Marine Sales of Pickwick signs on as MRAA Premium Retail Member

MINNEAPOLIS — Marine Sales of Pickwick, a leading full service marine dealership based in Counce, Tenn., has signed on as a Premium Retail Member of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, the highest level of retail membership within the association.

“We are delighted that Marine Sales of Pickwick has chosen to kick off its MRAA membership with such a strong commitment to the association ,” says Matt Gruhn, President of MRAA. “After 38 years of successfully serving the local boating community, Marine Sales of Pickwick continues to seek out new opportunities to take their business to the next level. We are honored that this leading dealer has chosen to invest in MRAA as part of this quest.”

This Cobalt, Regal, Crest, Marquis and Carver Yachts dealer surrounds its customers with a bevy of products and services to enhance their boating lifestyle, from new and pre-owned boats and yachts to brokerage services, marine finance, service, parts, boat storage, winterization, ship store and more. In fact, the dealership recently won a Cobalt CSI Award for achieving the highest score worldwide.

“At Marine Sales of Pickwick, we are always looking for ways to be more effective and profitable,” says Ron Martin, Marine Sales of Pickwick General Manager. “We became an MRAA Premium Retail Member to join together with other leading dealers and gain access to the incredible resources at their disposal.”


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

MDCE tops 80 exhibitors

The Marine Dealer Conference & Expo, the premier education event for boat dealers, has already signed up more than 80 exhibitors and sponsors. With more than 183,000 square feet of exhibit space, this year’s conference promises to be the largest yet.

MDCE is being held November 11-14 at Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center and is co-produced by the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas and Boating Industry.

This year’s sponsors include:

Powered By Sponsors: ADP Lightspeed, ARI, Boat Trader, Forest River Marine, Manheim Specialty Auctions, Nautic Global Group, Regal Marine, Starcraft Marine & the Smoker Craft Family of Products and Volvo Penta

2012 Digital Sponsor: Global Marine Insurance

Official Sponsors: Bennington Marine, Brunswick Boat Group, GE Capital and Tigé Boats

Best Ideas Program Sponsor: Boat Trader

Service & Marina Track Sponsor: Marine Mechanics Institutes

See a full list of the event’s sponsors and exhibitors.

To reserve space or inquire about additional sponsorship opportunities contact, contact Kathy Johnson at 480-988-3658 or kathyjohnson@boatingindustry.com.

Beyond the expo hall, attendees also have an opportunity to attend more than 20 educational sessions presented by some of the biggest names in the marine industry. Three educational tracks will feature dealer-presented best practices and expert advice on every topic from sales and marketing to service department operations and leadership to growth management.

Click here for more information.

ACMA to tackle legislative issues at MDCE

The Advisory Council of Marine Associations (ACMA) is set to meet during the Marine Dealer Conference & Expo (MDCE) in Orlando, Fla., Nov. 11-14. ACMA is a group of marine trades associations that serves as the MRAA Legislative Committee and advises the MRAA Board of Directors through its resolutions about legislative issues and strategies.              

The ACMA reviews MRAA and state legislative activities for the current year and discusses potential issues coming up in the next year. Because of the importance of 2012 as a presidential election year, ACMA will also look at the results of the elections in state governments, Congress, and the White House.           

Important issues ACMA may consider include the Bush tax cuts (sales tax deduction and estate tax repeal) and the economic impact of the Congressional action on the fiscal cliff issue, ethanol, the second home mortgage deduction, efforts in Congress to reduce red tape and reduce regulations of small business, re-authorization of the Sport Fish and Boating Trust Fund, adult lifejacket wear requirements, dredging, and working waterfronts.

What the Lame Duck Session holds for marine retailers

Most of the real work of the U.S. Congress (and perhaps the most contentious) will occur after the elections when Congress returns to finish the “business of the people” during a short Lame Duck session. Almost everything of consequence, most notably a set of automatic, economy-related spending cuts and tax increases that have been called a “fiscal cliff,” will be debated during the post-election Lame Duck.            

Topping the list of issues important to marine retailers is the expiration of a full menu of President George W. Bush-era tax cuts on December 31. The resulting tax increases, should an extension of the Bush Tax Cuts fail to pass, when combined with more than $100 billion in automatic across-the-board spending cuts (called sequestration) set to take effect at the same time, have become known as the fiscal cliff. Economists warn that unless Congress acts, the one-two austerity punch could sent the fragile economy back into recession.            

