MINNEAPOLIS — Global Marine Insurance Agency, an insurance agency specializing in the marine industry, has renewed as a Partner Member with the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas.
“We are very proud to have always served boating and marine businesses for the past 25 years,” says Matt Anderson, President of Global Marine Insurance. “Developing strong relationships with marine industry organizations, such as the one we have with the Marine Retailers Association, is something we find a great deal of value in.”
Global Marine Insurance Agency, out Traverse City, MI, is privately owned and solely dedicated to providing insurance coverage to the marine industry nationwide. It offers a number of insurance products, including all types of pleasure craft from PWC’s to Super Yachts, wit its commercial department handling marina & dealer risks, charter fleets and passenger vessels.
“Global Marine’s history of helping the marine industry is very similar to the goals of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas,” says Matt Gruhn, President of MRAA. “We are pleased to have, and to continue developing, this relationship with Global Marine Insurance Agency. Their renewed support of the MRAA demonstrates their commitment to the marine dealer body.”
About Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas is the only association dedicated to furthering the interests of boat and engine dealers and other marine-related retailers throughout North America. Under the umbrella of MRAA Rewards, the MRAA offers a host of cost-saving, revenue-generating, business-improvement, and professional-development benefits exclusively for its members. MRAA is the united voice of marine retailers. For more information, visit
MINNEAPOLIS — Priority One Financial Services, a retail F&I outsource company for recreational and commercial dealers, has renewed its Premier Partner membership with the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas. “We are deeply vested in the success of the marine industry, which is why we continue to strengthen our relationship with the MRAA as it continues to strengthen its stature as a resource for today’s dealers,” says Heather Mariscal, President of Priority One. “Our end-goal here at Priority One is to help boat dealers sell boats. We don’t want dealers to waste opportunities with a customer. Providing numerous solutions like we do allows us to help marine retailers control costs and relieve the hassles that can be found with securing retail financing on their own.” Priority One, out of St. Petersburg, Florida, started in 1987 operating strictly in the marine industry. Today, there is still a major focus on the marine industry, providing dealers with financial services. Services range from F&I solutions and customer insurance to equipment financing. Priority One provides dealers with multiple lenders and customers with specialized finance and insurance packages. “The dealer-centric approach that Priority One presents in its F&I solutions is something that is exciting for the growth of marine retailers,” says Matt Gruhn, President of MRAA. “The company’s partnership with the MRAA serves to strengthen its relationship with dealers and the marine industry at large, and the resources they continue to provide to retailers through their publication of the MRAA’s Regulatory Compliance Guide, or their presentations at the Marine Retail Universities underscores Priority One’s commitment to today’s dealers.” About Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas is the only association dedicated to furthering the interests of boat and engine dealers and other marine-related retailers throughout North America. Under the umbrella of MRAA Rewards, the MRAA offers a host of cost-saving, revenue-generating, business-improvement, and professional-development benefits exclusively for its members. MRAA is the united voice of marine retailers. For more information, visit
MINNEAPOLIS –Best-selling author and renowned sales and leadership guru Jeffrey Gitomer has been named the keynote presenter at the 2013 Marine Dealer Conference & Expo in November. Author of four New York Times best sellers and 11 books in all, Gitomer has sold millions of copies of his books worldwide. His sales and leadership expertise reaches millions of people every week through his syndicated column, Sales Caffeine ezine, corporate seminars, public seminars, webinars, and, of course, his books. “We are incredibly excited to bring such a well-known, high-level speaker to the MDCE,” says Liz Walz, Director of Membership and Education for the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, which produces the annual event in partnership with Boating Industry. “We promised we would deliver the strongest educational line-up in the MDCE’s history this year, and bringing Jeffrey Gitomer is a giant step toward delivering on that promise.” In his keynote presentation, Gitomer will map out cutting-edge strategies that your business can adopt to attract and keep today’s consumers. He will offer insights into how you can set your business apart from the competition and how you can coach your team to deliver what Gitomer describes as symphonic harmony. “When you and your employees know