CHICAGO- Beginning next year, Marine Industry Certified Dealerships are entitled to reap a number of added benefits through participation in the 23 consumer boat shows owned and produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA)-including special show signage, "Certified" designation on boat show websites and in event directories, and free tickets to give their current and potential customers.

Certified Dealerships exhibiting at NMMA-owned and produced shows will have special signage posted outside their respective booths identifying them as such and briefly explaining what the Certified designation means. These dealerships will also be recognized in each show directory with the official Marine Industry Certified logo and receive listings on each show website, with a direct link to the dealership's own web page. Additionally, each Marine Industry Certified Dealership will receive 50 free tickets to the show(s) in their local market, which they can then distribute to current and perspective customers.

"Marine Industry Certified Dealerships have met a rigorous set of criteria demonstrating their commitment to customer satisfaction and service, and as such they are considered among our industry's elite," says Thom Dammrich, president of Grow Boating Inc. and NMMA. "NMMA's boat show recognition program for Marine Industry Certified Dealers will bring added visibility to Certified Dealerships and the Marine Industry Dealership Certification program."

The Marine Industry Dealership Certification program was first developed in 2005 by dealers, for dealers and focuses on the areas affecting consumer satisfaction and dealership excellence-operations, facilities, professional sales/service processes, customer satisfaction and employee training/satisfaction. Dealership Certification provides both consumer and dealer benefits fundamental to the industry's Grow Boating Initiative.

To date, a total of 549 dealerships have enrolled in the Marine Industry Dealership Certification program, 246 of which have completed the process and earned the official "Marine Industry Certified" designation. Launch Workshop locations and dates for the fall 2007 sessions are now posted on 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.