Marine Dealer Technologies joins MRAA as Partner Member

MINNEAPOLIS – Marine Dealer Technologies, a web-based tech company offering cutting-edge tools for dealers, has signed on as a Partner Member of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas.

“With the rapid expansion of technology over the past few years, the marine industry is experiencing somewhat of a shift in finding tools that offer a competitive edge,” says Kris Thayer, President of MDT. “We want everyone in this industry to succeed, and for that to happen we have to work smarter. Supporting the tools the association offers, while creating innovative digital tools ourselves is an approach that will certainly result in a well-equipped industry.”

MDT is a company that focuses on creating web-based solutions for dealers. The company’s goal has always been dealer centric—help those who sell and buy boats to make the process cleaner, simpler, and more efficient. Their newest product, the Digital Showroom Manager is one of a number of tools that helps fulfill this goal.

“MDT has a strong desire to support the marine industry and its dealers, a key objective of the MRAA for more than 40 years,” says Matt Gruhn, President of the MRAA. “Thayer, a dealer himself for more than 25 years, understands the full spectrum of dynamics in the showroom and in the boating business at large, and puts that experience to work in his technology company. We’re excited to welcome them to MRAA Membership.”

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.

MDCE introduces Pre-Conference Workshops

MINNEAPOLIS – Organizers of the Marine Dealer Conference & Expo announced today that it will feature an all-new series of Pre-Conference Workshops at the 2013 event. This offering is designed to give marine retailers access to hands-on training sessions by leading educators, where they’ll explore and ultimately create new opportunities for their businesses.

Featuring seven individual workshops, the new series will be scheduled for the morning of Monday, Nov. 18 and will offer attendees the option to take-in either a single three-hour workshop or up to two 1.5-hour workshops. These pre-conference sessions will feature in-depth strategies and expert advice on the most critical issues facing today’s marine dealers.

“We have created these workshops in response to requests from MDCE attendees, who have been looking for deeper, more interactive educational sessions,” explains Liz Walz, Director of Membership & Marketing for the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, which co-produces the event with Boating Industry. “Attendees won’t just be sitting still, listening to the speakers’ insight and advice. They’ll be working alongside some of the best trainers out there to craft customized tools, processes and strategies they can immediately bring back to their dealership and implement. These workshops take MDCE’s dealer education to a new height.”

While the specifics of the pre-conference workshops will be announced in the coming days, these sessions will feature limited seating and be focused on topics such as leadership, sales, customer loyalty, and the service department, as well as digital marketing efforts, such as apps, social media and SEO.

“The beauty of these pre-conference workshops is that they will allow dealers to build a plan in specific areas of their business while they are at the MDCE,” explains Jonathan Sweet, Editor-in-Chief of Boating Industry. “Then, when the three tracks of educational sessions start the following day, attendees can enhance the plan they have created with the ideas, best practices and solutions that they pick up during the rest of the MDCE. That’s a formula that will prove to be very effective for anyone looking to maximize their return on investment at the MDCE.”

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 the event has ever accumulated prior to May 1 was 92 in 2012.

The full educational line-up will be announced soon. Visit MRAA.com/event/MDCE for more information.

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.

More than 250 people already registered for 2013 MDCE!

MINNEAPOLIS – With more than six months to go before the start of the 2013 Marine Dealer Conference & Expo, more than 250 marine industry professionals have already registered to attend the event.

The 251 registrants represent a new record — by a long shot — for the MDCE at this point in the year. In fact, that number is a 173-percent increase over the previous highest number of registrants prior to May 1. The previous high was 92 registrants in 2012.

“Clearly, these people understand the great value that the MDCE has to offer them year-in and year-out,” says Matt Gruhn, President of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, who co-produces the MDCE with Boating Industry. “They trust in the opportunities, ideas and connections that this event will provide them, and they know that when we say this year will offer the best educational line-up to date, we will follow through on that promise.”