your individual talents and practice using them to win the sale and deliver a memorable customer experience,” Gitomer explains, “your team can perform at its peak. That’s what will win you the revenue increases, the boost in customer loyalty, and the advantage in the marketplace that you seek.” Whether you are a marine dealer, manufacturer, distributor, sales representative or service provider, Gitomer’s message will provide critical takeaways to help you drive success immediately. His sales and leadership expertise has been retained by the likes of Coca-Cola, BMW, IBM, Wells Fargo, and hundreds of others. “It has become a cornerstone of the MDCE to provide outstanding presenters, but we believe that adding Jeffrey Gitomer to the mix takes the entire educational line-up to a whole new level,” says Jonathan Sweet, Editor-in-Chief of Boating Industry. “The MDCE’s continued growth, both in dealer attendance and the support of exhibitors and sponsors like that of this year’s educational sponsor, the National Marine Distributors Association, are what make it possible to build an agenda like the MDCE has to offer this year.” The MDCE offers more than 20 core educational sessions, including Gitomer’s keynote presentation, which starts at 5 p.m. on Monday, November 18th. For those dealers that want to dig even deeper into the factors that will most impact their businesses in the year ahead, the newly added MDCE Pre-Conference Workshops on Monday morning will enable them to construct a plan in areas like dealership management, boat show sales, service menus, search engine marketing, and the customer experience. Over the following days, individual sessions in the MDCE’s three educational tracks will help attendees enhance their plans for 2014. The MDCE is scheduled for Nov. 17-20, 2013, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. It has attracted an increasing number of dealers every year since 2007, and this year, the event attracted more than 250 registrants prior to the May 1, a record for the event. The most registrants MDCE had ever accumulated prior to May 1 was 92 in 2012. 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 features an in-depth line-up 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 the MRAA and Boating Industry, and it offers pre-conference workshops, a keynote presentation, three tracks of educational content, and more than 20 sessions in all. It will be held Nov. 17-20 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. Learn more at www.mraa.com/event/MDCE. CHICAGO – May 22, 2013 – Marine Five Star Dealer Certification (MFSDC) today announced the launch of a new marketing blitz, now underway that targets the boat buying consumer. Funded in part by a contribution from GE Capital, the new marketing effort includes an online advertising campaign, public relations and communications, social media, and a strategic tie-in with Discover Boating through the successful DiscoverBoating.com website. The marketing efforts promote and raise consumer awareness of the benefits of buying from Marine Five Star Certified Dealers. “This integrated marketing effort allows MFSDC to reach a wider audience of boat buyers to communicate the advantages of buying from a certified dealer,” said Terry Leitz, MFSDC director. The online advertising campaign will feature banner ads placed on such sites as BoatTrader.com, and a mix of top Bonnier media websites, including Boating, Saltwater Sportsman, Sport Fishing, Yachting and Cruising World. Online impressions are expected to reach 14 million for the six-month campaign, which runs through August. Discover Boating will support MFSDC as part of a tie in with DiscoverBoating.com featuring MFSDC on its home page, as well as in its popular boat detail pages and boat selector tool. In addition, MFSDC will be featured within the Discover Boating e-newsletter that reaches boating consumers nationwide. Public relations and communications outreach is being facilitated by Kenton Smith Marketing and targets consumer boating media across the U.S., in addition to communicating with the industry via outreach to marine trades. Public relations tactics include news releases and outreach to key consumer media; the development of a digital press kit which includes the first-ever MFSDC fact sheet, Q&A, and dealer testimonials; plus, a revamped MFSDC section on GrowBoating.org to help educate industry stakeholders and provide useful backgrounder materials for dealers. Social media efforts will be managed by Grow Boating, Inc. staff and will include outreach to boating consumers on Twitter using the @DiscoverBoating handle. For more information on Marine Five Star Dealer Certification, visit GrowBoating.org or contact Wanda Kenton Smith, Kenton Smith Marketing, at (407) 697-8055 or email wanda@kentonsmithmarketing.com About Grow Boating: The Grow Boating Initiative is a cooperative effort by the recreational boating industry to promote the boating lifestyle and improve the boating experience to increase participation, and ultimately, sales of marine products and services. For more information and stakeholder resources, visit GrowBoating.org. MINNEAPOLIS — Bank of the West, located in San Francisco, Calif., has renewed its membership with