DealerRock Joins MRAA as Partner Member

MINNEAPOLIS — October 29 — The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas announces DealerRock has joined as a Partner Member.
 
“The MRAA is an exceptional resource for dealers that want to improve their operations and provide a superior experience to customers,” says Jason Haines, Co-Founder and Partner, DealerRock. “We couldn’t think of a better organization to partner with than the MRAA as we developed DealerRock for the exact same reasons.

DealerRock logo “We started DealerRock because we wanted to introduce an inventive dealer management system within the marine industry,” says Haines. “After spending 12 years growing and running a multi-location dealership, our experience steered us to something resourceful and technologically advanced, so we set out to build it.”

DealerRock, while in stealth-mode, has been working side-by-side with a fast-paced dealership to bring this platform to market. With a huge focus on usability and modern development practices, DealerRock offers an affordable and unique platform for marine dealers. The fully integrated system ties together multiple categories (point-of-sale, inventory management, quoting, service, CRM, et al) but is designed to be both easy to learn and more. The platform focuses on efficiency and organization so dealerships can take care of their customers, even in today’s digital and mobile world.

“We built DealerRock because we believed that the marine industry needed an innovative platform to help dealers perform at an elevated level,” adds Haines. “In today’s competitive environment, customers expect so much more from their dealer — we seek to help dealers deliver that.” 

Marine manufacturers, suppliers and service providers, through Partner Membership with the MRAA, commit to aligning their brands with the programs and opportunities that MRAA provides the dealer body to help fuel the success of the industry. Support from Partners allows the association to expand its offerings and create a positive, long-term impact in MRAA members’ business.

“We’re excited to add DealerRock and its unique approach to the dealer management software segment, as a Partner Member,” says Allison Gruhn, Director of Business Development. “We appreciate DealerRock’s support and its drive to help dealers find greater operational success.”

About DealerRock 
DealerRock provides an all-in-one, cloud-based dealer management software system that helps dealers simplify their day-to-day operations and operate more efficiently in today’s competitive marine environment. Leading dealerships use DealerRock to run their operations because of its huge focus on usability and responsive design at an affordable price. It allows them to save money, operate more efficiently and manage their business from anywhere in today’s mobile world. For more info visit: www.dealerrock.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.

Advocacy in Your Area: What is MRAA Working on Where You Live?

At MRAA, our mission is to focus on bolstering the businesses of boat dealers and our entire industry. To do so requires that we remain on top of the issues, the legislation and the regulations that threaten your business. It’s our job to help foster a strong selling environment at all times. That requires a lot of effort at both the state and national level. To learn more about our advocacy efforts, in general, head to this recent blog about why your engagement in advocacy makes a difference.

While our advocacy takes place at the Federal level, MRAA is also engaged throughout the country as we have members in all 50 states. Below we have highlighted our advocacy engagement throughout the country.

Northeast
– Delaware
• Amended Right To Repair Legislation – House Bill22
     • MRAA worked closely with the Coalition Opposed to Illegal Tampering to successfully have Delaware House Bill 22 amended to exempt marine equipment. To learn more about this bill and why it was important for us to exempt marine equipment click here.

– Maine
• Right to Repair
     • MRAA engaged with the Maine State Legislature to highlight our opposition to HB 1977, a right to repair bill. The bill in question would require manufacturers to provide comprehensive information and access to software and tools needed to repair products – including electronics, and marine engines— to untrained and uncertified technicians and individuals. MRAA member, Rob Brown, from Clark Marine, testified before the committee to highlight the negative impacts on the boating industry. Read the MRAA’s submitted testimony on LD 1977, or listen to a recording of the hearing here. The bill ultimately died and was not passed.

Southeast
– Virginia
• Menhaden Fisheries Protection
     • MRAA, working with allies in the conservation, boating, and recreational fishing space, advocated for the passage of HB 1448 in the Virginia State Legislature. This bill would require the Virginia Marine Resources Commission to adopt regulations to manage Atlantic menhaden that would assure compliance with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Menhaden. Ultimately, the support on behalf of MRAA and the rest of the coalition led to the passage and enactment of the bill. To learn more and see the press release, click here.

