Certified Dealers: Save Big on Custom Videos at MDCE 2014

The cost of producing custom dealership videos can be an exorbitant expense for dealerships large and small. A professional job could cost upwards of $15,000 or more, and this is money that many dealerships must allocate to other, more pressing aspects of running their business on a day-to-day basis.

Fortunately, the Marine Industry Certified Dealership Program is taking some of the sting out of this traditionally enormous cost by making professional, completely customizable, consumer-facing videos available exclusively for MICDs for just $1,475 — but this special price only is available for Certified Dealers that attend the Marine Dealer Conference & Expo, taking place Nov. 16-19 at the Orange County Convention Center and Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Fla.

“This is an amazing opportunity for Certified Dealers to up their game even more by taking advantage of what amounts to probably the lowest cost available for the most professional-looking custom videos in the industry,” says Sonja Moseley, MICD Program director. “We know that video is becoming an even more critical component of a dealership’s overall marketing strategy, and consumers are at the point where they not only want, but expect, to see your business on YouTube, Google+ and the like. These consumer-facing videos will help jump-start Certified Dealers’ video marketing efforts and give them even more online visibility, where a potentially limitless customer base is waiting to learn more.”

The MICD Program mailed out postcards the third week of October that guarantee Certified Dealers their custom video discount at MDCE. Certified Dealers are simply required to bring the postcard to the MICD Booth at MDCE, #302, and lock in their one-time-only rate of just $1,475. After the show, the price goes up to $1,975.

“We have some fantastic footage on file, just waiting for Certified Dealerships to use in their consumer-facing promos,” says Charles Eide, CEO of Minneapolis-based EideCom, the exclusive video provider for the MICD Program. “We look forward to working with these dealers and helping them create a unique, memorable and custom piece for a consumer audience.”

EideCom will produce the custom videos by taking B-roll shot for various MICD Program videos and transforming it into a perfectly unique, customized video for Certified Dealers, helping them promote their Certified status to consumers and explain its value.

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.

MRAA to Host Special Presentation on Obamacare at MDCE 2014

In order to take care of your business and dealership team members, you need to first understand what’s happening in the government and the industry. Matt Gruhn, president of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, and Jeff Englander, senior vice president and senior research analyst at GE Capital, will lead the MRAA Special Presentation “Caring For Your Team and Your Dealership,” being held in conjunction with the 2014 Marine Dealer Conference & Expo Nov. 16-19 in Orlando, Fla.

The hour-long presentation, which takes place Monday, Nov. 17 at 4 p.m. in the Rosen Centre Hotel’s Junior Ballroom, will provide insights into how the Affordable Care Act impacts marine retailers. It will include an update of revisions to ACA deadlines, requirements that apply to employers contained within the act, and strategic considerations around ACA planning, administration and coverage.

“The employer mandate to comply with ACA will officially become law on Jan. 1, 2015, and despite the fact that more employers appear to be aware of their requirements under the law, a recent study by the Transamerica Center for Health Studies found that almost one-third reported being ‘less than satisfied’ with their level of knowledge about the law,” says Gruhn. “This informative MDCE presentation seeks to educate dealers about what they can expect their legal responsibilities to be under the law and also provide them with the tools they need to ensure compliance.”

With the Jan. 1, 2015 deadline fast approaching, it is incumbent upon marine retailers to ensure they’re ready to either implement the employer mandate, or take advantage of the potential incentives in the ACA that apply to them.

“Small and mid-sized businesses — which encompass many of today’s marine retailers — should take steps now to ensure they’re prepared for the upcoming changes set out in the ACA,” explains GE’s Englander. “There’s a lot to consider, so it’s crucially important for each business to get up to speed on ACA employer requirements and consult legal counsel for specific guidance. It’s also important for dealers to implement cost management strategies that can potentially help ease the burden of implementation.”

The 2014 MDCE features more than 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 has attracted an increasing number of dealers every year since 2007. 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 more than 30 sessions. 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.

Networking Reception Kicks Off MDCE 2014

The 2014 Marine Dealer Conference & Expo officially got underway with much excitement last night during the Opening Night Kick-Off Reception on the Expo Floor. MDCE runs Nov. 16-19 at the Orange County Convention Center and Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Fla.

