The coronavirus pandemic has hit associations hard — most of which have not been eligible for federal relief.
Barletta Boats president Bill Fenech has issued a plea to the industry, which has seen record boat sales this year — to step and support the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas.
“Business has been wonderful for all of us,” said Fenech in a video asking for industry support of MRAA. “But not MRAA, and they’re doing a great job.”
Barletta Pontoons has long held a reputation as supporting its dealer network.
“With Dealer Week not happening the way it’s supposed to — huge loss of revenue for them, and that’s scary for our industry,” said Fenech.
MRAA’s Dealer Week, which accounts for 70 percent of the MRAA’s annual revenue, has moved to a virtual format and does not provide for the same level of revenue potential that an in-person event offers, the MRAA said in a statement.
Fenech, whose Barletta Boat Co. is already a Platinum Partner member of the MRAA and continues to support Dealer Week, has made a $25,000 donation to MRAA as a challenge to others.
“I hope you’ll find it in your hearts and in your pocket books to take some action and send some money to MRAA,” said Fenec
