MMTA MEMBERS EARN MARINE INDUSTRY DEALERSHIP CERTIFICATION DISTINCTION
Two MMTA members' dealerships recently became certified under the Grow Boating Initiative's Marine Industry Dealership Certification program. Both newly-certified dealerships -- Bosun's Marine of Mashpee and Edwards Boatyard of East Falmouth--participated in Marine Industry Dealership Certification Launch Workshops hosted by MMTA in January prior to earning their "certified" status.
"We are very proud to count as members so many of the first dealers committed to the dealer certification process. The MMTA hosted Dealer Certification workshop was among the best attended nationwide and continues to yield the first graduates and pioneers of this industry changing program. Massachusetts dealers continue to lead the way in embracing the highest standards of excellence in sales and service processes," said Greg Glavin, president of the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association.
Dealer Certification actively addresses one of the main issues limiting growth in the marine industry: customer service. An effective dealership certification program that
provides both consumer and dealer benefits is fundamental to the industry's Grow Boating Initiative. The new Marine Industry Dealership
Certification program was developed by dealers, for dealers and focuses on the areas that affect dealership quality-operations, facilities, professional sales/service processes, customer satisfaction and employee training/satisfaction.
For more information about the Marine Industry Dealership Certification program, contact McAllister or visit http://www.GrowBoating.org/service.
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MMTA SEEKS MEMBER INTEREST IN FALL 2006 DEALER CERTIFICATION WORKSHOP
Due to the overwhelming interest in Marine Dealer Certification nationwide, MMTA is considering hosting another full day Pre Certification Workshop in the Fall of 2006. Many MMTA members could not attend the last workshop since it sold out so quickly. Here is another chance to begin the Certification Process.
For the convenience of members, the location will likely be Greater Boston and the timeframes being considered include the first week of September, mid October or November. If your firm is interested in attending (no commitment necessary right now), please send an e-mail to Leona.Roach@boatma.com indicating which timeframe would be best for you. Thanks for letting us tailor this event to your schedule.
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CALL FOR ENTRIES: BOATING INDUSTRY TOP 100 DEALERS
DON'T MISS YOUR CHANCE TO APPLY
Last summer Marine Dealerships from across the US competed to be among the top 100 dealers named by Boating Industry magazine. The Massachusetts Marine Trades Association was honored in having several of its members recognized among the top 100. As this recognition award was new in 2005, many companies were not aware of the opportunity nor were they familiar with the application process. Below you will find a summary of what it takes to be among the Top 100 and links to various application forms. Don't delay: complete your application today and get the recognition you deserve! Note: the Application Deadline is June 28. All materials, program information and applications may be accessed at http://www.boating-industry.com
What does it take?
Managing a dealership to high levels of customer service, sales and, yes, profits, is no easy task. Simultaneously creating an atmosphere that exceeds high consumer expectations can be even more difficult. For the most professional of dealerships, however, these tasks have not only become second nature, they are firmly integrated in the business' day-to-day operations. They understand that delivering on the promise of the boating lifestyle - not just a boat - is the No. 1 key to success.
If your company:
- Displays a consistent and clear understanding that the profitability of the organization is directly related to the extent that it focuses on customer satisfaction;
- Provides customers with an experience worth returning for and recommending to others;
- Prepares for future success with sound planning, marketing and training initiatives; and
- Ensures an exceptional boating lifestyle.
Then you need to apply to be recognized as one of the top dealers in North America.
To be considered as a 2006 Top 100 Dealer, visit the Top 100 Section at http://www.boating-industry.com, complete the application and mail, e-mail or fax it to: Boating Industry Top 100, 6420 Sycamore Lane, Suite 100, Maple Grove, MN 55369, mgruhn@ehlertpublishing.com, Fax: 763/383-4499.
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MAY 20- JULY 9 ARE VESSEL SAFETY CHECK MEGA WEEKS
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary has announced its' annual Vessel Safety Check Mega Weeks which will run from May 20 through July 9, 2006.
A Vessel Safety Check (VSC) is a free check of any recreational vessel to insure that it is in compliance with all Federal, State and local equipment requirements. In addition, the trained Coast Guard Auxiliary Vessel Examiner will discuss the purpose and value of required and optional marine safety equipment, answer any boating related safety questions and encourage additional education by attending any of a number CG Auxiliary safety or boating skills courses. They will also discuss issues relating to Maritime Domain Awareness and the specifics of the America's Waterway Watch program.
The Vessel Safety Check is intended to serve as a "prevention through education, outreach and compliance" activity and to help recreational boaters gain a respect for the boating environment as a result of the Vessel Safety Check encounter. A VSC is not a law enforcement action. No official report is made to any law enforcement authority. For more information visit the USCG Auxiliary First District, Northern Region at http://a013.uscgaux.info/public.htm.
The dates, times and locations of Vessel Safety Check stations will be available from your local USCG Auxiliary Flotilla. In addition, schedule information can be obtained at many local marine retailers, and marinas. While visiting these retailers, ask them for details on equipment discounts being offered in support of the Vessel Safety Check program. You may also contact a vessel examiner directly by signing on at http://www.VesselSafetyCheck.org and clicking the "I Want A VSC" button.
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MMTA MEMBER JESSE'S MARINE OF PLYMOUTH
SELECTED FOR BOAT US FOUNDATION LIFE JACKET LOANER PROGRAM FOR KIDS
The Boat U.S. Foundation of Alexandria, Virginia is pleased to announce that Jesse's Marine of 22 Lothrop Street in Plymouth Massachusetts has been selected to participate in the Foundation's Life Jacket Loaner Program for Kids. When contacted Eric Jesse said: "Everyone wants a healthy and safe boating season. That is why we decided to participate in the program to offer this great benefit to the community."