During the networking event, dealers were treated to their first glimpse of the MDCE Expo Hall, featuring more than 100 exhibitors. Attendees explored the 41,000-plus square feet of products and services, while entertained by the acoustic musing of the Bayside Boys.

“One of the things that makes in-person events so valuable is the opportunity to form new relationships and strengthen old ones,” says Liz Walz, director of education for the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, which produces the annual event in partnership with Boating Industry. “Dealers learn just as much from each other and the manufacturers and suppliers here to support them as they do from our expert presenters.”

The Kick-Off Reception was sponsored by Dominion Marine Media. In addition to the live entertainment, attendees were treated to cocktails, hors d’oeuvers, and plenty of time to mingle and network before the Pre-Conference Workshops and Educational Track Sessions begin this morning.

“The 2014 MDCE is shaping up to be the best one on record,” says Boating Industry editor-in-chief Jonathan Sweet. “Dealers are excited about the start of this year’s event and eager to dive head-first into the next three days of educational content.”

The 2014 MDCE features more than 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 has attracted an increasing number of dealers every year since 2007. 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 more than 30 sessions. 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.

MDCE 2014 Kicks Off With Opening Night Networking Event

Organizers of the 2014 Marine Dealer Conference & Expo will kick off the industry’s premier annual dealer educational event Sunday evening, Nov. 16, at a cocktail/networking reception on the Expo Hall Floor of the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. MDCE runs at the convention center and adjacent Rosen Centre Hotel Nov. 16-19.

Sponsored by Dominion Marine Media, the 2014 MDCE Kickoff Cocktail Reception will feature live entertainment from acoustic group the Bayside Boys, as well as drinks, hors d’oeuvers, and plenty of time for conference-goers to mingle and network in advance of the Pre-Conference Workshops that take place Monday morning, Nov. 17.

The opening night reception begins at 6 p.m. and is open to all MDCE registrants.

“Dominion Marine Media is excited to again sponsor the official kickoff to MDCE, as it’s the largest and most comprehensive dealer event of the year,” says Courtney Chalmers, Dominion Marine Media vice president of marketing. “This reception is highly anticipated and provides an ideal setting for dealers and industry professionals to catch up with one another and meet new friends before the conference commences. We’re proud to partner with MDCE to make this event possible, and we’re looking forward to another successful year.”

MDCE’s opening night reception is the first of three opportunities hosted throughout the three-day event for conference attendees to network with their peers, show organizers and key conference speakers.

“Networking opportunities are one of the most valuable components of MDCE that we can offer attendees,” says Amy Collins, publisher of Boating Industry, which produces the annual event in partnership with the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas. “Once again, we look forward to hosting a fun, fabulous event to get the conference started on a high note and get dealers excited about the days’ education opportunities that are to come.”

The 2014 MDCE offers more than 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 has attracted an increasing number of dealers every year since 2007. 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 more than 30 sessions. 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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MICD Program Helps Keep MDCE 2014 Attendees Connected

In today’s business environment, it’s critical that professionals have the ability to stay connected with the people and companies they work with 24/7, regardless of whether they’re at the desk or on the road.

The Marine Industry Certified Dealership Program is making it possible for dealers to keep in touch with their home offices and business colleagues all over the globe via their laptops, tablets and smartphones by sponsoring WiFi capabilities at the upcoming 2014 Marine Dealer Conference & Expo. MDCE takes place Nov. 16-19 at the Orange County Convention Center and Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Fla.

The MICD Program sponsorship includes wireless internet connectivity for all MDCE participants in the Orange County Convention Center Expo Hall and the Educational Tracks held within.

“The MICD Program truly embraces the convenience that mobile technology provides, and so it made good sense for us to support this extremely important aspect of this year’s MDCE,” says Sonja Moseley,” MICD Program director. “Constant connectivity makes it that much easier for dealers to communicate with the people they do business with on a day-to-day basis, and the MICD Program is pleased to help make this possible for all MDCE attendees.”

