ABOUT THE MMTA
Established in 1964, the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association (MMTA) is the non-profit statewide, representative body for approximately 1,000 marine trades businesses in the Commonwealth that employ approximately 20,000 men and women. The mission of the Association is to further the interests of the marine trades and the boating public through the promotion of boating, participation in legislation and professional improvement programs. WWW.BOATMA.COM

The 60-minute webinar will outline the Discover Boating strategy and key elements of this year’s campaign across media, PR, digital and more.

Date: Thursday, August 4
Time: 12:00 pm EDT / 9:00 am PST
Reserve your spot today, by registering here.

*This webinar is open to all industry stakeholders. Space is limited and registration is needed to join the webinar live on Aug. 4.

For the 12th consecutive year, RBFF and the Outdoor Foundation partnered to provide a comprehensive look at fishing participation in the U.S. The 2022 Special Report on Fishing — released Monday, July 19 prior to ICAST 2022— explores participation trends alongside insights into motivations, barriers, and preferences of key groups identified as essential for future growth.

As previously revealed, over fifty-two million Americans age 6+ went fishing in 2021, supporting a six-year upward trend.

DOWNLOAD THE FULL REPORT | DOWNLOAD THE INFOGRAPHIC

Leaky Bucket
While 3.7 million first timers and 8 million reactivated anglers went fishing, 14 million participants lapsed. That -18 percent churn rate resulted in an overall participation decline of 4 percent.


Shrinking Gender Gap
Women composed 37 percent of fishing participation in 2022, the highest level on record. The participation rate among girls ages 6-12 and 13-17 grew 5 percent and 10 percent, respectively. With these increases, the difference in participation rate between boys and girls has shrunk to less than 4 percent.


A Family Affair
Over half of participants tried fishing thanks to an invitation from their friends or family. Seventy-eight percent of anglers associated fishing with spending quality time with family or friends.

Growth Amongst Decline
While overall participation fell slightly from the historic high in 2020, African American participation increased almost 11 percent year over year. In addition, over 300,000 more Hispanics went fishing in 2021 than in 2019.

For further information: Bruna Carincotte, bcarincotte@rbff.org, 202-743-9894

To date, the campaign spots have aired on 35 broadcast stations nationwide including local ABC, NBC, CBS and FOX affiliates in markets such as Dallas, San Francisco and Grand Rapids as well as regional stations such as SNY/SportsNet New York and Bally Sports Network Ohio.

The spots have aired 2,863 times during prominent, non-overnight hours, which translates to more than $425,000 in donated media value.

Industry stakeholders are encouraged to get involved with the campaign and engage their audiences.? Click here to stream, download or embed the ‘See You Out Here’ video content to share in your showroom, on your website, via your social network or in your next email campaign.

The industry’s brand strategy for Discover Boating remains steadfast and three-fold: Invite the next generation; retain the influx of new boaters; and engage legacy boat owners.

SOUTHOLD, NY, JULY 8 — The Sea Tow Foundation, in cooperation with its Boating Safety Advisory Council, announced the official call for entries for the “2022 National Boating Industry Safety Awards.”

“The Sea Tow Foundation is excited to enter its fourth year hosting the National Boating Industry Safety Awards and to present this year’s awards just prior to the start of IBEX 2022 in Tampa, Fla. With a streamlined application process, we’re looking forward to learning more about the many ways companies throughout the marine industry have been promoting responsible boating,” said Gail R. Kulp, Executive Director of the Sea Tow Foundation.

The awards recognize efforts to promote safety on the water within the for-profit sector of the boating industry in the following categories:
   • Marine Manufacturer
   • Gear/Equipment Manufacturer
   • Marine Media Firms or Companies
   • Public Relations, Advertising, or Marketing Effort
   • Small Marine Retailer/Dealership (up to 3 locations)
   • Large Marine Retailer/Dealership (4 or more locations)

“I encourage all who have spearheaded boating safety initiatives to take the time to apply as the industry and consumers deserve to see your hard work and dedication to keeping us all safe on the water,” said Chad Tokowicz, Government Relations Manager at the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas. “This is also an important opportunity to highlight the various ways boating safety initiatives take place and can inspire future initiatives while highlighting best practices that resonate throughout the boating community.”

