10 Days Left to Save … 10 Reasons to Register!

There are just 10 DAYS LEFT to save money with the Marine Dealer Conference & Expo $399 Early Bird Rate (MRAA members receive an additional $50 off).

10 Reasons to Register for MDCE in the Next 10 Days!

#10. Learn the secret to more sales with noted trainer Joe Verde & get a FREE copy of his new book “A Dealer’s Guide to Recovery & Growth”

#9. Attend a mini-conference on 5 technologies that can help you better market your business.

#8. Learn the demographic trends reshaping our industry & others

#7. Meet with top dealers, manufacturers and suppliers at 3 networking receptions

#6. Learn how to boost repeat business with top Harley dealer consultant Sam Dantzler

#5. Fulfill two days of education credits for Marine Five Star Dealer Certification

#4. Get tips to generate a return on your Facebook investment

#3. Stay where the action is, minutes from award-winning restaurants, entertainment and, of course, Disney World

#2. Learn from service department trainer Valerie Ziebron, the best-reviewed MDCE speaker in 2010, & receive a FREE service white paper

#1. Hear fellow dealers share their best ideas for profitability

If trends hold, 2013 could be the strongest year for the marine industry since prior to the recession. Are you ready to take advantage? Learn how … only at MDCE.

Register by September 14 to take advantage of the $399 Early Bird* rate.

2012 Marine Dealer Conference & Expo
November 11 – 14, 2012
Rosen Plaza Hotel & Rosen Centre Hotel
Orlando, FL

What do fellow dealers have to say about their time at MDCE? Check this out!

The event brochure, complete with individual session info, is available here.

*Valid until September 14, 2012. Beginning September 15, 2012, standard registration rate is $449. MRAA members receive an additional $50 off per attendee.

BI: Fate of NMMA, MRAA model-year agreement remains in question

The following article appeared on Boating Industry online on Friday, Aug. 31.

In a landmark agreement, the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas and the National Marine Manufacturers Association recently reached consensus on a proposed regulation for boat model-year enforcement. It is now up to the United States Coast Guard to decide the next step. Read more.

The check(list) is in the mail

MINNEAPOLIS – Members of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas should keep an eye on the mail in the weeks ahead.

On Wednesday afternoon, newly appointed MRAA Director of Membership & Marketing Liz Walz completed a major project for the association, amassing, organizing and mailing out a re-vamped member kit to all current and new members of the MRAA. The contents of this package include detailed information on MRAA’s member benefits and how each member can take advantage of them.

“We’ve done so much to increase the value of MRAA membership over the past year, like more than doubling the member benefits,” Walz explains. “Now is a great time to get the word out to all of our members about what’s new at MRAA. Long-time members, for example, may be aware of some of the improvements we’ve made but missed other announcements. This updated kit will serve as a checklist of sorts for members of the numerous ways they can boost their return on investment in MRAA.”

To accompany the member kit project, Walz created an MRAA.com landing page that demonstrates how retailers can get the most from their membership. That page features a how-to for getting started with membership for new members; an “amp up your ROI” document for existing members; and overviews of the MRAA Rewards Program, Resource Center, legislative efforts, Marine Retail University events, and Bearings e-newsletter, among other things.

“Many of the programs we offer are very easy to use and require little to no additional investment on the dealer’s part,” Walz explains. “We simply want to make it as easy as possible for our members to benefit from their association with us, and these resources help us accomplish that.”

The MRAA Benefits Committee is hard at work evaluating the association’s current benefits and looking at ways to add to the opportunities available to its members. MRAA expects to make some big announcements in the coming weeks about additional ways that MRAA members can benefit from their membership.

The CBO’s economic outlook

The link below will take you to a report to Congress by the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office on projections of the economy for the remainder of 2012 and 2013.

It is an interesting report. It makes projections based on two scenarios, one where the federal budget deficit is reduced by austerity to about $600 billion from $1 trillion today and the other that the budget deficit remains at current levels.

