FROM:             MARINE INDUSTRY DEALER CERTIFICATION

200 E. Randolph Dr., Suite 5100

Chicago, IL  60601-6528

312-946-6200

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:       Elizabeth McAllister (emcallister@DealerCertification.org; 312-946-6500)

Lindsey Savin (lsavin@DealerCertification.org; 312-946-6204)

 

                                                                                                 

Gifford Marine Honored as 100^th Marine Industry Certified Dealership

Massachusetts Dealer Earns Recognition for Commitment to Quality and Service

 

CHICAGO, September 29, 2006 – When Gifford Marine of Dartmouth, Mass. received official Certified status this week, the Marine Industry Dealership Certification program achieved a milestone – the certification of its 100^th dealer. Marine Industry Dealership Certification was launched less than a year ago, and, to date, more than 360 dealerships have enrolled in the program. With Gifford’s official certification, 100 of those dealerships have completed the process and earned the official “Marine Industry Certified” designation.

“Congratulations to Gifford Marine, and all Certified Dealerships, for taking the extra steps to go above and beyond to set themselves apart by completing this program,” said Thom Dammrich, president, National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). “As an industry, we must remain committed to improving the entire boating experience for consumers, ensuring quality products, quality sales and service and quality waterways on which they can enjoy their boats.”

Marine Industry Certified Dealerships have demonstrated their commitment to lead the marine industry and provide the customer with the best experience possible. A full list of Certified Dealerships is available on both the Grow Boating and Discover Boating Web sites. DiscoverBoating.com has been visited by as many as 16,000 individual consumers in one day, and has generated more than 30,000 prospects.  Marine Industry Certified Dealerships will have direct access to the Discovery Boating lead system within a matter of weeks. 

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.   

“Marine Industry Dealership Certification is one of the most important initiatives retailers have been involved in, and I am gratified to see the great dealership response across the boating industry,” said Phil Keeter, president, Marine Retailers Association of America (MRAA). “We are convinced that Certified Dealers are selling more products, more profitably, through the enhanced business processes that Dealer Certification enables.”

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 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.

The remaining fall Launch Workshop dates are posted on DealerCertification.org, and are open for registration.  Any group of marine dealers interested in booking a Marine Industry Dealership Certification Launch Workshop for their area should contact Dealer Certification program manager Elizabeth McAllister at (312) 946-6500; emcallister@DealerCertification.org.

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

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