Barletta Boats Recommits to MRAA as Strategic Partner

  • Joins 10 Esteemed Marine Industry Companies Playing Vital Roles with MRAA

MINNEAPOLIS — The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas announced that Barletta Boats has increased its support of the MRAA by stepping up to become a Strategic Partner — the highest level of membership with the association.     

Barletta Boats, joins 10 existing Strategic Partners, which provide the highest level of sponsorship support for MRAA and Dealer Week, MRAA’s annual conference and expo. Strategic Partners serve as the tactical and financial backbone of the association, participating in regular dialogue with the MRAA Board of Directors and staff and helping to set the initiatives and priorities of the association in its mission to fuel the growth and success of today’s boat and engine dealers.

Barletta Boats logo

Since Barletta’s entrance into the marine market place in 2017, founder Bill Fenech has expressed his ongoing support of the dealer body and particularly the association in many ways. Barletta has supported MRAA as a member and as an exhibitor at Dealer Week, and Bill and Kristin Fenech have made significant donations to the MRAA through their foundation each year, as well. In 2020, when MRAA was forced to cancel Dealer Week due to the pandemic, Fenech proactively led a fundraising effort to support MRAA in its greatest time of need.

The association is looking forward to continuing this strong relationship with Barletta and its new president, Jeff Haradine. Jeff has already shown significant support to the MRAA, Dealer Week and the marine industry.

“I and our entire team here at Barletta Boats believe in the importance of a high-quality dealer network, and you can witness our commitment to that through the strong dealer network we have built for our brand,” Haradine, President says. “We are strong supporters of MRAA’s mission to fuel the success of our industry’s dealers, and becoming an MRAA Strategic Partner is a natural progression for us. We’re proud to step up, not only to help our dealers improve but also to support MRAA in its efforts to advance our industry.”

“The support of our Strategic Partners in tactical planning and helping us to identify primary objectives has played a pivotal role in the MRAA’s success,” said Allison Gruhn, Vice President of Business Development. “Bill Fenech and Barletta have supported our mission from the day they opened their doors, and it’s an honor to have them increase their commitment to our industry’s success. Adding Barletta to this elite group of Strategic Partners — comprised of industry advocates, visionaries and inspirational leaders — will continue to aid us in our mission to help boat and engine dealers, and the marine industry as whole, flourish.”

Founded in 2017 with a focus on innovative products, strong customer experience and authentic dealer relationships, Barletta continues to grow. Barletta has recently announced plans to expand its facilities to over 250,000 square feet, helping accommodate for their growing production needs. This expansion will be available for use in spring of 2023 and is expected to create more than 200 new jobs.

MRAA Strategic Partners are organizations that have committed to supporting the MRAA at the highest level of membership through a three-year partnership program.

Here’s the current 2022 list:

About the MRAA Strategic Partner Program

Strategic Partners serve as the strategic and financial backbone of the MRAA. As MRAA’s highest-level members, Strategic Partners participate in regular dialogue with the MRAA Board of Directors and staff, helping to set the initiatives and priorities of the association in its mission to fuel the growth and success of today’s boat and engine dealers. The Strategic Partners also provide the highest level of sponsorship support for Dealer Week, The MRAA Conference and Expo. Learn more at https://mraa.com/page/strategicpartners. 

About Barletta Pontoon Boats
Barletta Pontoon Boats is a premium marine manufacturer founded in 2017 with a focus on high-quality, innovative products, unrivaled customer experience and strong dealer relationships. Headquartered in Bristol, IN, Barletta is the fastest-growing company in the pontoon segment with an expansive network of dealer partners across the United States and Canada. The Barletta lineup includes the Lusso, Corsa, and Cabrio series. Visit www.barlettapontoonboats.com for more information. Barletta Pontoon Boats is a wholly owned subsidiary of Winnebago Industries (NYSE: WGO), a manufacturer of premium outdoor lifestyle products. For more information visit www.winnebagoind.com.

About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, we believe that for the marine industry to thrive, the retail organizations that interact with the boaters in their community must thrive. With that in mind, MRAA works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting those retailers, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, visit MRAA.com or contact us at 763-315-8043.

