Dealership Certification Program To Host Series Of Regional Launch Workshops

CHICAGO — The Marine Industry Dealership Certification program will begin hosting its fall series of regional Certification Launch Workshops this August.

Attendance at a one-day Launch Workshop is required for all dealerships the initial year of certification. During the workshop, program requirements are explained in detail, and dealerships are provided with tools necessary to complete the Dealership Certification process.

Upcoming Launch Workshops dates, posted on DealerCertification.org , include

•  Southeast Regional Workshop: Tuesday, Aug. 14, Orlando area
•  Mid-south Regional Workshop: Tuesday, Sept. 18, Nashville area
•  Midwest Regional Workshop: Thursday, Oct. 25, Chicago area
•  Western Regional Workshop: Wednesday, Oct. 31, Las Vegas
•  Northeast Regional Workshop: Tuesday, Nov. 13, Atlantic City

“Previous Launch Workshops tended to be selected on more of a local market basis,” says Phil Keeter, vice president of Marine Certification Inc. and president of the Marine Retailers Association of America (MRAA).

“Dealers indicated they were attending workshops based more on schedule than location. As a result, cities selected to host the fall 2007 workshops were chosen because of their easy accessibility for the largest number of dealers.”

Dealers interested in attending a regional Launch Workshop should contact Dealership Certification program manager Elizabeth McAllister at (312) 946-6500; emcallister@DealerCertification.org .

Dealers may also download Launch Workshop registration forms at DealerCertification.org . Dealerships should bring a minimum of two employees to the Workshop, which involves interactive processes and discussions.

To date, a total of 451 dealerships have enrolled in the Marine Industry Dealership Certification program. There are 229 that have completed the process and earned the official “Marine Industry Certified” designation.

For more information about the Marine Industry Dealership Certification program, contact McAllister or visit DealerCertification.org .

Marine Industry Dealership Certification is part of the industry's Grow Boating Initiative, an integrated effort among organizations with an interest in the recreational marine industry to promote the boating lifestyle and improve the boating experience.  A strategic set of programs focusing on all areas of boating including water access, dealer and product certification, marketing, and research is designed to increase participation in boating and improve sales of marine products and services. 

For more information, visit GrowBoating.org .