MINNEAPOLIS — The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas announces that MasterCraft Boat Company, a previously existing Standard Partner of the MRAA, has stepped up its commitment this year to Platinum Partner Membership.
Through Platinum Partner Membership, MasterCraft provides significant support for the association while receiving increased marketing exposure, Dealer Week benefits, and the opportunity to contribute educational content. Commitments from Platinum Partners like MasterCraft allows the MRAA to create world-class education and programs for the marine dealer body.
Since 1968, MasterCraft has hand-built its legacy as a pioneer of performance, comfort, quality and innovation. Over the last 55 years, MasterCraft has grown to become the most award-winning towboat manufacturer in the world. But more than awards and accolades, MasterCraft’s passion year after year has been driven by the desire to provide customers with the best experience on the water. With the most extensive lineup in the towboat segment – every boat built is a reflection of MasterCraft’s legacy, and its commitment to precision and progression.
“Having a long-standing Partner and supporter of the MRAA upgrade to the Platinum level is exciting,” says Allison Gruhn, MRAA Vice President of Business Development. “With a legacy of innovation and excellence, MasterCraft’s partnership strengthens our mission to advance the marine industry.”
“This strategic partnership underscores our commitment to supporting both the marine industry and our valued dealer network,” said Greg Miller, MasterCraft VP of Global Sales. “At MasterCraft, we share a steadfast dedication to excellence and a passion for fostering the boating lifestyle. Through this enhanced collaboration with MRAA, we look forward to further championing the growth of our industry, ensuring exceptional on-water experiences for boaters nationwide.”
About MasterCraft Boat Company MasterCraft is a world-renowned innovator, designer, manufacturer, and marketer of premium performance sport boats. Founded in 1968, MasterCraft has cultivated its iconic brand image through a rich history of industry-leading innovation, and more than five decades after the original MasterCraft made its debut, the company’s goal remains the same – to continue building the world’s best ski, wakeboard, wake surf, and luxury performance tow boats. For more information, visit: www.mastercraft.com.
About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, we believe that for the marine industry to thrive, the retail organizations that interact with the boaters in their community must thrive. With that in mind, MRAA works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting those retailers, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, visit MRAA.com or contact us at 763-315-8043.
• Catching up with 2018 Kevin Lodder Scholarship recipient Patrick Green, General Manager, Tobler Marina
Patrick Green, General Manager at Tobler Marina, believes in legacies, caring for people and rapid response. In fact, for this scholarship check-in, he took action and answered within an hour after he received the request. Green, a 2018 Kevin Lodder Scholarship recipient who was recently added to the MRAA Educational Foundation Board, views himself as a student of the marine industry.
Patrick Green, General Manager, Tobler Marina
Q: You have worked at three dealerships since you started in the industry as a teenager. What changes have you seen firsthand in the last 20 years?
Green: A lot of changes with the manufacturers. I’ve always heard about brands going through cycles, but it’s been cool to see it firsthand. You never know who’s coming out with the next big thing, and what brands will squander in the face of change. This goes for the dealers as well. The competitive nature of new models, new products, etc. Lots of technology is being implemented in the dealer space. This is a double-edged sword, in many cases, and can create inefficiencies when dealers succumb to the data-driven systems and lose sight of the people.
Q: You have served as GM at Tobler Marina since 2020, will you describe your typical business day?
Green: My typical day is all over the place, working on landscape projects, customer issues, boat deals, marketing and staffing. Sometimes it’s hard to remember I work with boats! We’ve added roughly 15 employees in the last two years, which is always a challenge to manage and implement new concepts.
Q: Can you reflect on the Spader Total Management 1 Workshop and how it helped you improve in your role at Tobler Marina?
Green: Spader Total Management 1 was a heavy week. I felt like a boomer trying to learn how to use the internet for the first time. After coming back to the dealership, we reviewed the best practices and I still use the 1 Dollar chip daily. Integrating the best practices, we were able to continue to fine-tune existing concepts at a deeper level. This encroached into pay plans, margins, work schedules, etc. It also helped me take the next step through 20 groups and in telling the “story” when it comes to numbers.