Bolster Your Finance Department to Withstand Disruption & Uncertainty

5 Key Areas to Tighten Up to Help Your F&I Department Find Future Success

By Jared Zimlin, Director of Business Development, Elite Recreational Finance

We are in a time of big changes. Some are positive. Some are negative. Some, well, we just don’t know.  Customer expectations of how they purchase big ticket items are changing. Inventories are not quite stabilized. Pricing of new boats is still being affected by surcharges. Rates are increasing. Add to all this, there are new finance rules either about to go in effect or being proposed. One thing is for certain, these changes have a major impact on your finance department.

So, with all this uncertainty, what are five key areas you can focus on this off season to tighten up your finance department and set it up for future success?

5 Areas to Focus on & Shore Up This Off Season

Improve Your Digital Credit Application – Consumers are used to applying for credit for all things now online. From cars to tennis shoes, your customer can go online, find what they want then apply to pay over terms. Yet, many dealer’s online credit application is still a printable PDF or worse, non-existent. Think about it. A customer can spread the payment over terms for a pair of joggers via a company like Affirm or Klarna from their phone, yet dealers expect customers to print a document, fill it out, email or fax it in for a big-ticket purchase? So Tip No.1, meet with your web provider to create a digital credit application that you can place on each listing. By doing this, you will make it easier for the customer, capture valuable data for your CRM and keep them moving towards the sale vs. creating a friction point where they decide to “wait until spring.”

Take Advantage of Soft Credit Pulls – Just because the customer pulled up in a nice truck, has a slick watch and a cool pair of shoes does not mean they will qualify for your boat. Even if the customer tells you they have “excellent credit” because their score is in fact over 740, does not mean they will get approved. Most credit bureau providers now offer Soft Pulls. This allows you to see the customer’s credit without adding an inquiry which could hinder their credit score. By doing the Soft Pull, you can now get a glimpse into the customer’s ability to afford the boat and likelihood of being approved regardless of their vehicle or how much bling they are showcasing.

Learn to Read Credit – Have you ever been to a restaurant with unfamiliar cuisine so you ordered by number? Then, when the dish arrives it’s not what you thought it was. Well, this experience is similar to how many people view credit. There are customers and dealer that think because the score is a 700 or 750 (or insert number here), that they have good credit. If you don’t know what the lenders look at to approve a boat loan, you may think that as well.

Here are the main ingredients you need to look at aside from the credit score:

  • Debt to income – What do they earn each month and what are their bills each month?
  • Time in bureau – How long have they been paying their bills?
  • Number of installment trade lines – Most lenders look for five or more installment loans
  • Highest installment credit line – Have you paid on a similar or higher installment loan?
  • Any negatives like late payments, bankruptcies, charge-offs?

Once you understand this information, you can then compare it to my next tip.

Understand Your Lenders – There is no “one lender” for every customer. Each lender has a different appetite for loans. Some like smaller loans. A few only want bigger transactions. Some lenders like to buy 800 credit up. Others like the mid-tier and sub-prime deals. Since you cannot control the credit of who walks through the door, it’s best to have a portfolio of lenders that will meet the needs of as many customer’s profiles as you will encounter. So how do you know who to add?

You can visit the National Marine Lenders Association website for a list of lenders who cater to the marine industry. Then, make a few calls and see if you can get a copy of the rate sheets and program details. By looking at this, you will see:

  • The preferred credit scores for each
  • The Debt-to-Income limits they have in place
  • How far back will they finance on a pre-owned unit
  • A company’s Loan-to-Value guidelines
  • More information that can help you build a proper portfolio

Note, most indirect lenders will not finance a consignment unit unless you transfer the title through the dealership. So be sure to research partners that can help with consignments you want to help sell but do not want to take on trade.

Keep Up With Compliance – In December 2022, a new Safeguards Rule is going into effect regarding how you protect and store customers’ sensitive information. Your dealership is also required to have a written Red Flags policy on hand with set officers to administer, and a training plan. You also need to consider how your actual operation is set up. Are files left on desks? Is the finance office separate with a limited set of separate keys to restrict who has access to files?

