MINNEAPOLIS — The Young Leaders Advisory Council, (YLAC) a group dedicated to moving the MRAA forward into an even stronger network of marine industry professionals, has announced Josh Vallely, Sales Manager at Vallely Sport & Marine, as Chairman of YLAC. Vallely replaces Ryan Hebert, now the immediate past chairman, and sees great potential for YLACs future.
“I am very excited to assume the Chairman role of the Young Leaders Advisory Counsel, and for YLAC in the year ahead,” says Josh Vallely, Chairman of YLAC. “2014 is going to be a great year. YLAC plans to create a strong network of talented like-minded individuals who are dedicated to moving the marine industry forward with new initiatives, benefits and technologies, through strategic outreach efforts. The YLAC group and its initiatives represent the future of the marine industry, and it is an honor to have the opportunity to lead such a bright group.”
YLAC consists of 11 marine industry professionals, all under the age of 40, who have had at least 7 years experience in the marine industry. This group is driven by a mission to provide information and recommendations to the MRAA board on matters pertaining to the development and enhancement for the association. It also manages a young leaders networking group for young professionals on the rise to get involved with the marine industry outside their respective business. YLAC seeks applications from qualified candidates between the months of June and July.
“Drawing ideas and perspective from YLAC is a critical component to the success of MRAA and the industry at large,” by Matt Gruhn, President of the MRAA. “The next-generation thinking that YLAC provides has helped move the MRAA forward into new areas of marketing, communication, attracting new people to the industry and many others. We are thrilled to see this group grow and become more visible throughout the industry.”
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
MINNEAPOLIS — The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas has partnered with ARI to offer MRAA members an exclusive series of educational webinars, designed to help marine dealers sell more boats by maximizing their return on investment in digital marketing and de-mystifying today’s technology tools. “Having the right technology tools in place is just part of the equation,” says ARI’s Director of Client Education, Bob McCann. “This series will give marine retailers the knowledge they need to get the most out of their technology and master digital marketing best practices.” The first webinar in the series, “How to Increase Boat Show Sales,” is scheduled for Friday, January 10, at 11:30 a.m EST. MRAA members can click here to register. The session will be archived for online playback after its live recording. Marine dealers who attend all eight sessions in the series will earn an MRAA/ARI Marketing Masters Certificate. “MRAA is committed to helping our members adapt to the changing marketplace,” says MRAA Director of Education Liz Walz. “Digital marketing is one of the fastest evolving areas of dealer operations and a critical ingredient in marine retail success. We’re thrilled to partner with ARI to provide MRAA members with expert insight into this key topic throughout 2014.” 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 About ARI
ARI Network Services, Inc. (ARI) (NASDAQ: ARIS)offers award-winning eCommerce and eCatalog platforms, lead management tools and digital marketing services that help dealers, equipmentmanufacturers and distributors in selected vertical markets Sell More Stuff!™– online and in-store. Our innovative products are powered by a proprietary data repository of enriched original equipment and aftermarket content that spans more than 10.5 million active part and accessory SKUs, 469,000 models and $1.7 billion in retail product value.Weremove the complexity of selling and servicing new and used vehicle inventory, parts, garments and accessories (PG&A) for customers in the automotive tire and wheel, powersports, outdoor power equipment, marine, recreational vehicles and white goods industries. More than 22,000 equipment dealers, 195 distributors and 140 manufacturers worldwide leverage our web and eCatalog platforms to Sell More Stuff!™. For more information on ARI, visit investor.arinet.com. Key dealers hear detailed plans for expanded manufacturing, process improvements ELKHART, IN, December 18, 2013 —Surrounded by key members of Nautic Global Group’s national dealer network, CEO Jim Malone laid out a comprehensive new vision for the company and answered questions on a wide range of topics during a “fireside chat” December 13 in South Bend, Indiana. The event, which was moderated by MRAA President Matt Gruhn, was designed as a personal way for Malone to energize dealers with specifics about plans for expanding manufacturing capacities, improving processes, and for sharing specific changes at the company designed to quickly tackle issues that may develop. It was also an opportunity to introduce dealers and the boating media to NGG’s new leadership team. “I was really impressed listening to Jim, because he carries a lot of passion,” said Dan Higgins of Hamlin’s Marina in Hampden, Maine. “I feel like he’s honest, and he speaks directly to the issues. The boating industry has its unique challenges, but I think he can draw on his past experiences to make NGG an industry leader.” With leading brands such as Hurricane Deck Boats, Godfrey Pontoons, Rinker Express Cruisers