Q: How has it influenced your decision-making?
Green: I think anything Spader-based is going to influence decision-making. Often folks will mistakenly take the reactionary standpoint when decisions need to be made. Total Management 1 helps format what’s important at the end of the day, and it really comes down to the people. Anyone can put a bunch of numbers in a box, and say this is how it has to be, but if you don’t support the people, you’ll never get there.
Q: How did the Spader Total Management 1 Workshop and training help you when Seattle Boat Company purchases Tobler Marina late in 2023?
Green: It gave me confidence in our team and our ability to navigate change. An acquisition is never easy, and focusing on fundamentals is all you can rely on. We have changed a lot in the eight months, but those fundamentals are what help drive the ship forward.
Q: You’re a part of the Pacific Northwest marine history as Tobler Marina dates back to the late 1940s. How are you committed to using your training and passion to continue that legacy?
Green: Legacy has always been big for me. It was important for me to find a space that supported a sense of it. I found that at Tobler. Tobler has been unique, as it’s a brand that has changed hands over the years but has been able to retain its identity in the Pacific Northwest for many years. My commitment and what I preach is to live up to that brand and represent it as though it were your own. We do this through our values and people. If you can’t live up to your values, then you’ve got nothing to stand on. We train for this every day.
Patrick Green has seen many personal and professional changes in the last five years, but says he looks forward to continuing to find the path to a sustainable career in the boating industry.
Q: In your experience, a dealership’s efficiency is a critical element in its success, so what tactics have you used from the workshop training to keep yourself and your team on task despite the persisting challenges in the industry?
Green: Support and support roles are huge. Identifying the holes when you get to “read the story” from the data. We did an exercise at our first planning activity this past fall with the new crew from Seattle Boat Company, where we broke down a deck of cards into suits. We used a few different scenarios using more people, less people, talking, no talking, etc. Activities such as this help communicate efficiency to the whole team. It’s one thing if the management team understands efficiency, it’s another thing if the whole staff can “get it.” Creating these senses of urgency is critical and has a lasting impact on the operation as a whole.
Q: What are some reasons why you’re thankful Tobler Marina presented you with the opportunity for the Kevin Lodder Scholarship?
Green: The scholarship was ironically one of the reasons I chose to work at Tobler. Reading through the lines and creating opportunities for oneself is tricky. But understanding where you sit, and how you’re going to get where you want to be, is critical for momentum in any career. It’s easy for folks to get caught up in an environment that doesn’t support training, progression and growth. Moving to Tobler opened the door for me to do those things and, ultimately, the scholarship. I always find it funny when people consider themselves experts in their situations and carry the attitude “been there, done that.” They are usually the ones who end up stagnant and missing out. One of my favorite quotes is, “If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you.”
Q: Why is it vital for marine retailers to nominate or apply for the MRAA Educational Foundation Scholarships?
Green: I’ve always heard the statement, “What if we train this person and they leave?” Well, what if we don’t train this person and they stay? The scholarships are FREE MONEY! — free education and free training. Why wouldn’t you try to take advantage of that? As an owner of a dealership, don’t you want employees who have the drive to learn more? It always surprises me when I hear of dealer principals/owners who discredit the educational opportunities that are available to their staff. So often these leaders seek control rather than opportunity. It’s vital to your own success!
Q: Business aside, what has changed for you over the last five years?
Green: I got married, had a kid and turned 35. I think the biggest change has been adapting to change and becoming a student of the marine industry. Learning more about myself and my motivations. I think prior to this I was always along for the boat ride, but now I’m looking forward to continuing to “read between the lines” and finding the path to a sustainable career in the boating industry.
By Chad Tokowicz, MRAA Government Relations Manager
On Friday, May 24, 2024, the United States Coast Guard released its annual Recreational Boating Statistics report for 2023, marking the 65th edition of this comprehensive analysis. This report is a vital resource for understanding the current state of recreational boating in the United States, providing detailed insights into accident statistics, casualty reporting and vessel registration.