There is proposed legislation regarding fees, aftermarket products and disclosures that could have a major impact on when you review terms with a customer, how you advertise your fees and the cost of aftermarket products and what you will need to document a customer’s acceptance or declination of proposed terms — prior to the delivery date! All of these areas are of major concern with large fines for violating any of the federal or state laws.

You’ll notice there’s nothing in here about backend profits; reserve, service contracts, GAP and other profit centers. That is for a reason. These are extremely important, especially with rates rising, however, this can be a subject all to itself.

So, before you tackle that, remember, there is no service contract to be sold on a boat that does not deliver because the customer could get you an application, you couldn’t get them qualified, you did not know how to get them qualified; you didn’t have the lenders or you get them qualified; or you get them delivered, then have to pay it all back and more because you violated one of the many finance laws.

Here is the Great News!

MRAA has most of these tools from “How to Read Credit,” to a full Compliance Guide on its website. They even have a link to the Safeguards Rule and proposed rules on Junk Fees. You can also visit NMLA to find lenders. https://www.marinelenders.org/resources-for-boat-buyers/find-boat-loans

Even better, you can visit the lenders in person this December at Dealer Week in Austin, Texas!

New FTC Auto Rule: What Does It Mean for My Business?
https://mraa.com/fi/
Jared Zimlin Elite Recreational Finance

About the Author
Jared Zimlin is the Director of Business Development, Elite Recreational Finance, Education Champions with MRAA. Zimlin draws upon his two decades of business development experience solving problems for manufacturers, distributors and dealers across multiple industries with comprehensive retail finance, equipment finance and inventory finance solutions. A University of Florida alum, Zimlin is an avid cyclist and Club President of Gearlink Racing Inc.

Shore Premier Finance Becomes Platinum Partner Member

MINNEAPOLIS — The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas announced today Shore Premier Finance commits to the Association as a Platinum Partner Member.

Through Platinum Partner Membership, Shore Premier Finance aligns its brand with the programs and opportunities that MRAA works to provide the dealer body in an effort to fuel the success of the industry. The support the MRAA receives from Platinum Partners like Shore Premier Finance allows for the expansion of MRAA’s offerings and creates a positive, long-term impact for its members.

Shore Premier Finance commits to MRAA Platinum Partner Membership.

Shore Premier Finance provides marine dealers with inventory floor plan lines of credit, as well as offering its dealers customized floor-planning options that support a variety of manufacturers. Shore also offers financing for new and used boats for pleasure use, limited and full-time charter programs, USCG and BVI registries, powerboats, sailboats, catamarans, and certain specialty products.

“Our Platinum membership in the MRAA allows us to enjoy the expertise of the Association and its members” says Scott Walter, COO of Shore Premier Finance. “While simultaneously providing our experience and network to together push the industry forward”
 

Shore Premier Finance secured a space exhibiting at Dealer Week 2022 where dealers will connect with the staff and learn more about how its integrations can provide benefit to their business. MRAA and Dealer Week have been amplified because of their support and trust in the event.

“Shore Premier Finance is already making incredible efforts with their Platinum Partner Membership,” says Allison Gruhn, Vice President of Business Development. “By exhibiting at Dealer Week for the very first time and staying involved with the MRAA to best support the marine industry.”

About Shore Premier Finance

Shore Premier Finance is a marine finance specialist offering commercial floor plan lines for dealers and permanent consumer finance for purchase of new or used boats for pleasure use, charter programs, powerboats, sailboats, catamarans, and superyachts, including USCG and foreign registries. For more information, please visit www.shorepremierfinance.com.

About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, we believe that for the marine industry to thrive, the retail organizations that interact with the boaters in their community must thrive. With that in mind, MRAA works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting those retailers, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, visit MRAA.com or contact us at 763-315-8043.