The finishing touches are being put on the educational agenda this week, and the speakers and topics will begin to be announced later this month. The full event promotional brochure will be published in June and will be inserted into Boating Industry magazine.

“We are thrilled with the number of people who are already registered,” says Amy Collins, Publisher of Boating Industry. “The MDCE has been growing in momentum over the past six years, and we expect to continue that momentum through this year’s event and beyond.”

Anyone interested in registering can save up to $125 off of the standard rate by registering today. The early-bird discount of $50 applies, and MRAA Members can add on a $75 discount for a total of $125 in savings. Members simply need to login to this website and register. If you’re not a member, join today. If you are and forgot your password, call Matt Gruhn at 763-315-8043.

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.

More than 120 already registered for MDCE

With one week to go before the April promotion for the Marine Dealer Conference & Expo expires, the event has already set a record for the number of attendees registered before May 1. To date more than 120 people have registered for the 2013 MDCE, which will be held Nov. 17-20 in Orlando, Fla. See who has registered!

During the month of April, MDCE registrants can combine a $50 early-bird registration discount with a $25 April promo to register for the guaranteed lowest rate of the year. MRAA Members can save an additional $75, which means that they can register at the same low rate as the 2012 event.

“In each of the past five years, the MDCE has attracted more and more dealers,” says Matt Gruhn, President of the MRAA, which co-produces the MDCE with Boating Industry. “This year, we’re already seeing increased interest in the event, and we’re still a week or two away from announcing our educational line-up. That line-up, very simply, will be the best that we’ve ever offered, and 2013 will be a must-attend event.”

To register and take advantage of the April promo, simply enter “AprilMDCE” in the Promo Code box when you are registering. The early-bird discount will automatically be applied to your registration, and if you’re an MRAA Member, make sure to log in before you register. These savings of up to $150, are a per-person discount, so your savings add up in a hurry. And don’t forget: this offer expires on Tuesday, April 30th. So Register now.

“With the additional value that we are building into the 2013 MDCE, we expect this record pace for registrations to continue right up until the show begins,” says Jonathan Sweet, Editor-in-Chief of Boating Industry. “We’ve spent a lot of time focusing on increasing the opportunities that the MDCE offers dealers, and whether you’re an annual attendee or a first-time attendee, there’s no question that you will walk away with numerous ideas that you can implement immediately into your business.”

The highest number of MDCE registrations recorded in any year prior to the month of May was 92 in 2012.

 

$50 Early-Bird Savings
Anyone who registers for the MDCE by Sept. 20 will automatically receive $50 off of the regular rate. No promo code necessary.

$25 April Savings
To save an additional $25 on your MDCE registration, simply enter “AprilMDCE” into the promo code box when registering. This offer expires April 30th.

$75 MRAA Savings
If you are an MRAA Member, you can save an additional $75 on MDCE registration for a grand total of $150 in savings. Sign in at mraa.com with your user name and password or, if you’re not a member, join now.

Best-Price Guarantee!
There will be no better registration rate for the 2013 MDCE than what is being offered now through April 30th. We guarantee it. Register today.

Stay Tuned!
The MDCE is the only dealer-specific event of its kind. For 2013, we’ve invested more into delivering the best topics from the best speakers. Our dealer conference committee is conducting  a final review of the event’s agenda this afternoon, and we will begin announcing the educational line-up soon. Don’t miss out on this opportunity.

MDCE educational content ascending to new level

Organizers of the 2013 Marine Dealer Conference & Expo are investing in the event’s educational program at a higher level than ever before, with plans underway to offer an expanded line-up of speakers and topics.

As part of this initiative, more than 120 topics from 100-plus potential speakers are being entertained for the 2013 Marine Dealer Conference & Expo. During this year’s pre-conference survey, numerous dealers recommended specific presenters for consideration, and a record number of applications were submitted in response to the MDCE Call for Presentations.