Under the first case, the CBO predicts an economic recession and 9-percent unemployment. Talking heads on Wall Street go further and predict a “severe” recession because of reductions in federal spending. Under the second scenario, the CBO predicts a slowly declining unemployment rate and a gradual economic recovery. Sounds like a report reared by an economist. What to believe?

Nevertheless, I thought you might like to read what was sent to all Congressional offices. Click here to read it.

Larry Innis
MRAA Legislative Affairs

NMMA and MRAA Hold Historic Summit on Model Year Enforcement Policy

WASHINGTON, D. C., Updated Sept. 2, 2012 – The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) have come together to submit a consensus proposal to the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) regarding model year enforcement. The USCG is currently reviewing the proposal

Read article from Boating Industry that provides updated information.

The USCG formal definition of a boat’s model year begins on August 1st and ends on July 31st. However, for many years boat manufacturers produced new vessels on their own timeline, in accordance with informal USCG guidance. In the spring of this year, the industry became aware that the USCG began enforcing the August 1 model year start date, leaving manufacturers with compliance problems that would require the shutdown of boat manufacturing facilities for as much as eight weeks during the summer, resulting in the potential loss of jobs and important economic impact.

Following a meeting with the USCG, NMMA was asked to work with the recreational boating industry to develop a consensus position on the definition and enforcement of the model year. In an historic meeting, board members from the MRAA and NMMA met to develop a recommendation and have since submitted it to the USCG. This was the first time on record that the two associations have come together to develop a workable solution.

The solution offered would keep the model year target date at August 1, but includes a 61-day grace period prior to August 1 during which new model year products may be shipped. The proposed solution includes two exemptions: First, manufacturers of boats 30 feet and over will have the freedom to designate model year without regard to the August 1 target date and grace period. Second, manufacturers may introduce an entirely new model mid-year with the next-model-year designation. New models are defined as significantly structurally different than any model in the manufacturer’s current line-up. In the case of both exceptions, the product cannot be shipped before January 2.

MRAA and NMMA have delivered the proposal to the USCG and requested its implementation.

“Through a commitment to partnership and cooperation, the industry has come together to develop this important proposed solution,” says NMMA President Thom Dammrich. “We anxiously await feedback from the Coast Guard.”

“What makes me proud about this recommendation is that although both sides of this conversation came into the meeting with very disparate positions, after hours of constructive conversation, we were able to walk out with a recommendation that we could all live with,” says Matt Gruhn, President of the MRAA. “This meeting was underscored by a commitment to partnership, and I am happy that we now have definition to this long-debated industry issue.”

For questions or media inquiries please contact Lauren Dunn at 202-737-9752 or ldunn@nmma.org or Matt Gruhn at (763) 315-8043 or matt@mraa.com .

###

About NMMA: National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is the leading association representing the recreational boating industry in North America. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters and anglers throughout the U.S. and Canada. The association is dedicated to industry growth through programs in public policy advocacy, market statistics and research, product quality assurance and promotion of the boating lifestyle. For more information visit www.nmma.org.

About MRAA: 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

Liz Walz joins MRAA as Director of Membership & Marketing


MINNEAPOLIS — The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas announced today that it has hired Liz Walz as the organization’s Director of Membership & Marketing

“Liz and I have had a long working relationship together, and I’m absolutely thrilled to add her passion and enthusiasm for the marine industry to the MRAA team,” says Matt Gruhn, President of MRAA. “There are very few people who are as passionate about the marine industry and the dealer body in particular than Liz has proven to be, and that, along with her well-known communication skills, makes her the ideal person for this position and this association in general.”

Liz has spent the majority of her career at Boating Industry, which she joined in 1999. At B.I., she led the editorial team’s efforts and helped to create and produce the Top 100 Dealers Program and the Marine Dealer Conference & Expo, in addition to being a central contributor to the print and online editorial efforts for the better part of the last 10 years. She left B.I. at the end of April.