Midwest
– Minnesota
• Letter to Lake Minnetonka Conservation Division on Proposed Wake Surf Restrictions
     • In December of 2020 MRAA and the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) worked with local businesses surrounding Lake Minnetonka to voice opposition to proposed Wake Surf Restrictions. The restrictions, proposed by the Lake Minnetonka Conservation Division (LMCD) sought to limit the access for those wishing to operate wake boats or engage in wake surfing. Due to the immense public comment and the coalition built by MRAA and NMMA, the LMCD did not follow through with their proposed restrictions.
• Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Task Force
     • In April of 2020, MRAA President Matt Gruhn, was appointed to the Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Task Force hosted by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Explore Minnesota Tourism Department. This Task Force developed recommendations for the Governor’s office and the state’s Department of Natural Resources and Tourism Department. Recommendations were finalized in May of 2021. To learn more about the Task Force click here and to explore the recommendations click here.

Northwest
– Washington
• Washington State Excise Tax Depreciation Schedule
     • Over the Summer of 2021, MRAA joined regional and national groups in opposition to increased excise taxes proposed by the Washington State Bureau of Revenue (BOR). The BOR proposed a new Watercraft Excise Tax Depreciation Schedule that did not accurately reflect depreciations rates for watercrafts and would have placed an unfair burden on recreational boat owners. After input from the coalition the BOR adjusted the rates to be in-line with national averages and more fairly tax boat owners in the state. To learn more about our efforts view our blogs here and here.

U.S. Territories and Hawaii
– Hawaii
• Right to Repair
     • In 2020, MRAA member Joe Adams of Windward Boats in Hawaii testified before the Hawaii State Legislature to highlight the marine industry’s opposition to SB 2496, which proposed so-called right-to-repair legislation. His testimony highlighted the negative impact this legislation would have on marine retailers and boaters alike, and it was a critical voice this legislation did not pass.

MRAA Joins Coalition; Submits Guidance to Biden Administration on ‘America the Beautiful’ Initiative

WASHINGTON, D.C, October 28, 2021 – Earlier this month, the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas joined 54 other members of the Hunt Fish 30×30 Coalition to submit a set of formal recommendations for the Biden Administration’s “America the Beautiful” initiative, also referred to as “Thirty by Thirty.” The recommendations highlight several priorities of the sporting-conservation community as they relate to the development of the Administration’s forthcoming American Conservation and Stewardship Atlas, which will serve as a measure of conservation and restoration progress to date.

The recommendations submitted to President Biden’s interagency working group reflect the priorities first outlined in the Hunt Fish 30×30 Coalition’s “Hunting and Fishing Community Statement on the 30×30 Initiative” that was developed in response to “Thirty by Thirty” legislation introduced at the state level in 2020. In the statement, which has currently been signed by 66 sporting-conservation organizations, the Coalition highlights the important role that sportsmen and women have played in the conservation of fish, wildlife, and natural ecosystems in the United States. Recognizing this history of conservation successes, the current recommendations present an opportunity to advance pragmatic, successful conservation efforts while recognizing many existing efforts that have, to date, been largely overlooked relative to this initiative.

“MRAA is excited to work with the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation to assure that moving forward the 30×30 initiative is inclusive of the recreational boating, fishing, and hunting communities,” said Matt Gruhn, President of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas. “We applaud the Biden Administration for including us in this conversation and assuring that recreational boating, fishing, and hunting will only continue to grow through the America the Beautiful Initiative.”

These recommendations were designed to provide an initial framework as the Administration’s interagency working group begins developing the American Conservation and Stewardship Atlas.

Key priorities of the recommendations include:
•Clearly defining “conservation” to support the active management and sustainable use of our nation’s public trust fish and wildlife resources.
•Collaborating closely with entities devoted to achieving measurable biodiversity conservation objectives, including:
     oState fish and wildlife management agencies,
     oRegional fish and wildlife management bodies,
     oMembers of the sporting-conservation community,
     oThe more than 500 federally recognized Native American tribes, and
     oPrivate landowners through voluntary, incentive-based opportunities.
•Recognizing and including all efforts directly contributing to biodiversity conservation in the forthcoming American Conservation and Stewardship Atlas, including those on lands subject to multiple uses.

To learn more about the America the Beautiful Initiative and MRAA’s involvement, read our past blog here. If you have any questions about this initiative or how MRAA has been working with the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation and other key partners, please contact MRAA’s Government Relations Manager Chad Tokowicz at chad@mraa.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 presents at Outdoor Writers Association Conference

WASHINGTON, D.C., October 27, 2021 — Chad Tokowicz, Government Relations Manager for the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, participated in a panel discussion during the Outdoor Writers Association of America Annual Conference.




