Senate passes Save our Seas 2.0 Act

On January 9, 2020, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed Save our Seas 2.0 Act, a crucial step to address the growing water quality issues caused by marine debris.  Introduced by Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK), final passage of this bill— which is supported by MRAA— would create a federal marine debris foundation, launch federal studies into marine debris, and establish a “genius prize” to encourage solutions addressing plastics pollution.  Next, Representative Suzanne Bonamici’s (D-OR) version of Save our Seas 2.0 Act will be reviewed in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Congress unanimously passed the bipartisan Save our Seas Act in 2018, which reauthorized the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Marine Debris Program through FY 2022.  Save our Seas 2.0 builds this success, improving the response to marine debris by incentivizing international engagement, and supporting domestic infrastructure to prevent debris in the first place.  

“Save Our Seas 2.0 is the most comprehensive marine debris legislation ever to pass the U.S. Senate,” said Senator Sullivan. “Our legislation aims to tackle this global challenge on three fronts – improving America’s ability to respond to marine debris events and clean up waste, working toward international cooperation and agreements with nations responsible for the majority of trash entering the oceans, and exploring new, innovative ways to manage and even reuse plastic waste. The Senate’s resounding support for our bill today is another sign that the federal government is ready to take serious steps to address a challenge that impacts our coastal communities, many of them in Alaska. I want to commend my colleagues, particularly Senators Whitehouse and Menendez, for their hard work on this legislation as we look to get SOS 2.0 across the finish line in the House.”

The MRAA supports Senator Sullivan and Representative Bonamici’s leadership on implementing comprehensive solutions, including increasing the international collaboration and engagement that is necessary to address the rising issue of marine debris.

If you have questions, please contact MRAA Government Relations Manager, Adam Fortier-Brown.

Win For Anglers: Federal Government Threatens to Close Down Menhaden Fishery

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross issued a statement threatening to temporarily close Chesapeake Bay’s menhaden fishery if the state of Virginia does not comply with federal quotas by June 17, 2020.  In a win for recreational fishing, the U.S. Department of Commerce found Virginia out of compliance for permitting Omega Protein Corp., which accounts for the vast majority of the menhaden fishery in Virginia, to exceed Chesapeake Bay’s quota.  In 2019, Omega Protein harvested 35 million pounds over the bay quota.

“We applaud Secretary Ross’ decision to protect our fisheries and holding organizations accountable for federal quotas,” said MRAA President, Matt Gruhn. “By promptly addressing this behavior, the U.S. Department of Commerce is making important steps towards protecting fish stocks along the Atlantic Coast. We applaud the Secretary’s decision to protect this forage fish population and the businesses and communities that benefit from it.”

“Implementing responsible conservation practices across all fisheries is essential to the long-term wellbeing of marine ecosystems and we thank Secretary Ross for doing just that by swiftly addressing menhaden overfishing in the Chesapeake Bay,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, president of NMMA. “Healthy and sustainable forage fish and sportfish stocks are equally important to the recreational boating and fishing community and this decision is a major step toward protecting and rebuilding both of these critical populations.”

“Secretary Ross made the right move in standing with recreational fishermen,” said Whit Fosburgh, president and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “Reduction fishing for menhaden threatens the livelihoods of thousands of hard-working fishing guides and tackle shop owners and impacts everything from striped bass to whales. Today’s decision holds Omega accountable and sets the stage for improved management of this important forage fish.”

“U.S. Commerce Secretary Ross’ decision to hold Omega Protein accountable for their actions demonstrates clear conservation leadership to the sportfishing and boating industry and anglers along the Atlantic Coast,” said Glenn Hughes, president of the American Sportfishing Association. “This decision comes at a critical time because menhaden’s top predator, Atlantic striped bass, is currently in poor condition and the Chesapeake Bay is the primary spawning and nursery area for the species. We thank Secretary Ross for recognizing the value menhaden brings to the recreational fishing community and America’s outdoor recreational economy.”

