MRAA optimistic about Fiscal Cliff deal

MRAA continues to closely follow negotiations regarding the Fiscal Cliff. The Fiscal Cliff is defined as the combination of a 10-percent across the board cut of government spending and the expiration of the Bush era tax cuts. MRAA has lobbied in favor of balanced equitable solution and retention of the second home mortgage interest deduction, the state sales tax deduction option, and the repeal of the estate tax.           

Negotiations are being conducted in secret with few even on the Hill knowing the details. However, MRAA remains optimistic that a resolution will be reached in the next couple of weeks. All fingers point to progress with key staff on the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee working on narrow bills that can come to the floor for votes. Despite the public posturing by members of both political parties, the fact that very little has leaked out about the private conversations between the president and Speaker Boehner is a clear signal in DC that there may real movement behind the scenes.           

What can we expect in the final deal? Based on speculation, it looks like individual tax rates for high incomes couple will rise. In addition, anticipate a limitation of deductions, such as mortgage interest deductions and charitable giving, for adjusted gross incomes above $300,000 (up from the published $250,000). Recently, the White House has put an overhaul of the corporate tax code on the table, such as new taxes on certain current tax-free bonds. Expect a tax reform bill in 2013 as part of the deal.           

At a meeting on the Hill yesterday, staff said they are writing legislation to cut government spending and raise taxes in a two phase process. Phase one will include cuts and tax increases set to begin on December 31 and phase two will be cuts and tax increases that committees will look into during 2013. Cuts in government spending may not reach the mandated 10 percent contained in the sequestration bill, but some of the cuts will be major, especially in entitlements, such as raising the age to qualify for Medicare to the retirement age, $400 billion cuts in Health Care, requiring doctors to electronically file Medicare/Medicaid claims to streamline the process., etc.

The grand bargain between Congress and Obama faces a challenge of passage in the House, but most believe a new attitude of House freshmen has freed the Speaker to negotiate a compromise that would have been impossible last year. 

LMS to offer free marketing budget consulting for MRAA members

MINNEAPOLIS — The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas and Lighthouse Media Solutions have partnered to offer MRAA members a free one-hour marketing budget consulting session, which has a $500 value.

“In today’s marketplace, dealers are always searching for ways to get more out of their marketing budget,” says Matt Gruhn, MRAA President. “The consulting sessions being offered by Lighthouse Media Solutions give our members free access to their team of experts with no obligation. The value of this new offering alone will deliver a remarkable return on investment in MRAA membership for those who take advantage of it.”

Lighthouse Media Solutions is an MRAA Platinum Partner, the highest level of support for the association, and has been named its preferred marketing agency. The company offers a wide range of products and services to marine businesses, including video production, e-mail marketing, website development, social media management and print publications.

“With the speed at which new technologies and platforms are being introduced and adopted by consumers, it’s difficult for dealers to stay on top of the most effective marketing strategies at any given time,” says Mike Alleva, Vice President of Marketing & Client Strategy. “Our team of marketing professionals are on the cutting edge of these developments, tracking the real-world results being generated by our clients in the field. We are delighted to help MRAA members navigate this fast-changing universe in order to maximize their marketing success.”

As part of this members-only offer, Lighthouse will analyze each dealer’s current marketing plan and budget to uncover opportunities to increase their desired results. Each dealership that participates in this one-on-one session will walk away with concrete ideas for how they can improve the effectiveness of their marketing strategies and budget. For more information, contact Mike Alleva at 857-400-7888, ext. 128 or malleva@lhmediasolutions.com.

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 Lighthouse Media Solutions

Lighthouse Media Solutions is a forward-thinking integrated media solutions and creative design company that specializes in identifying and executing strategies that leverage traditional and emerging technologies. With core competencies in e-mail marketing, website development, social media management, print publications and video production, its team of creators, technologists, artists and strategists have the experience and technical abilities to deliver cutting edge solutions. For more information, visit http://lhmediasolutions.com.

Law Firm Expansion Means a New Name

Leonard A. Bellavia, Esq. is pleased to announce that on January 1, 2013, Bellavia, Gentile & Associates will become known as: Bellavia, Blatt, Andron & Crossett, LLP. Our shorthand version shall be Bellavia Blatt.

