Basta Boatlifts Joins MRAA as Partner Member

MINNEAPOLIS — July 27 — The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas announces Basta Boatlifts has joined as a Partner Member.  

“The MRAA is an invaluable tool for boat dealers, providing in-depth training and resources. We whole-heartedly
 support its mission and believe what it offers members strengthens the marine industry and adds to the enjoyment customers get from boating,” said Bryce Hansen, Owner and President, Basta Boatlifts. “At Basta Boatlifts we are passionate about quality
 and know we can add a product line to dealers that will complement their current offerings. Customers expect the best of everything when purchasing a high-end boat or watercraft; why should their boat lift purchase be any different?” 

Basta Boatlifts Basta Boatlifts began as a family of dock builders on a mission to build things better. Industry innovations started small, with solar-powered boat lift remotes and small PWC lifts. In 1993, Basta forever changed the industry with the creation of
 the Over-Center™ gravity locking design on a hydraulic-powered boat lift. Basta is the only manufacturer to give customers a choice of material for their boat lift: aluminum or galvanized steel. The aluminum lifts feature custom extrusions, while
 the galvanized steel lifts offer enhanced protection and stability for docks in deep and rough water. Most Basta lifts feature a single-cylinder design that offers smoother motion, full-contact bushings at every pivot point to absorb stress and wear,
 and the thickest rubber bunks to support a vessel’s running surface.  


“We’re active members of the WSIA and the Seattle Boat Show Committee, and sponsors of grassroots watersports events such as the Thigh High Wake Series,” added Hansen. “Basta understands current demand and supply chain challenges are disrupting dealers’ normal
sales cycle in the U.S. For those looking for another profitable revenue source, adding Basta to their portfolio might make sense.”


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’re excited to add Basta Boatlifts as a Partner Member with the MRAA,” said Allison Gruhn, Director of Business Development. “We value its support, as it will help MRAA continue to supply valuable resources and educational tools to help dealers find
 more success and earn their customers’ trust.”

About Bast Boatlifts
Basta Boatlifts is the leader in hand-crafted hydraulic boat lifts, seaplane lifts and PWC lifts. Its product line includes fabrication in both proprietary aluminum and galvanized steel. Known as the originators
 of the Over-Center™ gravity locking design that changed the boat lift industry, we continue to lead the market. Basta Boatlifts is a privately held company headquartered outside of Seattle, Washington. For more information, visit
 bastaboatlifts.com or contact us at 1-866-462-2782.



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 Member Testifies Before U.S. Congress, Asks for Passage of PREPARE Act

Marine Retailers Association of the Americas member Rick Chapman, General Manager of The Port of Sunnyside Club, Inc., testified this week before the Small Business Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations and advocated for the passage of the Providing Resources for Emergency Preparedness and Resilient Enterprises (PREPARE) Act.

The hearing, titled “SBA’s Role in Climate Solutions,” explored how the Small Business Administration can facilitate access to capital for climate change mitigation investments and resilience efforts. The hearing highlighted various federal programs and services, which can support small businesses, while also looking at areas in need of improvement. The boating industry is no stranger to these impacts, as facilities like marinas and dealerships are prone to extreme weather events and gradual sea level rise.

“2020 was the sixth-consecutive year in which 10 or more billion-dollar weather and climate disaster events have impacted the United States,” said Marine Retailers Association of the Americas Government Relations Manager Chad Tokowicz. “This increase has a direct impact on the small businesses that help drive economic recovery. Now, more than ever, it is imperative that those small businesses are equipped to protect themselves from the existential threat that disasters pose.”

During the hearing, Chapman highlighted how investment in the resilience of marine business is critical for his marina, which is based on the St. Croix River in Stillwater, Minn., to stand the test of climate change. He highlighted how Minnesota is impacted by a variety of extreme weather ranging from drought and floods, to extreme heat and tornados, while underscoring the need to address these weather events before they happen and build resilient business infrastructure.

