In 2019, the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas achieved many of its goals, including advancing its long-term vision of a stronger, more profitable marine industry. Some highlights included a focus on advocacy work, the launch of Dealer Week and an updated Resource Center.
Taking a closer look at some highlights of the report, in March, the association announced its Education pathways and hosts. In April, more than 120 dealerships completed their inaugural year of continuous certification. To help attract new workers, the organization started the “Marine Industry Guide to Apprenticeship” in May.
In August, the MRAA welcomed certification consultants Rallee Chupich and Zane Stevenson, while September saw the addition of Adam Fortier-Brown to the association’s advocacy team. The Marine Trade Co-Host program was introduced as was the 10×10 Series. Grow Boating and MRAA also launched “Selling to First-Time Boat Shoppers, Motivations,” the second in a three-part series. November saw the creation of the Guide to Phone Skills white paper.
The inaugural Dealer Week kicked off in the final month of the year and Grow Boating and MRAA unveiled Tools to Turn First-Time Boat Shoppers into Buyers. For 2020, the conference will move to Austin, Texas.
On the education front, 833 courses were completed on MRAATraining.com and the association redesigned its Resource Center. More than 600 dealers and 1,100 attendees registered for Dealer Week, which had 12 strategic partners, 10 education champions, 13 marine-trade association co-hosts and 115 exhibitors including 40 new ones.
MRAA advocacy program highlights included more than $25,000 in MRAA member BoatPAC donations and initiatives included increasing the association’s advocacy network, revitalizing the Advisory Council of Marine Associations, coordinating congressional testimony and strengthening collaborative efforts with industry partners.