OWAA meeting 2021 The panel, which provided a status updates on the current state of the outdoor industry, was hosted by Lindsay Davis, Vice President of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable and featured Cassie Gasaway,
 Communications Manager for the Archery Trade Association, and Andria Yu, Director of Media Relations for the Motorcycle Industry Council, Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association, and the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America.During the panel,
 speakers highlighted the impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on the outdoor recreation industry and the challenges and opportunities this presented. According to a survey conducted by the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable during the pandemic, 89 percent
 of the businesses surveyed had trouble with production and distribution.




Furthermore, 79 percent of these businesses have laid off or furloughed a portion of their workforce. Although the pandemic did stifle trade shows and create challenges for production distribution, more Americans recreated outdoors during the pandemic.




Fishing, hunting, and recreational boating all experienced massive increases in participation throughout the pandemic, with boating in particular soaring to all-time highs. According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association new boat sales, which
 reached a 13-year high in 2020, remained at elevated levels with sales through March of 2021, up 30 percent compared to 2020. Additionally, the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation Special Report on Fishing found that from 2019 to 2020, there
 was a net increase of 4.6 million fishing participants, and that the fishing participation rate rose to 18 percent of the U.S. population.




2021 OWAA Conference Panel attendees primarily featured writers in the outdoor space but also consisted of representatives from State Tourism Departments like New York and Vermont. During the panels question-and-answer session, the panelists discussed a variety of topics,
 ranging from inquiries about the diversity and equity initiatives in the outdoor space to current priorities of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable.




“It was so wonderful to meet writers, photographers, and other media experts in the outdoor space and share with them an update on the outdoor recreation economy,” noted Tokowicz. “It is my hope that we can work closer with OWAA members in the future
 and provide them additional resources and information to take their understanding of boating, fishing and all outdoor recreational pursuits to the next level.”

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.

Boats For Sale Commits to Platinum Partner Membership with MRAA

MINNEAPOLIS — October 26— The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas announces Boats For Sale is a new Platinum Partner Member.

Boats For Sale is on a mission to make boat sales better. Its digital listing site, BoatsForSale.com, simplifies the process for dealers and private sellers alike with clean listings, personalized search tools and instant cash offers. Designed to be user-friendly and dealer-friendlier, the online marketplace showcases new and pre-owned boats, as well as financing and insurance. The site also aids consumers with educational articles about boat ownership, including specific tips for buying and selling.

Boatforsale.com logo

BoatsForSale.com, created by marine experts with decades of retail experience, gives its customers attractive listings that make their boats the star. Custom and personalized search tools smartly share the client’s listings with the appropriate buyers. BoatsForSale.com helps boat lovers spend less time at the search bar and more time at the sandbar.

Marine manufacturers, suppliers and service providers, through Partner Membership, commit to aligning their brands with the programs and opportunities that MRAA works to provide the dealer body in order to help fuel the success of the industry. Support from Partners allows the Association to expand its offerings and create a positive, long-term impact in the business of MRAA members.

“We welcome Boats For Sale to MRAA Platinum Partnership. They are an organization with a vast array of online resources, who understands the retail experience and works hard to deliver value to each customer,” said Allison Gruhn, Director of Business Development. “We look forward to a solid partnership that provides support to the marine retail community.”

About Boats For Sale
Designed by boaters for boaters, Boats For Sale provides an easy-to-navigate sales listing and proprietary tool that helps potential boat buyers to identify the right type of boat for their lifestyle. Then narrow down the selection to the best matches with sophisticated filters and listings full of the details a boat buyer wants to see. We work closely with both our buyers and sellers to ensure we have you out in the sun, wind and waves — and off our website — as soon as possible. Instant Boatification™ Awaits. For more information: boatsforsale.com/contact

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.

Get On Board Campaign Helps Grow Boating and Fishing this Summer

The Get on Board campaign, the first-of-its-kind industry-wide collaboration between RBFF’s Take Me Fishing and NMMA and MRAA’s Discover Boating continued to make waves this summer. Supported by an integrated marketing mix featuring public service announcements, digital advertising, social media and public relations, the 2021 campaign made an impact in reaching new boaters and anglers by generating 3.4 billion media impressions – a 42% year-over-year (YOY) increase – and 20 million YouTube views – double the amount of views since last year’s campaign.

Get on Board 2021 campaign image “Over the last few years, RBFF, NMMA and MRAA have been priming the pump, reaching out to diverse new audiences to increase awareness of fishing and boating and inspire participation,” said Stephanie Vatalaro, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications for RBFF. “This year’s Get On Board campaign featured some of our most successful multicultural outreach to-date.”