This change has been brought about for several reasons. First, John Gentile shall become in-house General Counsel to the Staluppi Auto Group, an existing client of our law firm. John shall be devoting all of his professional time to this exciting new position.

Second, the law firm is adding Steven Blatt, Esq. to its name. Steve has been with the firm for 6 years and has become a senior litigator in matters involving dealer factory relations. Steve, a Georgetown Law graduate, has handled some of the most noteworthy and widely reported litigations in the industry over the past five years.

The firm welcomes Anna Andron, Esq., who is an accomplished transactional attorney, with extensive dealership experience. Anna will work closely with Leonard Bellavia on dealership buy-sell transactions and other factory related matters such as facility image programs, site control, and factory buy-backs.

Carol Crossett, Esq. has also been promoted and shall be added to the firm name. Carol has extensive experience in succession planning and estate matters, and is also an accomplished litigator on dealership consumer matters.

Charles Gallaer continues to oversee the firm’s monthly flat fee Dealer Representation Program (DRP). Charles is a law student at Brooklyn Law School. Dealers enjoy working with Charles as his automotive experience on daily consumer and regulatory matters is unparalleled given his background as a former Zone Manager for Ford Motor Company for 6 years and a General Manager for a Ford Lincoln-Mercury dealership in Virginia for 8 years. Members of our DRP program enjoy working with Charles on a daily basis.

Erin A. Sidaras, Esq. joins Bellavia Blatt as a well respected litigator in both the public and private sector. Erin will oversee the firm’s Warranty Reimbursement Department as well as interact with dealership clients on general litigation and business matters.

Bonnier Corp’s Glenn Hughes named Jerry Martin Journalism Award recipient

MINNEAPOLIS – The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas presented its 2012 Jerry Martin Journalism Award to Glenn Hughes, Vice President and Group Publisher of Bonnier Corp’s Marine Division, at the 2012 Marine Dealer Conference & Expo.

“As a former journalist myself, I very much appreciate the great lengths that Glenn has gone to in support of the marine industry,” says Matt Gruhn, MRAA President. “A publisher has multiple responsibilities to juggle on any given day, which makes us all that much more impressed that he has made his industry work such a high priority.”

Hughes was recognized as one of the greatest contributors of 2012 to boating advocacy journalism.

In just the last year, Hughes has led his company’s involvement in the Water Sports Foundation’s safe boating U.S. Coast Guard grant, which runs across ALL of its marine brands. He led the development of innovative webisodes, games, quizzes, and other content to increase consumer knowledge of boating safety, particularly in the area of boating under the influence, navigation rules of the road and the use of life jackets.

To demonstrate his commitment to the marine industry, he attended numerous industry events, including the International Water Safety Summit, the Marine Dealer Conference & Expo, the American Boating Congress and the Industry Growth Summits. Earlier this year, Hughes became a member of the Grow Boating Board of Directors, and he orchestrated the effort for his company, Bonnier Corporation, to donate substantial advertising and media to promote dealer certification and other Grow Boating initiatives.

He is the past Chairman of the American Sportfishing Association’s Data and Statistics Committee, and a current member of its Government Affairs Committee. He also led the effort for Bonnier’s sponsorship of the National Marine Manufacturers Association’s Day on the Water at the Republican and Democratic National Conventions, and he is the chairman of the Boating Task Force for the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation.

“I’d like to thank the MRAA for this prestigious award. I always appreciated the effort made by Jerry Martin to reach out across the industry, and I am honored to be associated with him,” says Hughes. “The marine industry is my passion, and I am very blessed to be working with great people and in an environment that promotes the boating lifestyle. I owe so much to so many for these past 25 years and can’t imagine spending my time doing anything else. If I’m not talking about boating, I’d like to think I’m on the water sharing the experience with others.”

This award was named in honor of Jerry Martin, a significant contributor to the MRAA and one of the biggest dealer advocates of his time in the industry. He led the MRAA’s famed shirt-sleeve sessions for many years, and he worked tirelessly to support marine dealers in every facet of the business. This award was renamed in his honor in 2007.

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 www.MRAA.com.

Debbie Meigs receives 2012 Darlene Briggs Award

ORLANDO, Fla. – Debbie Meigs, senior customer service representative with Cobalt Boats, Neodesha, Kan., was named the 2012 Darlene Briggs Award Winner during a luncheon Nov. 14 at the Marine Dealer Conference & Expo. The honor is given annually to an outstanding woman in the marine industry.

