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.

MRAA Members saved $90,500 thru shipping benefit

Members of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas saved more than $90,500 in 2012 through the MRAA Rewards Shipping Program.

This program, facilitated by PartnerShip, helped those MRAA members who participated in it, save, on average $323.53. In other words, those members saved more than $20 more than what they invested in MRAA Membership.

“This program is one of the foundational benefits that MRAA offers,” says Matt Gruhn, MRAA President. “When we adjusted our membership dues down last year, we chose the $300 mark because our members were already saving an average of $308 through the PartnerShip program. I’m excited to see that the average savings continues to grow and offers our members an even greater return on their dues investment.”

The Top 20 members using the program saved on average $1,883.47 through this program, and each of the top three companies saved greater than $4,000 each. There were 86 total companies that saved more than they invested in their annual dues payment.

If you are a member and not using this program (or not using it to its fullest), click here to learn more about the program. If you are not a member but would like to begin saving this kind of money through the MRAA Rewards Program, click here to learn more or click here to Join MRAA Today.

MDCE opens registration with April promotion

The 2013 dealer event will be held Nov. 17-20 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.

MINNEAPOLIS – To kick off the grand opening of registration for the 2013 Marine Dealer Conference & Expo, organizers are launching an incredible April promotion through which dealers can sign up to attend the event at the lowest price of the year.

Dealers who register during the month of April receive an extra $25 discount on top of the standard $50 early bird discount off of the full registration rate of $499. Members of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas receive an additional $75 off of their registration, for a total April discount of $150, which will allow them to register at the same rate as the 2012 MDCE.

“With this promotion, we wanted to thank our many loyal attendees,” commented Boating Industry Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Sweet, “while also incentivizing newcomers to give the event a try. I guarantee that the value they take away from the event will far exceed their investment.”

Through this promotion, MRAA Members have a special opportunity to pay the same low rate of $349 that was offered at this time last year, but this rate expires at the end of April, and registrants won’t see a rate this low again.

“This year, we are investing in providing dealers with a phenomenal educational experience beyond what they have encountered in this industry before,” explained Matt Gruhn, MRAA President. “To offer such high quality content, we have more than doubled our speaker budget, allowing us to deliver new insights and strategies that attendees can use to create a powerful advantage for their business in the marketplace.”

To receive the $25 additional discount during the month of April, registrants need only visit www.mraa.com/event/MDCE, click Register and enter the promo code: AprilMDCE. MRAA members should also log into the website with their username and password before registering to receive their $75 member discount on top of the April special.

The 2013 Marine Dealer Conference & Expo will be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Nov. 17-20. This year’s host hotel will be the Rosen Plaza, located adjacent to the Orange County Convention Center. As a bonus for 2013, the MDCE expo floor is located in the hall closest to the Rosen Plaza.

For more information about MDCE 2013, please visit www.mraa.com/event/MDCE or contact Liz Walz at liz@mraa.com or 315-692-4533. To inquire about exhibit opportunities, please contact Amy Collins at amy.collins@boatingindustry.com or 763-383-4423.

MRAA names Michael Geatz Marketing Coordinator

MINNEAPOLIS — The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas announced today that it has hired Michael Geatz as the organization’s marketing coordinator.

As a senior at Hamline University (St. Paul, Minn.), Geatz will graduate in mid May. While at Hamline, he took a diverse array of course, including web design, marketing, persuasion, statistics, and new media courses among others. Between now and graduation Michael will be familiarizing himself with the organization, using his current understanding of marketing for the marine industry as a tool.

“We are extremely excited to be adding Michael to our growing team at MRAA,” says Matt Gruhn, President of MRAA. “Michael brings a new passion to the association, and as we continue to focus on creating more opportunities for our members, he is the perfect fit for us to help take over many of the marketing functions we have taken on in recent months.”

In addition to his growing marketing expertise, Geatz also brings industry experience to the MRAA. Last summer he interned as Marketing Coordinator at an MRAA member’s dealership (Wayzata Marine, Wayzata, Minn.). At Wayzata Marine, he helped to launch the company’s Facebook, Twitter and YouTube pages and performed many of the same marketing tasks that he’ll be assigned at MRAA, Gruhn explains.