Dealers interested in learning more about the MICD Program and all the cost savings and benefits that it provides are encouraged to come by the MICD Booth, #302, at MDCE. Here, dealers can speak one-on-one with Certification personnel to get all their questions answered and even sign up to get Certified or Recertified during the event.

A special promotional discount of $200 off Certification or Recertification applies if dealers enroll in the MICD Program on site at MDCE.

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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MRAA Educational Foundation Sets $20,000 Fundraising Goal

The MRAA Educational Foundation has set a goal of raising $20,000 in 2014 to provide financial support for education, training and professional development in the recreational marine trades.

So far, the not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation has raised $7,400. In order to continue to offer the growing number of scholarships and awards the foundation provides to train men and women studying to become marine technicians, service employees working to expand their skills, dealership managers and owners seeking to improve and grow their businesses, and industry leaders striving to create a stronger marine industry, more than $12,000 will need to be raised in November and December.

“As the industry has begun to recover from the recession, finding qualified employees to support their growth has been a big challenge for many marine dealers,” says Liz Walz, executive director for the foundation. “The foundation can help by providing financial support to students who are training for careers in the boating business and dealership employees interested in furthering their education.”

During the upcoming 2014 Marine Dealer Conference & Expo, taking place Nov. 16-19 in Orlando, Fla., the foundation will hand out nine scholarships and awards that together represent $34,120 in technical training and professional development. They include the following programs:

• Three MRAA Technical Scholarships, which are awarded to marine schools that train students for careers in the marine industry

• Two ABYC Scholarships, which cover the tuition for one recipient to attend ABYC’s Introduction to Basic Marine Electric & Corrosion Protection and for another recipient to attend one of ABYC’s Certification Courses

•The Duane Spader Leadership Development Scholarship, which covers the tuition for one recipient to attend Spader Business Management’s Leadership Development Program

• Two Kevin Lodder Scholarships, which covers the tuition and provides a travel stipend for each recipient to attend Spader Business Management’s Total Management Workshop

• The Darlene Briggs Woman of the Year Award, which is presented to an outstanding woman who is actively involved in the marine industry

To learn more and donate to the MRAA Educational Foundation, click here. For additional information about the foundation, contact Liz Walz at 315-692-4533 or liz@mraa.com.

About MRAA Educational Foundation

As part of its mission to create a strong and healthy boating industry, the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas is committed to offering training, education and professional development opportunities to its members and the entire marine dealer community. In 2004, the association launched the MRAA Educational Foundation, a not-for-profit 501(c) 3 corporation, to provide financial support for education, training and professional development in the recreational marine trades. For more information, visit About Marine Retailers Association of the Americas

At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, we believe that for the marine industry to thrive, the companies that interact with the boater in their community must thrive. Those businesses determine the boater’s experience and are the leading factor in the industry’s success. The 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: Register Additional Locations to Get Certified and Save

The Marine Industry Certified Dealership Program is making it easier and more affordable for Certified Dealers to register multiple locations for the MICD Fast Track and Recertification at a special program enrollment rate for all dealerships that seek to Certify or Recertify more than one location.

Certified Dealerships will now pay $2,499 for the first location that signs up for the MICD Fast Track and just $1,000 for additional locations, up to four locations at a time, while dealers looking to Recertify will pay $1,699 for the first location and only $500 for additional locations, also up to four locations at a time.

“Providing Certified Dealers with these discounts makes it that much easier for them to get all their locations Certified in a timely manner and keep them Certified into the future,” says Sonja Moseley, MICD Program director. “The savings we now offer on both the MICD Fast Track and Recertification amount to less than half of what the normal program costs would run a dealership to sign up. That creates substantial savings for dealers, both now and in the long run. It’s the program’s way of demonstrating that it strives to make it simple — and affordable— for dealers to get on (and stay on) the Certification path.”

Previously, Certified Dealers that wanted to register multiple locations for the MICD Program had to navigate a cumbersome formula that amounted to receiving $100 off each additional location up to four locations maximum. This capped Certification Program savings at a maximum of $400 per location and applied equally to MICD Fast Track and Recertification candidates.