Walz is very familiar with the MRAA, as she has served on the association’s Young Leaders Advisory Council since its inception. As the only non-dealer to ever sit on that council, she played a significant role in its development as well as that of a handful of committees.

“I am delighted to join the MRAA during such an exciting time in the association’s growth,” says Walz. “This move is a natural one for me. Throughout my career, I’ve been inspired by the hard work, innovation and professionalism of today’s marine retailers. The opportunity to serve this group and contribute to a bright future for the boating business alongside Matt, whose work I have long admired and respected, is a dream come true.”

As Director of Membership & Marketing, Walz will be focused on interacting with MRAA members, growing MRAA membership, and driving the association’s marketing efforts. She will lead MRAA’s online efforts, including its new website and e-newsletters. And she will direct all outreach efforts to members and non-members alike as MRAA looks to continue its growth. Her official start date is today, August 15th.

See Liz Walz’s Bio and contact info.

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

MarineMax signs on as MRAA Premium Retail Member

MINNEAPOLIS — MarineMax, Inc., the nation’s largest recreational boat retailer, 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 MarineMax,” says Matt Gruhn, President of MRAA. “As a major player and innovator in our industry, the MarineMax 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 in early 1998, MarineMax has demonstrated its commitment to improving its customers’ boating experiences, from the introduction and expansion of its “Getaways!®” program to the launch of the “MarineMax Connection” program. With more than 50 locations and 1,000 team members, MarineMax is the largest and one of the most innovative retailers in today’s market.

“MarineMax is focused on developing new and better ways of doing business for both the industry and our customers,” says William H. McGill, Jr., MarineMax Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer. “We became an MRAA Premium Retail Member because our organizations share a passion for developing a stronger, healthier dealer body and boating industry, and we believe that working together is the best way to accomplish these goals.”

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 MarineMax, Inc.

Headquartered in Clearwater, Florida, MarineMax is the nation’s largest recreational boat and yacht retailer. Focused on premium brands, such as Sea Ray, Boston Whaler, Meridian, Cabo, Hatteras, Azimut Yachts, Grady-White, Bayliner, Harris FloteBote, Nautique and Malibu, MarineMax sells new and used recreational boats and related marine products and provides yacht brokerage and charter services. MarineMax currently has 53 retail locations in Alabama, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Tennessee, and Texas and operates MarineMax Vacations in Tortola, British Virgin Islands. MarineMax is a New York Stock Exchange-listed company. For more information, visit www.marinemax.com.

Applications sought for Kevin Lodder Scholarship

CONTACT: Marge Eckenroad, 941-964-2534 or foundation@mraa.com

BOCA GRANDE, Fla. — The MRAA Educational Foundation is seeking applicants for the 2012 Kevin Lodder Scholarship. The Kevin Lodder Scholarship Fund provides a full scholarship to attend a week-long Spader Business Management Total Management 1 Workshop to an employee of a Marine Retailers Association of the Americas retail member.

The Total Management Workshop details skills that will increase profits, stability and growth for the dealership. Attendees will leave the workshop with a clear set of principles, processes and tools to take their company to new levels of performance and profitability.

They will leave knowing:

  • How to make faster, better decisions based on proven principles and ratios for business management;
  • How to achieve a highly profitable and adaptable business by effectively structuring a right-sized operation;
  • How to achieve excellent margins and competitive pricing;
  • How to create simplified score-keeping with a profit plan that connects the financial goals of the company, each department, and individual employees;
  • How to achieve rational inventory planning, higher margins, lower risk, more robust adaptability;
  • How to improve employee and customer communication, improve attitudes, and reduce conflict by mastering the four basic human styles

“Applying the tools and knowledge that I received during the Spader Total Management workshop has proven invaluable to our daily operations at the dealership,” says Eric Smith, Colorado Boat Center, the 2011 recipient of the Kevin Lodder Scholarship. “We have since sent two more members of our team to attend the workshop, as well.”