More Information:
• No cost to enter
• Deadline to enter is Saturday, July 23
• Participants may submit multiple applications for different efforts.
• The application process has been simplified this year to make it quick and easy to enter.
• Awards will be presented Monday, September 26, at the Soundings Trade Only Most Innovative Company Awards event.

To learn more and to enter the National Boating Industry Safety Awards, visit: www.boatingsafety.com/awards.

The Sea Tow Foundation is eager to see the creativity across the boating industry as the 2022 contest will recognize a wide range of efforts honoring boating industry companies including those in the manufacturing, media, retailer, marketing and advertising realms. View a list of winners from previous years to see examples of the types of campaigns that could be considered for entry.

ABOUT SEA TOW FOUNDATION
The Sea Tow Foundation – a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization - was started in 2007 by Captain Joe Frohnhoefer, founder of Sea Tow Services International, after he witnessed too many preventable accidents and fatalities on the water. Through its flagship programs which include the Life Jacket Loaner Program, Sober Skipper Campaign, and the National Boating Industry Safety Awards, the Sea Tow Foundation strives towards its vision of a world where boaters are safe and responsible. To learn more, visit boatingsafety.com.

About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, we believe that for the marine industry to thrive, the retail organizations that interact with the boaters in their community must thrive. With that in mind, MRAA works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting those retailers, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, visit MRAA.com or contact us at 763-315-8043.

#1 – Take a Boating Safety Class or Refresher
The Water Sports Foundation recently reported a major surge in online education Water Sports Foundation Reports Pandemic Spike in Online Boater Education – Water Sports Foundation with many safety organizations now offering virtual training options in addition to traditional live instruction. In many states, new boaters are required to take mandated boater ed classes, but now there is a wealth of new online and hybrid classes also available on a variety of boating topics and for all skill levels, through public and private providers.

“Whether a seasoned skipper or a boating newbie, everyone can benefit from a boating safety class, especially when it’s now just an easy click away,” said Emmons. For a list of educational resources, check out the National Boating Safety Media Resource Center: Boating Safety Education – Water Sports Foundation

#2 – Buckle Up!
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, drowning is the cause of death in 79 percent of fatal boating accidents where the cause of death was known; 86 percent of those drowning victims were not wearing life jackets. To maximize safety, make sure everyone on board has been properly fitted with a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket, and wears it while underway.

#3 –Designate a Sober Skipper
The U.S. Coast Guard reports that alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents. In fact, where the primary cause was known, it was the leading factor in 23% of deaths.

“For the safety of not only your crew, but others sharing the waterways, we recommend avoiding alcohol altogether while boating, or at the very least, the driver should take the pledge to be a sober skipper,” said Emmons. Video: Designated Sober Skipper – Family – Water Sports Foundation

#4 – Pre-Season Boating Safety Vessel & Equipment Checks
If it’s been awhile since you’ve taken your boat out, invest in a complimentary boating safety vessel check provided by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary in your area. Make sure you’re thoroughly familiar with the operating instructions of your vessel and ensure your equipment is in proper working condition prior to departure. In addition, carry and be proficient in the operation of a VHF radio, EPIRB or personal locator beacon.

Boaters should be aware of two recent federal laws regarding required safety equipment. Effective April 2022, boaters must replace fire extinguishers that are 12 years or older, including both disposable and rechargeable units, with the age starting from manufacture date, not purchase. In April 2021, another federal law was passed requiring operators of boats under 26’ to use an engine cut off switch link (ECOS-L), an onboard safety device that stops a boat’s engine if the operator is throw off the boat. Wireless versions are also available.

#5 – Be Smart: File a Float Plan
Before departure, prepare a simple document known as a “float plan” and share with family members, friends and/or your marina staff that includes a list of your crew members, their contact information including cell numbers, along with your itinerary including all destination(s) and your expected return time. This document may prove a life saver should search activities be required.

#6 – All Aboard: Crew Communication
At the dock and before departure, the captain should review boating safety requirements with everyone, clearly explaining safety protocols and expectations, especially if new boaters are aboard.

Each passenger should be assigned a designated seat and be instructed to remain securely seated when the boat is underway. The captain should communicate life jacket usage and positioning of throw cushions or other devices, the appointment of observers to watch for oncoming traffic or to monitor water sports activity, etc.

NOTE: Captains should ensure the number of passengers and their collective weight complies with the designated maximum capacity rating to prevent overloading of the vessel.