The new MICD Program multi-location special rate is based on groups of up to four locations, but does not limit the total number of locations that receive discounts. The first location in either a Certification or Recertification pays full price ($2,499 or $1,699) and up to three more locations can Certify or Recertify at the same time for the special rate of $1,000 (Certification) or $500 (Recertification). Dealerships can register and Certify as many locations as they would like, but Certifying in groups of four ensures that the MICD consultant can provide a quality experience.

Dealers interested in learning more about the MICD Program and all the costs savings and benefits that it provides are encouraged to come by the MICD Booth, #302, at the upcoming Marine Dealer Conference & Expo, taking place Nov. 16-19 at the Orange County Convention Center and Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Fla. Here, dealers can speak one-on-one with Certification personnel to get all their questions answered and even sign up to get Certified or Recertified during the event.

A special promotional discount of $200 off Certification or Recertification applies if dealers enroll in the MICD Program on site at MDCE.

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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MICD Program Offers Marine Retailers Incredible ROI

The Marine Industry Certified Dealership Program provides marine retailers across North America with the tools they need to achieve business and operational excellence at their respective dealerships. But the program offers dealers much more than just standards and processes; Certification grants dealerships access to a host of exclusive benefits designed to help them save money, earn money, further their professionalism, and maximize consumer exposure of their MICD status.

Certified Dealerships at any level of the program — Step 1, Step 2 or Five Star — are eligible to partake in benefits like access to leads through the Discover Boating Lead System; discounts on space at all National Marine Manufacturers Association-produced boat shows; business insurance stipends and cash back on premiums; cash back on the sale of extended service agreements; discounts on Professional Yacht Broker certification; and access to free, professionally designed marketing materials.

“Participation in the MICD Program is one of the most important and valuable investments a dealer can make in his or her business,” says Sonja Moseley, MICD Program director. “The benefits retailers can reap as a direct result of becoming a Certified Dealership are completely unique to the program and unavailable anywhere else in the industry. Our goal with Certification is not only to help dealerships run their operations in the most successful and profitable way possible, but also to offer them the tools, collateral and discounts that will serve to further advance their position in the marketplace and help bolster satisfaction and loyalty among customers.”

Certified Dealerships are granted direct access to consumer leads generated through DiscoverBoating.com via the Discover Boating Lead System, which MICDs can access on GrowBoating.org with their username and password. Additionally, MICDs will receive special recognition at any NMMA-produced boat show in the U.S. and Canada, giving them additional visibility among consumers and helping promote their Certified status.

Business insurance often is a big expense for dealers. Insurance giant CNA is helping take a bite out of this cost for MICDs by making Certification Program participants eligible for stipends at each program step, as well as offering up to 10 percent back on premiums for Five Star MICDs.

The CSI and financial benefits that extended service agreements provide dealerships cannot be overstated, and Marine Industry Certified Dealerships are entitled to rebates on the sale of these agreements through American Guardian Warranty Services. AGWS is offering cash-back rebates to MICDs on the sale of its Compass Marine extended service agreements based on three levels of criteria, two of which involve Certification.

Sales personnel at MICDs are able to further enhance their level of industry professionalism by becoming Certified Professional Yacht Brokers at a total savings of $550 per applicant to the CPYB accreditation program. The CPYB designation is the most prestigious mark of excellence for yacht sales professionals throughout North America.

Finally, Certified Dealers have unlimited access to a variety of free, professionally designed marketing materials — including professionally produced videos, press release templates, web and print ads, valuable sales and marketing tips, and more. Among the exclusive benefits, the MICD Best Practices Navigator gives Certified Dealers access to a 100-plus-page compilation of the best practices, strategies and processes that MICDs across North America employ at their respective dealerships to boost customer satisfaction and increase sales.

“The benefits we currently offer Certified Dealers are substantial, and the list is only continuing to grow and expand,” says Moseley. “The MICD Program is committed to making the value proposition for dealers enrolling in the program impossibly high.”

To review the complete list of MICD Program benefits, click here.

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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MRAA Members: Get Valuable Market Data Through CDK Global

For marine dealers, being able to benchmark their businesses against the competition is paramount; and having access to the data required in order to make appropriate market comparisons is key to boosting profits and elevating the bottom line.