Any employee of an MRAA dealership member is eligible to apply for the Kevin Lodder Scholarship, which is valued at nearly $3,600. The scholarship includes the registration fee for the workshop ($2,795) and a travel allowance of $800. The 2012 recipient will be announced at the Marine Dealer Conference & Expo, Orlando, Fla., Nov. 11–14, 2012.

“The Spader management class is eye opening!” says Randy Tague of Lake Viking Marine, another past recipient of the Kevin Lodder Scholarship. “It really helps you focus on all aspects of your business from parts to sales. With easy-to-use methods for tracking all areas, it takes a lot of the time and frustration out of the process and gets you exact numbers. It’s a great class that I would recommend to everyone.”

For more information and to apply, please visit the Kevin Lodder Scholarship web page. The deadline for applications is Sept. 24, 2012. If you have any questions, we invite you to contact Marge Eckenroad at 941-964-2534.

About MRAA Educational Foundation

The MRAA Educational Foundation, a not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation, was founded in 2004 to provide financial support for education, training and professional development in the recreational marine trades. MRAA recognizes the need to provide for the growth of our dealerships and the professional development of their employees. MRAA and the MRAA Educational Foundation are dedicated to the growth of the recreational marine industry through workforce development. For more information, visit 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 keeps its eye on CFPD

What follows is a summary of a recent article published by the Senate Republican Policy Committee on its concerns over the newly established Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. As a reminder, MRAA worked with a maritime lawyer in New York City and the National Automobile Dealers Association to secure an exemption for boat dealers in the originating language that was signed into law by the President. However, MRAA continues to follow this issue very closely because a small group of associations and lawyers are communicating with the Bureau protesting the boat dealer exemption.

The Republican Policy Committee says the CFPB is exercising unprecedented investigative and rulemaking authority and unlike other federal agencies, the CFPB is free to meddle with whole sectors of the nation’s economy without accountability. The mission statement of the CFPB says the CFPB is to “make markets for consumer financial products and services work for Americans by promoting transparency and consumer choice and preventing abusive and deceptive financial practices.”

The CFPD is not subject to Congressional appropriations receiving more than $400 million each year directly from the Federal Reserve without taxpayer approval or adequate oversight by Congress. The agency is free to impose its will on job creators and consumers virtually unimpeded.

During a recent Congressional hearing, CFPB Director Richard Cordray implied he would use his enforcement authority to define “abusive” standard rather than setting it through public comments made during the rulemaking process. This action will deny small businesses their right to weigh in on an ambiguous standard that affects their businesses, employees, and consumers. To help the CFPB along, it is increasing its staffing from the current 176 employees to 1,359 in 2013.

This is why MRAA worked hard to get the boat dealer exemption in the law. The original legislative intent was to apply only to financing institutions and not oversee businesses in the business of selling product/merchandise. MRAA will continue to watch closely the growth of the CFPB.

Important boating and fishing law passed

The U.S. President signed the $105-billion Highway Transportation Bill on July 6, bringing an end to a three-year fight over fishing and boating spending. This is an important development for the boating industry because the Highway Transportation Bill contains the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund re-authorization. MRAA has been working with other fishing and boating groups to design workable language for a couple of years only to face the complications of the Highway Bill re-authorization. Congressional staff and Members advised to keep the old Wallop-Breaux language as simple as possible to ensure a clean re-authorization. As a result, no changes were made from the previous seven years; it simply extended the programs until the end of 2014.

The Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund is currently a $650-million-per-year fund that helps to finance fresh and salt water fish hatcheries, fishing and boating outreach and promotion, boating access, the Clean Vessel Act pump out stations, boating law enforcement and equipment purchases, boat operator education, and other key programs.

Work will soon begin on the re-authorization of the fishing and boating trust fund on December 31, 2014.