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.

Five Website Metrics to Monitor

It’s important to monitor website performance – and tools like Google Analytics make it easy to access the data. In fact, it’s almost too easy. Many business owners get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information available.

Today, I’m highlighting five of the most important metrics. If all you do each month is review these five items, you’re off to a good start.

1) Unique Visitors. How many visits are you getting to your site each month? If you’re investing in digital marketing, you should expect to see this number trend upward.

2) Average Visit Duration. On average, how much time are visitors spending on your site? This is critical because it’s a measure of whether or not your site is engaging your visitors. The specifics can vary depending on many factors, but if your average visit time isn’t at least 45 seconds, there’s likely a problem: either your site isn’t engaging enough, or you’re driving the wrong traffic to the site.

3) Traffic by Source. How are people finding your site? Through Google searches? Through social media platforms? Through paid ad campaigns? This is an important metric for measuring the success of your various digital campaigns.

4) Traffic by Page. Which pages on your website are the most popular? Your Home page will almost always be #1, unless you’re running ad campaigns to a different landing page. Understanding which pages are the most popular will give you insight into the decision-making process your customers go through. And it may uncover opportunities to further leverage popular pages on your site.

5) Conversion. Traffic is great – but conversion is what matters most. Are prospective clients calling your business, filling out your contact form, and signing-up for your mailing list? If you’re spending money on digital campaigns, dividing your spend by your total number of leads will give you your cost-per-lead – a critical number to monitor.

How is your website performing?

Danny Decker ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Danny Decker is an author, speaker, serial entrepreneur, and marketing consultant who often serves the marine dealer community as an education provider at Dealer Week, MRAA’s annual conference & expo. Danny is a frequent speaker, a contributor to Forbes.com, and hosts the Marketing Simplified Podcast. His book, Marketing Simplified, is currently available on Amazon.com and other retailers. Learn more and connect with Danny at www.DannyDeckerMarketing.com.

Together Outdoors offers education, recreation businesses invited to join

The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas is among the many leading recreation-focused businesses who have come together as inaugural members of the Together Outdoors Coalition. The Together Outdoors Coalition, administered through the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), unites organizations from across industry sectors around a shared goal of making the outdoors more welcoming to people of all backgrounds, and it is currently developing tools and resources to help all interested organizations take action.

Among the resources being developed by Together Outdoors is a Zoom-based educational series focused on creating a more inclusive and welcoming user experience, as well as an informed and educated business interface with the consumer. Scheduled topics are:

     • October: How We Got Here – Barriers to entry + history of access to outdoor recreation spaces.
     • November: Building a Better Team – Recruitment of diverse employees and nurturing/retention of talent.
     • December: Alignment and Implementation – Translating internal culture to field locations.
     • January: Supporting the Work – Corporate giving + partnerships.
     • February: Building a Collective Brand – Enabling outdoor organizations to showcase their commitment to the work.
     • March: Marketing that Includes Everyone – Reimagine how your brand tells stories and who you highlight.
     • April: Accountability – How to evaluate your progress on DEI measures.

Manufacturers, retailers, service providers, stakeholders and individuals in the outdoor industry are invited to participate by joining the coalition. You can learn more about Together Outdoors and how to become a member here. 

If you have any questions, contact Gerry James at gjames@recreationroundtable.org

National Boating Industry Safety Awards Deadline Approaching

Best Safety Campaigns Among For-Profit Sector of Recreational Marine Industry Sought

SOUTHOLD, N.Y. – September 27, 2021 – The Sea Tow Foundation and its Boating Safety Advisory Council reminds for-profit companies within the recreational boating industry of its forthcoming deadline October 8, 2021 for the 2021 National Boating Industry Safety Awards, sponsored by KICKER Marine Audio.

“We appreciate all the tremendous work being done to promote boating safety throughout the marine industry and look forward to shining the national spotlight on outstanding boating safety campaigns and initiatives,” said Sea Tow Foundation Executive Director Gail R. Kulp. “We hope to field a record number of entries this year and encourage all organizations who have promoted boating safety within the for-profit segment to apply.”

Now in its third year, the awards recognize the best boating safety work in 10 separate categories of entry including: Powerboat Manufacturer; Sailboat Manufacturer; Engine Manufacturer; Gear/Equipment Manufacturer; Human Powered (Canoe, Kayak, SUP) Manufacturer; Marine Retailer with up to 3 Locations; Marine Retailer with more than 3 Locations; Marine Media Outlets; Marine Marketing and Outreach; and Marine Distributors.

Nominations are currently being accepted for boating safety campaigns completed from August 1, 2020 through August 1, 2021. Contest information and applications are available for download at www.boatingsafety.com/awards along with a list of 2020 winners, including samples of their winning entries. Winners will be announced during the MRAA’s Dealer Week in December.

Sea Tow Foundation
With a focus on safe boating practices that result in fun on the water, the Sea Tow Foundation – a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization – was established in 2007 by Sea Tow Founder Capt. Joe Frohnhoefer. After his passing in 2015, Captain Joe’s legacy continues as the Foundation brings attention to the number of preventable boating-related accidents, injuries, and deaths, and directly addresses prevention methods through education and awareness. More than 575 life jacket loaner stands are now available across the United States and the Foundation’s Sober Skipper program continues to grow. For more information on the Sea Tow Foundation, contact Gail R. Kulp at 631-876-5077; Mailto:gail@boatingsafety.com

MRAA Adds Pre-Owned Boat Educational Article Series

The MRAA knows that boat dealers are heroes to their customers. In order to maintain that level of trust and prestige with your customers, you have several challenges you’re facing due to current industry demands. Pivoting to dive even deeper into the pre-owned boat market is another task to add to your planning, but it’s essential for your short-term and long-term success, especially while inventory shortages persist. 