Americans from all walks of life gained a better appreciation of spending time outdoors as a result of pandemic-related social distancing, and many chose fishing and boating as their lifeline to wellness. The Get On Board campaign tapped into this lifestyle trend and continued building momentum from 2020, which deeply resonated with a broader, more engaged consumer audience.

“With record sales and participation in boating and fishing, we’re seeing younger, more diverse audiences enter the market, which has given us the unique opportunity to engage the next generation of boaters and anglers to continue increasing participation for the long-term,” said Ellen Bradley, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications for NMMA. “In collaboration with RBFF and MRAA, we not only focused on recruiting future participants but also retaining the recent surge of newcomers.”

Highlights of the campaign’s success include:
•Earned Media: 2.6 billion impressions (121% YOY increase)
oFrom CNN, USA Today and CNBC to Camping World magazine, Adweek and Yahoo! News, hundreds of consumer and trade outlets featured elements of the Get On Board campaign and key messages spreading awareness of the benefits and popularity of boating and fishing.

2021 Get on Board video grab png

Watch the full sizzle reel here

• Paid Media: 36 million impressions
o Through a partnership with Complex and actor/influencer King Keraun, promotions on Buzzfeed, and a “Stories of Anglers” series in collaboration with Hearst, unexpected stories were showcased about people from all walks of life enjoying the benefits of fishing and boating, setting the tone of the campaign.

• Influencer Program: 13 million impressions and nearly 5 million interactions
o Partnered with a fleet of more than 55 social media influencers to reach new, younger and more diverse audiences with the message that #TheWaterIsOpen to everyone and showcasing the fun and wellness aspects of boating and fishing. Influencer partners included: The Mom Trotter, Jason Tartick, Us The Duo, She Explores, Girl of 10,000 Lakes, She Colors Nature and more.

•Social Media: 22 million impressions
oGenerated 22 million organic post impressions across Take Me Fishing, Discover Boating, RBFF and NMMA’s social media channels, with calls to action to get a fishing license, register a boat, find ways and places to fish and go boating and learn to fish and boat.

•Digital Properties: 48 million sessions
oCompared to the previous year, visits to Take Me Fishing’s and Discover Boating’s digital assets increased by 47%.

•Get On Board Toolkit: 11,000 page views
oOffered free, customizable fishing and boating marketing materials through its online toolkit to support the industry in reaching out to a younger, multicultural audience, to help grow fishing and boating.

“We are proud of how the industry acted together in a united effort once again this summer with the purpose of growing boating and fishing participation,” said Matt Gruhn, President of MRAA. “We’re thrilled about how well the dealer community engaged with the marketing tools and resources made available by the Get On Board toolkit, which helped us connect even more new boaters and anglers with the rewards of being on the water.”

Questions on the Get On Board campaign may be directed to Bruna Carincotte, RBFF’s Director of Public Relations and Communications, at bcarincotte@rbff.org and Maggie Maskery, NMMA’s Director of Consumer Public Relations, at mmaskery@nmma.org.

Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises and The Coeur d’Alene Resort Announces 2021 Holiday Light Show Program

(Coeur d’Alene, ID) – Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises and The Coeur d’Alene Resort are excited to announce the annual Journey to the North PoleCruises are back for their 35th year in a row. Tickets are now on sale for this exciting tradition that has been named one of America’s top holiday attractions: cdacruises.com.

The 2021 Journey to the North Pole Program, a magical facet of The Coeur d’Alene Resort’s Annual Holiday Light Show, is as follows:

Santa’s Sneak Peek Week Cruises | November 13th – 24th, 2021
● Event Description: Experience the wonder before the crowds. It’s the same Journey to the North Pole – same lights, same Santa, same MAGIC – just a sneak peek before others see it! Enjoy 25% off ticket prices during

Santa’s Sneak Peek Week Cruises
● Cruise Time(s): 5:30PM, 6:30PM & 7:30PM Journey to the North Pole logo PNG

● Ticket Prices (includes taxes & fees):

  • Adults: $19.88 (reg price $26.50)
  • Senior (ages 55+): $19.13 (reg price $25.50)
  • Kiddos (ages 6-12): $8.63 (reg price $11.50)
  • Ages 5 & under: FREE!

● Boarding: Boarding takes place at The Resort Plaza Shops (115 S 2nd Street) 30 minutes prior to departure.