“The ASMFC’s Policy Board has some of the finest fishery managers in the country on it and they unanimously found Virginia out of compliance with the Menhaden Fishery Management Plan. Upholding the ASMFC’s non-compliance finding for Virginia was simply the right thing to do,” said David Sikorski, executive director of Coastal Conservation Association Maryland. “We applaud Secretary Ross for defending both the management system and the forage base in the Chesapeake Bay.”

If you have questions, please contact MRAA Government Relations Manager, Adam Fortier-Brown.

MRAA Celebrates 2019 Great Dealerships to Work For

The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas named the marine industry’s Great Dealerships to Work For at the inaugural Dealer Week Awards Luncheon, last month, in Tampa, Fla..

Ten dealerships qualified for recognition through the results of the Marine Industry Certified Dealership Program’s annual Employee Satisfaction Survey. This survey, administered anonymously through the MRAA, asks Certified Dealership employees to answer 37 questions about their satisfaction with dealership management and leadership, workplace satisfaction, dealership reputation, and customer relations, all on a scale of 1 to 5, with “5” being Highly Satisfied. The answers add up to a cumulative score for overall Employee Satisfaction, and MRAA recognized dealerships who achieved a score of 90 percent or better.

“While the primary goal of the Employee Satisfaction Survey process is to take feedback and improve upon the workplace, we use the Great Dealerships to Work for to recognize those dealers who are already excelling at creating a positive dealership culture,” says Liz Keener, MRAA Certification Manager. “We know employee satisfaction is one of the pillars of a successful business, as happy employees perform better, stay with the company and better serve those customers who buy from the dealership.”

In 2019, 115 Certified Dealerships went through the Employee Satisfaction Survey process before the September deadline and were eligible for recognition in the Great Dealerships to Work For Program. Of those who participated, only 10 qualified at the 90 percent mark or higher. Those dealerships are:

  1. Action WaterSports Arizona, Mesa, Ariz.
  2. Desmasdon’s Boatworks, Pointe au Baril, Ont., Canada
  3. Breath’s Boats & Motors, Bay St. Louis, Miss.
  4. Clark Marine, Manchester, Maine
  5. Off Shore Marine, Branchville, N.J.
  6. Russell Marine – Smith Lake, Hanceville, Ala.
  7. Marina Fortin, St-Paul De L’Ile Aux Noix, Que., Canada
  8. Buckeye Sports Center, Peninsula, Ohio
  9. Tri-State Marine, Deale, Md.
  10. Regal & Nautique of Orlando, Orlando, Fla.

“It is an honor to be able to recognize those businesses who go to great lengths to create a rewarding and motivational culture and atmosphere for their employees,” says Matt Gruhn, MRAA President. “As the Certification program grows, we have been able to see a correlation between employee satisfaction and strong employee processes.” The 2020 Employee Satisfaction Survey will be distributed to dealers in Continuous Certification on April 13, 2020. To be eligible for consideration in MRAA’s 2020 Great Dealerships to Work, Employee Satisfaction Surveys must be completed by September 18, 2020.

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.

“A Fresh Look at Marine Lending” Introduced at Dealer Week

Revised NMLA resource targets new and prospective recreational marine lenders

The National Marine Lenders Association released its latest review of the U.S. marine lending industry at MRAA’s Dealer Week Conference in Tampa, FL. titled A Fresh Look at Marine Lending, the 16-page brochure reveals current facts and perspectives about marine finance and its association with the recreational marine industry.   

The document targets commercial banks, credit unions and all consumer lenders seeking new opportunities to secure high-quality marine loan assets and relationships within their businesses.

“We have enjoyed solid expansion in all areas of consumer and floor plan marine lending over the past nine years”, says NMLA’s President John Haymond of Medallion Bank in Salt Lake City, UT. The revised edition of Fresh Look discusses why it is beneficial to finance boats and what resources are available nationwide. Haymond adds, “The business of recreational boating remains healthy with a solid future outlook. Our information is designed to be shared at each lenders’ executive level to support strategic planning for asset growth.”  