“Whether you’re a loyal attendee of MDCE or considering it for the first time, this year will undoubtedly stand out as the best yet for its incredible combination of timely topics, speaker quality, exhibit hall opportunities and networking events,” says Jonathan Sweet, Editor-in-Chief of Boating Industry magazine.

“We understand the challenges and opportunities dealers are facing in their businesses today,” says Liz Walz, MRAA Director of Membership & Marketing, “and we designed this year’s MDCE agenda to maximize the concrete takeaways dealers can bring back to their businesses to gain a substantial advantage in the marketplace.”

Register now for the lowest rates of the year.

April promo drives early MDCE registration

Following the grand opening of registration for the 2013 Marine Dealer Conference & Expo earlier this month, more than 40 industry professionals have registered to attend, setting a new record for April registration with more than a week left to go.

Driving this surge in early registrations is a one-month promotion through which dealership attendees are receiving the lowest rates they will see this year.

Full price admission for MDCE is $499. The early bird rate that expires in September provides a $50 discount. And during the month of April, registrants receive an additional $25 off, bringing the price down to $424 (simply enter “AprilMDCE” into the promo box to save).

Members of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, which co-produces MDCE with Boating Industry magazine, receive another $75 off the cost of registration for a rock bottom rate of $349, the same low rate available last year.

MDCE is scheduled to take place Nov. 17-20 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.

Register now to take advantage of this opportunity!

Dominion Marine Media upgrades MRAA membership

MINNEAPOLIS — Dominion Marine Media, the division of Dominion Enterprises that operates YachtWorld, Boat Trader and boats.com, has upgraded its membership with the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas to Premier Partner Member.

“As a major contributor to the success of today’s marine dealer, we are proud that Dominion Marine Media is increasing its support of the dealer body through this upgraded membership with Marine Retailers Association,” says Matt Gruhn, President of the MRAA. “Their support of dealers through events such as Marine Retail University and the Marine Dealer Conference & Expo, as well as the tools and resources they provide dealers on a day-in, day-out basis is extremely impressive, and we’re honored to strengthen our partnership with them as they continue to look for new ways to serve their customers.”

Dominion Marine Media’s web services and portal advertising support dealer marketing and advertising services that create a compelling consumer experience. They were named MRAA’s Supplier of the Year in 2012, recognizing their support to the dealer body, and specifically noting a series of initiatives, including informational webinars, social media seminars and other training programs tailored for dealer performance. Dominion Marine Media operates out of a number of offices located anywhere from British Columbia and the United Kingdom to the United States. Their international presence supports 38.1 million unique visitors to the DMM web sites each year.

“We are excited to expand our partnership with the MRAA,” says Courtney Chalmers, Director of Marketing for Dominion Marine Media. “Our partnership with MRAA over the years has continued to strengthen, and we have plans to continue this trend as we continue to work together to create new opportunities for our dealers. And we are confident that our informational and educational resources will continue to advance our relationship with the broker and dealer communities around the boating 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.

About Dominion Marine Media
Dominion Marine Media (DMM) is the Internet partner of choice for the recreational marine industry and operates the three market leading web portals –boattrader.com, yachtworld.comandboats.com. DMM is a division of Dominion Enterprises, a leading marketing services and publishing company that provides businesses with a comprehensive suite of technology-based marketing solutions including Internet advertising, lead generation, CRM, website design and hosting and data management services. DMM has offices in North America (Norfolk, Virginia; Seattle, Washington; and Vancouver, British Columbia) as well as in Europe (United Kingdom and Italy) and Australia. The company employs 150 people, has customers in 106 countries and advertises boats for sale in 166 countries. In 2012, over 51 million unique visitors spent time researching products on DMM web and mobile sites, apps and social media outlets. DMM’s global reach includes 23 localized web portals, which are translated into 13 languages.

Sealine Yachts America becomes MRAA Partner Member

MINNEAPOLIS — Sealine Yachts America, LLC, a fully owned subsidiary of British boat manufacturer Sealine International Ltd., has signed on as a Partner Member of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas.