Membership in the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas makes it easier than ever for dealers to know where they stand in the marketplace through an exclusive partnership with CDK Global Recreation — formerly ADP Lightspeed — an MRAA Premier Partner and the association’s exclusively endorsed dealer management software provider. The partnership gives MRAA members access to monthly marine market data to see how they compare against other dealers located throughout North America.

The monthly data reports will be housed on the MRAA website for dealer members to view and download. MRAA members also will be eligible for discounts offered by CDK Global for the LightspeedEVO dealership management software.

MRAA members get exclusive access to CDK Global data 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.

“We’re thrilled to partner with CDK on dealership management, giving our members access to valuable market data they can’t get anywhere else” says Matt Gruhn, MRAA president. “Not only does CDK Global Recreation offer an incredible solution on the software side, but it also provides the association with great insight into data that drives the market and many outstanding best practices that CDK has recognized through its work with dealers over the years.”

MRAA and CDK will work to produce an annual “Best Practices” webinar for MRAA members to gain insights into how they can improve dealership processes. MRAA members on the Lightspeed system have free access to Lightspeed’s Parts and Major Unit Locator service, which allows them to search parts inventories of other dealers using Lightspeed. MRAA members can buy and sell obsolete parts or hard-to-sell units simply by tapping Lightspeed’s dealer network.

“We’re excited to work with MRAA and its members to help grow the marine industry,” says Greg Smith, vice president and general manager of CDK Global Recreation. “Our LightspeedEVO dealer management solution will help MRAA member dealers succeed in their businesses. CDK Global Recreation is fully vested in helping marine dealerships succeed by offering software training, business consulting, and world-class support to MRAA members.”

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 About CDK Global Recreation
With nearly $2 billion in revenues and more than 40 years of experience, CDK GlobalTM is the largest global provider of integrated information technology and digital marketing solutions to the automotive retail industry and adjacencies. CDK Global provides solutions in more than 100 countries around the world, serving more than 26,000 retail locations and most automotive manufacturers.CDK Global’s solutions automate and integrate critical workflow processes from pre-sale targeted advertising and marketing campaigns to the sale, financing, insurance, parts supply, repair and maintenance of vehicles, with an increasing focus on using data analytics and predictive intelligence. For more information, visit CDKGlobal.com.

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What’s the Value of Signing Up to Attend the Pre-Conference Workshops at MDCE?

If you’ve already registered to attend this year’s Marine Dealer Conference and Expo, congratulations! You’ve done most of the heavy lifting. Now it’s time to sign up for MDCE’s Pre-Conference Workshops, seven all-new, never-before-held and intimate educational offerings scheduled for Monday, Nov. 17 that give marine retailers access to hands-on training with leading experts in areas that have the biggest impact on their businesses.

This is an incredible opportunity to take your conference attendance to the next level! Workshops are the meatiest part of MDCE, and they represent the best means for you to dig into the core issues that comprise a dealership’s financial and operational success. They’re longer and more in-depth that the Educational Track Sessions, and they’re more interactive. So be prepared to get your hands dirty and dive in head-first!

Don’t wait to register; the Pre-Conference Workshops were extremely popular at last year’s conference, and they’re likely to sell out fast! Here’s a quick run-down of this year’s workshop topics:

• Culture = Cash | by John Spence
Realize what it takes to build and sustain a dealership culture that delivers results

• Back to Sales Basics | by Sam Dantzler
Brush up on fundamentals to improve sales results and generate increased profits

• Don’t Flunk This Test | by Bob McCann & Lisa Buller
Score your dealership’s digital footprint and learn to boost online results

• Shooting and Editing Boat Walk-Through Videos | by Lenny Rudow
Discover tips for shooting and editing walk-through videos on a trailerable boat

• 12 Steps to Protect Your Family and Your Business | by Tom Deans, Ph.D.
Kick off the all-important conversation about succession planning

• Build a Service Dream Team | by Valerie Ziebron
Examine key HR elements necessary to create an outstanding service department

• The Path Forward for Young Professionals | by Tom Deans, Ph.D.
Learn what questions to ask if you’re next in line to assume dealership operations

For more information and to register for Pre-Conference Workshops, click here.