Overall, 2023 represented a decrease in both the number of accidents and fatalities, resulting in 564 total boating fatalities, the lowest number of fatalities since 2013, which reported 560. Here, we will break down the key findings and what they mean for the recreational boating community while highlighting the crucial role that recreational boating safety plays in supporting the growth of our industry.
The 2023 Recreational Boating Statistics report reveals trends that highlight both progress and areas needing improvement in recreational boating safety. The Coast Guard, along with state and territorial partners, compiled and analyzed this data to offer a clear picture of boating activities and safety outcomes over the past year.
Accident Statistics and Causes:
In 2023, there were 3,844 boating accidents, resulting in 564 deaths and 2,126 injuries as well as $63 million in property damage. This represents a slight decrease of 4.9% in accidents and 11.3% in fatalities compared to 2022.
The leading causes of boating accidents continue to be operator inattention, improper lookout, operator inexperience, and excessive speed. Alcohol use remains the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents, accounting for 17% of deaths.
Life Jacket Usage and Drowning:
Detailed casualty reporting has shown that drowning was the cause of death in 75% of all fatalities, with 87% of those victims not wearing a life jacket. This drives home the importance of the National Safe Boating Council’s “Wear It” campaign to promote the use of life jackets.
Importance of Boater Education
Where instruction was known, 75% of deaths occurred on boats where the operator did not receive boating safety instruction. Only 15% percent of deaths occurred on vessels where the operator had received a nationally-approved boating safety education certificate.
MRAA’s Efforts to Support Recreational Boating Safety At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA), we are not only committed to ensuring marine dealers have the tools to improve and bolster their business, we are also dedicated to enhancing the safety and enjoyment of recreational boating. Our initiatives focus on education, safety advocacy, and collaboration with industry partners to promote best practices and safety standards. We know that a safe and competent boater is a confident boater who gets more out of boating, goes boating more often, and will more likely remain a lifelong boater than an unsafe boater.
The MRAA actively engages with policymakers and regulatory bodies to advocate for laws and regulations that enhance boating safety. This includes supporting common-sense boating safety policies like mandatory boater education, and best-practices for various recreational boating activities like wake-surfing and water-skiing. The MRAA government relations team works tirelessly to ensure that the interests of the marine retailer’s community are represented in these discussions. To learn about our efforts to make boating safer in Arizona this year, click here.
Furthermore, the MRAA collaborates with industry stakeholders to launch safety campaigns aimed at raising awareness about key safety issues. Our campaigns focus on promoting sober boating, life jacket usage, and the importance of being prepared for emergencies. One of our key partnerships is with the National Safe Boating Council (NSBC), a coalition dedicated to promoting safe and enjoyable boating through education, outreach, and training. Just last year, Government Relations Manager Chad Tokowicz was appointed to the NSBC Board of Directors. Together, the MRAA and NSBC work on various initiatives, including:
Wear It Campaign: This campaign promotes the use of life jackets by highlighting their importance and encouraging boaters to wear them at all times while on the water.
National Safe Boating Week: An annual event that kicks off the boating season with a focus on safety tips, education, and awareness activities. The MRAA supports this initiative by distributing materials and promoting events through our network.
Lastly, the International Boating and Water Safety Summit (IBWSS) is another opportunity for the MRAA to focus on the importance of recreational boating safety. This summit brings together boating and water safety professionals from around the world to share knowledge, best practices, and advancements in safety protocols. Our involvement includes:
Workshops and Presentations: MRAA representatives participate in and lead various workshops and presentations, sharing insights on industry trends, safety innovations, and effective educational strategies.
Networking and Collaboration: The summit provides an opportunity for us to network with other safety advocates, researchers, and industry leaders, fostering collaborations that enhance our collective efforts in promoting boating safety.
For a more comprehensive overview of our involvement at the IBWSS 2024, click here.