MRAA Certification News – September 2022

The MRAA Marine Industry Certified Dealership (MICD) program continues to make new strides within the boating industry. Recently, the Dealership Certification process was enhanced to include a new seven-week Certification Webinar Series with MRAA Consultants. The MICD Program and Certification Manager Liz Keener were also highlighted recently by “Marina Dock Age,” addressing how dealers can seek continuous improvement and greatly improve their customers’ experience.

new MRAA Certified Dealership logo

Save Your Spot in MRAA’s Certification Webinar Series

MRAA only has a couple Certification webinar series available through the end of the year, so if you’re hoping to get Certified in 2022, get signed up ASAP! The first series runs Tuesdays Sept. 20 to Nov. 8. The second runs Wednesdays Oct. 5 to Nov. 30 (skipping Nov. 23 for the U.S. Thanksgiving week). Limited spots remain in both sessions. Enroll in Certification now to secure your slot.

Liz Keener MRAA and the Dealership Certification Program
Liz Keener, MRAA Certification Manager

Certification Featured in Marina Dock Age

“Marina Dock Age” magazine recently featured the Marine Industry Certified Dealership program and its focus on the customer experience. MRAA Certification Manager Liz Keener was quoted throughout the article, in which she told Wendy Larimer about the Certification program and how Certified Dealers commit to excellence. Read the article here.

MRAA, RVDA Push Back Against Proposed FTC ‘Auto Rule’

WASHINGTON, D.C., September 14, 2022 — The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas collaborated with the RV Dealers Association, the National Powersports Dealer Association, a number of state-based marine trades associations, the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy and more, to voice its opposition to the Federal Trade Commission’s recently proposed Auto Rule.

As the leading trade associations and organizations representing dealers and other businesses targeted by the proposed regulation, MRAA and its colleagues worked to educate members on the need to fight these proposed rules, while also highlighting the many reasons that marine dealerships should be exempted from the onerous regulations they present. The MRAA submitted comments to the FTC, which can be found here, Monday, Sept. 12, 2022.

By a 4-1 vote on June 23, the FTC issued a notice of proposed rulemaking, which suggested regulations that would change the way dealers interact with their customers. The regulation, dubbed the “Motor Vehicle Dealers Trade Regulation Rule,” would apply to cars, boats, motorcycles and RVs, and is primarily aimed at removing deception and other unfair business practices from the motor vehicle market.

Among many other new rules, the proposed regulations would seek to prohibit unfair business practices, of which there have been little to no evidence of such issues existing in the marine industry. Dealers of all motor vehicles would be prohibited from selling any add-on goods or services that do not provide any consumer benefit — as defined by the FTC. Dealers would be required to keep for at least two years, both digital and physical copies, of all aspects of their dealership marketing and sales records and practices. Combined, these proposed regulations would present an extreme burden to the oftentimes small businesses that comprise the marine industry.

Chad Tokowicz
Chad Tokowicz, MRAA Government Relations Manager

“Although the MRAA greatly appreciates the FTC’s focus on safeguarding consumer transactions, we feel that this rule was not drafted with our members in mind and fear that the cost of compliance will greatly overburden our members,” says Chad Tokowicz, MRAA Government Relations Manager. “There is no documented history of fraud or deceptive practices among marine dealers, and that, combined with MRAA’s focus on sales and compliance training, it is our hope that we have provided sufficient rationale to exempt our dealers from this regulation.”

The FTC says that it put forth this regulation because it has taken more than 50 enforcement actions related to automobile transactions in the last 10 years while also receiving more than 100,000 consumer complaints, annually, related to the car buying experience. Although the MRAA supports fairness and transparency throughout the purchasing process, the proposed regulation was crafted only with automobile dealers in mind, and therefore, the proposal does not adequately take into consideration the many nuances of the boating consumer or how boat, RV and powersports dealers conduct business.

“RVDA and MRAA strongly agree that the proposed FTC rule will have a negative impact on consumers,” said RVDA President Phil Ingrassia. “The new requirements, if adopted as written, will complicate the buying process for RVs and boats through unnecessary paperwork for dealers that will confuse buyers and will drive up costs.”

Aside from working with other trade associations in the outdoor recreation industry, the MRAA also worked closely with the Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy. The Office of Advocacy is the independent voice for small business within the federal government and is the watchdog of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. MRAA worked closely with the Office of Advocacy and provided information to the SBA, which was included in their comment letter that can be found here.