the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas as a Platinum Partner Member, the highest level of support for the MRAA. “We have been a long time supporter of the marine industry,” says Mark Beecher, Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing Manager, of Bank of the West. “Over the past year, the relationship we have developed with the MRAA has brought that support to a new level. The MRAA has benefited our efforts in expanding our interests in the industry, and we are excited to continue down this path. We are dedicated and passionate about providing well-managed dealers the underwriting opportunities necessary for achieving their financing needs.” Since 1874, Bank of the West has helped people to build homes, finance farms, and grow their businesses. Over the past few years they have expanded their presence in the marine market. Bank of the West currently serves over 800 marine dealers across the United States, providing a full suite of banking products. Their retail and floor plan lending gives dealers the opportunity to grow their businesses, through competitive rates and terms. “We are thrilled that Bank of the West has chosen to continue their high level of support for marine retailers,” says Matt Gruhn, President of the MRAA. “Renewing as a Platinum Partner member speaks to their ongoing commitment and support to the industry.” About Marine Retailers Association of the Americas The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas is the only North American association dedicated to furthering the interests of boat and engine dealers and other marine-related retailers throughout North America. Under the umbrella of MRAA Rewards, the MRAA offers a host of cost-saving, revenue-generating, business-improvement, and professional-development benefits exclusively for its members. MRAA is the united voice of marine retailers. For more information, visit www.MRAA.com. MINNEAPOLIS — The National Marine Distributors Association, a trade association representing wholesale distributors of marine accessories, has signed on as a Platinum Member of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, the highest level of support for the association. “Both NMDA and MRAA see tremendous opportunity for industry growth through increased collaboration throughout the supply chain,” says Nancy Cueroni, Executive Director of the NMDA. “In particular, by working more closely together on marketing and education, dealers and distributors can sell more marine accessories to today’s consumers and provide a better boating experience.” NMDA’s goal is to improve the business conditions of wholesale distributors of marine accessories and of the marine industry in general. It offers seminars, conferences and other educational opportunities to help marine distributors better manage their businesses and develop strategies to meet business challenges. “We are honored to have such support from the National Marine Distributors Association,” says Matt Gruhn, MRAA President. “Together, we can help both dealers and distributors improve their productivity, profitability and performance, creating stronger businesses and a stronger marine industry.” About Marine Retailers Association of the Americas The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas is the only association dedicated to furthering the interests of boat and engine dealers and other marine-related retailers throughout North America. Under the umbrella of MRAA Rewards, the MRAA offers a host of cost-saving, revenue-generating, business-improvement, and professional-development benefits exclusively for its members. MRAA is the united voice of marine retailers. For more information, visit www.MRAA.com. MINNEAPOLIS – The Marine Dealer Conference & Expo announced today that it has signed Sam Dantzler, a noted speaker and sales expert who works primarily with Harley-Davidson and Triumph Motorcycles dealers, to present two separate sessions at this year’s educational conference. Dantzler, who presented two topics at the 2012 MDCE, was the highest-rated speaker in the history of the annual dealer conference, and post-event surveys showed that dealers were both captivated and motivated by his presentations. In 162 post-event reports, Dantzler was mentioned numerous times as the highlight of the event and as one of the most effective speakers at the conference. In all, his name was specifically mentioned 57 times in the 162 reports. “I really enjoyed hearing Sam Dantzler,” said Kim Greene from Deep Creek Marina, McHenry, Md. “Both of his classes were exciting, and I took a lot from them and plan on doing some changes in my department from his classes.” “The highlight of the conference was both the ability to interact with the other top dealers in the U.S. and the excellent speakers, in particular Sam Dantzler,” added Chris Olsen, Seattle Boat Co. For 2013, Dantzler will once again present two separate sessions. In the Powering Profits Track, Dantzler will present a session titled “Pay Plans that Deliver Real Results,” a session that will outline how dealers can develop incentive-based pay plans across their dealership to help improve performance and drive up profitability. In the Sales & Marketing Track, Dantzler will present