. A Closing Keynote address also has been added this year.

Pre-Conference Workshop seating is limited and is available on a first come, first serve basis. Attendees select the workshop(s) they wish to attend during the MDCE registration process and pay an additional fee. Discounts are available for MRAA retail members.

The MDCE is scheduled for Nov. 16-19 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. It has attracted an increasing number of dealers every year since 2007. In 2013, MDCE featured double-digit growth in dealer attendance, for a total of 615 marine retail professionals. MRAA’s goal is to grow the event to more than 1,000 dealer attendees. To learn more, visit MRAA.com/MDCE.

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, the 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. The MDCE is co-produced by MRAA and Boating Industry, and it features Pre-Conference Workshops, Opening and Closing keynote presentations, four tracks of educational content and 30 sessions in all. It will be held Nov. 16-19 at the Orange County Convention Center and Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Fla. For more information, visit MRAA.com/MDCE.

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Get More Out of Social Media at MDCE 2014

In today’s marketplace, getting noticed online has become at least as important as grabbing attention offline at boat shows, in print advertisements, through billboards, and the like. If your dealership isn’t taking search engine optimization (SEO) seriously, chances are you’re missing out on opportunities to get in front of potential new customers each and every day.

At the 2014 Marine Dealer Conference & Expo, taking place Nov. 16-19 in Orlando, Fla., Dominion Marine Media’s social media marketing and brand management expert Lauren de Vlaming will help attendees realize the power of social media outlets and harness it to help bolster their online presence through increased SEO.

In her first-ever MDCE session, “Increase Your SEO Through Social,” de Vlaming will demonstrate how dealerships can use platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, Pinterest and YouTube to attract more consumer attention online, ultimately boosting internet visibility and selling more boats. Attendees will walk away from her session with a handy checklist to ensure they’re taking advantage of key opportunities to increase SEO through social media. The session takes place Tuesday, Nov. 18 from 10:15 to 11:30 a.m. ET as part of MDCE’s Marketing Track.

“The power of social media cannot be overstated; it’s a wide-reaching, inexpensive and effective way for dealers to connect with current and potential customers,” explains Boating Industry editor-in-chief Jonathan Sweet. “But you have to know how to put it to work for your business. Lauren’s session will give dealers a window into exactly what they should be doing with social media to generate more search results online.”

Each of the 2014 MDCE educational tracks — Sales, Marketing, Leadership and Service Plus — features five sessions. In addition to de Vlaming’s advice on SEO, the Marketing Track includes insight into developing an unbeatable marketing plan, filling your online marketing holes, rethinking your target customer, and exploring the next wave of digital marketing tools and trends.

“Being successful online requires understanding how to adapt your strategies to changes in online tools and behaviors,” says Liz Walz, director of education for the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, which produces MDCE in partnership with Boating Industry magazine. “Lauren not only understands what these often complex developments mean for marine dealers, but she also has a knack for sharing that information in a way that’s easy to grasp. We are truly fortunate to have her on the speaker roster at this year’s MDCE.”

The 2014 MDCE will offer 30 educational sessions in all, the most the event has ever offered, including seven Pre-Conference Workshops. The conference has traditionally included three educational tracks, but in 2014, it has expanded to four tracks: Leadership, Sales, Marketing and Service Plus. A Closing Keynote address also has been added this year.

The MDCE is scheduled for Nov. 16-19 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. It has attracted an increasing number of dealers every year since 2007. In 2013, MDCE featured double-digit growth in dealer attendance, for a total of 615 marine retail professionals. MRAA’s goal is to grow the event to more than 1,000 dealer attendees. To learn more, visit MRAA.com/MDCE.

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, the 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. The MDCE is co-produced by MRAA and Boating Industry, and it features Pre-Conference Workshops, Opening and Closing keynote presentations, four tracks of educational content and 30 sessions in all. It will be held Nov. 16-19 at the Orange County Convention Center and Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Fla. For more information, visit MRAA.com/MDCE.

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Make Bank on Trade-Ins at MDCE 2014

Accepting a trade-in for a new boat purchase can help dealers win more business; however, it can quickly turn from financial gain to strain without the right trade-in process. With more consumers trading in used boats to buy new these days, it’s increasingly important for dealerships to adopt strategies that protect their bottom line.

At the 2014 Marine Dealer Conference & Expo, taking place Nov. 16-19 in Orlando, Fla., veteran marine industry trainer, business consultant and 20 Group facilitator David Parker will help attendees build a transaction process that’s less stressful for customers and staff, and enhances profits for the dealership. The typical customer thinks that his or her trade is worth more than the dealer can afford. This process provides a way for the customer to accept a more realistic value for their trade-in.

In his MDCE session, “A Trade-in Process to Boost Your Margins,” Parker will guide dealers in how to value a boat correctly amidst the current economic conditions and use a trade-in appraisal form to manage customers’ expectations. Attendees will walk away with a sample trade-in appraisal form that takes the guesswork out of handling trade-in transactions and simplifies the process for everyone involved. The session takes place Tuesday, Nov. 18 from 10:15 to 11:30 a.m. ET as part of MDCE’s Sales Track.

“With a solid trade-in process in place, used boats can deliver much higher margins than new,” explains Liz Walz, director of education for the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, which produces the annual event in partnership with Boating Industry. “The trade-in experience also can have a big impact on customer’s buying experience. But it’s easy to lose focus on used boats when new models are selling well. That’s why we are so thrilled to have David tackle this topic at MDCE.”

Each of the 2014 MDCE educational tracks — Sales, Marketing, Leadership and Service Plus — features five sessions. The Sales Track includes Parker’s advice on maximizing profitability on trade-ins, new insight into customers’ buying decisions, strategies to reach women in the boat-buying process, techniques for turning F&I objections into opportunities, and ways of appealing to Millennial and Gen X buyers.

“With a half century of boating industry experience under his belt, including years spent in his family’s dealership, there are few people who have as much industry knowledge as David to share with MDCE attendees,” says Boating Industry editor-in-chief Jonathan Sweet. “If you’ve met him, you’ve also probably witnessed the passion for helping marine dealers succeed that he brings to his consulting firm, Parker Business Planning. We are fortunate to have David return as a speaker at this year’s conference.”

The 2014 MDCE will offer 30 educational sessions in all, the most the event has ever featured, including seven Pre-Conference Workshops. The conference has traditionally included three educational tracks, but in 2014, it has expanded to four tracks: Leadership, Sales, Marketing and Service Plus. A Closing Keynote address also has been added this year.

The MDCE is scheduled for Nov. 16-19 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. It has attracted an increasing number of dealers every year since 2007. In 2013, MDCE featured double-digit growth in dealer attendance, for a total of 615 marine retail professionals. MRAA’s goal is to grow the event to more than 1,000 dealer attendees. To learn more, visit MRAA.com/MDCE.

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, the 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. The MDCE is co-produced by MRAA and Boating Industry, and it features Pre-Conference Workshops, Opening and Closing keynote presentations, four tracks of educational content and 30 sessions in all. It will be held Nov. 16-19 at the Orange County Convention Center and Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Fla. For more information, visit MRAA.com/MDCE.

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