The 2023 Recreational Boating Statistics report is a crucial document for all stakeholders in the boating community, from policymakers and safety advocates to boat owners and operators. While the report shows some positive trends, such as a reduction in the fatality rate, it also highlights ongoing challenges, particularly in the areas of operator behavior and life jacket usage. It is imperative that everyone in the recreational boating industry understand that it is our duty to do what we can to keep others safe while on the water. No effort to inspire safe boating practices is too small, as we will ultimately improve safe recreational boating not with a silver bullet, but with silver buckshot.
By continuing to prioritize safety education and awareness, and through the combined efforts of organizations like the MRAA, the Coast Guard, and our partners like the National Safe Boating Council, we can work towards making recreational boating a safer and more enjoyable activity for everyone.
For more detailed information and to access the full report, visit the Coast Guard’s Boating Safety Division website. Should you have any questions, or want ideas on how you can be a champion for safe boating safety at your business, reach out to Chad Tokowicz, MRAA Government Relations Manager,Chad@mraa.com.
• MRAA and National Marine Manufacturers Association present Representative Cook with prestigious marine advocacy award for his dedication and advancement of boater safety
PHOENIX, ARIZ., May 29, 2024 – The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) and the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) have presented Arizona State Representative David Cook with the Arizona State Legislator of the Year Award for his support of the recreational boating and fishing industry.
Arizona State Representative David L. Cook
Representative Cook was recognized for his leadership in advocating for policies that support the boating industry, protect boaters and create safer environments for everyone on the water. Specifically, Representative Cook has proactively supported the recreational boating and fishing industry through his backing of common-sense boater education policy.
“As a lifetime boat owner just minutes away from fabulous Lake Roosevelt, I am honored to receive the Legislator of the Year Award from the National Marine Manufacturers Association and Marine Retailers Association of the Americas for my work on H.B. 2149,” stated Representative Cook.
Representative Cook, alongside Senator Brian Fernandez, sponsored H.B. 2149: Watercraft operation; minors; safety education. Arizona is one of five states without a state-wide mandate on boater education. H.B. 2149 would have established boater education for those born on or after Jan. 1, 2007, operating a vessel 50 horsepower or higher. The Grand Canyon State is home to more than 126,000 registered boats, boasting $2.2 billion in annual economic impact. Click here to learn more about his efforts.
As Chair of the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, Representative Cook solidified support among colleagues for H.B. 2149. Bringing in both the Arizona Game and Fish Department and Maricopa County Sheriff’s Department, the legislation gained bipartisan support and made it out of committee with a 9-2 vote in favor. When the bill made it to the House floor, Representative Cook continued to gain support for H.B. 2149 with both Republicans and Democrats. H.B. 2149 overwhelmingly passed the House with a 40-17 vote in favor.
The MRAA and NMMA also presented Representative Cook’s Legislative Aide, Caitlin Tillis, with Staffer of the Year for their shared commitment to the Arizona boating community.
“Representative Cook is dedicated to improving the safety of recreational boaters on Arizona’s waterways and believes in the importance of boater education,” said Chad Tokowicz, MRAA Government Relations Manager. “Representative Cook understands the importance of building a strong coalition and worked with various stakeholders throughout the recreational boating community in Arizona ranging from marine retailers to law enforcement to impacted boaters. The MRAA and the NMMA cannot thank Representative Cook enough for his efforts and we are honored to present him the Legislator of the Year Award.”
Representative Cook lives in Globe, Ariz., and since 2017 has represented District 7, which is home to recreational fishing and boating, including Theodore Roosevelt Lake on the Salt River.
About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, we believe that for the marine industry to thrive, the retail organizations that interact with the boaters in their community must thrive. With that in mind, MRAA works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting those retailers, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, visit MRAA.com or contact us at 763-315-8043.
