New Grow Boating chairperson named

November 28th, 2019

In early November, Bryan Seti, general manager of sales and marketing, Yamaha WaterCraft Group, was elected chairperson of the Grow Boating Board of Directors during its annual meeting in Chicago. Seti succeeds Joe Lewis, owner and general manager of Mt. Dora Boating Center, who served as chairperson from 2011 through October 2019. Seti joined Yamaha […]

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Metstrade attendance strong

November 26th, 2019

Metstrade, an international trade exhibition of marine equipment, materials and systems, had record attendance and exhibitor numbers. The organizers said in a statement that 17,792 visitors made 26,984 visits over the three-day event, Nov. 17-19, a five percent increase over the previous year’s record. The show at Amsterdam’s Rai Convention Center also reported a record […]

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Free marketing presentations available

November 21st, 2019

This year at IBEX, a panel of leading marketing experts presented at the Grow Boating Marketing Summit to provide insights on the evolving digital marketing landscape and offer actionable strategies to help businesses boost their sales. The following panel presentations are available for free to record or to download printable versions at www.growboating.org: •The who […]

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September powerboat registrations on par with last year

November 19th, 2019

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) September New Powerboat Registrations Report showed new powerboat retail sales down slightly to 0.9 percent on a rolling 12-month year-over-year (R12M YOY) basis and up a healthy 5 percent on a rolling three-month year-over-year (R3M YOY) basis through September. Total new units sold in 2019 (through September) reached 251,000. […]

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Free boating marketing materials available

November 14th, 2019

Access a variety of free Discover Boating promotional materials and marketing resources on GrowBoating.org in the “Tools You Can Use” section. Explore these resources to help promote your business and increase your engagement with consumers on a local level. Discover Boating marketing materials, collateral and tools include: •Social media content (via the Get Social with […]

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Marine Fabricator wins publishing awards

November 12th, 2019

The Minnesota Media and Publishing Association recognized Marine Fabricator magazine, led by senior editor Elisa Bernick, with a Bronze Award and a Silver Award in publishing excellence for how-to articles, “Seam finishing for marine cushions and covers” and “Zipper basics and helpful sewing techniques.” Both articles were written by Terri Madden, owner of Sand Sea […]

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IFAI president and magazines recognized with MMPA Excellence awards

November 8th, 2019

The Minnesota Media and Publishing Association recognized IFAI president and CEO Steve Schiffman with the Hedley Donovan Award at its Annual Awards Gala. In addition, three IFAI magazines received Excellence Awards at the November 7th event. The Hedley Donovan Award, created in 1999 by the MMPA, recognizes individuals who have shown outstanding lifelong dedication and have […]

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Marine manufacturing confidence remains stable

November 7th, 2019

As the recreational boating industry prepares to close out 2019, the second highest level of sales in 12 years, National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) member manufacturer confidence continues to be favorable with 78 percent of CEOs stating business is stable or expanding (51 percent stable and 27 percent expanding). The report comes from NMMA's Marine […]

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Nominations sought for 2020 Freedman Award

November 5th, 2019

Nominations are being accepted for the 2020 National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Alan J. Freedman Memorial Leadership Award. Recipients of the Freedman Award are individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the marine accessories industry through leadership, creativity and personal motivation. The following are categories for consideration: •Marine aftermarket or OEM manufacturer •Marine representative •Member […]

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Finders, keepers: long-term customer loyalty

November 1st, 2019

Attracting customers in the market for shade products is one thing; retaining them for future business is another. Managing both objectives requires establishing connections that are meaningful and lasting.  by Pamela Mills-Senn A quick Google search on “connecting with customers” reveals all sorts of advice, usually in the form of the “seven best ways,” or the […]

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