The automatic cuts are punishment for the inability of last year’s deficit reduction “super committee” to strike a bargain to cut the 10-year deficits by at least $1.2 trillion as promised by last summer’s debt and budget pact. The Bush tax cuts were originally set to expire at the end of 2010, but were renewed two years ago.            

There is no certainty that Congress will handle the issue in the Lame Duck, especially if Republicans retake the White House and gain seats in the House and Senate. Presidential candidate Mitt Romney has asked Congress to delay its work in this regard until he’s in office.             

Two important issues to marine retailers are tied to the Bush tax cuts. The first is re-authorization of the sales tax deduction in lieu of deduction state income taxes. This deduction is especially good for major purchases, such as a boat, in states where there is no state income tax, like Florida and Texas. The other issue is continuation of the 35-percent tax rate on inherited assets valued more than $5.5 million, known as the estate tax. MRAA has long supported both the state sales tax deduction and elimination of the estate tax and will work hard to retain both tax provisions.

What marine retailers can expect from Congress between now and the elections

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Congress returned to Washington, D.C., on Sept. 10 for an abbreviated session and is likely to do the bare minimum: making sure the federal government doesn’t shutdown.  Congress has scheduled only about five to six work days in Washington between now and the elections.  Many members will be spending most of their time at home campaigning for re-election. So what can we expect? Will Congress accomplish anything in these last days?            

The most important bill will be passage of a temporary spending bill called a continuing resolution (CR) that would fund the government at close to current levels from the start of the fiscal year on Oct. 1 through March 27. It is up for consideration in the House Rules Committee on Wednesday, Sept. 12 and in the full House at the end of the week. The Senate would most likely consider the CR the following week.            

It is expected the bill will be a clean bill that only extends the funding period. It appears the CR will pass and the government will forego a shutdown. The CR is needed because none of the regular appropriations bills for the upcoming fiscal year have been enacted. Passage of the CR would eliminate the threat that arose several times last year in budgetary showdowns. The bill essentially misses the core Constitutional responsibility of Congress to complete tis annual appropriations and budget work.            

There will also be many non-controversial bills passed by the House and Senate under suspension of the rules and unanimous consent, but few will make it to the President for his signature. The MRAA does not expect any bills that would directly impact marine retailers in the last days of this Congress before the election.

MRAA introduces Federal Regulatory Compliance Guide

MINNEAPOLIS — The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas has partnered with Priority One Financial Services to create the MRAA Federal Regulatory Compliance Guide, a handbook for marine dealers on how to develop the appropriate policies and procedures to comply with federal financial regulations.

This incredible resource not only provides dealers with a clear understanding of the often-complicated federal regulations, but also offers them key insights into how to maintain compliance with those laws. The 44-page publication includes an overview of the eight regulations that pertain to marine dealers, important considerations for ensuring your business is compliant and many of the specific forms you need to complete, as well as a checklist for monitoring your business’ progress when it comes to compliance.

“Those companies that are not compliant with these regulations risk thousands, even millions of dollars in fines and penalties,” says Liz Walz, MRAA Director of Membership & Marketing. “This publication will help our members ensure that they are staying on top of the regulations and ahead of the enforcement of them, while providing their customers with a secure pathway to boat financing. It is one more example of how the MRAA provides much-needed resources to help its members succeed.”

MRAA will deliver a free copy of this publication to any new or renewing retail members who join the association in the month of September. It is also available to current members through the growing MRAA Rewards Resource Center, available at MRAA.com.

“There couldn’t be a better time for dealers to gain access to this information,” says Heather Mariscal, President of Priority One. “The federal government has been increasing its enforcement of regulations such as the eight discussed in this guide. This guide focuses exclusively on that which is applicable to boat dealers, making it possible for dealers to protect their customers’ information and shield their businesses from fines and penalities that could threaten the the financial stability of their dealerships.”

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 About Priority One Financial Services

Priority One has been serving the marine and RV industry since 1987. Acquired in 2007 by Forest River, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway company, Priority One serves as the F&I managed services provider for hundreds of dealers nationwide. For more information, visit www.P1FS.com.

1 Week Left to Save BIG on MDCE registration!

With only 1 WEEK left to register with the Early Bird rate, here are just a few of the many reasons why you need to attend the Marine Dealer Conference & Expo this year:

• Learn pricing strategies to maximize your margins from consultant David Parker

• Hear straight talk on showroom layout with retail guru Jennifer Robison

• Receive tips on taking full advantage of boat shows from Mike Mraz of Exhibiting Excellence

• Keynote Speaker: Robert Stevenson, “How The Best Get Better”

Bonus Reason: More than 100 industry suppliers will fill the MDCE Expo Hall

Register by Friday, September 14 to take advantage of the $399 Early Bird* rate (and if you’re an MRRA member, you receive an additional $50 off)!