on “The True Math of Discounting & Upselling,” in which he’ll help sales people understand how discounting products and a lack of upselling can hurt your bottom line. “As we look at the landscape of today’s recreational retailers, we’ve moved out of a survival phase and into a growth phase,” Dantzler explains. “These two topics are some of the most critical issues that my clients are asking about, and through some simple strategies that I have noted and developed over the years, MDCE attendees will be given in-depth ideas for how to add more money to their bottom line.” “We are obviously very thrilled to bring Sam back and to be able to offer his expertise to our attendees,” explains Liz Walz, Director of Membership & Education for the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, which co-produces the MDCE with Boating Industry. “His knowledge and energy and his outside-the-industry perspective make him an incredibly effective resource for marine dealers to tap into, and these two sessions offer a strong mix of Sam’s expertise as well as strategies that serve critical needs for today’s marine dealers.” A 13-year veteran of the motorcycle industry, Dantzler is a noted dealership consultant and trainer, as well as a moderator for four 20 Groups for Harley-Davidson and three 20 Groups for Triumph Motorcycles. He has been the keynote speaker at Arctic Cat Inc.’s last two winter shows, and he has also done work for Polaris Industries and EZ Go Golf Carts’ “Bad Boy” ATV/UTV line. He brings a knowledge and understanding of what today’s successful dealers do to find success and shares it in an effective and entertaining manner. “Sam Dantzler’s presentation was one of the two seminars that I took the most away from,” explained Rob Brown, owner of Clark Marine in Manchester, Maine, and an attendee of the 2012 MDCE. “There was enough information in those two hours to make the conference worth the price of admission.” Dantzler will speak at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 20th at the MDCE. More comments about Sam from MDCE 2012 attendees: “Valerie [Ziebron] and Sam Dantzler were amazing,” — Jeff Coffey, Erwin Marine Sales “The Harley guy, Sam Dantzler, was by far the best. Hi seminar was packed with useful information and he was a good speaker.” — Douglyss Giuliana, Advantage Yacht Sales “Sam Dantzler was hard to top. He was the best by far.” — Tim Korns, Delaware Marine “Sam Dantzler, Don Cooper and Jennifer Robison were also very dynamic.” — Brad MacArthur, Legend Boats “Sam Dantzler was an excellent speaker.” — Scott MacCrimmon, Ed Huck Marine “Sam Dantzler had the most energy of anyone there.” — David McIntyre, Slalom Shop Boats & Yachts “Sam Dantzler provided a different approach t the retail side of things.” — Henry Nguyen, Legend Boats “Get Sam Dantzler back!” — Eric O’Brien, Hagadone Marine Group “I enjoyed Sam Dantzler. He put in perspective how to make the experience a fun experience for the customer.” — Jeff Snowdon, Ronds Marine Ltd. “Sam Dantzler, who did the presentation on retaining customers, was one of the most effective.” — Larry Watson, Legend Boats “The guy from the motorcycle industry, Sam Dantzler … I recommend they bring him back. Not everybody has that talent or gift. He had good things to say, and he made you want to listen.” — Chris Wilson, Action Water Sports 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 features an in-depth line-up 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 the MRAA and Boating Industry, and it offers a keynote presentation, three tracks of educational content, and more than 20 sessions in all. It will be held Nov. 17-20 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. Learn more at www.mraa.com/event/MDCE. From Soundings Trade Only: The new series will feature seven workshops and is scheduled for the morning of Nov. 18. The workshops will offer in-depth strategies and expert advice in either single three-hour workshops or as many as two 1.5-hour workshops, announced the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, the group that co-produces the show with Boating Industry magazine. Read more. MINNEAPOLIS — MasterCraft Boat Company, a manufacturer of luxury inboard wakeboarding, water skiing, and wakesurfing powerboats, recently signed on as a Premier Partner Member of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas. “MasterCraft and MRAA share a passion for providing dealers with tools to raise their game,” says Parker Stair, VP of Sales and Marketing for MasterCraft. “Through our involvement with the association, we can help dealers gain access to educational events and resources to improve and grow their business.” MasterCraft Boat Co. operates a single manufacturing facility located in Vonore, Tenn. Founded in 1968, MasterCraft has long been known for developing innovative products and features for the marine industry, particularly in the water sports niche. “MRAA is thrilled to partner with MasterCraft, a company that produces one of the most well-recognized brands in our industry,” says Matt Gruhn, President of MRAA. “We are honored that they have chosen to support the dealer community through membership with MRAA. Together, we can build a stronger boating business.”
