MRAA applauds House passage of Red Tape Reduction Act

In the House of Representatives, 245 members recently voted in support of small businesses everywhere by passing H.R. 4078, the Red Tape Reduction and Small Business Job Creation Act. The bill is a comprehensive regulatory reform bill that streamlines the time consuming rulemaking and permitting process, brings transparency to rules issued by federal agencies, and prohibits agencies from issuing a cascade of regulations when a change in administrations occurs. The bill would also create a process to give the public the meaningful voice it is supposed to have in the rulemaking process. Thirteen Democrats joined House Republicans in supporting H.R. 4078 in the July 26 floor vote.

MRAA believes this is the first step on our road to making government more transparent and to simplify the rulemaking system that has been growing more complicated at a rapid rate for many years. H.R. 4078 is the first attempt by Congress to pass regulatory reform to reduce the crushing burden on small businesses for many years. MRAA also believes it is a positive step to help jump start our economy.

As a reminder, MRAA submitted testimony in July before the House Small Business Subcommittee on Investigations, Oversight, and Regulations on “Sinking the Marine Industry: How Regulations Are Affecting Todays Maritime Businesses.” MRAA has been told marine retailers, including marina operators and boat dealers, spend about $48,000 per year of unbillable time at current labor rates complying with federal regulations. This represents about 500 hours. Most of the time is spent on inspections, record keeping and outside consultant fees. Federal paperwork reduction is one of the highest priority topics on MRAA’s legislative agenda.

MRAA asks the Senate to swiftly follow the House lead on this bill and pass a companion bill before the end of the year.

House and Senate pass versions of Bush tax cuts

The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 8, the Job Protection and Recession Prevention Act, on August 1 by a vote of 256 Yea to 171 No along party lines to extend the expiring tax cuts for households and businesses at all income levels through 2013. These tax cuts are known as the “Bush Tax Cuts.” The vote came following the House rejection along party lines of the Democratic alternative 170 Yea to 257 No that would have limited the cuts to taxable income over $200,000 for individuals and $250,000 for couples.

The action in the House came a week after the U.S. Senate extended the tax cuts only up to the $200,000 and $250,000 ceilings contained in the Democratic alternative in House.

The House passed language contains the important extension of the estate tax deduction of $5 million and a maximum tax rate of 35 percent. Like the other Bush Tax Cuts, the estate tax deduction was set to expire on Dec. 31. The Senate passed bill does not contain the extension of the estate tax deduction.

In addition, both the House and Senate version of the tax bill includes the deduction of state sales taxes in lieu of the state income deduction. This tax deduction benefits marine retailers in states such as Texas and Florida that do not have an income tax. It also benefits them when the sales tax of a major purchase, like a boat, exceeds the state income tax paid.

The goal in Congress is to have a tax bill to the President after the elections during an anticipated Lame Duck session. The House and Senate will now have to get together in a conference to work out the differences between the two bills. Of course, the parliamentarian will have to rule on the validity of the Senate passed bill since the Constitution says all tax bills must originate in the House and the Senate did pass its version first in violation of the Constitution

MRAA supports re-authorization of the Bush Tax cuts, especially the estate tax and the sales tax deduction.

Vessel excise tax impacting Maryland boat biz

Recreational marine businesses in Maryland are lobbying for a change in the state’s tax policy. Currently, a state excise tax requires boat owners to pay five percent of the value of their boat if they stay in the state more than 90 days during a given year. Representatives from the state’s boating industry suggest that the tax is driving boaters away, resulting in lost business and a recent decline in state boat registrations. Click here to read a CapitalGazette.com article on this issue, entitled “With industry sinking, boating advocates search for tax relief.”

15 REAL Reasons to attend MDCE

1. This isn’t last year’s MDCE. If you attended MDCE last year, or even the year before, and you think title=you learned enough to skip MDCE for a few years, you’re wrong. Dead wrong! This year’s MDCE is a whole new ball game … new speakers, new exhibitors, different location, different schedule. We took what worked best in 2011 and added a whole bunch of “new” and “better” and “just plain awesome.” Click here to see what’s in store for you in 2012.

You’re already convinced, aren’t you? Register now.

2. Your competitors will be there. The number of dealers in attendance at MDCE continues to grow, and that includes dealers from YOUR region, YOUR state and, yes, even YOUR locale. You don’t want them to get a jump on you by implementing all the new ideas that will be shared at this year’s event, do you? I didn’t think so.

