MRAA named 2015 Association of the Year

MINNEAPOLIS — The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) has been selected from a distinguished field of nominees and recently named the “2015 Association of the Year” by the Midwest Society of Association Executives (MSAE). The award was presented during MSAE’s annual leadership conference in St. Cloud.

“The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas is a vibrant association who exemplify what it means to lead, grow and make an impact on an industry,” one judge wrote on behalf of MSAE. “They have made huge leaps and bounds in recent years, using MSAE as one of their main educational outlets. MRAA is a great example of how to utilize MSAE for personal and professional growth, and give back through leadership roles. They are paving the way and making a difference; we can all learn something from them! Way to go, MRAA!”

Founded in 1972 and headquartered in Minneapolis, the MRAA renders educational, developmental, legislative, regulatory and promotional services to boat retailers located in all 50 states and throughout Canada. Membership uncorks a dynamic benefit bundle that includes the industry’s only dealer certification program, customized marketing solutions, discounted insurance rates, warranty processing and access to a vast archive of interactive training material.

“Being recognized as the 2015 Association of the Year directly correlates with the hard work and long hours our staff logs throughout the year,” MRAA President Matt Gruhn said. “Our members recognize and appreciate the, at times, difficult tasks our team tackles — all in the interests of maximizing their commercial success.”

The leading edge of MRAA’s member benefit package centers on the popular Marine Industry Certified Dealership Program, which offers a roadmap to developing and maintaining a successful dealership. Retooled and modernized under the direction of Sonja Moseley, participation in the certification program has grown by more than 50 percent over the last two years and now includes online portals covering areas ranging from techniques to maximize sales and enhancing customer satisfaction to search engine optimization and digitizing inventory.

“Educating our members and keeping them informed on the latest industry trends represents one of our core missions, and being recognized as 2015 Association of the Year by MSAE validates the effectiveness our certification program,” Moseley said.

Additionally, more than 1,100 retailers, marina owners and boat builders recently attended the annual Marine Dealers Conference and Expo in Orlando — hosted jointly by MRAA and Boating Industry. The gathering is the largest educational event of its kind in North America and features an itinerary stacked with marquee speakers, laser-focused seminars covering a dynamic array of subject matter and events designed specifically for young professionals.

For more information, visit MRAA.com.