Since its inception in the fall of 1971 by a group of twelve committed marine dealers, MRAA has grown to be a vital voice in the marine industry. The purpose of starting a not-for-profit corporation was to "promote the pleasure marine industry and welfare of marine retailers." This purpose has not changed and is still the star that we use to guide our ship. Prior to the development of MRAA, the dealer had no voice within the industry and no control over the issues concerning them in Washington or with the manufacturers. The development of the Marine Retailers Association of America was crucial in the course of the recreation boating industry.

The recreational industry was growing by a phenomenal rate after the end of the second World War. In fact, it was growing too fast by a marketing standpoint. The total market of 500,000 units of boats, motors, and trailers kept the manufacturers producing, but without any concern for the issues such as complaints and warranties that started to surface for the dealers. George Van Zevern documented the development of MRAA from the very beginning as he wrote for Boat & Motor Dealer Magazine and comments, "MRAA was much needed. Industry was growing around the dealer and it wasn't concerned with what happened to the dealer, when in fact, the Œkey to operation' was the dealer. The manufacturers didn't know the dealer." Many of the dealers started to realize that they needed to make their voices heard.

The boating industry was growing and there was no real direction. The marine dealers needed a focal point, fellowship, and visibility. Then, a handful of dealers lead the way by founding the Marine Retailers Association of America. This group of dealers formed MRAA to give say into the process and help establish the place of the retail business in the boating industry.

The leader of our cause was Dominic Bonfanti, MRAA's first president. Dominic Bonfanti had been in business since 1956 and attended the dealer meetings, trade shows, and met other dealers nationally. In fact, most of the original members of MRAA were Larson Dealers because of his contacts at the dealer meetings. He believed, like many others, an association should be formed to address the needs of the dealers. Dominic brought together the people that helped develop MRAA into what it is today.

MRAA would not have gotten off the ground without the help of the Boating Trades Association of Texas, BTA of Metro Houston, and the Boating Industry Association (now known as NMMA). BTAT Boating Trades Association of Texas was a huge support financially. BTA of Metro Houston was of great help administratively. Bill Ferguson, BTA of Houston Executive Director, acted as our first Executive Director for $1 per year. Also, BTA Houston paid for part-time help from Ruth Johnston, MRAA's Executive Secretary. Ruth Johnston had been employed by Pace Management and had worked on the Houston Boat Show with Bill Ferguson. Bill hired her to work part-time in the MRAA office in Texas. She did all the paperwork, scheduled meetings, and managed the membership of then 250 members. MRAA owes a big thanks to BTAT and BTA of Metro Houston. We also owe a big thanks to Boating Industry Association for supporting the development of MRAA. NMMA (then BIA) helped in our charter through doing MRAA's legal work and mailings. Jeff Napier drafted the original charter and helped compose the MRAA Mission Statement with the input of the dealers. They also offered office space and part time help at no cost. NMMA, BTAT, and BTA of Metro Houston continue to support the efforts of MRAA to this day.

MRAA needed help in its development and organization. Jerry Martin of Jerry Martin Associates donated time and sweat to the directional development of the MRAA. Jerry Martin had owned Johnson Motors Hometown Dealership and had believed that there needed to be opportunities for dealers to be heard. The industry needed unfiltered opinion from the dealers. Jerry used his national contacts to gain recognition and growth in the boating industry for the marine dealers. He was instrumental to the creation of committees, educational programs, sales training, regional development, Spader groups, Dealer Congress, and the Annual Convention. Jerry Martin essentially formed the mainstay of the products and services that MRAA offers today.

MRAA grew at an astounding rate with many dealers all across the country wanting to participate. Pete Loftin remembers that one of best parts of serving as the MRAA president was that the dealers met in different locations throughout the country. (The Board Members paid all of their own expenses). Before MRAA, IMTEC was the major dealer meeting and the only time that dealers could really compare notes. Pete Loftin helped to form the "round-tables" which were the forerunners of the MRAA Annual Convention. MRAA made an impact by launching an Annual Convention, Dealer Congress, and Volume II (industry publication). The Dealer Congress was developed to work on problems such as Lemon Laws, Warranty Rate Payments, and state laws that protected retailers from overzealous manufacturers. Creation of MRAA brought about a better exchange of ideas, fair warranties, and a better information flow.

The growth of the MRAA warranted the need for a full-time "contact" person. Pete Loftin was the head of the committee involved with hiring the first paid Executive Director to MRAA, Matt Kaufman. Subsequently, MRAA established the office in Chicago. A few reasons for basing the MRAA office in Chicago consisted of Chicago being geographically centrally located and increased credibility factors. Plus, the closeness to IMTEC, NMMA, and Jerry Martin Associates helped in the decision to move to Chicago. The MRAA office staff was more conveniently located to handle the needs of its members as it continues to do so presently.

Another significant growth period in the history of MRAA occurred during and after the five years that Larry Russo came aboard as President in 1988. Due to Larry's innovative ideas and foresight, MRAA increased its presence as a leader in the boating industry. During this time, the Chicago office relocated to its current offices and expanded its staff. Phil Keeter was hired as Executive Director (currently President) and MRAA opened a second office in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Soon after, the association opened an office in Washington D.C. with Larry Innis becoming our Government Relations Director. In addition, MRAA also formed an alliance with CNA to offer a national business insurance program designed especially for the marine retailer. This relationship provides some much-needed revenue for. In 1993, MRAA created the Marina Operators Association of America (MOAA) to better represent the concerns and issues of the marine operators and MRAA Boat Show Corporation was formed in 1994. MRAA's intention is to perpetually grow and expand with the needs of the marine retailer.

The marine dealers of America need to continue the support of the organization that supports them. Marine dealers should support the MRAA because it is a legitimate and professional association that dealers can be proud of and it deals with the concerns of the dealer and his/her business. Support is vital to an industry that has grown from where the average dealership once grossed $100,000 and is now averaging $3-4 million a year. Van Zevern comments, "We haven't reached enough of the dealers. Although MRAA contains the premium one third of the retailers, the others still haven't gotten the message. We need to make Œthem' understand that membership with the MRAA is an ŒInsurance Policy' and an ŒInvestment Opportunity' that will more than cover the dues requested. Association membership will keep the dealer "in-the-know" and it will protect their investments and future income. The members of MRAA are better business people because of all the products/ services available to them. In addition, involvement with the MRAA is the best way to move forward since MRAA is on the "front line" of the marine industry and in Washington D.C.

The Marine Retailers Association of America was a much-needed organization at the time it was created. Dominic Bonfanti never believed that the MRAA would turn out to be such a force in the industry. He is proud of the efforts from the MRAA that helped in accomplishing achievements such as warranties, financial support, and training for the dealers. Unfortunately, the marine industry will never be entirely stable and must continue to deal with problems; currently problems such as warranty reimbursement rates and unfair pricing for megadealers. Dominic is confident that MRAA will continue to look out for the interests of the dealer as it always has. MRAA has persevered to better the position of the marine dealer and will persist to do so in tile future.

Written by Linda Chalfant with Special Thanks to Dominic Bonfanti, Ruth Johnston, Phil Keeter, Jerry Martin, Pete Loftin, Jerry Larsen, Larry Russo, and George Van Zevern. (c)1996 (c)1998