“Particularly in a small-business dominated industry like the boat business, this is a gross overregulation with no merit or proven need for such rules,” says Matt Gruhn, MRAA President. “It’s our belief that boat dealers should be exempted from any such regulations, particularly in light of the difficulty these rules would impose on boat buyers, who want the flexibility to buy the right product with the right parts and services that will help them make the most of their passion for on-water recreation.”

The FTC closed public comment period September 12, and after going through the public comments the FTC will determine how to move forward. The MRAA wrote a blog outlining the proposed regulation and the impact it could have on your dealership.

About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, we believe that for the marine industry to thrive, the retail organizations that interact with the boaters in their community must thrive. With that in mind, MRAA works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting those retailers, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, visit MRAA.com or contact us at 763-315-8043.

Wells Fargo Extends Benefits to all MRAA Members

MINNEAPOLIS — The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas announced today Wells Fargo will offer special rates for merchant services and credit card processing to all MRAA Members.   

Wells Fargo MRAA Member Benefit announced

Wells Fargo Merchant Services is the newest addition to the line-up of MRAA Benefit Providers. Exclusively offered to MRAA dealer members, Wells Fargo’s benefit will provide MRAA members the opportunity to use its payment processing integrations in their businesses. The MRAA carefully selects organizations to partner with in becoming benefit providers and only chooses organizations that will positively impact its dealer members.

“Adding Wells Fargo to our elite group of MRAA Benefit Providers was a natural progression in our partnership, as they already support the MRAA through a Strategic Partner membership,” says Jason Walz, MRAA Director of Programs. “Wells Fargo has really stepped up to help support the industry and MRAA Members through their credit card processing MRAA member exclusive rates.”
 

Wells Fargo offers all MRAA Members exclusive, discounted rates and solutions for accepting credit card payments from their customers. This brand new benefit includes MRAA Members who already use Wells Fargo.

“We have valuable solutions for marine dealers that cover their payment needs.” says Curt Raffle, VP of Franchise and Associations. “Having a long-standing Strategic Partner Membership with the MRAA has propelled us forward to making an even bigger impact for our marine dealers as well as theirs.”

As one of the MRAA’s Strategic Partner Members, Wells Fargo provides financial support to align itself with MRAA’s mission to help dealers run stronger businesses and create a better environment for marine dealers to thrive.

Wells Fargo is proud to offer a best-in-class merchant services product, an industry best price point, and a dedicated account management service model for MRAA members. Please reach out to your MRAA contact or FranchiseandAssociations@WellsFargo.com to learn more and get a quote.

About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, we believe that for the marine industry to thrive, the retail organizations that interact with the boaters in their community must thrive. With that in mind, MRAA works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting those retailers, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, visit MRAA.com or contact us at 763-315-8043.

Nautique Boats Renews Dealer Certification Incentive

MINNEAPOLIS – September 13 – The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas announces that Nautique Boats has renewed its dealer incentive program that provides greater access to the Marine Industry Certified Dealership Program and rewards dealers who achieve Certified status. Nautique dealers who earn Dealership Certification by Jan. 1, 2023, are eligible for the incentive, which is effective for the 2023 model year. 

Nautique logo

“As a manufacturer, Nautique has stepped up and chosen to support its dealers in bettering their businesses,” says Liz Keener, MRAA Certification Manager. “Nautique strives to be a partner with its dealers by creating these type of business improvement incentives that are a win-win-win for Nautique, its dealers and its customers.”

Nautique, a member of the Correct Craft family, is an MRAA Strategic Partner, and an advocate for dealer improvement. “We’re always happy to work with Nautique, Correct Craft and their dealers to build a stronger marine industry, starting with fueling success those who work with the customers directly — the dealers,” adds Keener.

“We’re excited to relaunch this incentive for our dealers. As an MRAA partner, we understand the value of the Certification program and the return on investment it offers our dealers,” said Todd Marquardt, senior internal sales manager. “We’re happy to work alongside our dealers to continue to strengthen the Nautique brand and the experience we all deliver to our customers.”

new MRAA Certified Dealership logo

Additionally, MRAA has developed a new 7-week Certification Program that includes weekly webinars and check-ins with MRAA consultants to provide greater value and interactive guidance for Certified Dealers and their teams. The Marine Industry Certified Dealership Program introduces dealers to processes, tools and best practices that help them maintain their focus on endless improvement in their business, within their workforce and through every interaction with their customers.