“I am really excited to have the opportunity to continue growing with the marine industry,” says Geatz. “My internship provided me with a working knowledge of marine-specific marketing practices and an accelerated interest in this industry. I feel confident that my experience with social media strategy, email marketing, online advertising, events, and content management will help MRAA continue to develop innovative resources for marine retailers.”

As Marketing Coordinator, Geatz will assume responsibility for coordinating and executing tasks associated with the implementing the MRAA’s strategic marketing plans and supporting activities. He will write press releases, create MRAA’s newsletters, website content, and digital media. Geatz officially joined MRAA on March 20, 2013.

 

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.

Webinar: Discover Boating’s 2013 Marketing Plan

The industry’s Discover Boating marketing campaign is gearing up for launch. We invite you to join this all-industry webinar on April 3 outlining details for Discover Boating’s Welcome to the Water marketing campaign. This 45-minute webinar will provide a look at the integrated marketing mix on tap for the busy boating months ahead, including digital advertising, social media and public relations. Sign up to take part and learn more about how you and your staff can get involved in the industry-wide movement to welcome more people to the water.

Date: Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Time: 2:00 pm EST / 11 am PST
Reserve your spot here: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/271354329

This web presentation will outline plans for:
– New advertising: digital and cinema
– Upgrades to the look and feel of DiscoverBoating.com
– Industry-wide boating event: Welcome to the Water on National Marina Day on Saturday, June 8
– Promotional materials and web tools available to you at no charge
– Public relations: What’s on tap to put the boating lifestyle in the media spotlight this summer
– Marketing support for Marine Five Star Dealer Certification

How can you join in the Welcome to the Water movement? This webinar will offer Discover Boating web resources, tools and applications you can use and highlight promotional materials available to the industry to help welcome your current and future customers to the water.

The webinar is open to all industry stakeholders in the U.S. and Canada. Space is limited.

Congressman Ryan among ABC speakers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The 2013 American Boating Congress (ABC) announced today its lineup of speakers, featuring an influential group of policy specialists and industry authorities, as well as legislative and regulatory officials including Representative Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV).

The broad spectrum of industry advocates, policy experts and legislative decision-makers who will present at the event only adds to the reasons dealers should consider attending this year. The insight they share regarding the current political and economic climate and how we can work together towards continued growth in recreational boating will help dealers make better decisions in their business.

In addition, ABC attendees gain an important opportunity to lend their voice to discussions on the Hill involving legislative and regulatory issues that can greatly impact dealers and other recreational boating businesses. 

On May 9, ABC will present its general session, featuring the following speakers:

Representative Paul Ryan (R-WI): Currently serving his 8th term as a Member of Congress, Rep. Ryan is the Chairman of the House Budget Committee, where he works to bring fiscal discipline and accountability to the federal government. He is a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over tax policy, Social Security, health care and trade laws.

Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV): Sen. Manchin joined Congress in 2010, having previously served as Secretary of State from 2000 to 2004. In 2005 he began his six years as Governor for the state of West Virginia. Legislatively, job creation is Sen. Manchin’s top priority, working to produce American jobs and encouraging the government to act as a partner to help create opportunity.

Deerin Babb-Brott, Director, National Ocean Council Office: A White House initiative, the National Ocean Council provides sustained, high-level, and coordinated attention to ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes issues and focuses on actions to advance the National Ocean Policy. Deerin Babb-Brott brings more than twenty years of experience developing innovative and successful solutions to management challenges in the coastal and marine environment, with expertise in government affairs and marine policy.

Rear Admiral Dean Lee, United States Coast Guard: Rear Admiral William “Dean” Lee reported to Coast Guard Headquarters to be the Deputy for Operations Policy and Capabilities (DCO-D) in May of 2012, following his assignment as the Fifth District Commander in Portsmouth, VA. As DCO-D, he oversees integration of operations, capability, strategy, and resource policy. Rear Admiral Lee has spent 13 years in six different Command assignments, including Fifth District and spent a career specializing in Boat Operations and Search and Rescue.