Scary thought, right? Register now.

3. Proven strategies from other industries. Last year’s attendees asked to hear more about how leaders title= in other industries find success in today’s economy, and we listened. Just take a look at the breadth of experience of our keynote speaker, as well as that of Sam Dantzler (right), who moderates a Harley Davidson 20 Group; or Jennifer Robison, a facility design expert with a long list of powersports clients; and Joe Verde, the leading authority on auto sales.

Kinda risky to miss those sessions, don’t ya think? Register now.

4. Straight talk from the Industry Giants. OK, so we don’t call them “industry giants” any longer (size doesn’t matter, right?). But you told us you wanted to hear from leaders in the industry of all sizes and shapes, and we’re delivering. You’ll want to hear what challenges and opportunities they expect to face in 2013 because — guess what — chances are you’ll encounter some of the same ones.

Pretty much a no-brainer at this point. Register now.

5. It’s time to get digital right. Yeah, you have a website and a Facebook page and maybe you posted a video on YouTube once, but is it working for you? Are you getting the results you deserve? Attend our NEW digital mini-conference and gain an edge over your less tech savvy peers. We know consumers are online: it’s time to get that business for yourself.

Use our digital registration system to see if you’re even qualified to attend. Register now.

6. All the cool kids will be there. I know we’re supposed to be adults, but let’s face it: we like to have fun in title= the boating industry, and who better to have fun with than your dealer buddies. They know how tough it is out there. That’s why they glue themselves to their seat for three days of tips, advice and best practices. But they also know how important it is to blow off some steam with their comrades at the end of the day. And there are plenty of MDCE networking receptions (yeah, we mean parties) where you can do just that.

Tell me, where else can you eat, shop, party and learn so much for under $400? Register now.

7. Your staff needs it. Do your employees’ eyes start to glaze over when you give them yet another talk on customer service, profit margins or upselling? Are the challenges of today’s marketplace wearing on them? It’s probably time to bring them with you to MDCE. You can sit back and watch them get refreshed and fired up about their jobs again. And when you get back to the dealership, ask them to give the next team talk. The results just may surprise you.

Unless you don’t care for outstanding results, that is. Register now.

8. Save your dealership a ton of money. If you’re not up to speed on all the new benefits MRAA is offering members, you’re missing out. And MDCE is the place to catch up. At the new MRAA Rewards Pavilion, you’ll learn, first-hand, how the benefits of membership are saving MRAA dealers thousands of dollars (per month, in some cases), generating dealer revenue and enhancing dealer performance. Whether you’re an MRAA member already or not, you’ll want to check it out.

Did someone say enhanced performance? Register now.

9. Do your research. If the education you can get at MDCE is the No. 1 reason to be there, the No. 2 title=reason should be the research you can conduct on products and services for your dealership. The leading suppliers will have their best and brightest people on-site to demonstrate how they can help your dealership become more successful and more profitable, whether that’s a new Dealer Management System, a new boat brand or one of the tons of other profit-builders that will be on display in the MDCE Expo Hall.

Education + Networking + New Relationships = Sign Me Up Now.

10. Party with your Manufacturer’s Rep. One of the NEW features of this year’s MDCE is the Manufacturer’s Rep Training Workshop. Not only is this a prime opportunity for your rep to learn how to strengthen his relationship with you, it’s also a chance for the two of you to hang out and talk — away from the day-to-day pressures inside your dealership.

Sit in on their class and make sure they listen! Register now.

11. Gain extra credit. If you’re a certified dealer – or you want to become certified – MDCE is the place to pick up two of the three days of educational training you need to attain certification or to recertify.

Where could you ever find a better education? Register now.

12. Valerie Ziebron. Need we say more? If you’ve attended one of her previous sessions, you know she’s title=THE marine industry expert when it comes to effectively managing a service department. And she’s back with us at MDCE this year. If your dealership offers service, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to hear what she has to say about today’s service trends.

And if you don’t offer service, then you REALLY better get there and learn. Register now.

13. Your future depends on it. I know, you think we’re being a little too dramatic, but have you noticed how the demographics of the North American population are changing? And those changes are accelerating quickly. If you’re going to succeed next year and the year after and the year after and … and … and, well, YOU are going to need to change, too. Get a clear picture of what this means to you from demographics expert Steve Murdock.

A can’t-miss session! Register now.