2012 Marine Dealer Conference & Expo
November 11 – 14, 2012
Orange County Convention Center
Orlando, FL

 

Don’t believe us? Check this out!

Complete details downloadable here.

MRAA to manage North Central Marine Association

MINNEAPOLIS — The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas and the North Central Marine Association announced today that the MRAA has been selected to assume the management of the NCMA.

The NCMA, based in Minneapolis, is a nearly 60-year-old marine trades association that serves the state of Minnesota and businesses from neighboring states. The award-winning trade association was managed for years by a local management firm, but when the recession hit, it narrowed its offerings to the services of a full-time lobbyist. Now, the NCMA is officially back up and running at full capacity, thanks to a working relationship between the two associations.

“We are honored to play a role in the rejuvenation of the NCMA,” says Matt Gruhn, President of MRAA and newly named Director of NCMA. “As a member of the Minnesota marine industry for the better part of the last 16 years, I feel connected and personally vested in the success of this group and its members. With the common interests shared by MRAA and NCMA, it is a natural progression for us to join forces.”

The MRAA will manage the NCMA’s administrative functions and bookkeeping responsibilities in addition to taking responsibility for the NCMA’s marketing, legislative efforts and membership growth. MRAA will also organize and produce all NCMA events, including the association’s annual meeting, golf outing, and annual awards and hall of fame banquet, among other things.

“This is a great opportunity for NCMA to get its feet back on the ground and begin its return to the prominent association that it once was,” says Jerry Rockvam, chairman of the NCMA board and president of Rockvam Boatyards, Inc., Spring Park, Minn. “With Matt’s knowledge of our members and our local market, MRAA’s access to resources to manage our efforts, and the revamping of our most critical member benefits, we are poised to once again unite the marine community in Minnesota.”

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 About North Central Marine Association

Founded in 1956, the North Central Marine Association promotes marine industry vitality and retail profitability in the North Central region of the United States through member serivces, legislative action and educational programs. It is the only organization in the region that encompasses the full scope of the recreational marine industry, and the collection of diverse interests unites in promoting recreational boating.

Skipper Bud’s signs on as MRAA Premium Retail Member

MINNEAPOLIS — Skipper Bud’s, a leading group of family-owned and operated sales, service and marina locations, has signed on as a Premium Retail Member of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, the highest level of retail membership within the association.

“We are proud to have earned such a high level of commitment from Skipper Bud’s,” says Matt Gruhn, President of MRAA. “With its long history of marine dealer excellence, the Skipper Bud’s team has a lot to contribute to the association as we move forward, and we look forward to working with them to continue to expand on our mission to be the voice of and leading resource for all marine dealers.”

Since its formation more than 40 years ago, Skipper Bud’s has demonstrated its commitment to customers, delivering the dream of the boating lifestyle at its 20-plus locations through long-term relationships with premium brands, professional and experienced staff, multiple service facilities and comprehensive list of offerings designed to make boating fun and hassle-free.

“Skipper Bud’s puts our customers’ boat buying and ownership experience first,” says Mike Pretasky Jr., Skipper Bud’s president. “We became an MRAA Premium Retail Member because we believe that MRAA’s work to further the interests of marine retailers ultimately helps members provide better customer service, and to us, that’s what it’s all about.”

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 About Skipper Bud’s

Headquartered in Winthrop Harbor, Ill., Skipper Bud’s is one of the marine industry’s largest sales, brokerage, service and marina groups. Offering premium brands, such as Sea Ray, Bayliner, Starcraft, Crestliner, Sylvan, Harris FloteBote, Four Winns, Trophy, Tigé, Tiara, Meridian, Malibu, SmokerCraft, MasterCraft, Crest Pontoons, Glastron, Azimut Yachts, Marquis and Cruisers Yachts, Skipper Bud’s sells new and used recreational boats and yachts, and parts & accessories, and provides service, boat storage, boat dockage, boat transport, delivery captains, educational classes, boating events and more. Skipper Bud’s currently has 24 retail locations in Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Mississippi, Ohio and Wisconsin. For more information, visit www.skipperbuds.com.