#7 – Weather or Not to Go …
Prior to planning or launching your boating adventure, consult weather forecasts and conditions. Don’t go if the weather is unfavorable.

In certain parts of the country, weather conditions can change in a flash, so monitor regularly using available mobile APPS. Storms, lightning, changing tides, currents, winds and other inclement weather conditions can endanger the safety of boaters.

If you find yourself navigating rapidly deteriorating weather conditions, find shelter as soon as possible. If your return plans are impacted, be sure to update anyone with whom you filed a float plan regarding plan modifications.

#8- Slow Down!
Accidents can often be avoided when captains obey the posted speed limit and follow rules established to keep boaters safe. Be aware and follow all speed limits and no wake zones.

#9 - Focus!
Many boating accidents are reportedly the direct result of operator distraction or inattention. The designated skipper needs to be especially vigilant and to assume full responsibility for the safety of all those aboard. Focus is the watchword!

#10 – Pick Your Playgrounds with Care
Busy boating holidays generate busy boating traffic. With that in mind, carefully consider your destinations. If you’re a new boater, avoid the most popular boating venues where the ability to navigate, drop and set anchors and lines in confined spaces is particularly challenging. Choose a less crowded spot while you get your sea legs beneath you.

About the Water Sports Foundation
Headquartered in Orlando, FL, the Water Sports Foundation (WSF) is the non-profit educational arm of the Water Sports Industry Association (WSIA.net). The WSF National Public Relations Outreach including this press release is produced under a grant from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, administered by the U.S. Coast Guard.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – May 3 – On the same day the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee passed the first-ever recreation package, Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), of which MRAA is a member, released an energizing video highlighting a myriad of outdoor recreation activities, the $689 billion outdoor recreation economy, and the over 4.3 million jobs it supports while urging Americans to get outside and recreate. The video also emphasizes how the outdoor recreation industry boosts our local and national economies, and how recreating outdoors has been a fun, healthful respite for many over the past two years and will continue to be in the future.

“I don’t think our nation has seen the positive impacts outdoor recreation has had on Americans’ physical, mental and economic health in such a tangible way as we have over the past several years,” said Jessica Turner, president of Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. “Now is the time to remind the nation and our elected officials how the outdoors and the recreation economy helped us get through the pandemic and how we can bring more to people, communities and economies with bills like the recreation package. We hope Americans continue to get outside to improve their lives and, like the video states, nowadays we could all use a little less zoom and a little more vroom!”



Additionally, America’s Outdoor Recreation Act of 2022 passed by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources committee today includes the Simplifying Outdoor Access for Recreation (SOAR) Act, the Outdoor Recreation Act, Recreation Not Red-Tape, among other bipartisan and pragmatic outdoor recreation legislation. ORR sent a letter to the committee last year urging them to pass this much-needed legislation as soon as possible to, “help manage already existing conserved lands and waters in order to support businesses recovering from COVID-19, and now impacted by wildfires and drought, ensure better access to the outdoors for all Americans, mitigate the impacts of climate change and ever-increasing visitation in some areas on the outdoor experience and create jobs by supporting rural economies and communities.”

“The work and mission of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable is integral for the current and continued success of America’s outdoor recreation economy,” said Matt Gruhn, President of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas. “Time and time again outdoor recreation can bridge party lines and unify members of Congress who understand the value these pastimes hold for communities and individuals nationwide. I hope that we can see more progress on outdoor recreation policy before the end of the 117th and throughout the 118th Congress.”

Turner added, “We applaud Chairman Manchin and Ranking Member Barrasso for crafting the first-ever Outdoor Recreation Package and helping to pass it out of committee. We now urge the full Congress to pass it this year to continue the tremendous momentum and impact of the outdoor recreation economy.”

                                                                                             ### 

ABOUT ORR 
The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable  is the nation’s leading coalition of outdoor recreation trade associations representing the $689 billion outdoor recreation economy. ORR focuses on the growth of outdoor recreation by building a better environment for the sustainable growth of outdoor recreation businesses and driving a broader understanding of the value of the outdoor recreation economy. Our membership includes national outdoor trade association members, business entities, nonprofit organizations, and universities — serving more than 110,000 businesses and representing America’s boating, fishing, RVing, biking, hiking, camping, hunting, ATVing, diving, horseback, and skiing communities among many more.