“Having worked on the retail side of our industry for so long, I have a healthy respect for the challenges dealers face,” says Tom Riemann, General Manager of Sealine Yachts America. “We want to help those dealers who have survived the past several years build and grow their businesses. MRAA membership is one way we can provide that support.”

Sealine Yachts America is building a dealer network to sell its luxury craft, which range from 38 to 60 feet in length. While this segment of the boat market was hit hard by the recession and has been slow to rebound, there are signs it is starting to recover, and the company is positioning itself and its dealers to take advantage of pent-up demand in the marketplace.

“With its keen focus on a strong partnership between builder and dealer, Sealine demonstrates an understanding of the link between a healthy relationship and the long-term success of both parties,” says Matt Gruhn, President of MRAA. “Sealine is well aligned with the MRAA in its goals of serving the dealer community, and we are honored they have chosen to support our efforts.”

Operating out of Dania Beach, Florida, Sealine Yachts Americas has a product line that includes new models, such as the S450 and S380. All boats, from their entry-level sports cruisers to luxury yachts, embrace British design and craftsmanship. Their particular approach allows dealers and consumers customizable options to build their boat of choice.

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.

Rinimax, Inc. named MRAA Premier Partner

MINNEAPOLIS – The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas announced today that Rinimax, Inc., a nationwide provider of environmental protection to marine dealers as well as F&I products, consulting and training, has joined the association as a Premier Partner Member.

“We have been partners to many of the top marine dealers for a long time and feel it is time to show our support of the marine industry as a whole,” explained Rinimax, Inc. President, Mike Haning. “Our membership and support of the MRAA serves to demonstrate to all marine dealers that we are here to help them achieve greater profits and customer satisfaction through quality aftermarket products.”

Rinimax, Inc. has been serving the marine, powersport, and automotive business for more than 20 years. In addition to consulting and training, they represent some of the top names in the industry including ECP environmental protection, Protective service contracts (FPC, XtraRide, and Advantage), Protective Gap, Classic 120 month Gap, IAS products, and many more. The company’s main focus is dealer income development and showing dealers how to increase per sale profit.

“It’s an honor to welcome a company with such a rich history in serving dealers to MRAA Membership,” says Matt Gruhn, MRAA President. “Rinimax has demonstrated a deep understanding for helping to grow dealer profits, and their philosophy and approach to this aligns very well with the goals and mission of the MRAA. We’re excited to have them on board.”

You can contact Mike at mike@rinimax.com or visit their website at www.rinimax.com .


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

MRAA names Michele Rosacker Administrative Assistant

MINNEAPOLIS — The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas announced today that it has hired Michele Rosacker as the organization’s part-time Administrative Assistant.

Rosacker comes to MRAA having spent a number of years working for Target Corporation where she gained valuable experience. There, she worked as a Merchandising Coordinator for Target’s Team Sports Apparel Department, an Advertising Coordinator for SuperTarget, and a Traffic Coordinator for Target.com.

“Michele represents another exciting addition to our growing team,” says Gruhn. “She has hit the ground running and is helping us catch up on numerous projects. At the same time, Michele is helping us create stronger processes and is coordinating the details that will help us execute on a number of new initiatives.”

A long-time, trusted friend, and fellow graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, Rosacker is someone Matt Gruhn, President of MRAA, knows will thrive in the organization. In addition to Rosacker’s education her valuable working experience perfectly aligns with MRAA’s vision for growth.

“It’s exciting to join a growing team with so many exciting initiatives going on,” Rosacker says. “As a boater myself, I understand the passion that our team has for helping to grow the marine industry, and I look forward to contributing to it, as well as to the MRAA’s continued growth.”

As MRAA’s Administrative Assistant, Rosacker will be engaged with a number of tasks and responsibilities. As an independent contractor, she will coordinate and execute such tasks as handling, organizing, filing paperwork and records; managing mailings, logistics and meetings; and other administrative tasks.


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.