and Captiva Sport Boats, Polar Kraft Aluminum Fishing Boats, and Parti Kraft Pontoons, Nautic Global Group is well positioned in a number of different categories, according to Malone. “These brands have an amazing heritage, and we’re simply taking the next exciting steps to plan out the future for the company,” Malone said. “We’re lucky enough to be growing quickly, and we want our dealer partners to have a voice in where we go from here. Our greatest asset is our dealer network. They build the value in our brands. It’s our job — my job —to listen and respond to issues quickly.” Although the event was attended by a select group of dealers from around the country, the wider national and international dealer network was invited to submit questions via email. “In the pontoon (and deck boat) segments, we’re seeing more and more customers come on board,” said Steve Seuss of Rockingham Boat in Hampstead, New Hampshire. “(NGG) is trying to grow, they have the opportunity to do so, and we’re all on the same page. That’s really exciting for us going forward.” Gruhn, former Editor and Publisher of Boating Industry, kept the conversation moving, while deftly managing remote inquiries, along with questions from dealers in attendance. “I was impressed by the open and honest format of this conversation,” Gruhn said. “Jim Malone’s candor clearly impressed the dealers in attendance, and from what I could gather, they are excited about the changes taking place at Nautic Global Group.” Click here to view a 7-minute overview of the event. Click here to view the session in its entirety (approximately one hour). About Nautic Global Group With industry-leading products including Hurricane Deck Boats, Rinker Express Cruisers and Captiva Sport Boats, Godfrey Pontoon Boats (Sanpan, Aqua Patio and Sweetwater), Polar Kraft Aluminum Fishing Boats and Parti Kraft Pontoon Boats, Nautic Global Group proudly builds a “boat for every passion” and is one of the largest boat manufacturers in the U.S. For more information on the company and its brands, visit www.NauticGlobalGroup.com. MINNEAPOLIS – Rallee Chupich, co-owner, Gordy’s Lakefront Marine Inc., Fontana, Wis., was named the 2013 Darlene Briggs Woman of the Year during a luncheon Nov. 20 at the Marine Dealer Conference & Expo. The honor is given annually to an outstanding woman in the marine industry. A 30-plus year veteran of the boat business, Chupich has served in a wide variety of roles at the dealership, from ski instructor and service manager to owner and COO of Gordy’s Boat House, its restaurant and bar. Additionally, she has been involved in numerous community organizations, including the Lake Geneva Chamber of Commerce, the Fontana Park Commission, and the Geneva Lake Conservancy. “As a business, community and industry leader, as well as mother, wife, teacher and athlete, Chupich truly embodies the spirit with which the Darlene Briggs Woman of the Year Award was created,” says Liz Walz, Executive Director, MRAA Educational Foundation. “Her passion for the marine business, the boating lifestyle and Gordy’s in particular is immediately apparent to all who meet her.” The recipient of the Darlene Briggs Woman of the Year Award demonstrates leadership and commitment to the boating business. Recipients also must show a willingness to volunteer their time and effort in their communities and social organizations. This award was established in 1987 in honor of Darlene Briggs of Wayzata Marine, who exemplified these qualities, serving as the first retail marine saleswoman in Minnesota and the first female member of her state marine trades association. It is sponsored by Boating Industry and the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas. At the event, Boating Industry’s national sales director, Kathy Johnson, introduced the 2012 Darlene Briggs Award Winner, Debbie Meigs of Cobalt Boats, who presented the award. Past recipients include: Jewell “Julie” Crowe of Crowe Marine; Barbara Woodard of Woodard Marine; Nancy Smith of Colorado Boat Center; Ann Baldree of Marine Products Corp.; Marcia Kull of Volvo Penta; Joan Maxwell of Regulator Marine Inc.; Kris Carroll of Grady-White Boats, Inc.; Lynn Fiorenzano of Silver Spring Marine; and Maureen Dickson of Cap Sante Marine. For more information, visit the Darlene Briggs Woman of the Year web page: www.mraa.com/DarleneBriggsAward. Please contact Liz Walz with any questions at 315-692-4533 or liz@mraa.com. About the 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 www.MRAA.com/MRAAFoundation. 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 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
MINNEAPOLIS — Aric Chaltry of Nestegg Marine has been selected as the recipient of the first annual Duane Spader Leadership Development Scholarship. The scholarship was presented to Chaltry on Wednesday, Nov. 20 during the Marine Dealer Conference & Expo Awards Luncheon. During the presentation of the award, MRAA Educational Foundation Board Member Jeff Siems of Blue Springs Marine shared the story of how Chaltry came to work for his mentor and father-in-law at Nestegg Marine, as well as his aspirations to one day run the business. “I watch my father-in-law work many hours to grow his business and how proud he is to have me working for him,” wrote Chaltry. “If only I can do this in the future and follow the example he set.” The Duane Spader Leadership Development Scholarship was founded by Spader Business Management and the MRAA Educational Foundation