About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, we believe that for the marine industry to thrive, the retail organizations that interact with the boaters in their community must thrive. With that in mind, MRAA works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting those retailers, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, visit MRAA.com or contact us at 763-315-8043.

How can you get involved with the new campaign and engage your audiences? Click here to stream, download or embed the new “See You Out Here” content to share in your showroom, on your website, via your social network or in your next email campaign.

According to Sea Tow Foundation Executive Director Gail R. Kulp, the Boating Safety Advisory Council is currently comprised of 20 leaders representing all segments of the for-profit recreational boating industry. Council members attend bi-monthly teleconference meetings to consult on numerous boating safety topics, participate in a variety of boating safety initiatives and are actively engaged in producing and judging the annual National Boating Industry Safety Awards.

“The Sea Tow Foundation’s Boating Safety Advisory Council has contributed significantly to raising awareness of boating safety within the recreational boating industry,” said Kulp. “Having top boating industry leaders actively engaged in this council and in boating safety initiatives has no doubt boosted the overall awareness and the importance of boating safety throughout the industry.”

Nominees should be gainfully employed full-time in the for-profit segment of the recreational marine industry, working in leadership and/or decision-making roles within their organizations. Candidates should have full support of their organization, coupled with an expressed interest in boating safety.

“We are filling key slots for several members whose terms are expiring, all of whom have contributed greatly to our council efforts,” said Kulp. “We are particularly interested in replacing key areas of representation including sailing, paddling, water sports, marine media, retail, manufacturing and industry associations.”

Outgoing council members successfully completing their terms include David Connolly, Thomas H. Connolly and Sons, Inc.; Jim Emmons, Water Sports Foundation; Kevin Falvey, Boating Magazine; John Jost, consultant; Captain Keith Lake, MarineMax; Nic Thomas, Freedom Boat Club; Stephanie Vatalaro, RBFF; and Annamarie Worrell, Emerald Coast Marine Group.

Remaining members of the Sea Tow Foundation Boating Safety Advisory Council include Shannon Aronson, ABYC; Laura Barry, West Marine; TK Krumenacker, AAA Insurance; Captain Bob May, Bob’s No Wake Zone Boating Radio Show; Tyler Mehrl, Mercury Marine; Mark Pillsbury, Cruising World Magazine; Adam Quandt, Boating Industry magazine; Scott Rath, Uflex USA, Inc.; Angie Scott, The Woman Angler & Adventurer; Eric Shepard, retired; Chad Tokowicz, MRAA; and Leslie Zlotnick, Yamaha Watercraft Group. The council’s executive committee includes Kristen Frohnhoefer, Sea Tow Services International; Gail R. Kulp, Sea Tow Foundation; and Wanda Kenton Smith, Kenton Smith Marketing.

To nominate yourself or another individual for membership to the Sea Tow Foundation’s Boating Safety Advisory Council, please visit www.boatingsafety.com/page/stfbsac

Sea Tow Foundation
With a vision of a world where boaters are safe and responsible, the Sea Tow Foundation – a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization – was established in 2007 by Sea Tow Founder Capt. Joe Frohnhoefer. After his passing in 2015, Captain Joe’s legacy continues as the Foundation provides access to education, tools and resources in order to eliminate preventable boating-related accidents, injuries, and deaths. For more information on the Sea Tow Foundation and its programs, visit BoatingSafety.com.

The industry’s brand strategy remains steadfast and three-fold: Invite the next generation; retain the influx of new boaters; and engage legacy boat owners. To address these needs, Discover Boating has been working behind the scenes to evolve the brand, alongside a new agency partner, Cutwater, while maintaining momentum in 2021 and successfully attracting more than 5 million unique visitors to Discover Boating websites for the first time in its 17-year history.

“Our new campaign is an invitation to boaters and those interested in exploring boating, to join us on the water and experience the adventures and joy that only boating can provide,” said Ellen Bradley, senior vice president of NMMA. “We learned through extensive research of legacy, new and prospective boater behaviors and motivations that their interest isn’t on the boat but where it takes you. Those learnings informed our creative approach and all aspects of our new campaign.”

