December 1, 2015
For Immediate Release


MRA Announces NEW Name and Expanded Identity at 44th Annual Educational 
Conference and Trade Show
MRA President, Kevin Ketchum, kicked off the main conference events with a formal announcement that the association has changed its name from the Marina to the new MARINE Recreation Association, effective immediately...
 
The 44th Annual Marine Recreation Educational Conference and Trade Show was held at the Fess Parker - a DoubleTree by Hilton Resort in Santa Barbara, October 26th through the 28th. The conference was attended by more than two hundred and twenty industry professionals focused on enhancing customer service, regulatory compliance, and fiscal results in a broad range of recreational boating and marine operations.
 
"The industry and our membership have evolved beyond the scope of traditional marina services," said Kevin Ketchum. "We are engaged in a much broader range of water-based businesses that encompass not only marina facilities, but also boatyard, marine sales and services, hospitality, resort, and other outdoor recreation operations. The new name, Marine Recreation Association, better reflects our expanded focus and direction."
 
The MRA Board of Directors has been busy developing future strategic plans for the organization, including expanded outreach to legislators and boaters through the California Boating Congress, an event planned for March 2016 in Sacramento, CA. The MRA will also be working with other boating organizations to engage the new Department of Boating & Waterways Working Group, seeking better communications and relations with the state agency, and improved boating programs. In addition, long-time marine industry professional, Pat Bagan, has been appointed to the MRA staff to facilitate regional training and educational programs, and liaison with California Boating Congress and Clean Marinas organizations.
 
"We're excited about moving forward in the future with our new identity and expanded mission," said Mariann Timms, MRA Operations Administrator.
 
The Marine Recreation Association is a professional organization of marina and other marine industry owners and operators located throughout the western United States with additional members in Canada, Mexico, and Australia. Created more than 45 years ago, the MRA actively promotes and represents recreational boating interests while providing educational management and operations seminars and information for marine industry owners, operators, and staff.
 
For additional information about the Marine Recreation Association, and all of its activities and interests, please contact Mariann Timms by phone at (209) 334-0661; email at mra@marina.org or  online at http://marina.org