“To accomplish this, Congress should include language from the Providing Resources for Emergency Preparedness and Resilient Enterprises (PREPARE) Act in the resiliency title of any infrastructure package that moves forward to allow small businesses to access much-needed capital to invest in disaster-resilient infrastructure” Chapman noted in his testimony. “This landmark legislation would allow the SBA to make low-interest, fixed-rate loans of up to $500,000 to small businesses to invest in their properties to protect facilities, real estate, and contents from natural disasters.”

While the SBA does have disaster loans for businesses to use after extreme weather or natural disasters, there are currently no programs to help businesses to protect their businesses in preparation of these types of events. This legislation will be instrumental in helping the boating industry, as well as others in the outdoor recreation space, protect their businesses and investments from climate change. Please head to the Boating United Action Alert and ask your representative to cosponsor this important piece of legislation.

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, contact us at 763-315-8043.

OSHA Releases New Guidance to Protect Workers and Mitigate Spread of COVID-19

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) updated its guidance in June on ways to mitigate and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace.

With just under half the U.S. population fully vaccinated, the updated guidance focuses on protections for unvaccinated and otherwise at-risk workers.

“At-risk workers” are any employees who may have a condition that affects their ability to have a full immune response to the vaccination and those who cannot be protected through a vaccine, who cannot get vaccinated, or who cannot use a face covering.

The recommendations center on reducing the likelihood that an unvaccinated or at-risk worker comes into contact with COVID-19. The full set of recommendations can be found here. The first three recommendations are:

  1. Grant paid time off for employees to get vaccinated.
  2. Instruct any workers who are infected, unvaccinated workers who have had close contact with someone who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, and all workers with COVID-19 symptoms to stay home from work.
  3. Implement physical distancing for unvaccinated and otherwise at-risk workers in all communal work areas.

“Boat retailers have been focused on the safety of their customers and staff throughout the pandemic, and it is encouraging to see OSHA provide updated guidance to assist employers,” said Chad Tokowicz, Government Relations Manager for the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas.

Since the guidance is not a standard or regulation and only contains recommendations, there is no legal obligation follow the guidelines. Instead, it is intended to assist employers in identifying hazards likely to cause death or harm to their employees. Therefore, it is not required that you follow or institute these recommendations, instead they are suggestions to assure you are providing a safe workplace for all of your employees.

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, contact us at 763-315-8043.

Reminder: Apply Now for Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness

The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas wants to remind businesses in the marine industry who utilized Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loans that the deadline to apply for forgiveness is fast approaching.

PPP loans provided a major relief to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, giving businesses additional funds for payroll and other expenses. To further reduce the burden on small businesses, the loans, if used correctly, may be forgiven altogether.

“We want to remind our members and others in the marine industry to, if eligible, apply for PPP Loan forgiveness,” said Chad Tokowicz, Government Relations Manager for the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas. “While the PPP loans were helpful in injecting capital into many industry businesses, forgiveness is another important aspect of the program.”

In order to be forgiven, 60 percent of a PPP loan must be spent on payroll and the remaining 40 percent spent on other eligible expenses. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 (the second stimulus bill) expanded eligible expenses from rent, utilities and the interest portion of any mortgage payment to include:

  • Operating Expenditures
  • Property damage costs
  • Supplier costs
  • Worker protection expenditures

Timing and expenses are two of the most important aspects for PPP forgiveness. You must only spend the loan on eligible expenses and your application for forgiveness must be completed within the specified timeline. Borrowers can apply for forgiveness once all loan proceeds for which the borrower is requesting forgiveness has been used. Borrowers can also apply for forgiveness any time up to the maturity date of the loan.

Resources to complete the PPP Forgiveness application can be found here while the applications can be found here.

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, contact us at 763-315-8043.

MRAA Submits Public Comment to Federal Trade Commission ahead of Right to Repair Decision

The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas submitted comment to a newly proposed policy statement on repair restrictions by manufacturers and sellers by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Following President Joe Biden’s July 9 Executive Order, Promoting Competition in the American Economy, the FTC announced an open meeting of the Commission on July 21. Before the Commission are three items of business, of which the proposed policy statement on repair restrictions imposed by manufacturers and sellers, or in layman’s terms “Right to Repair,” is of particular interest to the MRAA.