Click here to view the first video from the new campaign

With the shift in the make-up of the U.S. population, boaters too are increasingly diverse. Growth segments for boating, especially among the younger set (18-34), look and behave differently than traditional boaters. They are more likely to be ethnically, racially and attitudinally diverse. To attract and engage this generation, Discover Boating is welcoming them by sharing stories of boaters across the country who come from similar backgrounds or have similar interests.

Boaters featured in the new campaign include:
     • Khristian Rousseve: Fishing runs in this 19 year old’s family and he was inspired by his father’s and grandfather’s passion for the sport, leading him to become the first African American to receive a bass fishing scholarship to Louisiana State University and the state of Louisiana.
     • Cindy and Jana Zontek: Lifelong adventurers, this couple includes a licensed boat captain at the helm who considers boating more than a vocation—it’s a lifestyle filled with freedom and joy.
     • Andy Mann: An avid boater, National Geographic ocean and adventure photographer, and marine conservationist whose imagery and advocacy is helping tell the story of our rapidly changing planet.

Added Bradley, “Seeing yourself on a boat and getting a feel for the larger boating community makes a significant impact on whether or not you feel welcome.”

To reach current target and nexgen boaters, the campaign’s marketing mix features advertising, digital and social content, influencer partnerships, experiences, and PR. This includes the launch of a robust media buy across Google search, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, and exciting partnerships such as TikTok, Vice, ESPN, Ebony, CTV and Telemundo.

Stay tuned for further campaign details leading up to the creative campaign launch this spring.

COVID-19 Pandemic Triggered High Demand of First-Time Boat Purchases in 2020

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (February 15, 2022) — The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF), the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA), and the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) today announced the findings from a comprehensive study conducted by Left Brain Marketing, Inc. with individuals who purchased a boat in 2020 or 2021. The study was fielded to better identify and understand challenges associated with boat shopping and ownership experiences.

"This study has helped us identify the boat buyer and boat owner's journey," said MRAA President Matt Gruhn. “We will be using this knowledge to help the industry understand how they can take better care of our boat owners and keep them in boating for the long term."

"Understanding what is driving, influencing and impacting today’s prospective boat buyers and boat owners is crucial to retaining current boaters and attracting the next generation,” said Ellen Bradley, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications for NMMA. "Findings from this study will help us, as an industry, improve and enhance all stages of a boater’s journey to purchase and throughout their ownership experience."

See below for the top takeaways from the study:
• Though finding a boat during the pandemic was difficult, boaters were satisfied with the shopping and purchase experience. However, better product training in delivery is desired.
• Boaters are often dissatisfied with the cost and turnaround time for dealer maintenance/service work.
• Used buyers are just as satisfied as new purchasers with their boat but are far less likely to visit a dealer for maintenance or service work.
• Those who visit a dealer for maintenance or service are mostly happy with the quality of the work performed but feel that the cost and turnaround time are unreasonable.
• A vast majority of first time and repeat boat owners intend to remain in boating. However, underutilization and the cost of ownership are key risk factors for defection.

"In addition to what we observed in the study, the data gathered also uncovers common misconceptions among the industry," says RBFF Director of Marketing, Rachel Piacenza. “This research can guide actions for the industry to improve the boat shopping and overall ownership experience."

RBFF, NMMA and MRAA will present all findings and other takeaways in an industry-wide webinar on Wednesday, March 9.

REGISTER HERE for the Enhancing Boating Ownership Experience webinar.

ABOUT RBFF
RBFF is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase recreational angling and boating participation, thereby protecting and restoring the nation's aquatic natural resources. RBFF's 60 in 60 effort strives to attract 60 million anglers to the sport by the end of 2021. To help recruit, retain and reactivate participants, RBFF developed the award-winning Take Me Fishing™ and Vamos A Pescar™ campaigns to build awareness of boating, fishing, and conservation and educate people about the benefits of participation.

The campaign websites feature how-to-videos and an interactive state-by-state map that allows visitors to find local boating and fishing spots, helping boaters and anglers of all ages and experience levels learn, plan, and equip for a successful day on the water.

RBFF also offers its industry stakeholders many tools including a Fishing License & Boat Registration Plugin to connect their customers with the information they need in just one click, as well as an embeddable Places to Fish & Boat Map to help their customers discover places to fish and boat near them.

ABOUT MRAA
At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, we believe that for the marine industry to thrive, the retail organizations that interact with the boaters in their community must thrive. With that in mind, MRAA works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting those retailers, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, visit MRAA.com or contact us at 763-315-8043.

