MATES takes two big steps forward

CHICAGO – The Marine Association for Technology Exchange Standards has added two more companies to its growing membership roster: Brunswick Boat Group and MarineMax, the National Marine Manufacturers Association said in a press release Wednesday. Both have joined the organization as Level III members, the highest commitment level available.

“With the addition of Brunswick Boat Group and MarineMax, MATES gains an infusion of seasoned colleagues dedicated to developing, implementing and supporting data exchange standards in the marine industry,” said John Warnik, MATES executive director.

MATES is an NMMA affiliate. MATES’ goal is to develop a set of data communication exchange standards by which the marine industry at large can operate, effectively reducing information technology burdens, eliminating system incompatibility and making it easier for companies to transact business with one another.

“Our hope is that MATES’ initiatives will allow all industry players to improve their ways of doing business, with greater and more efficient access to critical information,” said Peter Hamilton, Brunswick Boat Group president. “Joining MATES is a natural complement to our efforts at the Boat Group, which are to improve the boating experience through better-quality products for our customers and stronger, mutually beneficial relationships with our dealers and boat building partners.”

“MarineMax is excited about the MATES initiative,” said Jeremy Wilson, information technology director for MarineMax. “The development of electronic data exchange standards is a step forward in allowing the industry to electronically conduct business for processes such as ordering parts. The move towards the adoption of these standards by the industry will allow our team members to more efficiently perform their jobs and service our customers.”

MATES membership occurs on three levels, with various membership benefits assigned to each based on degree of commitment. Membership levels are Level I ($1,000 dues per year), Level II ($3,000 dues per year) and Level III ($10,000 dues per year). Level III membership includes “charter member” status, increased representation on the MATES board of directors and permission to use a special MATES logo.

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