Most dealers become members of the MRAA because of the robust educational programming and resources our team offers in helping them run their businesses. But running a strong business also requires a strong selling environment free from restrictive policies and regulations that can hinder your success.

That’s where MRAA’s advocacy work rises to the challenge. Through regular engagement at the federal, state and local levels, our team fights against policies that impede your operations, and we promote policies that will lead to a healthy business economy and the conservation of a strong boating environment.

Although the MRAA advocacy team leads the way in this fight, our best outcomes often result from our ability to connect you and your voice to the people making legislative and regulatory decisions.

For MRAA members, getting involved in advocacy is easy, and our advocacy team constantly creates avenues to amplify your voice. With their expertise in running a small business, MRAA members add a unique voice to the table, providing those decision makers with real-world insights into how federal and state policies and programs affect your business and the economy at large.

Quite simply: When MRAA members talk, decision makers listen.

Recently, MRAA member Rick Chapman, General Manager at Sunnyside Marina, Inc., testified before the U.S. House of Representatives’ Small Business Committee, advocating for the passage of the PREPARE Act, a program that would give small businesses the opportunity to reinforce their own infrastructure in preparation of weather-related issues, such as hurricanes and floods and the like. Mr. Chapman highlighted the challenges his and other businesses in the marine industry face and how the PREPARE Act would provide them much needed resources. To learn more about the PREPARE Act and Mr. Chapman’s testimony click here.

MRAA members have also been instrumental at a state level, as well. Notably, 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.

Aside from participating in hearings at the state and federal level, MRAA members can also make their voice heard by signing on to comment letters and meeting directly with legislators and their staff — both of which the MRAA team can facilitate for you.

In fact, there are numerous ways MRAA members can get involved with this important advocacy work. Here are five easy steps to help you involved today:

1. Sign up to receive Boating United alerts to stay informed.
2. Sign a prior-approval form and contribute to BoatPAC, the No. 1 way our industry gets its voice at the table (and attend a BoatPAC event next time you have the opportunity … like at Dealer Week 2021). (U.S. based members only)
3. Learn more about the issues that matter most to your business here.
4. Meet and share your advocacy concerns with MRAA Government Relations Manager Chad Tokowicz and other industry stakeholders by attending Dealer Week.
5. Join the MRAA Dealer Ambassador’s team – a formal group that is ready to mobilize if an issue comes home to your state.
6. Get involved with MRAA’s government relations manager by emailing Chad at chad@mraa.com.

All MRAA members should make their voice heard by participating in our advocacy work. Your efforts will make a difference.