Plans released for MRAA Convention

OAK PARK, Ill. – The format of the Marine Retailers Association of America’s Annual Convention has changed and grown this year, with the launch of four separate segments, the association suggested in a statement yesterday. The event is scheduled to take place in. Las Vegas, Nov. 9-11.

One segment is the “Industry Leaders Forum” composed of two forums, one of boat builders and the other of engine manufacturers. Boat builders and engine manufacturers will field questions, first from dealer moderators and later by dealers in a question and answers period, according to MRAA.

Another segment is a report by the “Grow Boating Alliance Committee.” There are five
Committees: Grow Boating Marketing Program; Funding for Marketing Program; Product Quality & Standards; Dealer Quality & Standards; and Timely and Accurate Retail Sales Statistics. Each committee will report on their mission, vision, current status and goals.

A third segment will be the ‘Issues Forum.” This is a dealer’s only forum. During this forum, dealers will have an opportunity to voice their opinion regarding existing initiatives and be involved with new issues, such as dealer agreements, warranty labor rates parts margins, and model year rollback. Dealers will set priorities on issues, decide if committees should be formed and make suggestions to existing committee members.

Finally, MRAA has assembled a group of speakers from outside the industry. The convention will open at 5:30pm, Tuesday, Nov. 9 with Ken Schmidt of Harley-Davidson, who will speak on “Branding Your Business.”

Wednesday will feature Dr. Robert Genetski, leading interest rate forecaster, on “The Nation’s Financial Outlook for 2005.” Lunch will feature Mike Molina, president, Recreational Vehicles Dealers Association, speaking on the “Importance of National Dealers Association to Growing the Industry;” who will be followed in the afternoon by Bob Clements, Bob Clements International, on “Examining The Five Vital Signs of Your Business.”

On Thursday, Stuart Schaffer, Lazydays RV, will speak on “Marketing Your Dealership to Maximize Sales;” Bob Williams, Damiler-Chrysler will speak of “Chrysler’s 5 Star Dealer Program,” and Norm Schultz, Lake Erie Marine Association, will discuss “How You Can Get Radical Results at Your Next Event.”

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