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.
Having served as a PR manager and magazine editor for around 20 years in the off-road and powersports industry, safety factored into everything my teams did, from producing media kits to writing stories and taking photography. It was all about the message we were creating and sending to the end user, reader and product owner. Safety and the promotion of it were mandatory!
Learn more about the importance of life jackets at the Safe Boating Campaign site. (Image courtesy National Safe Boating Council)
National Safe Boating Week runs June 18-24. Memorial Day weekend marks the official kickoff to summer for boating and all forms of outdoor recreation. As a marine industry leader, industry advocate and steward of recreational boating, you play an integral role in ensuring the safety of every guest who joins you at your on-the-water events.
You and your customers will gather on rivers, lakes and across the seas to celebrate boat ownership, build relationships and showcase the boating lifestyle. That’s why you need to be a boating safety activist. Use your team’s expertise and boat operation knowledge to create more safety awareness through customer education.
We’ve shared many stories of successful events on the MRAA Spotlight page “Dealership Events That Deliver.” One aspect that measures the success of any event is boater safety. Every captain plays a part in protecting each occupant of their vessel. Everyone, including you as an event organizer and host, is responsible for caring for the attendees, the boats, the water and the environment. We’re also all responsible for our boating etiquette and the image we portray to non-boaters.
Make boating safety a priority as you ramp up your events this year! This message is a friendly reminder that we all play a role in promoting boating safety. Here are a few marine industry safety leaders and advocates and links to their resources to help your team share boating safety with your customers and event attendees.
Send event participants this Sea Tow Foundation Sober Skipper Flyer. (Image courtesy of Sea Tow)
Real-world events and concepts to help you connect with, educate and engage customers, outdoor enthusiasts and the community
What if you could achieve three of your most important goals – more traffic, more leads and more sales – with one strategy? That’s the promise of dealership events done right.
More than half of respondents to a recent MRAA poll reported they hold five or fewer annual events. About 37 percent host between 6 and 12 events per year. And six percent host 13 or more events per year.
So, it’s time to ask yourself: How do you stack up against the rest? Are you average? Above average? A leader in dealership events?
If you don’t have events expertise or experience, perhaps creating, planning, hosting, sponsoring or budgeting for more events feels overwhelming.
Don’t let your fear of the unknown win. With a little inspiration, you can support your business and the marine industry by creating events and other opportunities to connect with customers, boaters, outdoor enthusiasts and your community. The goal? Boater retention and lead generation, both of which are critical components to your success.
A Proven Strategy from Leading Dealers Dealership events aren’t a new concept. In fact, when the Dealership Certification program began, the founding dealers believed promoting the boating lifestyle beyond the confines of their physical stores was essential. They envisioned Certified Dealers playing a role in organizing or endorsing local events aimed at drawing newcomers to experience boating, as well as encouraging current boat owners to remain active on the water. Their starter list included nine elements:
Boat shows
Demo days
Boating getaways
Parades
Fishing teams
Fishing tournaments
Charity events
Boating education
Watersports shows/tournaments
To achieve bigger and better results in your dealership(s), we invite you to seek inspiration from this list of 50 dealership event ideas:
The Pelican Pass Boating Rendezvous in Florida with The Boat House. (Image by Marshall Nicholson, courtesy of The Boat House.)
Boating Rendezvous – The Boat House – MRAA Gold Member, Certified Using some event management wizardry, the Boat House Florida team has developed detailed planning and communication processes for its boating rendezvous and sales events to cater to customers and gain team buy-in.
Sock Burning – Nine Marina – MRAA Bronze Member Nine Marina goes all in when it comes to summer fun. Its sock-burning events, complete with live music, food and prizes, engage customers by asking them to hang up (burn!) their socks and put on their sandals for the summer boating season. It also helps promote ship store traffic and merch sales.
Kentucky Derby & Walleye Weekend – Oak Hill Companies – MRAA Gold Member, Certified Oak Hill Marina and Oak Hill Outdoor play host to what is known as Walleye Weekend. This year, the 42nd annual event had a live weigh-in with prizes, a special Kentucky Derby event, a Friday fish fry and live music. Customers and guests experienced Oak Hill’s quality service and saw boats, fishing gear and outdoor apparel.
Rock the Boat – Hagadone Marine Group – MRAA Gold Member, Certified The Hagadone Marine Group hosts numerous annual events, from its Lake Coeur d’Alene Boat Expo to Women Making Waves. To kick off summer, though, HMG uses its cruise boat line for an exclusive two-hour boating event featuring live music, event keepsakes, gourmet appetizers and beverages.