ABOUT NMMA
The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is the leading trade organization for the North American recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, marine accessories and gear used by millions of boaters in North America. The association serves its members and their sales and service networks by improving the business environment for recreational boating including providing domestic and international sales and marketing opportunities, reducing unnecessary government regulation, decreasing the cost of doing business, and helping grow boating participation. As the largest producer of boat and sport shows in the U.S., NMMA connects the recreational boating industry with the boating consumer year-round. Learn more at www.nmma.org and get engaged with us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

For further information: Bruna Carincotte, bcarincotte@rbff.org, 703-519-6917

Russo Sr., current Senior Vice President of MarineMax Northeast, grew up in the recreational boating industry and has had a legendary career that has spanned nearly 60 years. Larry is the fourth recipient of the MMTA Frank Farrell award, joining Joe O’Neil, former owner of the New England Boat Show, Dick Egan of Crosby Yacht Yard and Ed Lofgren of 3A Marine. The award is in honor of the late Frank Farrell (1928-2001). Farrell was a co-founder of the New England Boat Show in 1957 and was instrumental in the formation of the MMTA in 1964. He became the first full-time executive director of the MMTA in 1975, a position he held for more than 25 years. Larry Sr.’s father, John Russo, was a founding member of the MMTA in 1964.

“I’m honored and proud to co-present this award to my dad,” said Russo Sr. “His life-long commitment to improving the business of boating has truly made our industry better for all involved.”

Some of the key leadership roles that Larry has held over the years include the following:

• MMTA Board of Directors 1977 to present
• MMTA President 1983–84
• MMTA President Boston In-Water Boat Show 1992–2014
• MRAA Board of Directors 1982–1995
• MRAA President 1988–89
• RBFF - Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation Board of Directors 2002–07
• NMMA Grow Boating Dealer Quality Task Force Chairman 2004–06
• MRAA Marine Industry Dealership Certification Inc. Chairman 2006 to present
• Sea Tow Safety Foundation Board of Directors 2008–14
• Grow Boating, Inc. Board of Directors 2012–20
• NMMA/MRAA BoatPAC Board of Directors 2017–
• Recipient - MRAA - Irv Rosenthal Leadership Award - 1991
• Recipient - NMMA – Hammond Leadership Award - 1997
• Recipient - MMTA – Marine Industry Advocate Award - 2007

“To say Larry is deserving of this award would be a clear understatement based on the accomplishments and impact he has made in the recreational boating industry here in Massachusetts and nationally,” said Randall Lyons, Executive Director, MMTA.

“Larry has always been committed to the advancement of our industry and we have all greatly benefited from it,” said award co-presenter Warren Kelly, Baert Marine. “Over the years he has selflessly given so very much of his time and continues to do so on both a local and national level. It is with great respect that I share in recognizing my friend personally and on behalf of the marine industry.”

- END - 

For more information, contact:

January 11, 2021, West Palm Beach, FL – Marine Connection, named the Boating Industry #1 Ranked Marine Dealership for 2021, has acquired the majority interest in Boaters Exchange, a highly successful 20-year retail dealership with two Central Florida locations including Rockledge and New Smyrna Beach.

Effective January 1, 2022, Marine Connection now owns and controls 80% ownership of Boaters Exchange, with 20% split between former partners and co-owners Jerry Butz and Paul Berube, both of whom remain onboard to manage operations of the $30M retail dealership and its 42 employees.

“We have been focused to expand our Florida footprint in Central Florida because of its tremendous growth potential,” said Marine Connection co-owner Danny Goldenberg. “We have been very strategic and selective in this effort and are extremely pleased to have acquired an outstanding dealership organization with an impeccable reputation and strong management team in place.”

The acquisition brings Marine Connection to nine Florida locations, now with more than 100 employees and $100M+ in sales.

“We believe there are many distinctive advantages and benefits to this acquisition and expansion, both for our customers as well as for our team,” added Marine Connection co-owner John Kutuk. “Our customers statewide enjoy the benefit and resources of working with a top sales and service organization, with locations from Key West to the Central Florida and Daytona Beach area, with plans for continued future expansion into northern Florida. In addition, the Boaters Exchange team brings strong leadership to our organization, along with a wealth of experience in specific market segments including pontoons and jetboats.”