The Continuous Certification Curriculum, complete with authentic strategies, best practices and shared insights from world-renowned experts, further cultivates meticulousness in their daily approach to operations, while also strengthening the foundation of their business.

The original partnership between the MRAA and Nautique was announced at the 2018 model year dealer meeting, where the MRAA presented the program’s performance benefits. Adhering to its mission, MRAA continues to work in tandem with manufacturers and its partners to engage 100 percent of North American boat dealerships with MRAA’s tools, resources and/or educational programs. This includes generating customized programs, such as Certification, that present their dealer networks with opportunities to pursue excellence. 

About Dealer Certification
The MRAA’s Dealer Certification Program provides a blueprint for boat and engine dealers to create a culture of continuous improvement within their businesses. Dealer Certification focuses on enhancing dealership performance through three key pillars of building a competitive advantage: Operations, Employee Engagement, and Customer Satisfaction. The program unites the best and most effective tools, resources and educational programming offered by the MRAA into one package that offers dealers the most direct route to growth and success in today’s market. For more information, please visit MRAA.com/get-certified or contact us at 763-315-8043.

About Nautique Boat Company

Nautique is celebrating its 97th anniversary of delivering excellence in the marine industry. A subsidiary of Correct Craft, Nautique has been on the waters of the world with a passion for innovation since 1925. Delivering the very best waterski, wakeboard and wakesurf boats on the market, Nautique continues to drive progression with their award-winning technology and dedication to building the highest-quality boats imaginable. New technology, performance innovations and attention to detail are the cornerstones of what makes the Nautique brand the industry leader. Through the Nautique Cares initiative, employees and athletes dedicate themselves to not only making a difference on the water, but to extend their support to people in need around the world. The world’s best ski boat, world’s best wake boat, and a company that cares. To learn more visit Nautique.com

MRAA Launches ‘The Boat Biz’ Podcast

• New podcast aimed at highlighting insights, opportunities and actionable content for the marine industry

MINNEAPOLIS, September 13, 2022 — The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas has launched an all-new podcast, titled “The Boat Biz,” focused on delivering insights, discussing opportunities and providing actionable content for the marine industry to act on.

MRAA launches The Boat Biz podcast with President Matt Gruhn
MRAA “The Boat Biz” podcast will include conversations with guests within the boating industry and MRAA President Matt Gruhn.

The Boat Biz podcast, which now has four episodes live, features guests from around the marine industry to provide insights from every corner of the complex business of selling and servicing boats. It is available through such popular platforms as Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon and Audible and Anchor.fm, and will soon be available on other mediums.

“We realize that in order for our industry to be successful, we need to provide up-to-date insights both to our dealers and about our dealers to the industry,” explains Matt Gruhn, MRAA President and host of The Boat Biz Podcast. “This podcast format allows us the opportunity to talk about the important topics that the boating industry needs to know about, through the wisdom of each episode’s special guests.”

The inaugural episode of The Boat Biz featured an in-depth conversation with Liz Walz, MRAA’s Vice President of Education, as she helped explain the wealth of educational programs that MRAA makes available to the marine industry. Episode 2 featured Ann Baldree and Buck Pegg from boat builder Chaparral and Robalo. And Episodes 3 and 4 were recorded on-location at the National Marine Lenders Association conference, featuring Wells Fargo Distribution Finance’s Chad Lyon, as well as President of the NMLA board and Senior Vice President at Medallion Bank, John Haymond.

Matt Gruhn, Ann Baldree and Buck Pegg of Chaparral Robalo Boats caught up at the company's recent dealer meeting.
The MRAA’s Matt Gruhn, Ann Baldree and Buck Pegg of Chaparral Robalo Boats caught up at the company’s recent dealer meeting.