The Life Jacket Loaner Program for Kids was developed to help ensure children are protected from possible drowning in case of a boating emergency. The Boat U.S. Foundation program will allow Jesse's Marine to help the Plymouth boating community to protect children this boating season by loaning life jackets for free to boaters in need. For more information about this program and your commercial or recreational boating needs visit http://www.jessesmarine.com or call (508) 746-0037.
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ATTENTION EDUCATORS, ASSOCIATIONS & COMMERCIAL MARINE INTERESTS
EPA SEEKS PROPOSALS TO FUND NEW CLEAN DIESEL PROJECTS
$1.5 MILLION AVAILABLE FOR VOLUNTARY DIESEL RETROFIT PROGRAM
EPA is making available nearly $1.5 million to further advance the goals of the Northeast Diesel Collaborative. The
Northeast Diesel Collaborative is a partnership of public and private organizations working to reduce diesel pollution and improve air quality in the eight northeastern states.
"Fine particles in diesel exhaust are a serious public health concern for all New Englanders, especially children, the elderly and people with respiratory ailments," said Robert W. Varney, Regional Administrator of EPA's New England office. "This new funding will help northeastern communities to have cleaner, healthier air. EPA and the Northeast Diesel Collaborative are working to make that black puff of smoke a relic of times past."
EPA is soliciting proposals from state and local governments, federally-recognized Indian Tribes, environmental organizations, colleges and universities, hospitals and other non-profits interested in establishing innovative projects to reduce diesel emissions in their communities. Projects will be funded in the following four categories: Marine Vessels and Ports, Construction, Locomotives/Rail, or School Buses.
Projects may include, but are not limited to, a variety of diesel emissions reductions strategies such as add-on pollution control technology, engine replacement, idle reduction technologies, or cleaner fuel use. Proposals are due June 29, 2006.
Diesel engines contribute significantly to air pollution, especially in urban areas. The fine particles in diesel exhaust pose serious health risks, including aggravated asthma and other respiratory symptoms.
The Northeast Diesel Collaborative (NEDC) combines the expertise of public and private partners in a coordinated regional initiative to reduce diesel emissions and improve public health in the eight northeastern states. Established in 2005 by regions 1 and 2 of the U.S. EPA, the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM) and the states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont, the collaborative focuses on reducing emissions from diesel vehicles and equipment that travel the region's roads, serve the construction industry, and carry both cargo and passengers by water and rail. Projects funded under the 2006 NEDC Emissions Reductions Grant Program will expand regional efforts to reduce public exposure to diesel pollution.
Download the NEDC Emissions Reduction RFP at: http://www.epa.gov/ne/eco/diesel/2006nedcrfp.html
More information on the Northeast Diesel Collaborative: http://www.northeastdiesel.org
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MARINE INDUSTRY EVENT CALENDAR
Have an event to be added to the calendar of interest to all members, send an e-mail to Leona.Roach@boatma.com
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ONGOING REMINDERS TO MEMBERS AND LINKS OF INTEREST
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BOATER INFORMATION PIPELINE SIGNUP:
http://www.boatma.com/boatersenewssignupform.html
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MMTA NEWSBRIEF ON ETHANOL:
http://www.boatma.com/membersonly/newsbriefs/2006_march_11_news.html
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MMTA NEWSBRIEF ON LOW SULFUR GASOLINE:
http://www.boatma.com/membersonly/newsbriefs/2006_march_03_news.html
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RENEW YOUR 2006 MMTA MEMBERSHIP ONLINE THROUGH PAYPAL:
https://ssl3.pair.com/bythesea/cgi-bin/quickstore/boatma-renew/order.pl
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MAKE THE MMTA JOBS BULLETIN BOARD WORK FOR YOU!
Be sure to post your help wanted notices here. It's free, it's popular and it works! http://www.boatma.com/jobs/bbs.pl
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MARINE TRADES EDUCATORS WISH LIST
Go To: www.boatma.com/membersonly/news/bbs.pl to visit the MMTA News Bulletin Board of Wish Lists from Ben Franklin Institute of Technology, Massasoit Community College and Cape Cod Tech.
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SHOW YOUR COLORS
Proudly Display the MMTA Logo: Download it Here:
http://www.boatma.com/membersonly/mmtalogos.html
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WE WANT YOUR MARINE INDUSTRY PHOTOS!
We need photos of marinas, boatyards, retailers, service and repairers. Please send all photos in a high resolution version and indicate if a photo credit is applicable or not. Send to Leona.Roach@boatMA.com
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UPCOMING MARINE INDUSTRY EVENTS
CLICK HERE: http://www.boatma.com/membersonly/memberscalendar.html
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MMTA-STAPLES BUSINESS ADVANTAGE PROGRAM
Click Here, or visit the MMTA Members Only Section at www.BoatMA.com and click on the STAPLES LOGO.
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Send a notice of any email address changes or requests to opt out of future mailings to: webmaster@boatMA.com
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SUPPORT YOUR ASSOCIATION: ADVERTISE ON BOATMA.COM
THE BEST PROMOTIONAL VALUE FOR YOUR MARINE BUSINESS! Email webmaster@boatma.com or call David Watson, the BoatMA.com webmaster, at 508-240-2533 to sign up today!
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SHARE THE WEALTH!
PLEASE share these ENews briefs with colleagues and staff of MMTA member firms. HAVE AN ITEM FOR ENEWS? Drop us a line at: Leona.Roach@BoatMA.com
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