in 2013 to honor the marine industry service of Spader founder Duane Spader, as well as his leadership philosophy of life-long learning. The recipient receives full tuition to attend the Spader Leadership Development Program, valued at $14,875. Applicants must be employees of a Marine Retailers Association of the Americas retail member. “The Spader Business Management team is delighted to welcome Aric Chaltry into our Leadership Development Program,” says David Spader, the program’s principal trainer. “As an aspiring dealership principal, we are confident that Aric will learn skills and insight that will have a significant impact on his personal and professional development for years to come.” The Spader Leadership Development Program is a 15- to 18-month program for current and future leaders that involves five three-day sessions in Sioux Falls, S.D. In between sessions, participants are tasked with putting what they’ve learned to work in their dealership and tracking the results of those efforts. “The MRAA Educational Foundation is thrilled at the industry’s response to this first-year program,” says Liz Walz, MRAA Educational Foundation Executive Director. “The scholarship represents an incredible opportunity for members, and as a result, is a powerful tool for the foundation as it works to create a strong and healthy boating industry.” For more information, visit the Duane Spader Leadership Development Scholarship web page: www.mraa.com/DuaneSpaderScholarship. Please contact Liz Walz with any questions 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 www.MRAA.com/MRAAFoundation. 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
MINNEAPOLIS — Lynette Santomenna of Race City Marine, Mooresville, N.C., and Michael Przybyla of Rivett’s Marine, Old Forge, N.Y., were recently selected as recipients of 2013 Kevin Lodder Scholarships. The scholarships were presented by MRAA Educational Foundation Board Member Matt Lodder of Lodder’s Marine on Wednesday, Nov. 20 during the Marine Dealer Conference & Expo Awards Luncheon. The Kevin Lodder Scholarship Fund, which was founded in memory of Kevin Lodder of Lodder’s Marine in Fairfield, Ohio, provides a full scholarship to attend a week-long Spader Business Management Total Management 1 Workshop to an employee of a Marine Retailers Association of the Americas retail member. “The strength and number of applications the MRAA Educational Foundation received for the Kevin Lodder Scholarship this year was incredible,” said Liz Walz, the foundation’s Executive Director. “As a result, the board of directors voted to hand out two scholarships, thus doubling the impact of this year’s scholarship program.” The first of the recipients helped her husband launch a boat dealership operation five years ago, while juggling a full-time job at an area law firm. It involved many late nights at the kitchen table building a website and marketing platform, and weekends helping customers at the shop and at boating events in their local community. The two of them have been building the business from the ground up, and now Lynette Santomenna has given notice at the law firm so she can join the business full-time. She is excited to put what she learns at the Spader Total Management 1 Workshop to work to grow their dealership. The second recipient, Michael Przybyla, has lived the boating lifestyle since he was a young kid, spending summers at his family’s camp on the lake. His marine industry career began as an area dockhand, and he quickly grew to love the marina. He applied that passion and became the Service Manager after only six years, and in one year, he will complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. His goal is to one day own the business. “There is more to owning a marina than the transfer of ownership,” he wrote in his scholarship application. “Taking the reigns of a company that has been in business for 108 years is a stewardship. It’s maintaining loyal customers who have been coming to you for generations after generations, while continuing to build relationships with new ones. I believe that the opportunity to attend Spader’s workshop will significantly help me to achieve my goal of effectively leading this organization.” The Total Management Workshop details skills that will increase profits, stability and growth for the dealership. Attendees leave the workshop with a clear set of principles, processes and tools to take their company to new levels of performance and profitability. Any employee of an MRAA dealership member is eligible to apply for the Kevin Lodder Scholarship, which is valued at nearly $3,800. The scholarship includes the registration fee for the workshop ($2,995) and a travel allowance of $800. For more information, visit the Kevin Lodder Scholarship web page: www.MRAA.com/KevinLodderScholarship. Please contact Liz Walz with any questions 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 www.MRAA.com/MRAAFoundation. 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