Fresh Look is available to everyone as a written report as well as in .pdf format. The NMLA encourages sharing this information with banks and credit unions and marine industry associates of all sizes. Membership with the NMLA is also available to help promote and improve recreational marine lending through profit-driven avenues such as education, legislation, statistical data and other management tools. For more details or to request a copy Fresh Look, please contact NMLA at 410-980-1401 or email info@marinelenders.org.

About NMLA
The National Marine Lenders Association is a 501© non-profit organization that began operations in 1979. NMLA’s purpose is promoting and improving recreational lending in the United States. NMLA membership is open to financial institutions such as commercial banks, credit unions, private financing firms and service companies who extend or originate credit to consumers, dealers, retailers and manufacturers of recreational boats and equipment. Membership is also open to businesses associated with other important marine industry segments such as insurance underwriters/agents, admiralty attorneys, surveyors, title and documentation companies, recovery/remarketing agents, industry associations, software firms, valuation publications, media and industry consultants.

Garage Composites Debuts “Garagecast: All Things Retail” Podcast

Garage Composites, a leading industry provider in training and 20 club services, is now offering a weekly podcast titled “Garagecast: All Things Retail.”

Garagecast will interview top-level leaders, industry visionaries and the industry’s top dealership trainers to provide a weekly dose of how to adapt, succeed and thrive in the ever-changing retail environment.

The weekly podcast is hosted by Garage Composites’ owners Sam Dantzler and Tony Gonzalez. It debuted Tuesday, Jan. 7 and continues each Tuesday. Garagecast will focus on the want-based industries of motorcycle, marine and bicycles.

Each weekly episode of Garagecast will be available at www.garagecomposites.com at no charge.

Garage Composites, a Denver-based company, works with OEMs, dealer association and industry groups to offer motorcycle, marine and bicycle dealers a breadth of educational seminars, workshops, online training opportunities and peer business groups.

Dealer to Dealer: January 2020

What’s your number one factor / point of preparation for success at your upcoming boat shows?

“Nothing matters if you do not have the right people on the floor, with the right training and skills. Best boat, best layout, best prices – those all mean nothing if you don’t have the tools (people) to convert on the opportunities that come in the booth. Always start with who will be in the booth and build the rest around that.” – Sean Horsfall, Len’s Cove Marina

“Pre-marketing campaign and then lead capture.” – Richard Cromwell, Maritime Solutions

“The absolute number one point to focus on while preparing for the boat show is progressing your clients as much as possible before the show even begins. Ensuring that we have laid as much groundwork before the show so that we can focus on finalizing the deal while in the booth is one of the things that we try to focus on so that we can serve as many of our other customers and other fresh walk-ins as possible. We also are adamant that having quotes ready and printed beforehand, complete with trade values of their current unit, makes it is as seamless as possible with our customers and we can be prepared for them when they arrive at the boat show. In order to properly make sure we are ready for clients when they arrive, we set firm appointment times and make sure our clients understand the importance of time while the boat show from our dealership and sales reps perspective. We explain that if we will be removing ourselves from the floor at the boat show, that could cost us a potential new sale, but we are doing so to make sure that we will be available for that client when they arrive for their appointment.” – Mike Sears, Pride Marine Group

“I think the biggest preparation consist of organization, job role implementation combined with weekly training meetings leading up to the show as well as brief training and game planning the mornings of the show. This will help educate your staff that does not typically work in the sales department become more knowledgeable of the product and also make sure everyone is on the same page!” – J Hurless, Reeder Trausch Marine

“Set pontoons, lay carpet, bring in boats on trailers. Flashy or new models up front. Set up marketing materials and banners. Set up closing table in the back or corner making it private. Curtains around booth separating booths next to yours. Clean up and it’s show time!” – Alan Atkins, Sundown Marine

