In the current age of political rancor, and with the threat of ominous new regulations every time the tide comes in, there’s reason to consider just how a boat dealer can affect what happens to them politically.
The simple answer: Alone, they can’t.
The truth is, dealers, like so many small businesses, have limited ability to influence public policy, especially on state and federal levels. Obviously, most dealers don’t have the deep pockets of corporations that can hire their own lobbyists and influence policy.
But when dealers unite to respond to a need, the picture dramatically changes. Enter our industry’s marine trade associations.
You have to snicker at the position of many in the Federal Trade Commission who say business associations exist to fix prices and restrain trade. Duh! Ranked tops in virtually every survey of small-business trade associations is the role the organization plays in addressing legislative and regulatory matters. Dealers can’t get it done alone.
It would be great if every dealer had the expertise and contacts at local, state and federal levels of government. But the contacts and influence, if any, are limited. And there’s an obvious reason for that. Dealers must address a variety of issues in their business operations every day. The time required to consistently go to their state capitols, never mind Washington, and knock on doors to lobby is unrealistic. However, that doesn’t reduce the urgency to get something changed, or something new, or prevent lawmakers and regulators from adopting damaging policies.
This calls into play the importance of being a member of your local marine trade association and your national association, which for every dealer is the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas. All dealers go to their suppliers when they need product, so it’s a no-brainer when there’s a need to impact laws and regulations. These days, the need never seems to end, so dealers must count on their trade associations.
It’s important to understand that while you may hold memberships in the appropriate local and national associations, your work may not be done. Your association may have a full-time staff and a lobbyist to carry the ball and protect your interests, but there may still be an extra effort you can provide.
For example, sending letters or emails as directed by your association, or making a couple of phone calls as directed at the right time, are easy things every dealer can do to further the lobbying efforts. In effect, you are a lobbying partner with your association team that’s covering you 24/7, watching for issues so you can manage your dealership.
And it’s important to recognize that legislation and regulatory actions are often incremental. Such processes can move slowly and, often, in pieces. So lobbying isn’t for the short haul. It takes time to effect change, especially when you’re talking about anything governmental. It reminds me of the tourist standing next to a park ranger peering into the Grand Canyon.
“You know, it took 3 million years to make this canyon,” the ranger says.
The tourist looks up and replies: “Government job?”
Joining, renewing and maintaining your membership in marine trade associations is a small investment with a huge return. It’s the kind of commitment successful players make.