MRAA has long been involved in pushing back against state-level “Right to Repair” legislation, which aims to give unrestricted access to a machine’s embedded software and digital componentry. While Right to Repair advocates are oftentimes focused on having the ability to repair their own iPhone, computers, and other similar tech devices, these sweeping changes would encompass everything from boat engines and radar to medical devices and farm equipment.

“While we appreciate the opportunity to provide input on the proposed policy statement, we hope that the Commission takes into account the outcry and discontent from various stakeholders as well,” said Chad Tokowicz, Government Relations Manager at the MRAA. “Although we support giving recreational boaters the tools and know-how to fix their own vessels, we cannot ignore glaring safety and emissions concerns and hope the Commission will work with the industry to remedy these issues.”

MRAA has been working closely with the Coalition Opposed to Illegal Tampering over the past two years and has weighed in on Right to Repair legislation in at least four states. Although Right to Repair legislation was introduced in 14 states in 2021, the bills faced stiff criticism and not a single iteration passed into law. With the recent Executive Order, various state bills, and even Federal legislation, MRAA asks the Commission to include the association in their rulemaking process to address concerns from the marine industry and others.

“The Coalition Opposed to Illegal Tampering supports end-users repairing their own equipment, but we cannot stand by as legislation, executive orders, and regulation is proposed which would encourage and foster illegal tampering of safety and emissions standards,” said Josh Evans, Vice President of Government Relations and General Counsel for the Equipment Dealers Association. “We must educate our government and the public on the consequences of this type of legislation. To date, the bills and regulation introduced would compromise consumer safety and the environment under the guise of saving a few dollars.”

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, contact us at 763-315-8043.

Ontario Moving to Step Three of Roadmap; to Reopen, Friday, July 16

Our friends at Boating Ontario, have reported some fabulous news about the Ontario, Canada, regarding its “Roadmap to Reopening” plan. Ontario is entering Step Three of its reopening efforts at 12:01 a.m., Friday, July 16.

“Thank you members for working tirelessly to keep your families, staff and customers safe, all of your hard work is finally paying off! We can’t wait to reunite with you all!,” – Boating Ontario shared in its news about the reopening plan.

It was reported the public health and health care indicators are improving and vaccination rates have surpassed targets from Ontario’s Roadmap to Reopen model, so the provincial government, with consult from the Chief Medical Officer of Health, is moving the province into Step Three tomorrow.

Read the full release from Ontario Newsroom.  

 

NMMA Adds Former BMW Multicultural Marketing Executive Kevin M.Williams

NMMA announced today the hire of Kevin M. Williams as vice president of marketing. In this new role created in support of the NMMA’s strategic plan to expand the market for recreational boating, Williams will oversee the industry’s Discover Boating campaign and the integration of the Discover Boating brand with boat shows. This includes all of NMMA’s paid media, digital marketing, consumer-facing content and social media, and creative as the association works to invite the next generation to the boating lifestyle.

Williams reports to Ellen Bradley, senior vice president marketing and communications and chief brand officer.

Ken Williams, NMMA “We could not be more excited to have Kevin as part of the team—he brings deep marketing experience to NMMA from major brands and agencies where he’s led initiatives that shape and build brand strategies, help brands better connect with consumers, and ultimately grow business,” said Bradley. “As we work to welcome the next generation of boaters, who are more diverse than ever before, Kevin’s experience and leadership in multicultural marketing and diversity and inclusion will help recreational boating meet the ever-evolving needs of our consumers and position us for the future.”

Williams brings more than 25 years of marketing experience to NMMA. Most recently, Williams co-founded Fortitude Interactive Inc., a marketing technology consulting firm focused on brand strategy, content development and syndication, as well as intellectual property in the digital, social, and mobile age. Prior to launching Fortitude, he was head of multicultural marketing and diversity and inclusion initiatives for BMW of North America, LLC., where he facilitated multicultural marketing strategies and initiatives designed to reach, engage, and motivate diverse consumers for BMW, MINI Cooper, and BMW Motorrad brands.