Boaters Exchange will retain its brand name due to strong customer awareness in the marketplace. It has ranked in the Boating Industry Top 100 for 11 consecutive years; earned the “Best Industry Advocate” in the 2020 Best in Class awards; and earned a 98 percent CSI rating. It is a Top 5 dealer for both NauticStar and Everglades, including a Customer Service Excellence award for the latter; other brands represented include Yamaha, Bennington, Avid, Maverick, Hewes, Pathfinder and Cobia. Boaters Exchange is also a Yamaha Key Dealer and is Five Star Gold Certified. The dealership has been nationally recognized as a “Best for Vets Employer” by Military Times Magazine, while earning local recognition by Florida Today including “Best of Brevard” for boat sales and service, and “Best Watercraft Dealer.”

“We are also very excited to combine forces with a strong, well-respected dealership like Marine Connection to take Boaters Exchange to the next level, while serving a wider range of customers in Central Florida,” added Boaters Exchange founder Jerry Butz.

ABOUT MARINE CONNECTION
Marine Connection is a Florida marine powerhouse now generating $100M+ in sales from nine locations including its corporate headquarters in West Palm Beach; Aventura; Miami; Vero Beach; Stuart; Fort Lauderdale; Islamorada; and its two new Boaters Exchange locations in Rockledge and New Smyrna Beach. In business since 1987, it has been under current ownership since 2010; has 100+ employees statewide; and has earned top achievements including the current #1 Dealer of the Year ranking by Boating Industry Magazine; #1 Cobia Dealer for 2021; #1 Overall Maverick Dealer for 2021; and Top Blackfin Dealer for 2021. For more information, visit www.MarineConnection.com

ANNAPOLIS, Md., December 14, 2021 – The nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water can help boat manufacturers, dealers and marina operators improve the customer experience and help make boating safer for everyone. A leader in boating safety for more than 40 years, the Foundation offers the nation’s only free online boating safety education course at BoatUS.org/Free.

Thirty-five states have approved the Foundation course to meet their education requirements for boat operators. The course is also approved by the National Association of Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) to meet the requirement for mandatory boating safety education and is recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard. It goes above and beyond the minimums set for boating safety education – no matter which state, everyone gains by taking a course.

“It’s simple,” says BoatUS Foundation Director of Education Amanda Suttles-Pérez. “When boat owners are confident in their boating abilities, they have great on-the-water experiences and grow their passion for the water. Our free course builds confidence and makes our waters safer for everyone.”

Suttles-Pérez urges manufacturers, boat dealers, marinas and any boating businesses to share the Foundation online course link, BoatUS.org/Free, in customer communications and on social media.

“It will help grow the next generation of safe boat operators,” she added. More than 2 million boaters have taken the free BoatUS Foundation online course since 1997.

“We spent a lot of time this past year talking to first-time boat buyers, repeat boat buyers and future boat buyers and no matter where they were on the spectrum of boat ownership, the word ‘freedom’ kept coming up in our conversations. Boaters, especially the next generation, come from all walks of life. The feelings of freedom experienced while boating are as unique as the individual and yet there’s an underlying sense of unity and community when on the water. Our new logo’s clean, light and open lines allow the stories and feelings of freedom of life on the water—whether on social, in our advertising, on our website, or at our boat shows—to be front and center, while continuing to deliver an inherent call to action through our brand name—Discover Boating,” said Ellen Bradley, chief brand officer for the NMMA. “At the same time, the ‘A’ in the logo takes the form of a bow of a boat and is a unifying icon that adds to the logo’s versatility and digital-friendly design.”



Click here to view the new Discover Boating logo and here for the new Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show logo.



In addition to its new brand identity, Discover Boating will expand its reach and impact through an integration with industry-owned boat shows. The first show under the Discover Boating umbrella is the upcoming Miami International Boat Show, now titled the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show, set for Feb. 16-20, 2022. The rest of NMMA’s boat shows will follow suit in the winter of 2023 at the same time other industry shows are invited to join in on extending the brand’s impact.



“Discover Boating is the lifestyle brand for boating, and it remains the most-effective pathway to attracting and engaging consumers into the No. 1 outdoor recreational pastime in the U.S. economy,” noted Matt Gruhn, president of MRAA. “The new logo, boat show integration and the new Discover Boating campaign we’ll launch this spring will help us broaden Discover Boating’s reach and better connect customers with the businesses that help them maximize their enjoyment of boating. This brand evolution couldn’t come at a better time, as we seek to build post-pandemic momentum.”