14. Don’t forget the Mouse. Most of us pretend we’re too grown up for Disney, but the truth is there are lots of lessons to learn from the Disney experience. Plus, it’s fun. So, if you’d like, bring the kids or the grandkids, but don’t hold back that scream on the rollercoaster or that laugh at Mickey and Goofy. Just let it out.

Use those “lessons” as your excuse to relax. Register now.

15. MRAA members get the best deal. If you’re an MRAA member, you can save $50 per employee you title= register for MDCE. That’s the best rate out there. So, if you’re not yet a member, it’s time to sign up. Send three people from your dealership, and your savings equal half the price of MRAA membership. Send six, and your membership just paid for itself.

That’s a great reason to JOIN MRAA AND to Register For MDCE now.

We’ll see you there!

You’ve Got Questions; We’ve Got Answers!

The Marine Dealer Conference & Expo’s Service & Marina Track will show you how to drive more business, and more profit, through these vital areas of your dealership. In the following two sessions, you’ll learn how to improve the health of your dealership, as well as get your tough questions answered by the pros.

Tuesday, November 13
Benchmark Your Marina’s Performance
While marine retailers have access to benchmarking data to guide them in their dealership operations, a similar set of data has not been available to most marina operations. During this session, you will learn how to conduct a step-by-step analysis of your marina’s performance, including benchmarking data to help you measure and ultimately improve the health of your operations.

Service Pros Answer Your Toughest Questions, by Valerie Ziebron
Valerie facilitates four of her favorite service professionals to take on your service department’s biggest challenges. These are the people Valerie turns to for expert advice, people who have learned from years of on-the-job experience how to solve a variety of problems at any size dealership. As a group, they’ve heard it all, seen it all, and overcome it all.

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

The Early Bird rate is $399, but MRAA Members can register for $50 off at $349 (until Sept. 14th).

ABYC puts on First Annual Boating Safety Clinic

July 23, 2012, Annapolis, MD: John Greviskis, host of Ship Shape TV, will appear as the celebrity guest at the First Annual American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) Boating Safety Clinic. The clinic will be held Saturday, August 25, 2012 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Annapolis Maritime Museum, 723 2nd Street, Annapolis, MD 21403.

Free, in-water boat inspections will be completed by ABYC certified marine surveyors. There will also be certified technicians on-site to suggest repairs. The boat operator will take away a checklist that includes electrical, fuel, exhaust, equipment, and signage areas. Boats of all types must be registered prior to the event and can be done via www.abycboatingsafetyclinic.com.

“The American Boat and Yacht Council is a go-to resource for the marine community regarding safety, standards and regulations,” said John Adey, ABYC President. “We want all boat operators to have that same life-saving education.”

Greviskis has been instrumental in reaching boat operators. For more than 13 years, he has addressed different projects, repairs and improvements on his show alongside marine industry leaders. A program schedule can be viewed at http://www.shipshapetv.com/.

“It’s humbling to be affiliated with such a wonderful organization that cares about the same core values as I do,” said Greviskis. “The ABYC is a conglomerate of the best minds in the marine industry.”

To help promote that safety is fun, interactive demonstrations and guidelines will shared by on-site vendors who contribute, are related to, and have an expressed interest in safe boating such as the National Safe Boating Council, the MD Department of Natural Resources, BoatU.S., United States Coast Guard, and many more. The museum, just one block away from ABYC headquarters, will be open for tours. Food and kid’s play will also be on-site. A silent-auction will also be held.

###

The American Boat & Yacht Council, ABYC, was created in 1954 as a non‐profit organization to develop safety standards for the design, construction, equipage, repair and maintenance of boats. The mission of ABYC is to improve boating safety and reduce the number of injuries and fatalities.Membership is recommended and rewarded.

Contact: Nina Ullrich
ABYC Marketing
nullrich@abycinc.org
Phone: 410-990-4460 x105

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House votes to extend tax cuts, includes estate tax deduction

I am following up briefly on yesterday’s message on the Bush Tax cuts and continuation of the current estate tax.

The House of Representatives voted yesterday 256 to 171 (along party lines) to extend the expiring tax cuts for households and businesses at all income levels through 2013. The vote came following the House rejection of the Democratic alternative, 170-257 (again on party lines), that would have allowed the cuts to expire on taxable income over $200,000 for individuals and $250,00 for couples.

The House action stands in contrast to a move last week by the Senate that extended the tax cuts only up to the $200,000 and $250,000 ceilings.