Factory Takeover – Dan’s Southside Marine – MRAA Silver Member Dan’s Southside Marine shared with its followers on Facebook what it called “Minnesota’s new pontoon buying event,” inviting them to partake in a two-day Premiere Pontoons Factory Takeover event. Customers could tour the factory in Big Lake, Minnesota, and meet the people behind the brand.
Saturday Service & Breakfast – Arrowhead OKC – MRAA Gold Member, Certified Arrowhead Boat Sales OKC hosted a Boat Service and Breakfast event in April, inviting customers to bring their vessels in for spring service on a Saturday. Breakfast was on them!
Winter Celebration – Boats by George – MRAA Bronze Member The event that wasn’t. Remember to maintain your flexibility with events and improvise when you need to. Due to strange weather and an early ice-out, Boats By George shared a social post requesting new names for its annual ice-out party and Demo Days event. The winner received a BBG hat.
She’s the Captain – Boat Town – MRAA Bronze Member Designed specifically for women boaters, Boat Town’s She’s the Captain events aim to “show people what it actually means to boat like a girl.” Boat Town’s women staffers help women boat owners and other participants to boat properly, providing them with a comfortable learning environment and support.
Voyage & Vine – Petzold’s Marine Center – MRAA Gold Member Petzold’s Marine Center showcased new Chris Craft boats and local wines at a custom sales showcase, promising its customers an evening of elegance and discovery. The showroom event also pledged to create memories to last a lifetime for guests.
Community Fundraisers – Active Water Sports – MRAA Gold Member, Certified A perfect win-win example, Active Water Sports participated in the Deschutes Children’s Foundation gala and auction. AWS auctioned off two boating packages (a dinner cruise on a pontoon and a water sports day on a wake boat), knowing the donations and proceeds will help children and families in need.
Toy Drive – Boater’s Exchange – MRAA Gold Member, Certified Boater’s Exchange held a toy drive to benefit Central Florida East Coast Charities. Customers were encouraged to drop off new toys to fill a boat. Boater’s Exchange delivered the toys in the boat to the CFEC organizers at its event and celebration. “Together with you, we can make Christmas brighter for our local children in need,” says Boater’s Exchange.
Food Drive – Lakeview Marine – MRAA Gold Member, Certified Lakeview Marine held a fill-the-boat food drive to raise food levels and donations that benefitted the Webster-Dudley Food Share program. Customers were encouraged to drop by the showroom to drop off non-perishable food in the boat just in time for Thanksgiving.
Boat & Rec Training – Faction Marine – MRAA Silver Member Whether it is wake surf lessons or wake surf boat setup and driving skills, Faction Marine of Alexandria, Minn., lends its experienced skills, offering customized classes to help customers get familiar with their boats and learn safety and etiquette on the water.
Donuts & Coffee – Holly Acres RV and Marine – MRAA Silver Member, Certified Certified Dealer Holly Acres RC and Marine hosted two separate Saturday events that included free donuts, bagels, fruit and coffee. They added: “Fuel up with delicious treats while exploring our top-of-the-line vehicles. Who can resist a combination of tasty snacks and stunning boats and RVs?”
Image courtesy of Strong’s Marine
15. Women on the Water – Strong’s Marine – MRAA Gold Member, Certified Strong’s Marine’s Women on the Water events empower women clients and team members, helping them feel comfortable on the water. Now in their third year of existence and held at two locations, these on-the-water training opportunities advance education and boost customer confidence.
16. Season Opening Vessel Safety Checks – Yarmouth Boatyard – MRAA Gold Member, Certified Yarmouth Boat Yard hosted a Season Opener & Vessel Safety Check to help its customers know they are in full compliance with state and federal boating laws to ensure their boat is ready for the season.
17. Fishing Tournaments – Apopka Marine – MRAA Bronze Member, Certified Apopka Marine caters to its fishing boat and angling customers by hosting and supporting various fishing tournaments and events. It was the presenting sponsor of the Citrus County Building Alliance’s 29th Annual Family Fishing Tournament and the Joe Bega Big Bass Classic.
18. Halloween Boat Parade & Fireworks Show – Oakdale Yacht Resort & Marina – MRAA Bronze Member, Certified It doesn’t have to be July 4th to celebrate with fireworks. Oakdale Yacht Resort & Marina, Yacht Club and Tiki Bar hosted a boat parade and fireworks show over Halloween that concluded with live music.