“The number one factor is having a correctly trained sales team.” – Robbie Brown, Action WaterSports

“Number one preparation for the Boat Show Season is the overall layout of our booth.  We normally have 2 separate booths with as many as 40 boats on display.  We chose to use the old fashion way of pre-layout which is graph paper and cut out boats of each model we want to display.  We meet as a group or Team and bounce ideas off from one another to develop the most effective layout for our show.  We take into consideration the closing area, traffic flow, TV placement, signage, while grouping the different models together to make the sales process as effective and efficient as possible for both the consumer and the sales person.   Once we have our booth(s) set we will invite a couple of Service personnel to give us some insight as to the most efficient way to set the boats.  We review this as a TEAM and then implement the process on paper to be shared with all of the Staff.  This ensures we are all on the same page for set up, tear down, and most of all successful selling at the show!” – Jeff Husby, Regal & Nautique of Orlando

“It’s paramount that we keep the brand integrity of our dealership front and center at our booths. That is, we promote Nautical Ventures as much, if not more, as the boat brands on display. That’s because as a dealer, Nautical Ventures is delivering a great customer experience, with trust and service paving the way for client retention. Visiting our both is like visiting a friend… welcoming, comfortable, and fun.” – Frank Ferraro, Nautical Ventures

“Be consistent and know your customer.” – Jim Dragseth, Whiticar Boat Works, Inc.

What are you doing to prepare for boat show season? Tell us below in the comment section.

Part 3 of First-Time Boat Shopper Course Focuses on Sales Tools

As boat show season approaches, MRAA and Grow Boating have launched the final installment of the “First-Time Boat Shoppers” e-learning course, which focuses on sales tools that dealers can use.

The course, titled “Tools to Turn First-Time Boat Shoppers into Buyers,” is available now at mraa.com/GrowBoating alongside the first two installments of the series. Dealers can download tools from within the course, including a “Buying Your First Boat” guide, which they can then print and use as a sales tool at upcoming boat shows.

As with the first two parts of the series, the course translates Discover Boating’s research of first-time boat buyers into education, tools and resources that can help marine retailers and their employees provide a customer experience leads to more boat sales now and in the future.

“Each portion of the course has a lot of value for dealers,” says Liz Walz, Vice President of MRAA. “However, we’ve been especially anxious to release this final installment of the series because it contains some excellent and practical tools that I think dealers will be able to start using immediately.”

About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting marine retail businesses, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, call us at 763-315-8043.

About Grow Boating, Inc.
The purpose of Grow Boating is to identify growth opportunities within the marine industry, and champion those opportunities through consumer communications, targeted programs, and by developing industry education and resources. The Discover Boating program is one of several of Grow Boating’s areas of focus. For more information, visit GrowBoating.org.

Shallcross Selected to Join MRAA Board of Directors

Jason Shallcross will serve as the Region 7 Director of the Marine Retailers Association’s Board of Directors.

The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas has selected Jason Shallcross, of Reed’s Marine, as the Region 7 Director on the MRAA Board of Directors.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jason Shallcross to the MRAA Board of Directors,” said Joe Hoffmaster, MRAA Chariman. “Jason brings an analytical mind and decades of experience to the board and I look forward for the chance to serve with him.”

Jason Shallcross will replace Dave Briggs of Wayzata Marine, who will transition to an At-Large Director after serving six years as the Region 7 Director. Shallcross is the Co-Owner of Reed’s Marine located in Delavan, Wis. He has played an active role on the MRAA Young Leaders Advisory Council and has provided a strong dealer voice in many of meetings to determine the strategic direction of the association.

“I look forward to helping improve any and all aspects of the marine industry that we can change for the better,” says Shallcross. “Additionally, I look forward to giving back to an industry that has given my family so much.”
Stacy Greenwood, Cleveland Boat Center, Cleveland, Tenn., has also been selected as a new Director, representing Region 4. One Director at Large has been appointed by Chairman Hoffmaster — Bob Bense, Superior Boat Repair & Sales, Rancho Cordova, Calif.

