It’s got a new name — the Marine Dealer Conference & Expo (MDCE). It’s got a new momentum — the most comprehensive educational sessions ever put together by MRAA. It’s a “must” for dealers this year. (Read More…)

Market research is playing an ever increasing role in the future direction of industry promotional expenditures. NMMA has been leading the way with research from sources such as Webtrends, Info-Link, Russell Research and Left Brain Marketing. (Read More…)

“We’re different (and better) than the guy down the street — that’s why you should do business with us!” It’s the message we all want to send out to the market. But, if it’s the same message the guy down the street is shouting (and it is) the only way to make any impact with it is to outspend him. Don’t want to go there! (Read More…)

There’s been an interesting fundamental restructuring in American business. It’s called “fracturing,” according to Herbert Meyer, author and a former associate editor of Fortune magazine, and it appears to have some potential future applications for small businesses, including dealerships. (Read More…)

The industry’s Discover Boating national campaign has been operating with some reduced spending this year. Since the lion’s share of campaign funds are derived from a pass-thru on marine engines, the current industry downturn in boat sales is reflected in the amount of funds passed on to Discover Boating. (Read More…)

The National Association of Boating Law Administrators is meeting this week. Among the actions planned, delegates are being asked to vote on a proposal to drop “PFD” and return to the use of “life jacket” as the designation for … well, PFDs! Overwhelming approval is anticipated. (Read More…)

I know I’ve previously talked about the success we had as an industry in getting Congress to pass the “Clean Boating Act of 2008.” I called it a great achievement, and it was surely that! (Read More…)

Banks and other lenders have become overly tightfisted. They point to the state of the economy and fallout from the housing bust as justification for their current actions. They also note an increase in non-performing boat loans and repos. With all that, one might think the banks are victims. Truth is, they are . . . but it’s primarily of their own greed!  (Read More…)

When is it okay to be unethical in business today? The answer is Never! (Read More…)