Discover Boating exists to retain the influx of new boaters, invite the next generation of boaters to get started, and connect and excite current boat owners. To help reach these industry goals, the second phase of the brand evolution will be a new marketing campaign to launch this spring/summer.

As the industry’s lifestyle brand continues its evolution, the following marketing elements will roll out in three phases over the coming year:
     • Phase 1/Fall 2021: Debut of new Discover Boating logo and Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show.
     • Phase 2/Spring 2022: New Discover Boating campaign launches.
     • Phase 3/Winter 2023: NMMA consumer boat and sport shows rebrand under Discover Boating.


In addition to the NMMA’s boat show investment in Discover Boating, the brand will be working with other industry-produced boat shows in 2023 and beyond to integrate Discover Boating and expand the industry’s efforts to attract and retain boaters. Discover Boating marketing materials and industry resources for dealers and manufacturers can be found at b2b.discoverboating.com.

“Over the last few years, RBFF, NMMA and MRAA have been priming the pump, reaching out to diverse new audiences to increase awareness of fishing and boating and inspire participation,” said Stephanie Vatalaro, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications for RBFF. “This year’s Get On Board campaign featured some of our most successful multicultural outreach to-date.”

Americans from all walks of life gained a better appreciation of spending time outdoors as a result of pandemic-related social distancing, and many chose fishing and boating as their lifeline to wellness. The Get On Board campaign tapped into this lifestyle trend and continued building momentum from 2020, which deeply resonated with a broader, more engaged consumer audience.

“With record sales and participation in boating and fishing, we’re seeing younger, more diverse audiences enter the market, which has given us the unique opportunity to engage the next generation of boaters and anglers to continue increasing participation for the long-term,” said Ellen Bradley, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications for NMMA. “In collaboration with RBFF and MRAA, we not only focused on recruiting future participants but also retaining the recent surge of newcomers.”

Highlights of the campaign’s success include:
• Earned Media: 2.6 billion impressions (121% YOY increase)
o From CNN, USA Today and CNBC to Camping World magazine, Adweek and Yahoo! News, hundreds of consumer and trade outlets featured elements of the Get On Board campaign and key messages spreading awareness of the benefits and popularity of boating and fishing.

Watch the full sizzle reel here

• Paid Media: 36 million impressions
o Through a partnership with Complex and actor/influencer King Keraun, promotions on Buzzfeed, and a “Stories of Anglers” series in collaboration with Hearst, unexpected stories were showcased about people from all walks of life enjoying the benefits of fishing and boating, setting the tone of the campaign.

• Influencer Program: 13 million impressions and nearly 5 million interactions
o Partnered with a fleet of more than 55 social media influencers to reach new, younger and more diverse audiences with the message that #TheWaterIsOpen to everyone and showcasing the fun and wellness aspects of boating and fishing. Influencer partners included: The Mom Trotter, Jason Tartick, Us The Duo, She Explores, Girl of 10,000 Lakes, She Colors Nature and more.

• Social Media: 22 million impressions
o Generated 22 million organic post impressions across Take Me Fishing, Discover Boating, RBFF and NMMA’s social media channels, with calls to action to get a fishing license, register a boat, find ways and places to fish and go boating and learn to fish and boat.

• Digital Properties: 48 million sessions
o Compared to the previous year, visits to Take Me Fishing’s and Discover Boating’s digital assets increased by 47%.

• Get On Board Toolkit: 11,000 page views
o Offered free, customizable fishing and boating marketing materials through its online toolkit to support the industry in reaching out to a younger, multicultural audience, to help grow fishing and boating.

“We are proud of how the industry acted together in a united effort once again this summer with the purpose of growing boating and fishing participation,” said Matt Gruhn, President of MRAA. "We’re thrilled about how well the dealer community engaged with the marketing tools and resources made available by the Get On Board toolkit, which helped us connect even more new boaters and anglers with the rewards of being on the water."

Questions on the Get On Board campaign may be directed to Bruna Carincotte, RBFF’s Director of Public Relations and Communications, at bcarincotte@rbff.org and Maggie Maskery, NMMA’s Director of Consumer Public Relations, at mmaskery@nmma.org.