About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas is the only North American association dedicated to furthering the interests of boat and engine dealers and other marine-related retailers throughout North America. Under the umbrella of MRAA Rewards, the MRAA offers a host of cost-saving, revenue-generating, business-improvement, and professional-development benefits exclusively for its members. MRAA is the united voice of marine retailers. For more information, visit
MINNEAPOLIS – Irwin Marine, a full service marina and authorized dealer for Sea Ray Boats, Berkshire pontoon boats, Sea-Doo, Stingray, and Meridian Yachts, has renewed its membership as a Retail Premium Member, the highest level a retailer can support the association at. “The MRAA has always strived for the industry’s well-being, but something is changing within the organization,” says John Irwin, Vice President of Irwin Marine. “It is like the MRAA is being energized for the first time, really. For the first time we are seeing parts of the marine industry come together, parts that have typically stayed away from each other. In addition to this, some of the new tools MRAA is offering, such as the education and legislative piece, act like a spark plug for industry success. All in all, the promise for growth has never been grander from my perspective, and this is something I want to be involved in. I am very optimistic about the years ahead, and the next 5 years in particular.” A third-generation, family-owned and operated business, Irwin Marine, out of Laconia, N.H., was founded in 1919 and has been named a Top 100 Dealer for three consecutive years. The depth of Irwin Marine’s history is vast. Having kept a keen focus on providing a safe and rewarding workplace, delivering the best product available and exceptional service for nearly 100 years, Irwin Marine is considered a leader in the boating industry. “We are thrilled that Irwin Marine continues to show strong support for MRAA and its goal of improving business for the marine industry,” says Matt Gruhn, President of MRAA. “John Irwin, Vice President of Irwin Marine, has not only been an MRAA board member, but he and his team have been long-time supporters of the MRAA and the marine industry as a whole. This persistent commitment to the association demonstrates Irwin Marine’s sound leadership qualities.” John Irwin, who recently served a six-year stint on the MRAA Board of Directors, is an acting liaison between the MRAA Board and MRAA’s Young Leaders Advisory Council. About Marine Retailers Association of the Americas The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas is the only North American association dedicated to furthering the interests of boat and engine dealers and other marine-related retailers throughout North America. Under the umbrella of MRAA Rewards, the MRAA offers a host of cost-saving, revenue-generating, business-improvement, and professional-development benefits exclusively for its members. MRAA is the united voice of marine retailers. For more information, visit www.MRAA.com. 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!Priority One Financial Services renews as Premier Partner Member with MRAA
Jeffrey Gitomer named MDCE Keynote Presenter
Marine Five Star Dealer Certification Launches Marketing Blitz
Bank of the West renews as Platinum Partner Member with the MRAA.
NMDA named MRAA Platinum Partner
Sam Dantzler to return to MDCE 2013
STO: Dealer conference plans 2013 pre-event workshops
The Marine Dealer Conference & Expo, which has seen a 173 percent increase from the number of registrants prior to May 1, 2012, announced it will feature an all-new series of pre-conference workshops at its 2013 event, set for Nov. 17-20 in Orlando, Fla.MasterCraft signs on as MRAA Premier Partner
Irwin Marine Renews as Retail Premium Member
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