19. Search for the Golden Egg – Overby Marine Sales and Service – MRAA Gold Member, Certified Move aside Willy Wonka, as Overby Marine Sales and Service has its own golden chase item — a search for the golden egg. The dealership hid Easter eggs all over its Lake Gaston location part & accessories section. Only one of those was the winning egg connected to a special prize.
20. Poker Run – Cedar Port Marina – MRAA Gold Member This event — also a fundraiser at $20 per hand — helped support student lunch debts and bring customers and staff together for fun. It featured live music, a costume contest and numerous poker run stops at various locations.
Image courtesy FLX Marine.
21. Pop-up Boat Show – FLX Marine – MRAA Bronze Member FLX Marine teamed with two other local dealers to create their own Pop-Up Boat Show as a new way to engage customers and get sales leads and deals back. They share tips and a checklist to make an event like this more successful.
22. Boat Maintenance Seminar – MarineMax Sail & Ski Center – MRAA Diamond Ambassador MarineMax Sail & Ski Center helps customers understand their boats and the services they have available to them to boost their confidence as owners. The custom events are for owners of varying skill levels and introduce them to the store’s “make-ready” and service teams that provide insights and tips for maintenance and boat care.
23. Winter Tie-Up – No Wake Marine – MRAA Bronze Member Boating and winter do not seem to go together, but No Wake Marine won an award from Malibu Boats for its Winter Tie-Up event. The winter evening gathering includes huge pro shop discounts, games, food, complimentary beverages, and a live band. They add: “Another way we like to give back is to provide special events that include you and your family! After all, at the end of the day … it’s all about family!”
24. Boat Parade – Regal & Nautique of Orlando – MRAA Gold Member, Certified Regal & Nautique of Orlando sponsors the Windermere Boat Parade, a community event to engage boat owners. The dealer also provides a winning prize pack for the boat judged to have the best holiday decorations.
25. Owners Reunion – NXTLVL Marine DFW – MRAA Silver Member Held annually at Hell’s Gate on Possum Kingdom Lake, the Owner’s Reunion includes a demo time for boats and wake surfing and a tie-up celebration. The customer appreciation party moves to Lush Resort for pool time and a belly flop contest, food, music and raffles. NXTLVL hosts at least six events to celebrate its customers and the boating community it serves.
26. Evening with the Stars – Active Water Sports – MRAA Gold Member, Certified AWS holds its annual Evening with the Stars event around Thanksgiving, where customers and the community engage with pro wakeboarders. The event includes boat-show pricing, pro shop closeouts, free food, a raffle (to benefit Children’s Cancer Association) and Toys for Tots donations.
27. Anniversary Celebration – Chessie Marine – MRAA Gold Member, Certified Chessie Marine, in 2022, hosted a fancy gala to celebrate its 30th anniversary and showroom grand opening. Along with a unique anniversary logo of their iconic “Chessie” sea monster, they supplied their team and customers with food, entertainment and a facility tour.
28. Boat Club Education – Bridge Marina – MRAA Silver Member Bridge Marina adds a weekly On-Water Training Clinic to its Boat Club member onboarding process, helping members become better, safer and more confident boaters through education and training.
29. Parking Lot Party – Minnesota Inboard Water Sports – MRAA Bronze Member Hosting events can force you to improvise due to weather. Minnesota Inboard Water Sports did just that after the cancellation of its tie-up Reunion. Instead, it hosted a Parking Lot Party for customers and the public at its Excelsior location with food, football, games, giveaways, raffles, kid’s events and more.
Image courtesy of Mount Dora Boating Center & Marina.
30. Movie night – Mount Dora Boating Center & Marina – MRAA Gold Member, Certified Mount Dora Boating Center & Marina has mastered hosting motion pictures on the water! The movie nights have become big hits with customers, but new guest numbers have risen lately. More people want to enjoy the boat-in movie theatre experience.
31. Beyond Boat Show Open House – Wayzata Marine – MRAA Bronze Member Wayzata Marine hosted a “Beyond Boat Show Open House” at its Lake Minnetonka showroom for two weekends after the Discover Boating Minneapolis Boat Show. The idea was to help customers take advantage of the exclusive boat show offers, manufacturer rebates and opportunity to view new models.