About the Marine Retailers National Marine Manufacturers Association The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is the leading trade organization for the North American recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, marine accessories and gear used by millions of boaters in North America. The association serves its members and their sales and service networks by improving the business environment for recreational boating including providing domestic and international sales and marketing opportunities, reducing unnecessary government regulation, decreasing the cost of doing business, and helping grow boating participation. As the largest producer of boat and sport shows in the U.S., NMMA connects the recreational boating industry with the boating consumer year-round. Learn more at www.nmma.org and get engaged with us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Boating safety is a prime topic. As a dealership, it’s rewarding to offer your expertise to help boaters understand the best safety practices in boating and avoid common mistakes. Discover Boating, in partnership with Progressive® Insurance, has made this touchpoint even easier with its Top Safe Boating Tips series.
From seating protocols to risky behaviors to carbon monoxide (CO) safety and more, Video Host and Discover Boating Ambassador Monica Puentes guides viewers through these top safe-boating tips and stars as the video’s safety educator. She offers eight total tips.
Avoid jumping off docks, moving boats and hanging off the boat’s side/back.
When swimming, avoid boats in motion, running engines and exhaust.
Read all boat warning labels and the owner’s manual to follow operational safety.
Maintain all fuel-burning engines and appliances.
Swim and play away from engine exhaust.
Never block exhaust outlets.
Regularly test and replace all CO detectors on the boat.
Dock 20 feet or more from boats with running generators or engines.
Watch the complete video here:
As a marine retailer and industry stakeholder, you can share Discover Boating’s Top Safe Boating Tips with customers on your social media feeds, in your newsletter and to connect with clients without added sales pressure. Like this scenario: “Hey, John Customer, I’m happy to hear you’re planning to join the July Fourth boat parade with your new boat. Here are some videos to keep everyone safe. We will see you there!”
Puentes concludes Video No. 3 with this thoughtful statement, “The water is for everyone to enjoy, so let’s keep it safe!” To help your customers stay safe, here is the list of 2024 videos (get 2023 videos here) within the Discover Boating Top Safe Boating Tips video series:
MINNEAPOLIS — The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas announces that Blazer Boats has joined the MRAA for the first time at the Platinum Partner level.
Through Platinum Partner Membership, Blazer Boats provide significant support for the association while receiving increased marketing exposure, Dealer Week benefits and the opportunity to contribute educational content. Commitments from Platinum Partners like Blazer allow the MRAA to continue to create world-class education and programs for the marine dealer body.
Blazer Boats, headquartered in Pensacola, Fla., is a family owned business started by Lonnie and Keith Craft in 1978. They began with a small line of boats that has since grown to a full line of inshore and near-shore bay boats. Blazer Boats boasts high-quality combined with high-performance specially designed with the angler in mind. Their motto, “high-performance boats for high-performance anglers” is what drives the vision for all Blazer models.
“The MRAA proudly welcomes Blazer Boats as our newest Platinum Partner,” says Allison Gruhn, VP of Business Development. “This alliance fortifies our mission to deliver unparalleled education and support to marine dealers globally.”
About Blazer Boats Blazer Boats is dedicated to delivering high quality, good value new bay boats and bass boats that meet and exceed our customers’ expectations. We have developed industry-leading techniques and procedures that assure the strongest and most durable boats on the market. Our goal is to build top-quality bass fishing boats at reasonable prices, and to provide the best customer service possible. For more information, visit https://www.blazerboats.com/ or contact us at 850-478-2290.
About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, we believe that for the marine industry to thrive, the retail organizations that interact with the boaters in their community must thrive. With that in mind, MRAA works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting those retailers, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, visit MRAA.com or contact us at 763-315-8043.
WASHINGTON, D.C., MAY 28, 2024 – The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas Government Relations Team recently participated in the Small Business Legislative Council (SBLC) fly-in in Washington to discuss small business issues impacting recreational boat dealers and potential regulatory hurdles in the future. Government Relations Director Mike Sayre and Government Relations Manager Chad Tokowicz discussed pressing issues impacting the organization and its members, including:
The troublesome implementation of the Corporate Transparency Act;
The small business benefits of the House-passed Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024;
The risk of allowing a lapse in beneficial small business provisions within the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.