A 38-year veteran of the marine industry, Meigs has served in a variety of roles for Cobalt, including the organization of its customer satisfaction training for both internal use and Cobalt’s dealer network. Additionally, Meigs has remained involved in industry organizations, serving in the past as chair of the NMMA CSI Steering Committee.

“Through her contributions to both Cobalt and boating as a whole, Debbie has truly raised the bar for customer service in this industry,” Jonathan Sweet, editor-in-chief for Boating Industry magazine, said.

At the event, Boating Industrymagazine’s national sales manager, Kathy Johnson, introduced the 2011 Darlene Briggs Award Winner, Jewell “Julie” Crowe of Crowe Marine, who presented the award.

The recipient of the Darlene Briggs Woman of the Year Award demonstrates leadership and commitment to the boating business. Recipients also must show a willingness to volunteer their time and effort in their communities and social organizations.

This award was established in 1987 in honor of Darlene Briggs of Wayzata Marine, who exemplified these qualities, serving as the first retail marine saleswoman in Minnesota and the first female member of her state marine trades association. It is sponsored byBoating Industrymagazine, MRAA Spader 20 Group 103 and MRAA.

The 2011 recipient was Jewell “Julie” Crowe, co-owner of Crowe Marine. Other past recipients include: Barbara Woodard, accessories manager at Woodard Marine; Nancy Smith, co-owner of boat dealership Colorado Boat Center; Ann Baldree, national and international sales manager of Marine Products Corp.; Marcia Kull, vice president and general counsel of Volvo Penta; Joan Maxwell, president of Regulator Marine Inc.; Kris Carroll, president of Grady-White Boats, Inc.; Lynn Fiorenzano of Silver Spring Marine; and Maureen Dickson of Cap Sante Marine.

The Marine Dealer Conference & Expo was held Nov. 11-14 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.

AAA Speaks Out Against Ethanol

Yesterday, the American Automobile Association issued a press release opposing E15 gasoline and urging the Environmental Protection Agency to stop the sale of E15 until consumers are better protected. The 53-million member organization is one of the biggest consumer lobby organizations in Washington, D.C., so this news is big for the support of MRAA’s position on E15. 

The press received a great deal of exposure yesterday, including this article from Business Week.

The MRAA and the rest of the marine industry has been working diligently to fight against E15, as well, and you can catch up on the latest information regarding this here.

Larry Innis
MRAA Legislative Affairs

Reaching out to the Hispanic Market

As the largest minority group in the U.S. Hispanics are becoming an increasingly valuable segment within our economy. Recently, AdAge Magazine reported that “Latinos are fueling growth of the population, Internet usage, technology sales and pumping more than $1 trillion of spending power into the economy.”

Similarly, Hispanics are the fastest-growing segment of anglers, forecasted to grow to 18% of the overall market by 2015 (Mintel, 2012). With positive perceptions towards fishing and family values, and spending time outdoors, Hispanics have the potential to significantly grow boating and fishing participation in the coming years.

A key strategy this year, RBFF is working to learn more about the Hispanic community, and how they’re motivated to add fishing and boating to their outdoor activities consideration set.

“These individuals are very family-oriented and are more likely to engage in group activities rather than individual activities,” said RBFF President and CEO Frank Peterson. “We want to help them get out on the water fishing and boating, and enjoying our aquatic natural resources.”

PILOT PROGRAM

align=Using research and previous learnings, RBFF, this fall, conducted a test campaign of Hispanic Marketing to help determine what messaging, creative and digital behaviors resonate with the Hispanic audience. Read more.

Marine Five Star Dealer Certification Recognizes Retailers with Two New Awards

ORLANDO (November 14, 2012) – Marine Five Star Dealer Certification (MFSDC), one of the core elements of the Grow Boating Initiative, announced today recipients of two new awards to honor certified marine dealerships for best practices and best places to work. Honorees received their awards this afternoon at the Marine Dealer Conference and Expo (MDCE) in Orlando. These awards recognize outstanding Marine Five Star Certified Dealers based on results from a confidential employee satisfaction survey and from the MFSDC certification business audit review. 

“Best practices and employee satisfaction are key elements in the MFSDC program — designed to enhance the consumer boat-buying and owning experience — which encourages sales and stronger, more profitable dealerships,” said Matt Gruhn, president of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA). “We honor these Marine Five Star Certified Dealers for their efforts to improve our industry and to lead the way for others.”

