Issues of 2008-2009

MRAA has long represented the interests and concerns of marine retailers to other trade associations and boater member organizations, the many agencies and departments of the U.S. government, and the U.S. Congress. MRAA believes interaction with these groups is vital to the well being of marine retailing.

MRAA also works closely when asked by local dealers and state marine trades associations on state issues, such as dealer manufacturer agreements, state luxury taxes, increases to state user fees on boats, State Sales Taxes, etc.

Dear MRAA Member:

MRAA is the voice of the marine retailers in North America, the only voice we have in legislative matters.

The MRAA PAC Fund enables our Director of Government Affairs, Larry Innis, to access members of Congress and their staffs with our message and our concerns.

To cite two prime examples, Larry has led the effort to increase retail access to financing and against attempts to increase ethanol levels in gasoline in the Congress and with the various government agencies.

These are important efforts in these trying times.

We need your assistance to continue these efforts and efforts on a myriad of other issues pertinent to our businesses. Please take a moment to contribute to our PAC Fund.

If you have any questions or concerns, or just need information, please do not hesitate to contact Larry at 301-858-7149 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or myself at 781-749-3250 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Thank you in advance for your loyal support.

Sincerely,

Edwin R. Lofgren, Jr.
MRAA Chairman

Boca Grande, January 8, 2010—The MRAA Board of Directors has approved four resolutions proffered by the Advisory Council of Marine Associations. ACMA is an organization of regional, state, and local marine trades associations that serves as an advisor to MRAA on legislative, regulatory, and industry issues. ACMA meets once per year at the MRAA annual convention where it discusses many state and federal government issues. "MRAA highly values the recommendations of ACMA and will work in 2010 to implement them as well as other government issues as they arise", said Ed Lofgren, MRAA Chairman.

Resolution 1—ACMA members are concerned that promised transparency regarding the expenditures of Grow Boating funds has not materialized, as pledged by boat builders. ACMA has been unable to find dealers who can substantiate receipt of any Grow Boating support, and the 85% of Grow Boating engine assessment funds that were to be used to directly assist retailers in the sales of boats has not been so used. ACMA asks MRAA to undertake an immediate study leading to a report to industry retailers on how the 85% of Grow Boating engine assessment funds were used in 2009 to implement retail boat sales.

Resolution 2—ACMA is very concerned about all attempts to increase ethanol standards above E10 in marine gasoline and recommends to the MRAA Board that MRAA should continue all efforts to retain federal ethanol gasoline additive standards of E10 and oppose any attempt to increase ethanol additive levels beyond that level. ACMA remains concerned about the destructive nature of ethanol to marine engine systems and the resulting safety considerations to vessel passengers.

Resolution 3—ACMA supports S. 1666, a bill introduced by Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Benjamin Cardin (D-Maryland), which would require the United States Environmental Protection Agency to study the compatibility of fuel additives, such as ethanol, with current engines before it can issue a waiver from the Clean Air Act to increase the federal standards.

Resolution 4—ACMA believes there is a strong nexus between the fishing and boating industries and asks MRAA to actively pursue, support, and lobby fishing issues in its government relations work.

The Marine Retailers Association of America (MRAA) announced today that it has appointed Larry Russo, Sr. to chair a newly formed task force to review its membership programs. Russo is President and CEO of Russo Marine in Medford, MA and is a past chairman of MRAA. "The association is seeking new initiatives and strategies to redefine and enhance its membership programs", said Russo. "We have assembled a diverse group of task force members to review current programs and deliver a report of recommendations to the Board of Directors by April of 2010".

Task force members are; Steve Baum of Boat Owners Warehouse, Ft. Lauderdale, FL and John Irwin of Irwin Marine, Laconia, NH, both current members of the MRAA Board of Directors; Eric Smith of Colorado Boat Center, Loveland, CO and Thalia Chase of Castaways Marina, Queensbury, NY, both members of MRAA's Young Leaders Advisory Council

"This task force and its members will be a valuable addition to MRAA's efforts to reach recreational boat dealers nationwide", said Phil Keeter, MRAA President.