Back it up
Sponsorships can put a dealership’s name in front of the community or bring the community to the dealership. Both can generate top-of-mind awareness when consumers are looking for their next boat.
Many Top 100 Dealers sponsor a fishing or waterski/wakeboard team. Galati Yacht Sales (Ranked 2 in 2006) sponsors three fishing teams and encourages customers to join them on the tournament circuit. In addition to fielding a watersports team, JOA Marine (Ranked 63 in 2006) is one of many Top 100 Dealers that sponsored a stop for a watersports tournament tour.
While many dealerships sponsor the weather during local newscasts, Cannons Marine Inc. (Ranked 36 in 2006) has found success underwriting National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered,” a comprehensive daily news program.
Sponsoring non-marine related activities can be fruitful if the right audience is reached. Following extensive marketing research, Marine Center of Indiana (Ranked 50 in 2006) decided to sponsor the Indianapolis Fever, a WNBA team. The sponsorship included a boat giveaway during the team’s final home game, radio and television commercials during the game and four center court season tickets for MCI staff, vendors and customers. Slalom Shop Boats and Yachts (Ranked 6 in 2006) has found similar success with the Texas Rangers and indoor football team the Dallas Desperados.
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