The House passed bill contains the important estate tax deduction of $5 million and a max tax rate of 35 percent. These provisions are set to expire on December 31. The Senate Bill does not include the estate tax.

Another key to marine retailers is that the action in the House keeps the deduction for state sales taxes. This is especially important in states such as Texas and Florida that do not impose an income tax. As a reminder, an individual can take a sales tax deduction if the tax payer makes a major purchase and the sales tax paid is greater than the income tax paid.

The goal has always been to have a tax package after the elections in a lame duck session. Members are more interested in the election campaign than reaching a tax compromise prior to the elections.

MRAA supports the extension of the Bush Tax cuts including repeal of the estate tax and keeping the sales tax deduction. We believe our economy is far too fragile for a tax increase. Congressional intent is to study the tax code next year for potential revision.

Larry Innis
MRAA Legislative Affairs

Brunswick signs on as MRAA Platinum Partner

MINNEAPOLIS — Brunswick Corporation, a leader in the recreational marine industry, has signed on as a Platinum Member of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA), the highest level of support for the association.

“Brunswick’s leadership within the marine industry makes the company an invaluable partner for our association,” says Matt Gruhn, president of MRAA. “We appreciate their commitment to the dealer body, and look forward to exploring innovative ways we can work together to improve the experiences of our members and their customers.”

Since it entered the marine industry in 1960, Brunswick Corporation has demonstrated its commitment to its Brunswick Boat Group and Mercury Marine dealer partners, introducing innovative offerings such as Brunswick Dealer Advantage to support dealers’ long-term success.

“Brunswick Corporation understands that to be successful as a company and as an industry, our dealers must also be successful,” says Andy Graves, president of Brunswick Boat Group. “Our partnership with the MRAA is one way we can help ensure a healthy, profitable dealer body.”

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 Brunswick

Headquartered in Lake Forest, Ill., Brunswick Corporation endeavors to instill “Genuine Ingenuity”(TM) in all its leading consumer brands, including Mercury and Mariner outboard engines; Mercury MerCruiser sterndrives and inboard engines; MotorGuide trolling motors; Attwood marine parts and accessories; Land ‘N’ Sea, Kellogg Marine, and Diversified Marine parts and accessories distributors; Bayliner, Boston Whaler, Brunswick Commercial and Government Products, Cabo Yachts, Crestliner, Cypress Cay, Harris FloteBote, Hatteras, Lowe, Lund, Meridian, Princecraft, Quicksilver, Rayglass, Sea Ray, Trophy, Uttern and Valiant boats; Life Fitness and Hammer Strength fitness equipment; Brunswick bowling centers, equipment and consumer products; Brunswick billiards tables and foosball tables. For more information, visit www.brunswick.com.

MarineLab named Endorsed Warranty Processing Service of the MRAA

MINNEAPOLIS — The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas announced today that it has named MarineLab Corp. as the exclusively endorsed warranty processing service provider of the association.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with these experts in warranty reimbursement,” says Matt Gruhn, President of MRAA. “It’s no secret that the warranty claims process can be challenging for marine dealers, especially given today’s lean retail operations. MarineLab can save dealers time and money by putting their highly trained personnel to work streamlining this process and maximizing clients’ warranty dollars.”

The advantages offered by MarineLab’s services – including a fixed cost for warranty processing, access to a team of warranty experts, fast and accurate submission of claims, tracking of claims until they are paid, and compliance with manufacturer policies and procedues – are available exclusively to MRAA members.

“MarineLab was created to help dealers maximize their profitability in today’s challenging marketplace,” says Leonard Bellavia, MarineLab President. “We have partnered with MRAA in this endeavor because of our shared passion for a strong and healthy marine dealer body.”

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 MarineLab

MarineLab was established by the nation’s leading experts on warranty reimbursement in recognition of the increasing importance of profitability in fixed operations in the wake of a suppressed economy and struggling retail sales. The company has been named a Preferred Partner of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas. For more information, visit www.MarineLab.com.

RPC: CFPB’s Unparalleled Unaccountability

The following link will take you to a report on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau from the Republican Policy Committee. I believe you may find this interesting.

As it now stands, boat dealers are exempt form the Dodd-Frank Act, but I am always amazed how the federal agencies get involved in regulation over Congressional intent. We must watch the Bureau closely.

RPC: CFPB’s Unparalleled Unaccountability link.

Larry Innis

MRAA Legislative Affairs