The industry needs a concerted effort to craft and execute a call for increased spending and priorities on vocational education programs.

State and regional marine trades associations work hard to advance the industry while protecting it from ill-conceived legislation and regulation.

Dealers need to at least know the basics to navigate the world of online content.

Tom Dammrich, president of the National Marine Manufacturers Association, was typically measured in his response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s announced ethanol fuel-volume levels for 2019: “Consumers are an afterthought under the current RFS (Renewable Fuel Standard),” he said.

Two different environmental issues will impact local marinas.

Extreme Raptors and Build-a-Boats for kids will be featured in Houston.

85% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.

Sturgeon are re-introduced to Ohio’s Maumee River.

Today’s consumers are looking more at the overall experience, not just the purchase.

It facilitates getting a fishing license.

A replica of the Titanic is reportedly under construction in China. Will it ever set sail, and can it do so without a black cloud hanging over it?

An executive order to designate eight watersheds as distressed by phosphorous pollution goes to vote today. Will a pattern of delays continue?

Take advantage of this year’s robust consumer spending by offering holiday specials and promotions.

A study shows that most people would rather watch a video about a product than read about it.

The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas offers a wide range of educational opportunities for dealers, and its annual conference includes additional programming.

10 ways a salesperson can disengage a prospect.

The Trump Administration proposed allowing the year-round sale of E15. We must tell Congress to stop this directive

New EPA requirements go into effect this Saturday, and the penalties for non-compliance are steep.

With motorcycle sales flat, Harley-Davidson is expanding to electric models. The boating industry should embrace this emerging propulsion technology.

The boating business can take a cue from the electric motorcycle industry as it looks toward the future.

Consumer confidence, dredging funds and new tax legislation are cause for optimism.

Retailers are rejecting a proposed $6.2 billion class action settlement unless it includes changes to rules and business practices concerning credit-card acceptance and payments.

A demonstration project could lead to the construction of 1,000 or more wind turbines in the Great Lakes.

Dealers will see results for the industry and their businesses.

As Florence approaches the Carolinas, here are some tips for what to do once the storm passes.

UBER eats, DoorDash and Grubhub are fueling our propensity for convenience. Now suppliers will deliver fuel to your boat.

A good sales person in a dealership makes a habit of expressing gratitude for a prospect’s visit as well as a customer’s purchase. Saying thank you begins to build a relationship and future business is all about relationships. But in practice it can take more than just the ol’ thank you note or some canned email to build that relationship.

The name really is misleading. Sure, when the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference began 28 years ago, it was just a small trade event for builders.

The trend towards earlier school starts is killing family boating summers. It may be time to push back.

The North American Demo Boat Show starts today with 325 new boats on Lake Erie.

An innocent fax number could allow hackers access to your most sensitive data.

The RV industry will soon be poaching skilled technicians via a new, multi-million-dollar training program. Here’s how to keep your techs in your dealership.

Algae in the Great Lakes and Red Tide in Florida are serious concerns for the marine industry.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has initiated a campaign to ban fishing at Florida’s Naples Fishing Pier.

The videos provide dealers an opportunity to give customers access to sound, easy-to-understand education.

Here are a few of the policies and programs these groups are implementing.

Ohio boating organizations will pack a hearing of the Ohio Power Siting Board to blast a recommendation that would give the green light to build wind turbines off Cleveland.

To be successful with email marketing, you must produce dynamic content and avoid pitfalls that hinder positive results.

Learning the skills to operate a boat with confidence creates a better experience on the water.

Tom Krouse uses music and songwriting as a model for running his business.

As we wrap up this Fourth of July holiday week, here are some good news items worthy of note going into the second half of our prime summer boating season.

I didn’t know good legislation doesn’t get passed because it’s “not sexy.”

Popular Welcome to the Water program is full of quality dealer resources.