“This was a great opportunity to get to know other members of the Small Business Legislative Council and share our own issues and concerns with other small business trade associations,” said Sayre. “The diversity of industries represented as well as the expertise brought together by the SBLC will be a great asset for the MRAA and its members going forward.”
The MRAA joined the SBLC in 2024 to increase its focus on issues impacting small businesses like taxes and regulatory requirements. The fly-in also builds stronger relations on Capitol Hill in advance of large-scale tax legislation that will be forthcoming in 2025. The Small Business Legislative Council established its top advocacy priorities for 2024:
Support the repeal of the Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”) or, at the least, support modifications that ease the regulatory compliance burdens on small business.
Support the passage of the 2024 tax bill entitled Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024 (H.R. 7024). Specifically, support for the business tax provisions of Title II of H.R. 7042, which provide for R&D benefits as well as extended bonus depreciation with increased limits on business expensing for certain assets.
Support the tax working groups of Congress as they prepare for the expiring provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA). Specifically, the SBLC supports the renewal of the Qualified Business Income Deduction (199A) and extensions of the provisions related to business succession planning (e.g., increased estate and gift tax limitations).
“Spending time on Capitol Hill with the SBLC ensures that lawmakers and their staff are getting input from a wide variety of industries on topics which ultimately impact our members as small businesses,” said Tokowicz. “With Section 199A small business deduction and lower pass-through rates set to sunset at the end of 2025, and the imminent deadline of CTA Compliance, the MRAA joined the SBLC at a perfect time to increase our focus on issues impacting dealers’ bottom line.”
The following SBLC representatives were in attendance:
Jim Johnson, National Electrical Manufacturers Representatives Association
Trey Hankins, Hankins Lumber (member of the Southeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association)
Beth Hutchins, Flippo Lumber (member of the Southeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association)
Stacy Walters, Rex Lumber (member of the Southeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association)
Nancy Cueroni, National Marine Distributors Association & Outdoor Power Equipment and Engine Service Association
Roy Littlefield IV, Tire Industry Association
Jason Ortega, National Wooden Pallet and Container Association
Matt Poe, Southeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association
Mike Sayre, Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
Eric Snyder, Specialty Equipment Market Association
Charlie Souhrada, North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers
Chad Tokowicz, Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
Gabriella Ybarra, National Wooden Pallet and Container Association
The May 2024 fly-in of the SBLC to Washington, D.C., furthered SBLC and MRAA priorities by connecting with congressional offices and committee staff who have jurisdiction over the priority areas. Below is an overview of the meetings:
Senate Small Business Committee – Meeting with staff for the Minority (R)
Senate Small Business Committee – Meeting with staff for the Majority (D)
Office of Senator Rick Scott (FL) – Meeting with Legislative Director and Staff
Office of the House Majority Leader – Meeting with Policy Director
Office of the Speaker of the House – Meeting with Coalitions Director
Office of Congressman Davidson (OH) – Meeting with the Congressman
(Left) Members of the SBLC in the Hart Senate Office Building before entering Senator Scott’s Office. (Right) Members of the SBLC in the United States Capitol where we met with representatives for both the Speaker’s Office and the Majority Leader’s Office.
The primary focus of the fly-in centered on the aforementioned priorities, but Sayre and Tokowicz highlighted other issues impacting the recreational boating industry, including the proposed Right Whale Vessel Speed Rule, workforce issues and Research and Development Tax Credits. The MRAA will continue to work with the SBLC to advocate on behalf of marine retailers and other small businesses in the recreational boating industry.
Be on the lookout for additional blogs, webinars and other information pertaining to small business issues. The SBLC will host a webinar about Corporate Transparency Act compliance, — free for MRAA Members — so please email Chad Tokowicz, if you would like to be notified for this event.
About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, we believe that for the marine industry to thrive, the retail organizations that interact with the boaters in their community must thrive. With that in mind, MRAA works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting those retailers, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, visit MRAA.com or contact us at 763-315-8043.