“I’m honored to have been chosen by NMMA to lead the development of innovative marketing strategies and campaigns designed to reach, engage, excite and introduce the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts to the boating lifestyle,” said Williams. “I look forward to working closely with our NMMA team, members, exhibitors, and the recreational boating industry to bring strategic and exciting Discover Boating initiatives to market.”

Williams’ resume includes marketing roles with GlobalHue Advertising, Merge Consumer Marketing, SWAY Marketing Group, and Coca-Cola. He is based in Chicago. 

For more information, visit www.nmma.org/ 

Pass the Handle Initiative Sunday, July 18

The Water Sports Industry Association (WSIA) shared that this Sunday, July 18, is Pass the Handle day. The initiative, created by wakeboarding legends Shaun Murray and Zane Schwenk, exists to introduce new people to towed water sports. The national awareness-driven initiative introduces friends, family, customers, co-workers and first-timers to towed water sports and teaches them something new. Examples include: take a wakeboarder out for a trick ski session and have a wakesurfer try out a disc.

WSIA Pass the Handle

If you participate in Pass The Handle, you’re encouraged to show the world by taking lots of photos and videos and sharing them with the hashtag #PassTheHandle and tagging @wsiahq. 

To explore more about this program, find shareable resources for water sports and explore membership, be sure to visit www.wsia.net/.

 

 

MRAA Celebrates the Life and Legacy of Industry Veteran, Ken Lovell

Marine industry veteran, Maxey Kenneth “Ken” Lovell, passed away July 6, 2021.

“Ken Lovell has been one of the most significant contributors to the success of the MRAA since its inception nearly 50 years ago,” said Matt Gruhn, MRAA President. “Ken not only helped get MRAA on its feet in the early days, but he also played an important leadership role in the Texas boating community, on MRAA’s Advisory Council of Marine Associations, and the National Marine Trades Council, and his positive influence on our industry will resonate for years to come.”

Lovell opened Lovell Marine Sales with his father in 1976 and since then has become a driving force in marine retailing. His impact on the marine industry stretches far outside of Houston and far outside of Texas, and we all are indebted to his great service to our industry.

MRAA Submits Comments on Proposed Watercraft Excise Tax Increase in Washington State

The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas submitted joint comments to the Washington state Department of Revenue (DOR) challenging their proposed increase in the Watercraft Excise Tax depreciation schedule.

MRAA joined regional and national groups challenging this proposal such as BoatUS, Recreational Boating Association of Washington, Northwest Marine Trade Association, Washington Retail Association, and Washington Maritime Federation. The watercraft excise tax applies to all registered boats in Washington state that are 16 feet or longer or equipped with a motor capacity of more than 10 horsepower. The tax is paid annually and is currently 0.5% of the boat’s fair market value, however, the DOR is proposing to update the depreciation schedule which will ultimately result in boatowners paying more.

“While we greatly appreciate the Bureau of Revenue accepting comments on the proposed depreciation schedule, we hope that they can understand the burden this change will put on boat owners throughout the state,” Said Chad Tokowicz Government Relations Manager at the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas. “Boat owners in the state already pay their fair share through registration and other fees and according to 2019 data 61% of boat owners in America earn $70,000 a year or less.”

The proposed rule would create depreciation categories for powerboats, personal watercraft, and sailboats, and are much lower compared to depreciation data from the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). The proposed rule holds Year-1 depreciation rate of either 2 or 3% while data compiled by the NMMA shows 10% for Year-1 and ~5—10% for each year thereafter. Thus, boatowners in Washington state will be paying more in excise tax as the BOR is calculating the depreciation of their vessels at a lower rate than the national average.

Unlike private planes and RVs, boat owners are the only recreational user group to pay this percentage-based excise-tax in Washington state. Furthermore, Washington state boaters support and buy-in to programs like the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Aquatic Invasive Species program and the Department of Natural Resources Derelict Vessel Removal Program.

“When we got wind of this recommendation, NMTA and our partners like MRAA and RBAW jumped into action and advocated for boaters and boating businesses,” said Peter Schrappen Director of Government Affairs at the Northwest Marine Trades Association. “That’s what we do, and it was gratifying to have such an august coalition in place for this important issue.”

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.