MFSDC Best Practices Award
MFSDC “Best Practices” are a part of the certification process that recognizes thoughtful and cost-effective ways to do business while maintaining quality and eliminating variability. They are methods or techniques that have shown superior, consistent results often at a low cost of implementation. Those participating in MFSDC have exclusive access to hundreds of Best Practices and can use them as benchmarks in their business. They are a feature of accredited management standards such as ISO 9000 and ISO 14001, and many others programs, including MFSDC.

Based on Best Practices identified in certifications and continuations from November 1, 2011 to October 31, 2012, below are MFSDC’s top 10 Certified Dealers for Best Practices:

  • First Place: The Great Outdoors Marine (Lavalette, W.V.)

The following winners are listed in alphabetical order:

  • Bass Pro Shop/Tracker Boat Center (Atlanta, Ga.)
  • Candlewood East (Candlewood, Conn.)
  • Captain’s Marine (Kalispell, Mont.)
  • Clark’s Landing (Chester, Md.)
  • Clark Marine (Manchester, Maine)
  • Fay’s Marina (LaPorte, Ind.)
  • Hurst Marina (Manotick, Ontario, Canada)
  • Marine Max (Ft. Myers, Fla.)
  • Prince William Marine (Woodbridge, Va.)

“The Certified Dealers recognized with the MFSDC Best Practices Award strive to improve their operations in efficiency, profitability, customer satisfaction, growth and profitability,” said Terry Leitz, MFSDC director. “The leadership of these dealers creates a culture of innovation and continuous improvement that serves as role models for the marine retail industry.”

MFSDC’s Best Dealerships to Work For Award
This new award has been established to honor Certified Dealers for their commitment to employee satisfaction, as evaluated by their employees through a confidential survey in the certification and continuation process. High employee satisfaction creates a positive, motivating and successful environment, all of which lead to increased sales, profits, employee retention and higher customer satisfaction

Based on results from a confidential MFSDC employee satisfaction survey completed by Certified Dealerships between November 1, 2011 and October 31, 2012, below are the top 10 Certified Dealerships to Work For:

  • First Place:Schock Boats (Newport Beach, Calif.)

The following winners are listed in alphabetical order:

  • Airport Marine (Alabaster, Ala.)
  • Chesapeake Whalertowne (Grasonville, Md.)
  • Hall Marine Group – Sea Ray Scout of Charleston (Charleston, S.C.)
  • MarineMax (Catawba Island, Ohio)
  • Tracker Boat Center (Austin, Texas)
  • Tracker Boat Center (Longview, Texas)
  • Tracker Boat Center (Brainerd, Minn.)
  • Trudeau’s (Portland, Ore.)
  • Trudeau’s Marina (Spokane, Wash.)

“The winning dealers promote a motivating, healthy and fun culture for their staff. By striving to do right by their employees, in turn, employee loyalty delivers for the overall business,” noted Leitz. “What these dealers have in common is respect for their employees and an understanding that when employees consider their company a good place to work, it changes the business model.”

For more information on Marine Five Star Dealer Certification, visitGrowBoating.org/programs/dealers/default.aspxor call 800-975-7894.

About Grow Boating:The Grow Boating Initiative is a cooperative effort by the recreational boating industry to promote the boating lifestyle and improve the boating experience to increase participation, and ultimately, sales of marine products and services. For more information and stakeholder resources, visitGrowBoating.org.

Recreational fishing infrastructure eligible for disaster assistance

According to a press release distributed yesterday, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), senior member of the House Natural Resources Committee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs confirmed that recreational fishing infrastructure such as marinas, tackle and bait stores and public access points that provide fishing access are eligible for disaster assistance under the fishery disaster declaration.

Read the entire release here.

Home mortgage interest deduction back ‘on the table’

The following is an article in today’s Washington Post that says the home mortgage interest deduction, including the second home interest deduction, is on the table as a means to address the fiscal cliff. It has been on and off the table for a long time now with staff saying only last week that it will not be considered until a tax code overhaul next year. Options include reducing the $1,000,000 loan max to total repeal.

Mortgage-interest deduction could be on the table in ‘fiscal cliff’ debate

Larry Innis
MRAA Legislative Affairs