Boating Industry Intelligence You Can Profit From
Chaparral and Robalo Boats held its 45th Worldwide Dealer Conference on Sept. 27-29 in Orlando, Fla., according to a release from the company. There were 112 dealerships represented at the event, which introduced three new models: Chaparral’s new 310 Signature, 186 SSi Wide Tech sport boat and 204 Extreme tow boat.
KVH Industries Inc. recently recognized Electronics Unlimited of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., with its first annual Dealer of the Year award at the National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA), according to a release from KVH. “We’re happy to recognize Electronics Unlimited as our first Dealer of the Year,” Jim George, director of sales for KVH, said in the release. “Not only did this team manage to increase sales of KVH products in a very difficult economy over the past year, they did it by consistently providing the exceptional customer service and support that KVH customers have come to expect.”
Nautique will sponsor the Top 100 Dealer dinner at this year’s Marine Dealer Conference and Expo (MDCE), provide a Nautique booth during the conference, and President/CEO Bill Yeargin will participate in a panel discussion of industry leaders, according to a release from the company. Nautique will also hold its annual dealer meeting at the Coronado Springs Resort following the MDCE. “Nautique is proud to take an active role in supporting the Marine Dealer Conference & Expo,” Yeargin said in the release. “This conference provides dealers with vital information about the most important issues impacting the boating industry as well as important sales and marketing tactics that can be applied at the dealer level.”
The 50th Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show has added three new sponsors, according to organizer Show Management. The sponsors are: Rick Case Honda – Official Tow Vehicles; Palm Harbor Marina – Water Transportation (Riverboats and Water Shuttles); Island Global Yachting – VIP Tender Sponsors.