The Marina Recreation Association was created more than thirty-five years ago by a group of marina operators that recognized the importance of a broad-based, forward-thinking group of operators. It was originally organized to provide a presence at the state legislative level to influence legislation and to introduce legislation that would enhance and protect the marina industry and the boaters that it serves. MRA continues to understand that important mission but it has also expanded to fill a much broader role.
MRA now provides significant educational programs for the marina owner and training opportunities for their management staff. Annually the MRA Educational Conference is held in various locations making training and networking convenient and affordable for everyone. The relationships created at these conferences continues to pay dividends throughout the years as these colleagues can be called on to assist with problems as they occur.
The MRA helps the busy marina operator by providing:
- A network of marina professionals possessing an extensive knowledge of the marine industry.
- An annual Educational Conference covering topics pertinent to the industry.
- Templates for environmental reports, license agreement, etc.
- Timely information on regulatory issues coming down the pike.
- Professional guidance to help you influence future regulations.
- MRA newsletter with timely articles throughout the year.
- A useful Internet site to market your marina to boaters
Joining MRA will provide you with a boatload of information and benefits that will continue to pay dividends throughout the year. Join with the other leading professional operators that have taken advantage of this opportunity.
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
... Legislative Advocacy (California only)
... Member Communications
... Free Inclusion in the Website's Marina
Database
... Yearly Educational
Conference & Trade Show
... Industry Publications & Pamphlets
... Industry Networking
... Affiliation with other Industry Groups
... Association-Endorsed Programs
ADVOCACY
The Association retains the services of three legislative advocates in Sacramento, CA. Our advocates have been involved with a number of issues, ranging from providing for marina exemptions under the Oil Spill Responsibility Act, boat operator licensing, electric sub-metering, to marina leases with local, regional and State authorities.
Our advocates review over 3,200 separate pieces of legislation each year. Without such representation, paid by MRA membership dues, we could not protect our interests from a myriad of groups seeking to limit, and in some cases, destroy a marina owner's livelihood.
MRA MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the MRA is to provide a united voice in representing the interests of the boating industry, and to help educate and inform in all areas of recreational boating.
COMMUNICATIONS
Nautical News is our publication that informs both members and potential members of issues that affect the marina industry. Articles include updates from our legislative advocates, reports from our general counsel and employee relations management. Our members are kept abreast of all the latest news in an extremely timely manner through e-mail communications. One of the most valuable programs that MRA offers its members is promotion through the MRA website, marina.org. This state-of-the-art website is the gateway for the boating public to marinas in the Western States including, Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, and Washington, as well as Baja California and Hawaii. Boaters can use our powerful search engine to find a marina that has the services they need in the region of their choice. Your detailed listing in our search engine is free with your MRA membership.
EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW
MARINA MEMBERS
These facilities serve the needs of a wide variety of boaters - from the fisherman using a small boat for a day of fishing to the larger private yachtsman.
Some of our members operate lake or river facilities, including boat moorings and rentals, boat repairs, camp and picnic grounds, food and supply stores, restaurants and gas docks.
Similarly, our members of saltwater marinas offer comparable services including dockage, boat sales and service, clubs and sailing associations, and food and supply stores.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Each year the Association holds an Educational Conference and Trade Show in the fall. The Conference location is alternated between Northern and Southern California. The 37th Annual Educational Conference and Trade Show will be held at Paradise Point Resort in San Diego on November 4 - 6, 2008.
This two-day event includes keynote speakers, seminar workshops on current issues facing the industry, a legislative update from our advocates, and a marine trade show. In 2006, the MRA incorporated into our educational process a comprehensive operations program. This Marina 101 program is an excellent opportunity to learn the basic operations of a marina. Attendees are given suggestions on a multitude of policies and procedures from basic office duties to preventative maintenance and emergency planning. These policies and procedures are the foundation of building a successful marina operation and is an excellent resource for Marina Managers, Office Supervisors and Maintenance Supervisors. The Golf Tournament and Welcome Reception just prior to the start of the Conference is a great way to get started.
The Association's members own and operate a wide variety of boating facilities on lakes, rivers and harbors in the Western States, which include Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, and Washington, as well as Baja California and Hawaii.
Three California marina operators formed the Marina Recreation Association in 1971. They were brought together by common bonds: feeling the pinch of increasing governmental regulations, needing industry unity, and seeking adequate insurance protection. Since then, the MRA has blossomed to over 150 marina members.
Past accomplishments of the MRA include the following:
- Saving DBAW and keeping the private marina loan program intact and then improving on the private loan program. Defeating hundreds of new laws and regulations before they became laws that would have been very detrimental to the industry.
- Hosting boating and marina tours for local legislators to educate and inform them on the industry and its challenges.
- Establishing a California boating gateway website.
- Obtained an exemption for marinas to continue the use of "single-walled" piping on the portion of a marina fueling system that is above-ground until appropriate products are developed.
- Protected against various efforts by the state and local agencies to rip-off the Harbor and Watercraft Revolving Fund. The fund that is supported by boaters for the boating programs offered by the California Department of Boating and Waterways.
- Protected against efforts to eliminate the Boating and Waterways Commission.
- Opposed and successfully stopped a bill to give unrestrained authority to the Department of Fish and Game to shut down boating in a given area if a particular plant was found.
