Boat manufacturers respond to Challenge 1000

OAK PARK, Ill. – A number of recreational boating manufacturers are responding to the Marine Retailers Association of America’s “Challenge 1000” initiative, designed to encourage 1,000 marine dealers to attend the MRAA convention Nov. 9-11, the association said in a release today.

Cobalt, Chaparral, Chris Craft, Genmar, Regal and Silverton are among the manufacturers who are urging their dealers to make the effort to attend the convention, to be held at the Stardust Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, and take advantage of the speakers who will make presentations.

They are helping the promotion of the convention thru various methods such as distribution of brochures, appearances of MRAA directors or staff at dealer meetings and by boat company officers urging attendance at their dealer business meeting.

“The support we’ve received from these manufacturers is indicative of their desire to see their dealers further their education and professionalism,” said John Sima, MRAA chairman. “We are truly gratified by their willingness to support our efforts.”

MTA’s respond too

The state and regional marine trades associations have also stepped up to meet “Challenge 1000.” MTA’s are distributing convention brochures to their members; conducting e-mail blasts; enclosing registration forms in their newsletters; printing articles in the dealer communication efforts; and offering special promotion convention attendance packages. Some associations are planning receptions for their members at the convention.

New Jersey Marine Trades Association, New Hampshire Marine Dealers Association, Connecticut Marine Trades Association, Colorado Marine Dealers Association, Southern California Marine Association, Northern California Marine Association, Massachusetts Marine Trades Association, and the Lake Erie Marine Trades Association are all involved in the efforts.

“The state and regional MTA’s are the grass roots of this industry and when they put their combined strength to a project, things really begin to happen,” said Phil Keeter, MRAA president. “The officers and executive directors of these groups are the movers and shakers of the retailing industry and will make positive results. We thank them for their commitments,”

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