32. Wakeboard Competition – Idaho Watersports, MRAA Gold Member, Certified Wake in the Snake (River) is an annual wakeboard competition hosted by Idaho Watersports. Idaho Watersports hosted the 25th anniversary event last year, bringing in event sponsors and food vendors.
33. Wilmette Raft Up – Gordy’s Marine – MRAA Gold Member, Certified Gordy’s Marine hosts a fun Raft Up party outside of Wilmette Harbor on Lake Michigan. Like a rendezvous, Gordy’s crew gathers on a sand bar and builds a memorable day filled with great people, food, boating and fun.
34. Grand Opening/Reopening – Rapid Marine – MRAA Gold Member, Certified Rapid Marine Group has hosted the Grand Opening/Reopening of some of its stores throughout Minnesota. It reserves the entire weekend to showcase the new facility and fishing boats to the public and its customers. Event activities include Friday VIP night, fishing Q&A sessions with pros, appetizers and refreshments.
35. Customer Appreciation Party – Reeder-Trausch Marine – MRAA Silver Member Combine live music, free food and prizes with buying incentives on boats and you have an event to engage your customers and new shopper. Reeder-Trausch Marine in Rockville, Indiana, scheduled a 4-hour event in mid-April — its seventh annual event —to show its customers some spring-time love. It also hosted a fall party to cap off the boating season.
36. Key Largo Excursion – RIVA Motorsports & Marine – MRAA Gold Member, Certified The RIVA Motorsports & Marine crew invited customers to experience the Florida Keys by joining them on the 2023 RIVA Key Largo Excursion! The four-day event destination event included trips to Alligator Reef, Christ of The Abyss and Islamorada Sandbar. RIVA teamed with FL Ski Riders to host the event.
37. Boats ‘N Bros – Charlotte Ski Boats – MRAA Bronze Member Charlotte Ski Boats hosts specific events for men and women to experience the wake surfing life! Whether it’s the Boats ‘N Bros events for men or the Ladies’ Surf Nights for women, both events create memories on the water through surfing, fellowship and fun.
38. Kids in Boating Class – MarineMax Fort Myers – Diamond Ambassador To help engage, educate and raise future boaters, MarineMax Fort Myers hosts its Kids in Boating Class. They believe in instilling responsible boating values at an early age, so the program is for customers’ children to learn fundamentals, proper safety and respect for the water and nature.
39. Fishing Seminars – Legendary Marine – MRAA Silver Member Legendary Marine hosts numerous events at its showroom. The Gulf Coast Boating & Fishing Seminar Series is held the first Tuesday of each month in Destin and includes hands-on training by a professional captain, including tips for outfitting a boat and techniques for catching different fish (tarpon, amberjack, blackfin tuna and more).
40. Branded Fun Run – Big Thunder Marine – MRAA Gold Member To support its brands, Baja, Fountain and Donzi, Big Thunder Marine (BTM) hosts an annual Fun Run event. It includes a registration party, breakfast at the lake and numerous entertainment stops so customers can experience the boating life in the Lake of the Ozarks, Mo.
41. Demo Days – Lakeside Marina – MRAA Gold Member, Certified This Demo Days event highlighted Lakeside Marina’s line of fishing vessels and helped engage and retain boaters and anglers. The event included well-known fishing pros, television personalities and Recon Boats owner and founder John Johnson. The exclusive, free event lets customers enjoy time seat time on the water with fishing industry icons and also learn their top fishing tips and tactics.
42. Carp Classic – Pier 33 – MRAA Silver Member Along with hosting Michigan Boater Safety Classes, Pier 33 hosts a fun fishing and boating event dubbed the Carp Classic. The event creates valuable connections with customers and the community. Entrants compete for prizes and can fish from a boat or the dock, as no license is required to fish that weekend.
43. Owner’s Adventure – Nautical Ventures Group – MRAA Silver Member Nautical Ventures Group, aka “The Go-To People for Fun on the Water,” hosted a Rendezvous in Bimini, Bahamas this year for its Axopar customers. The idea was to create cherished memories for their customers that last a lifetime. They are already planning for the June 2025 event!
44. Home & Outdoor Expo – Valley Speed Marine Boating Center – MRAA Silver Member One way to connect with the community you serve to engage existing customers and new clients is to attach your brand to a local outdoor expo or show as an exhibitor or sponsor. Ideally, you gain exposure to outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and interests.