We believe, despite these challenges, all dealers can be organized and strategically ready so they can discover success in the pre-owned market. We understand you have a lot on your plate and that can add stress to the daily routines and create disappointment rather than feeling accomplished. That’s why MRAA has launched its new Pre-Owned Boat Educational Article Series designed to help energize your dealership for finding even more wins in the pre-owned segment.

This is an especially important and opportune topic — one with increased urgency — throughout next year and beyond, given that nobody truly knows exactly when the inventory level will normalize. We’ve gathered several subject matter experts, including Sam Dantzler, Tony Gonzales, Valerie Ziebron, David Parker, Carrie Stacey and more, to provide you with expert-driven strategies and tactics you can use in your short-term and long-term planning to help your store diversify its revenue streams, improve profitability and increase boat owner retention.

Article one of the series, “7 Tactics for Managing Your Pre-Owned Trade-In Process” written by Carrie Stacey, Stacey & Associates, discusses how having a good trade-in system in place can benefit your store, help you sell new inventory and be more profitable! Download article No. 1 here.

More articles will follow from our team and industry contributors over the coming weeks leading up to the in-person Dealer Week 2021MRAA Conference & Expo Dec. 6-9 in Austin, Texas. 

Tigé Boats, Inc. Commits to Education Champion with MRAA

MINNEAPOLIS — September 20 — The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas announces Tigé Boats has joined as an Education Champion.
 
“Tige Boats and ATX Surf Boats dealer networks are strong and competitive, and our commitment to helping them be successful only makes us grow stronger and prepare for even more growth in the future,” said Daniel Gutierrez, President, Tigé Boats Inc. “We’re looking forward to 2021 Dealer Week to develop and build an unstoppable dealer network and grow market share.”

Tigé Boats, Abilene, Texas, started 30 years ago when founder Charlie Pigeon decided recreational boaters required a more unique experience on the water. From Tigé’s very first boat, which was named Rookie of the Year by Waterski Magazine, to the introduction of its wake-shaping technology that has transformed the industry, Tigé has continued to innovate and refine the art and craft of boat building year after year. And Pigeon’s dream to set the bar higher has continued with the launch of sister brand ATX Surf Boats in 2019, the refinement of handling dynamics with its Convex V Hull and advancements to onboard technologies like TAPS3T, GO SYSTEM and ALPHA E3 Powered Tower.

Tigé Boats, one of the fastest-growing surf boat manufacturers and a member of the American Boat Builders Association, has recently expanded to accommodate the booming economy and rapid growth of wakesurfing. Tigé’s 210,000-square foot, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility is another achievement milestone that also proves it is dedicated to the industry and its family of dealers.

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. Partner support 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 Tigé Boats as an Education Champion with the MRAA,” said Allison Gruhn, Director of Business Development. “Partnership support helps MRAA continue our pledge to supporting the marine industry and dealers in their pursuit of success by supplying beneficial resources and educational tools.”

 

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About Tigé Boats, Inc.
Tigé Boats, Inc. is a world-renowned innovator, designer and manufacturer of high-performance inboard boats. Celebrating their 30th anniversary, Tigé has cultivated its iconic brand image through their industry-leading innovation, luxurious diamond-stitched interiors, and multisport versatility. From their world-class manufacturing facility and across the 2022 product line, Tigé’s consistent design-driven mentality has refined the marketplace while forever intensifying the love for wakesurfing, wakeboarding and waterskiing. Experience the 2022 Tigé and ATX lineups now at TIGE.COM / ATXBOATS.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.

 

2021-2022 Station Rules Expand Boating Opportunities on Hatcheries and Wildlife Refuges

The Fish and Wildlife Service recently finalized rules that would expand, fishing, hunting, and boating opportunities on National Wildlife Refuges (NWR) and National Fish Hatcheries (NFH) throughout the country. These additional opportunities are celebrated by the recreational boating, fishing, and conservation community as they will create more opportunities for Americans to engage in their favorite pastimes.

The 2021-2022 Station Specific Rules, which were put into effect on August 31st, 2021, open, for the first time seven NWRs and one NFH that were previously closed to hunting and sportfishing. Additionally, opportunities for hunting and sportfishing were expanded on 88 other NWRs further creating opportunities for Americans to recreate and enjoy the outdoors.

“We are excited to see the Fish and Wildlife Service continue to open and expand sport fishing and hunting opportunities on National Wildlife Refuges and National Fish Hatcheries throughout the country,” said Chad Tokowicz, Government Relations Manager for the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas. “Many National Wildlife Refuges facilitate fishing from both motorized and non-motorized watercraft, and it is our hope that these additional opportunities will get more Americans on the water and exploring opportunities close to their homes.”

As estimated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, these changes will result in an additional 25,885 fishing days and yield an additional $1.4 million in recreation-related expenditures that will likely benefit small businesses located near the NWRs and NFHs. The expansion of these opportunities was spurred by Department of Interior Secretarial Orders 3356 and 3366 which were signed respectively on September 15th, 2017 and April 18th, 2018. These two Secretarial Orders charge the Department of Interior to recruit and retain sportsmen and women, while also expanding available opportunities for recreation on Federal lands.

“The sportfishing community thanks the Fish and Wildlife Service for expanding fishing access on dozens of National Wildlife Refuges and National Fish Hatcheries,” said Connor Bevan, Inland Fisheries Policy Manager at the American Sportfishing Association. “After a year that witnessed millions of Americans try fishing for the first time, we believe opening these waters to recreation will enable new anglers of all backgrounds to continue enjoying the outdoors.”

If you are interested in learning more about the changes the 2021-2022 Station Specific Rules put into place click 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.