The MRAA Educational Foundation has set a goal of raising $20,000 in 2014 to provide financial support for education, training and professional development in the recreational marine trades. So far, the not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation has raised $7,400. In order to continue to offer the growing number of scholarships and awards the foundation provides to train […]

For marine dealers, being able to benchmark their businesses against the competition is paramount; and having access to the data required in order to make appropriate market comparisons is key to boosting profits and elevating the bottom line. Membership in the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas makes it easier than ever for dealers to […]

Extended service agreements are a win-win for dealers: They not only allow the dealership to better service its customers by offering additional protection on their new and pre-owned boat and engine purchases, but these agreements also can generate a significant revenue stream by contributing directly to the business’ bottom line. Membership in the Marine Retailers […]

The MRAA Educational Foundation is currently seeking applications from educational institutions for its 2014 MRAA Technical Scholarships. The Technical Scholarships provide a $3,000 scholarship to technical schools to assist well-deserving students who are studying recreational marine technology. The MRAA Technical Scholarship Fund was created to offer financial assistance for technical training of marine dealership personnel […]

The MRAA Educational Foundation has partnered with the American Boat & Yacht Council to launch two new scholarship programs, for which they are currently seeking applications. The Basic Scholarship provides the recipient complimentary access to ABYC’s Introduction to Basic Marine Electric & Corrosion Protection, a four-day course that provides the newcomer to marine electrics with […]

The MRAA Educational Foundation and Spader Business Management are seeking applicants for the 2014 Duane Spader Leadership Development Scholarship. The scholarship was founded to honor the marine industry service of Spader Business Management founder Duane Spader, as well as his leadership philosophy of life-long learning. The recipient, who receives full tuition to attend the Spader […]

The MRAA Educational Foundation is seeking applicants for the 2014 Kevin Lodder Scholarship. The Kevin Lodder Scholarship Fund, which was founded in memory of Kevin Lodder of Lodder’s Marine in Fairfield, Ohio, provides a full scholarship to attend a week-long Spader Business Management Total Management 1 Workshop to an employee of a Marine Retailers Association […]

The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas is currently accepting applications and nominations for its Young Leaders Advisory Council. “YLAC has proven to be a major influence on the MRAA,” says MRAA president Matt Gruhn. “The energy and enthusiasm that the group brings to pushing the association forward has been extremely valuable, and many new […]

Dominion Marine Media and the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas announced today that the Boating Trades Association of Texas has signed on to host the Norman-Spencer Marine Retail University for the third year in a row. The event, which will be held Oct. 14 at the Courtyard Marriott Austin Downtown, also known as the […]

The MRAA Educational Foundation is currently seeking nominations and applications for the 2014 Darlene Briggs Woman of the Year Award. The late Darlene Briggs, of Wayzata, Minn., was admired for her tireless dedication to the marine industry. To honor her memory, the Darlene Briggs Woman of the Year Award was founded in 1987. It is […]