45. Year-end Sales Event – Inland Boat Company – MRAA Bronze Member Located in Oshkosh, Wis., Lakeside Marina hosted a branded Demo Days event and added two sponsors. It included free grub, a raffle, expert tips from professional anglers and on-water demos.
46. Student Immersion – Irish Boat Shop – MRAA Silver Member On the heels of celebrating the 2024 International Marine Service Tech Week, Irish Boat Shop staff hosted students from the Great Lakes Boat Building School. The students explored six different stations at the dealership to become more familiar with it and to gain industry exposure. Sharing industry insights and dealership knowledge with students and the potential next-generation of the marine-industry workforce is a wise decision.
47. Showroom Showdown – J&K Marine, MRAA Gold Member, Certified and U Motors, MRAA Gold Member, Certified J&K Marine partnered with U Motors & Marine and two other retailers to host a one-day “battles of the dealers” event for customers in the middle of February in Minnesota. The event included food, fun, professional fishing tips, recreational products and also served as a way to highlight J&K Marine’s new showroom.
Image courtesy of Erwin Marine Sales
48. “Running of the Toons” – Erwin Marine Sales – MRAA Silver Member Erwin Marine Sales will host its inaugural and branded event: “Running of the Toons.” The event serves multiple purposes, including providing customers an exclusive on-the-water adventure, exposing non-owners to the boating lifestyle and donating all the proceeds to support the McKamey Animal Center. The fee is $50 per boat (for two people). Erwin Marine Sales has included a participant keepsake bag as well.
49. Pancake Breakfast & BBQ Lunch – Pirate Cove Marina – MRAA Silver Member As part of its 30th anniversary celebration, Pirate Cove Marina hosted an open house that included breakfast, lunch, raffles, kids’ activities and boats! The proceeds from the day went to a local outreach mission and the “Operation Backpack Program” to help local children in need.
50. Boats & Ball Games – Phil Dill Boats – MRAA Silver Member Phil Dill Boats held its third annual Boats & Ball Games watch party at its showroom, inviting customers to bring their family and friends to experience a gridiron rivalry. Football and school loyalties can be big fun to attach to, especially with food, activities for kids, contests, giveaways and clearance boats!
50 Dealership Event Ideas, Tactics and Resources Visit the MRAA Spotlight page “Dealership Events that Deliver” for more best practices, tactics and winning ideas.
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Discover Boating, powered by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and MRAA, announced today the launch of its latest short film in the “See You Out Here” campaign, Beyond the Diamond: A Life of Boating, Fishing, and Family, featuring nine-time Major League Baseball all-star, Gary Sheffield. The video takes viewers on a day in the life of Sheffield as he sets out on the water with friends, which will be shared across paid digital, streaming, social media, events and PR as part of Discover Boating’s summer 2024 campaign.
Over his 22-year career, Sheffield played for multiple teams, including the San Diego Padres, Florida Marlins, Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, New York Yankees, Detroit Tigers, and New York Mets. He has a passion for boating that’s played an important part of his life, especially since his retirement from professional baseball, boating and fishing with family and friends where he resides near Tampa, Fla.
Next month, viewers can watch an extended cut of this video, learning more about Sheffield’s love for boating and how it plays into his lifestyle.
Sheffield is one of a handful of real boater stories being shared as part of the 2024 Discover Boating “See You Out Here” campaign this summer as current boaters help welcome the next generation.
Read the MRAA blog about Gary Sheffield’s career and his love of boating.
Gary Sheffield, nine-time Major League Baseball all-star and five-time Silver Slugger, circled the bases after launching homers 509 times during his 22-year career. He traveled North America as a professional ballplayer for the Marlins, Dodgers, Brewers, Yankees, Braves, Padres, Tigers and Mets. I remember hunting for his rookie cards back in 1989. Back then, he was living out his big-league dreams. Today, he’s living a different dream as an avid boater (and angler), and he’s sharing his passion for the sport as an ambassador for Discover Boating’s 2024 “See You Out Here” campaign.
The author’s personal Gary Sheffield rookie card collection.
Born in Tampa, Fla., Sheffield grew up fishing and watching his father around the docks. He dreamed of owning a boat. Today, the proud fishing vessel owner joyfully shares his passion for on-the-water experiences with others. There’s only one “Sheff,” but like millions of other enthusiasts, he understands the peace, tranquility, privacy and adventures that await him on a boat.
Sheffield is familiar with the spotlight, having been a pro sports icon for roughly 40 percent of his life. Now he’s shining the spotlight on the benefits of boating and fishing with a passionate message that is relatable and welcoming to a diverse audience of new boaters and outdoor adventurists.