MINNEAPOLIS — The Landing School and the WTI Foundation have been selected as recipients of 2013 MRAA Technical Scholarships. The scholarships were announced by MRAA Educational Foundation President Ed Lofgren of 3A Marine, Inc. on Wednesday, Nov. 20 during the Marine Dealer Conference & Expo Awards Luncheon. “To grow the boating business, we need to attract men and women who are smart, passionate and hard working to the marine trades,” says Lofgren. “The foundation is our strategy for ensuring that the best students training for a career in our industry have the financial support they need to complete their education and enter the workforce.” The MRAA Technical Scholarship Fund was founded to offer financial assistance for technical training of dealership personnel and was initially underwritten by the OMC Foundation. For several years, the foundation has used this scholarship to support the Landing School and Wyotech, though its WTI Foundation, by providing a $3,000 scholarship to each organization. These funds are specifically earmarked for a deserving student who is studying the marine trades. “Even at the slow pace with which our industry has been recovering from the recession, we continue to hear of marine retailers who are struggling to find qualified marine technicians,” says Liz Walz, the foundation’s Executive Director. “With the industry’s support, there is so much more we can do to encourage students to build a future in the boating business.” For more information, visit the MRAA Technical Scholarship web page: www.mraa.com/TechnicalScholarships. Please contact Liz Walz with any questions 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 www.MRAA.com/MRAAFoundation. 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
Forward progress was made yesterday, in our opposition against an increase in the ethanol blend, with Senator Feinstein’s floor statement that introduced the Cord Ethanol Mandate Elimination Act. This legislation would eliminate the Federal corn ethanol mandate from the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Please find the floor statement and a copy of the Corn Ethanol Mandate Elimination Act here. The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas works closely with our lobbyist in D.C. to protect the interests of marine retailers. ELKHART, IN — Nautic Global Group Chairman of the Board and CEO James (Jim) R. Malone will host a fireside chat on Friday, Dec. 13, to share his new vision for the company. The event, which will be attended by key NGG dealers, will be moderated by Matt Gruhn, President of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas. “These are exciting times in the marine industry and for Nautic Global Group,” said Malone. “With one of the strongest dealer networks, a perfectly positioned stable of brands, and a team of motivated and experienced boat builders, we have a new vision and a renewed sense of optimism. I’m anxious to share this vision with our dealers and show them our plans for expansion, improved efficiencies, and ultimately for increasing our collective profitability.” Gruhn is a well-respected industry veteran who is known for his dealer-focused drive to develop best practices, encourage collaboration, and his “big-picture” view of the industry as the former Editor and Publisher of Boating Industry, and now in his current role with MRAA. A select group of dealers from around the country will be in attendance with Mr. Malone and Mr. Gruhn, and will come prepared to ask questions, including those submitted by the broader NGG dealer network. “I’m honored to be asked to be a part of such an important conversation,” said Gruhn. “There has been a definite positive shift at Nautic Global Group in just the last few months, and the revitalized energy is contagious. I look forward to helping to guide this dialogue, and share this message with the entire NGG dealer network. Ultimately, this could be a touchstone event for the entire industry.” Among the topics expected to be on the agenda are the company’s operational expansion plans, investments in quality control improvements, product development, and a discussion about the leadership team in place and their collective vision and priorities. “This is a company with terrific products, great ideas and a strong financial foundation,” Malone said. “The future is bright, and I believe this is the perfect way to tell that story.” MRAA joined with an impressive list of 43 other organizations in a letter to the House Budget Committee, as it went to conference on a Budget Resolution, to consider a strategy to reduce spending by promoting privatization of certain government services. Privatization includes vouchers, asset sales, contracting out, divestiture, franchising, concessions, and public-private partnerships as outlined in a publication of the General Accounting Office, Terms Related to Privatization Activities and Processes published in July, 1997. Implementation of such privatization policies and processes have helped many other national governments around the world, as well as state governors balance budgets and hold the line on taxes while creating private sector jobs, increase government efficiencies and lower the costs of services. I can help you navigate the site, find resources, and answer dealership questions. Feel free to type your question below or select one of the options to get started!MRAA teams up with ARI to present Digital Marketing Master Series
Positive Reaction To Nautic Global Group CEO’s Fireside Chat
Rallee Chupich named 2013 Darlene Briggs Woman of the Year
Aric Chaltry selected as Duane Spader Scholarship recipient
Two recipients selected for Kevin Lodder Scholarship
MRAA Technical Scholarships awarded to two marine schools
Corn Ethanol Mandate Elimination Act
Nautic Global Group CEO to share new vision for company
MRAA Asks Congress to Support Privatization to Reduce the Budget and Increase Competition
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