Journey to the North Pole Cruises | November 25, 2021 – January 2, 2022
● Event Description: Take an unforgettable holiday lake cruise across the sparkling waters of Lake Coeur d’Alene to view more than 1.5 million twinkling holiday lights and visit Santa Claus and his elves at his waterfront toy workshop, where he magically speaks to each child by name!
● Cruise Time(s): 5:30PM, 6:30PM & 7:30PM
● Ticket Prices (includes taxes & fees):

  • Adults: $26.50
  • Senior (ages 55+): $25.50
  • Kiddos (ages 6-12): $11.50
  • Ages 5 & under: FREE!

*NOTE: Ticket prices on Monday-Thursday decrease by $1.

● Boarding: Boarding takes place at The Resort Plaza Shops (115 S 2nd Street) 30 minutes prior to departure.
● Overnight Package: ‘Santa’s Family Getaway Package’ at The Coeur d’Alene Resort includes overnight accommodations, two adult Journey to the North Pole cruise tickets, $30 breakfast credit (redeemable at Dockside or Room Service), cookies delivered to your room by Santa’s Elves & evening children’s fireside story time.

Journey to the North Pole Cruises

NEW! Deluxe Private North Pole Cruises | November 13, 2021 – January 2, 2022
● Event Description: Experience the magic of the North Pole onboard your own privately-rented cruise boat! This NEW offering is available for up to 25 guests for a 1-hour Cruise to the North Pole.
● Cruise Time(s): 4:30PM, 6PM & 7:30PM
● Prices (includes taxes & fees):

○ Platinum Package ($500): Includes Bottomless Hot Cocoa Bar & Cookies (no-host bar with bartender on-board)
○ Platinum Package ($1000): Includes Bottomless Hot Cocoa Bar, Cookies AND Full-Hosted Bar

● How to Book: To book this magical experience, please contact Kelly VanDewerker, Cruises Sales Director, at (208) 415-5623. Reservation required. If you would like to book the boat for more than 1 hour, or for more than 25 people, please inquire with Kelly.

Annual Lighting Ceremony | Friday, November 26th, 2021
● Event Description: Join us for a Coeur d’Alene tradition that gets bigger and better every year: our Annual Lighting Ceremony on Lake Coeur d’Alene! Experience the magic as we flip the switch and light up the lake with over 1.5 million Christmas lights and the most magnificent holiday fireworks display in the Pacific Northwest.
● Location: The Coeur d’Alene Resort (front lawn)
● Price: FREE! All ages welcome.
● Lighting Ceremony Cruises: SOLD OUT! All of our 2021 Lighting Ceremony Cruises are sold out for the season.

Tickets for all cruises can be booked online at cdacruises.com or by phone at (208) 292-5670. Overnight Packages at The Coeur d’Alene Resort can be booked online at cdaresort.com or by phone at (855) 923-8217.

With the health and safety of our Guests and Team Members in mind, we have implemented the following safety precautions for our cruises:
● Reduced Capacities Onboard Boat
● Optional Masks will be provided for guests and cruise team members (masks are not required)
● Temperature Checks Upon Boarding (Journey to the North Pole Cruises only)
● Hand Sanitizer available throughout boat
● All equipment and tables are thoroughly sanitized between cruises
● Plexiglass Dividers at the Bar
● Social Distancing (encouraged via signage)

For more information, please visit cdacruises.com.

Sea Tow Foundation Flare Disposal Research survey

The Sea Tow Foundation – a national nonprofit organization dedicated to the education and awareness of safe boating practices – was awarded a grant from the USCG Office of Boating Safety to conduct a nationwide survey to learn more about disposal of expired and unwanted marine flares.

A flare is a pyrotechnic type of Visual Distress Signal (VDS), and all boaters are required by the U.S. Coast Guard to carry both day and night VDS any time they are operating on coastal waters, the Great Lakes, or on the waters connecting to these areas.

The goal of the research is to develop a collaborative, nationwide flare disposal program for boaters and also encourage the use of electronic VDS (e-VDS) which are also known as e-flares. Survey data will be shared at public recreational boating meetings and conferences such as NBSAC, NASBLA, and IBWSS as well as on a website that will be populated with updates as they become available.

The survey asks for contact information solely so that if we have any follow-up questions for your location, we can more easily reach out. We will not sell your contact information or include your names in any of the data that is published or presented as a result of this survey. As an added incentive, ACR Electronics has generously donated 4 PLBs that will be randomly awarded to four of the people completing the survey and a $10 coupon code is provided at the end of the survey for all who complete the survey to shop their entire product listings with free shipping.