“I try to introduce [boating] to as many people as I can, and I just want them to just get a feel of what I feel,” said Sheffield in a Discover Boating video promo. “This is what it’s all about, man. My dad grew up over here in Fort Tampa, taking me out fishing. This kind of balances me out and balances my soul. Sometimes you’re going through things in life; this kind of resets me. This is what life is all about right here.”
In Case You Missed It! I encourage you to watch NMMA President Frank Hugelmeyer’s State of the Recreational Boating Industry update from the 2024 Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show. You’ll gain more perspective on how dealership contributions help Discover Boating, but also learn more about why Sheffield yearns to share boating adventures with his friends and family and why Discover Boating is sharing his real story with others to help make boating a home run experience for everyone!
• How the Coeur d’Alene Boat Expo Propels Hagadone Marine Group to New Heights
By Kodie Woodhead, Director of Marketing, Hagadone Marine Group & Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises
In 2024, The Hagadone Marine Group hosted their sixth annual Coeur d’Alene Boat Expo, marking yet another year of resounding success and community engagement. This event, held at the picturesque Blackwell Island Marina on beautiful Lake Coeur d’Alene in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, has become a cornerstone of the company’s calendar and a pivotal driver of sales, community building and brand visibility.
Initially, Hagadone Marine Group participated in the local Spokane Boat Show. However, recognizing the potential for a more personalized and expansive showcase, the company launched its own event in 2019. This decision has paid off spectacularly, with attendance growing from hundreds in the early years to more than 6,500 visitors annually. The Coeur d’Alene Boat Expo is the largest event hosted by Hagadone Marine Group, and it significantly boosts the company’s sales, accounting for 20-25 percent of annual boat sales.
Preparation for the Coeur d’Alene Boat Expo is a comprehensive endeavor, with over 30 days dedicated to readying three showrooms. This intensive effort ensures a seamless and captivating experience for attendees. The marketing campaign for the event is equally extensive, drawing potential customers from across the region and as far as the Seattle, Wash., area and beyond. The successful execution of this event is a testament to the team’s dedication and the Hagadone Marine Group’s strategic vision.
A special VIP Night is part of Hagadone Marine Group’s Coeur d’Alene Boat Expo.The Hagadone Marine Group team behind the Coeur d’Alene Boat Expo.
The Coeur d’Alene Boat Expo is a celebration of the local boating community more than it is a sales event. Leading up to the main event, several smaller activities, such as Wine & Whiskey Wednesdays, Kids Surf Day and VIP Night, create buzz and drive traffic to the showrooms. These pre-event gatherings offer exclusive show pricing and foster a sense of anticipation and community among boating enthusiasts.
Every year, the Boat Expo introduces exciting new features to captivate attendees. One highlight, in 2023, was a boat giveaway, which drew thousands of visitors in a single day. These attractions not only enhance visitor experience but also underscore Hagadone Marine Group’s commitment to innovation and customer engagement.
Part of the Coeur d’Alene Boat Expo offered activities for kids. Part of its customer-centric approach included pre-Expo events to create buzz and on-site activations like this build-a-boat station.
For the team at Hagadone Marine Group, the Coeur d’Alene Boat Expo is a source of pride and an opportunity to showcase their expertise and customer-centric approach. President Craig Brosenne emphasizes the dealership’s dedication to maximizing fun on the water while minimizing hassle. Whether it’s delivering dinner to a client’s dock or providing driving lessons on a new boat, the team’s commitment to exceptional service is evident.
For Marine Retailers Association of the Americas members considering hosting their own events, the success of the Coeur d’Alene Boat Expo offers five valuable insights. It highlights:
The importance of strategic planning
Collaborative teamwork
Extensive marketing
Community engagement
Continuous innovation
By creating an event that not only boosts sales but also unites the local community and showcases top-tier service, dealerships can build lasting relationships and drive significant growth. The Coeur d’Alene Boat Expo exemplifies how a well-executed event can transform a dealership’s fortunes, foster community spirit and create unparalleled opportunities for growth.
For Hagadone Marine Group, it’s a tradition that continues to thrive, setting a benchmark for excellence in the marine retail industry. As other dealerships look to emulate this success, they can draw inspiration from Hagadone Marine Group’s commitment to delivering exceptional experiences both on and off the water.
For more event ideas and best practices for success, visit the MRAA Spotlight page.
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