“These first four episodes demonstrate the variety of experts we’ll be featuring,” Gruhn explains, “in our effort to help dealers and industry insiders keep a pulse on the key factors driving the boat business. Our next series of episodes will feature boat dealers, as well, and what they’re doing to find for success in today’s market and plan for success in the year ahead.”

The concept for this all-new podcast surfaced during the MRAA’s strategic planning session, which collected insights and direction from boat builder and supplier partners, in addition to the dealers on MRAA’s board of directors, representation from MRAA’s Young Leaders Advisory Council, special dealer guests, and the MRAA staff. This three-year plan prioritized the sharing of insights from the MRAA and the many industry leaders the association interfaces with on a regular basis.

About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, we believe that for the marine industry to thrive, the retail organizations that interact with the boaters in their community must thrive. With that in mind, MRAA works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting those retailers, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, visit MRAA.com or contact us at 763-315-8043.

Tokowicz, MRAA Advocacy Efforts Highlighted in ‘Boating Industry’ Magazine

As part of Boating Industry magazine’s report on sustainability within the marine industry, Associate Editor Jamie Stafford spoke with MRAA Government Relations Manager Chad Tokowicz.

Chad Tokowicz
Chad Tokowicz, MRAA Government Relations Manager

Under the header “Retailers” on page 24 of the August / September issue of the magazine, Chad shared the MRAA’s advocacy efforts and its approach to sustainability, conservation and legislative efforts. Chad, who resides in Washington D.C., attends many important meetings, connects and events as well as authors letters to address some of the marine industry’s most significant legislative topics and concerns.

One quote from Chad, read: “Everyone has a role to play in conservation! Just by going out fishing, boating, or hunting, you can do your part in conservation. In the U.S., we are very lucky to have a unique conservation system that allows folks to support State and Federal agencies that do this work by simply purchasing a fishing or hunting license or a fishing rod or buying fuel for your boat.”

Tokowicz has also built a dedicated page on MRAA.com that keeps boat dealers and marina operators in the loop as to advocacy letters and testimonials. You can find that here. He also updates MRAA members monthly with his contributions to the MRAA’s “The Dealer Advocate” newsletter.

He’ll also be attending MRAA’s annual Dealer Week Conference & Expo Dec. 5-8, in Austin, Texas. Attending dealers will have a chance to connect with him face to face to share their concerns with him about proposed legislation or issues within their state, region and at the national level. You can always reach out to Chad via email if you are unable to connect with him in person to share your voice.

Discover Boating’s Social Influencer Partners Engage, Inspire Through Storytelling

Discover Boating, powered by NMMA and MRAA, has been amplifying the storytelling power of social content creators throughout summer to engage the next generation of boaters and inspire young, diverse audiences to experience life on the water.

From Instagram to TikTok – where the brand’s target audiences consume their social media content – Discover Boating has appeared in the feeds of millions of users, generating nearly 20 million impressions and more than one million interactions (likes, comments, shares, sticker taps, etc.), an indication that the personal boating experiences that influencers share are resonating with their followers.

Discover Boating Influencer Ambreen Tariq (Brownpeoplecamping) fishing from boat.

Discover Boating’s influencer partners include a diverse mix of partners from all different backgrounds (age, ethnicity, location, marital status, etc.) and generated a variety of content in terms of activities, boat types and bodies of water (watersports, fishing, cruising, sailing). Not only do these partnerships help drive consumer awareness and consideration of recreational boating, but they also help increase website traffic by including an easy call-to-action that links to DiscoverBoating.com. Additionally, Discover Boating’s Instagram channel gained more than 900 new followers in just three months, and the spikes in followers correlate with the dates when influencers posted, which signals success in sparking interest among new audiences.

Recent posts: 

• @AmberTorrealba (1.7 million TikTok followers) 

• @LukeGulbranson (192K IG followers)

• @kellyinthecity (113K IG followers) 

• @madelyneonthemove (105K IG followers)

• @daynabolden (35K TikTok followers)

• @BrownPeopleCamping (32K IG followers)

If you have questions regarding Discover Boating’s influencer partnership program, please contact NMMA’s Maggie Maskery at mmaskery@nmma.org.