The Marina Recreation Association was created almost forty 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
- Current news through Social Networking on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter
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 - The Marina Recreation Association has designed three improved newsletter formats to provide better access to news, events and useful information to the marina industry. Of the twelve planned newsletters per year, eleven will be distributed via email and a "Year in Review" magazine will be printed and distributed by regular mail. The email newsletters will include eight standard monthly newsletters with one or two "hot topics" for the month; as well as three "full-featured" newsletters with special articles on legal, legislative, human resources and marketing written by industry experts in their fields. To receive the email version, sign up at BlueSkyNews.com. All newsletters will be available on the MRA website. The once-per-year printed edition will take on an "annual report" role to encompass a synopsis of the MRA year in review and highlight the year's accomplishments. The yearbook will also recognize the accomplishments and contributions of our members and note the progress of MRA efforts in support of our industry. Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn are the newest additions to MRA’s website. Join today and get up-to-the-minute news!
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 39th Annual MRA Educational Conference and Trade Show will be held at the Rio in Las Vegas on November 2 – 4, 2010..
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. For those of you who don’t golf, we have added a CPR and First Aid training program to Tuesday’s schedule.
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, Washington and Hawaii, as well as Mexico and Australia.
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.