About the Small Business Legislative Council The Small Business Legislative Council (SBLC) is an independent, permanent coalition of trade and professional associations that share a common concern for the future of small business and privately owned business. The purpose of SBLC is twofold: First, to consolidate the strength and maximize the influence of business on Federal legislative and regulatory policy issues of importance to the entire small business community; second, to disseminate information on the impact of public policy on small business.
WASHINGTON, D.C., May 28, 2024 – In a meeting with the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) and the Association of Marina Industries (AMI) formally requested the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) withdraw its proposed amendments to the North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule. The associations advocated for reopening the docket to gather additional public comments on alternative measures that effectively mitigate whale strikes without compromising boater safety and the coastal economy.
In a letter addressed to Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and in comments during the meeting itself, MRAA and AMI emphasized the significant detrimental impact the proposed rule would have on the recreational boating and fishing industry, with a particular focus on marine retailers and marinas. The current rule proposes a 10-knot speed restriction for vessels, a measure that both associations argue is not only ineffective but also poses substantial safety risks and economic burdens. To read the letter, click here.
Mike Sayre, MRAA Director of Government Relations
“The proposed 10-knot speed limit severely underestimates the economic impact on small businesses and the broader coastal economy,” stated Mike Sayre, MRAA Director of Government Relations. “Our survey indicates that the rule could result in an annual economic loss exceeding $2 billion for marine dealers, brokers and marinas along the Atlantic coast. This is far greater than the $46 million impact estimated by NMFS and our survey doesn’t take into account the impact on marine manufacturers, the recreational fishing industry, nor the coastal communities that rely on boaters as an economic driver.”
During the meeting, the associations presented survey data showing potential losses in sales, services and dockage revenues, emphasizing that many recreational and commercial boating activities would become untenable under the proposed rule. Furthermore, the associations also highlighted shortcomings with NMFS’s initial economic impact assessment and urged that NMFS expand its analysis to better consider the impact on marine retailers and marinas.
“In our meeting we strongly critiqued NMFS for missing the mark with their Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis, keeping in mind that our job is to ensure that the interests of dealers are not being overlooked, and key decision makers understand how the proposed rule will negatively impact our members,” said Chad Tokowicz, MRAA Government Relations Manager. “Our message centered on the deficiencies of the IRFA and the unconsidered effects on thousands of marine tradesmen and women. The entire focus of our meeting hinged on the fact that the impact to recreational boat dealers was not properly taken into account, and we are fighting to ensure that the agency is held accountable for what the economic numbers demonstrate is a gross oversight.”
NMFS’s initial estimate that this rule would result in an economic impact of only $46 million per year was based solely on its estimate of “delayed transit hours” for impacted vessels, which completely ignores the impacts to MRAA and AMI members. Unfortunately, this is an estimate of only a single and likely the smallest facet of the vast economic impact of the proposed rule, and our associations are demanding that NOAA re-do their Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (IRFA) to capture the impact more accurately for our members.
As the proposed rule continues to make its way through the regulatory review process be sure to stay alert for further updates and potential calls to action. The rule is at a critical juncture in the review process and there may be further opportunities for MRAA Members to provide important insights as we enter the final stage of the review process. If you have any questions about the proposed rule, the OIRA process, or how the MRAA Government Relations team is working for you, please do not hesitate to reach out to Chad Tokowicz, MRAA Government Relations Manager, at Chad@mraa.com.
About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, we believe that for the marine industry to thrive, the retail organizations that interact with the boaters in their community must thrive. With that in mind, MRAA works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting those retailers, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, visit MRAA.com or contact us at 763-315-8043.
About AMI: The Association of Marina Industries (AMI) is a leading organization representing over 1,000 marinas, boatyards, and marine dealers worldwide. AMI supports its members through advocacy, education, and promoting best practices in marina management.
• MRAA Ask the Expert Webinar with Ian Wyatt, Huntington Distribution Finance
The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas will hold a new Ask the Expert Webinarfocused on understanding the American consumer and the impact of interest rates on buying decisions. The webinar features industry expert Ian Wyatt, Director of Economics and Commercial Market Strategist at Huntington Distribution Finance, an MRAA Education Champion. Wyatt, who is known for his ability to make complex economic concepts accessible and relatable, will lead an interactive session to provide marine dealers with valuable insights into consumer behavior and the current and projected interest rate environment.
