When it comes to how quickly marine dealers respond to Internet leads, the good news is that progress is being made at a rapid rate. The bad news is that there is still a lot of work to be done, and many potential customers are still falling through the cracks, which translates into lost sales opportunities. Data collected through the ...

As you read this, the deadline to submit applications for Boating Industry’s 2011 Top 100 Dealers Program is less than two months away. For some, the process is well underway, or you may have already submitted your materials. But for those of you who have yet to get started, there is still plenty of time to put together an excellent ...

Work is currently underway on what Vessel Vanguard’s creators say could soon grow to become the largest data library of recreational marine equipment in the world. And that library is at the heart of a system that seeks to change the way owners operate and maintain their boats. Vessel Vanguard – set to be launched in April – will consolidate ...

The end of 2011 will also mark the end of Phil Keeter’s time as president of the Marine Retailers Association of America, a position he has held since 1988. With the announcement, earlier this year, of Keeter’s intent to retire, a search for his replacement was begun and formal interviews are to be completed this month during a meeting of ...

Great weather, reasonable fuel prices, more jobs, higher home values, renewed consumer confidence … Sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? But even if all of it were to fall into place, and the 2011 summer boating season was one of the busiest ever, consumers aren’t likely to be out in the marketplace throwing money at everything they see. The downturn ...