There are no right or wrong answers, so we only ask that you answer these questions to the best of your ability. You are welcome to forward the survey to someone else at your location if you are not best suited to complete it. The survey should take less than 10 minutes to complete.

Please note that the Sea Tow Foundation is a 501c3 organization and the grant funding referenced above is from the Sport Fish Restoration & Boating Trust Fund, administered by the Coast Guard. For questions or concerns about this survey, please feel free to email info@boatingsafety.com.

Families for Boating: Preserving Access to America’s Waterways

Organization Offers Expertise, Support to Assist Water Sports Enthusiasts Facing Regulatory Restrictions 

Families for Boating, a non-profit organization of community groups around the U.S dedicated to preserving access to waterways for boaters and water sports enthusiasts, is actively providing opportunities to assist boaters facing regulatory threats or concerns.
Families for Boating logo
Recreational boating and water sports have grown significantly in popularity across the nation, particularly over the Pandemic, with more families than ever enjoying the benefits of fun, on-water activities. With this growth in activity on lakes, rivers and waterways has come heightened concerns among waterfront residential homeowners in impacted areas. In many locales, these concerns have catapulted into the creation of overly broad restrictions, coupled with attempts to ban ballasted boats outright. Families for Boating provides support for residents who are water activity enthusiasts as they become the best advocates for preventing arbitrary and harmful regulations that may limit boating activity.

“The organization aims to resolve these concerns by encouraging a climate of mutual respect and providing education to communities. Creating ‘Families for Boating’ in Oregon has helped unite our local boating community and increase boater education,” said Matt Radich, president of Active Water Sports who helped champion the cause in his market area.

Engaging communities in conversations is a key goal of Families for Boating.

Jeff Husby, president and CEO of Watersports Central, recently hosted a meeting of Lake Rabun, Georgia homeowners and boaters. “There is a deep family heritage associated with the lake that we felt the need to preserve by educating and promoting safe boating practices,” Husby said.

Conversations initiated by Families for Boating seek to “foster an enjoyable experience for those partaking on the water” while ensuring “the relaxing atmosphere that communities near the water relish,” said Chris Mitton, Manager, West Policy and Engagement, National Marine Manufacturers Association. Conversations also focus on factual data, scientific research, jurisdictional regulations, environmental preservation and economic concerns.

“Problems can be resolved when there is an understanding that the waterways can be shared and protected by all concerned,” said Radich. “It’s important “to encourage the boating community to keep our waterways safe and healthy.”

To date, the organization has provided support for residents and boaters in Georgia, Idaho, Minnesota, New Hampshire, and Oregon.

Communities, boaters and water sports enthusiasts facing issues concerning waterway access are encouraged to contact Families for Boating at info@familiesforboating.com.

AppOne Upgrades to MRAA Platinum Partner Member

MINNEAPOLIS — Oct. 12 — The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas announces AppOne has upped its commitment to a Platinum Partner Membership.  

AppOne, Inc. delivers unique, cost-saving value for member businesses. It achieves that by automating marine dealers’ traditional lending workflows and processes, helping to get deals funded faster and reduce contracts in transit time. The AppOne dealer portal provides the workflow and technology to connect dealers and lenders, ensuring accurate credit applications and deal structures and fast credit approvals.



AppOne

The solution’s unique model and web-based format helps deliver forms that are regularly reviewed by lenders against federal and state regulations affecting the finance industry. AppOne lets customers efficiently access these lender- and state-specific documents, successfully eliminating the need to purchase contracts or program them into a dealership management system. Thousands of dealerships rely on the AppOne platform to manage their financing operations because it helps make their lending process more seamless and efficient.

“We’re thrilled to have AppOne amplify its commitment to a Platinum Partner Membership,” said Allison Gruhn, Director of Business Development. “We welcome their support and expertise within the F&I segment of the marine industry, which supplies marine retailers with valuable tools and resources to be more successful and efficient.”

About AppOne, Inc.
AppOne is a leading provider of workflow and productivity solutions, services, and specialized software to streamline the indirect lending process for lenders, service companies, manufacturers, and dealers (e.g., recreational vehicle [“RV”], marine and power sports). The company is headquartered in St. Cloud, Minnesota. To learn more, call 877-277-6631 or visit www.appone.net.

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.