Marine retailers are encouraged to attend and engage in a lively discussion, ask questions, and connect with industry peers to gain a comprehensive understanding of the factors shaping your customers’ purchasing decisions.
MRAA Ask the Expert Webinar Learning Objectives:
Understand the current mindset and status of American consumers in the marine market.
Analyze how interest rates are impacting consumer buying decisions.
Participate in an interactive conversation with an economist who understands the marine industry.
Gain insights into reasons for confidence in today’s economy.
Identify key indicators that can signal caution for your business.
Enhance your ability to monitor economic factors that influence your dealership’s strategy.
Marine dealers will gain the knowledge and tools needed to effectively navigate consumer behavior and interest rate fluctuations.
POWAY, Calif. (May 22, 2024) – National Powersport Auctions (NPA), the leading provider of powersports remarketing and auction services, has developed two new positions to better serve its RV and Marine clients. In In Florida, NPA welcomes Shannon Bennett as the RV+Marine Sales and Admin Coordinator, and in Georgia, Tom Wilkinson an employee since 2005, is now the Production Supervisor for RV+Marine and Specialty Product.
Shannon Bennett, RV+Marine Sales and Admin Coordinator
Bennett Brings Performance Bennett is an outdoor enthusiast who brings diverse skills and experience within relatable industries such as the automotive and trailer businesses. She has no fear of adventure, from jet skiing to skydiving. Her fondest outdoor memories are of a 28-foot Bayliner named “Nauti Girl” she captained in Lake Erie. “Life is crazy, but having fun in life is what makes it all worthwhile. The people I have met within the powersports industry know what that’s about,” said Bennett.
Bennett has over a decade of working in financial institutions and banks. She stated, “My sales and logistics background has equipped me with the ability to coordinate complex operations seamlessly. With my dedication to exceptional customer service, I am well-prepared to significantly impact the powersports field.” In this newly formed position, Bennett can utilize her diverse skillset and background to contribute to the growth and expansion of the NPA RV+Marine division.
“Increasing the RV+Marine staff, will allow us to serve our lenders, OEMs and dealers better. I’m thrilled to have Shannon helping with the logistics and communications. She’s a great addition to the team,” said Matt Amata, NPA Vice President of RV and Marine.
Tom Wilkinson, Production Supervisor for RV+Marine and Specialty Product
Wilkinson Steps Up “Tom has been with NPA for almost 20 years and is an asset to the team. I am excited to see him take off in this new role,” said Jeff Kinney, NPA Vice President of Operations.
Wilkinson’s Pre-Delivery Inspector and Service Writer experience paved the way for him to be instrumental in NPA’s data collection and processing. He has fine-tuned the world-renowned NPA Condition Reports to cater to the unique attributes of both RVs and boats. “I am looking forward to being a part of the team that is working so hard to build the RV+Marine division and a program that becomes the new industry standard,” said Wilkinson.
As NPA’s RV and Marine service expands, we have a dedicated team to assist you. For RV and Marine dealer sales and coordination, you can reach out to Shannon Bennett at 863-308-0748 or SBennett@npauctions.com. If you’re interested in consignment or defleeting of RV and marine products, please get in touch with Matt Amata at mamata@npauctions.com or 858-430-8476.
About National Powersport Auctions Established in 1990, National Powersport Auctions (NPA) is the world’s leading provider of powersport vehicle remarketing services. NPA’s nationwide footprint serves the industry’s largest financial institutions, manufacturers, and dealers through their premier live and online selling platforms. NPA offers comprehensive data services, including the NPA Value Guide™, the industry’s most accurate wholesale valuation tool. NPA has company-owned and staffed facilities in California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Texas. NPA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Copart, Inc (Nasdaq: CPRT). For more information about NPA, visit: www.npauctions.com.
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