In addition to the newly appointed board members, Martin Boyer, of Austin Boats and Motors in Lakeway, Texas, will continue as the Region 9 Director, Craig Brosenne, of Hagadone Marine Group, in Coeur D Alene, Idaho, will continue as the Region 10 Director, and Dave Briggs, of Wayzata Marine, in Wayzata, Minnesota, will become a Director at Large after serving 6 years as the Region 7 Director.

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.

Greenwood Selected to Join MRAA Board of Directors

Stacy Greenwood will serve as the Region 4 Director of the Marine Retailers Association’s Board of Directors.

The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas has selected Stacy Greenwood, of Cleveland Boat Center, as the Region 4 Director on the MRAA Board of Directors.

“We look forward to Greenwood bringing new insights and perspective to the MRAA Board of Directors,” said Joe Hoffmaster, MRAA Chariman. “She brings a lot of Marine Trade Association experience and business savvy to the board and will make a great addition.”

Greenwood, principal of Cleveland Boat Center, in Cleveland, Tenn., has held an active role on the MRAA Education Foundation Board of Directors, and the MRAA’s Young Leaders Advisory Council. Greenwood is the first female dealer principal in her market place, and Cleveland Boat Center has earned and maintained its status as one of the few Marine Industry Certified Dealership’s in the state of Tennessee.

“It is an honor to be elected to serve the marine industry as a MRAA board member,” says Greenwood.  “I am thrilled to support the industry that has provided myself and my family a livelihood and many joyful memories out on the water.”

Jason Shallcross, Reed’s Marine, Delavan, Wis., has also been selected as a new Director, representing Region 7. One Director at Large has been appointed by Chairman Hoffmaster — Bob Bense, Superior Boat Repair & Sales, Rancho Cordova, Calif.

In addition to the newly appointed board members, Martin Boyer, of Austin Boats and Motors in Lakeway, Texas, will continue as the Region 9 Director, Craig Brosenne, of Hagadone Marine Group, in Coeur D Alene, Idaho, will continue as the Region 10 Director, and Dave Briggs, of Wayzata Marine, in Wayzata, Minnesota, will become a Director at Large after serving 6 years as the Region 7 Director.

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.

Bense Appointed to MRAA Board of Directors

Bob Bense will serve as an At-Large Director on the Marine Retailers Association’s Board of Directors.

The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas has appointed to Bob Bense, of Superior Boat Repair & Sales, as a Director At Large on the MRAA Board of Directors.

“I look forward to the high level of enthusiasm and acumen that Bob is sure to bring to the board and will raise an already high level of discourse,” said Joe Hoffmaster, MRAA Chariman. “We look forward to Bob Bense joining us as a Director At Large.”

Bense is the President and CEO of Superior Boat Repair & Sales, with locations in Rancho Cordova and Homewood, Calif. Bense has led his team through the Marine Industry Certified Dealership program and has been a strong advocate for the association’s work.

“I’m very excited to join the MRAA board. I’m looking forward to serving and helping the MRAA continue on their awesome course of excellence for all within the boating industry,” said Bense.

Joining Bense on the MRAA Board at the start of the 2020 term, includes:

  • Stacy Greenwood, Cleveland Boat Center, Cleveland, Tenn., Region 4 Director;
  • Jason Shallcross, Reed’s Marine, Delavan, Wis., Region 7 Director

In addition to the newly appointed board members, Martin Boyer, of Austin Boats and Motors in Lakeway, Texas, will continue as the Region 9 Director, Craig Brosenne, of Hagadone Marine Group, in Coeur D Alene, Idaho, will continue as the Region 10 Director, and Dave Briggs, of Wayzata Marine, in Wayzata, Minnesota, will become a Director at Large after serving 6 years as the Region 7 Director.

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.