Kenneth Walsh, White House Correspondent, U.S. News and World Report: Ken Walsh, having covered the White House full-time for U.S. News and World Report since 1986, is one of the most experienced and longest-serving reporters ever to cover the presidency. With an extensive contact list of Washington insiders, Walsh has both historical and contemporary perspective on events. Historian Douglas Brinkley has written of Walsh, “No journalist today covers U.S. presidential politics with the same bedrock self-assurance, analytical thought and literary aplomb as Ken Walsh.”

Frank Peterson, President, Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation: The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to growing participation in fishing, boating and aquatic stewardship. Peterson joined the RBFF team in 2007 to serve as President and CEO, with more than 20 years of industry experience and advocacy.

The 2013 ABC, co-hosted by 31 industry organizations, is the premier legislative conference for the recreational boating industry. Register now to secure a place at this important event.

MRAA to manage Wisconsin Marine Association

MINNEAPOLIS — The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas and the Wisconsin Marine Association announced today that the MRAA has been selected to take over the management of the WMA.

The WMA, now based in Minneapolis, is a four-year-old marine trades association that serves the state of Wisconsin. It was managed primarily as a marina association over most of its existence, but recently changed its focus to serve more of the broader marine industry, including dealers, manufacturers and suppliers. The association has maintained some part-time assistance over the years, but for the most part had been managed by volunteer members.

The MRAA took a similar step last year by taking on the management of the North Central Marine Association. Since that time, activity within the association has been rising, having held a golf tournament, a member meeting, and most recently, by hosting a Marine Retail University that drew more than 70 people.

“We are honored to be selected to manage the WMA,” says Matt Gruhn, President of MRAA and newly named Director of WMA. “We are proud to say that our management of the NCMA, which began in mid-2012, has been a success, and with the businesses of Wisconsin and Minnesota sharing so many traits, this is a logical step for MRAA. We’re just happy to be able to help the Wisconsin association strengthen its footprint in the market.”

The MRAA will manage the WMA’s administrative functions and bookkeeping responsibilities in addition to taking on full responsibility for the WMA’s marketing and legislative efforts and membership growth. MRAA will also organize and execute WMA events.

“This is a great opportunity for WMA to take the next step in its evolution,” says Jon Kukuk, chairman of the WMA board and president of Nestegg Marine, Marinette, Wis. “We’ve watched closely as the MRAA and NCMA relationship developed, and we believe that this is a perfect partnership for us to strengthen the WMA.”

About Marine Retailers Association of the Americas

Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2012, 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 unveils Online Store

MINNEAPOLIS — The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas has unveiled an all-new MRAA Online Store at MRAA.com to give dealers and other marine industry businesses first-hand access to competitively priced logo’d items and apparel.

The initial inventory for MRAA’s Online Store features a sampling of options. However, through this vendor partnership, MRAA can create custom orders for just about any other logo’d product a business desires.

“The MRAA Online Store makes it extremely easy for a company to buy anything from shirts for its staff to wear at a boat show to logo’d bags for a giveaway in their showroom,” explains MRAA President Matt Gruhn. “While there are a lot of vendors in this space that come and go, because of our strong relationship with our partner, MRAA will stand behind these purchases, giving customers added comfort.”

Any marine business can buy products from the MRAA Online Store at a competitive rate; however, MRAA Members receive discounts on both the products and the set-up fees for their logos. MRAA will also make its own logo and select other logos available at no set-up charge to its members.

“This is just one more way that MRAA can help its members save time and money,” Gruhn explains. “They can save time by fulfilling their orders right here on the same site that they turn to for countless other resources, and they can save money through our preferred pricing.”

The MRAA Online Store currently features seven products that many small businesses use on a regular basis. While additional items are expected to be added in the near future, if a site visitor has a special request, it can be fulfilled through a simple call to MRAA.

The MRAA Online Store can be accessed through the nav bar on the left hand side of this page. Or since you’re already reading about it here, just click here.

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