MINNEAPOLIS – As the economy begins to show signs of recovery, the marine industry’s future relies on consumers’ ability to find dependable dealers that exceed their sales and service expectations. These consumers now have a trusted source they can turn to, thanks to Boating Industry magazine's fifth-annual Top 100 Dealers program. This marine dealer ranking has resulted in an incredibly powerful group that collectively generates more than $1.4 billion in annual retail sales. The U.S. boat industry at large has fallen more than 30 percent annually for the past few years, yet the Top 100 Dealers are off an average of just 11 percent. While the numbers this elite group posts are impressive, indeed, the Top 100 is not merely a ranking of the largest, volume-driven dealers. Rather, it recognizes those marine dealers that are unsurpassed in overall business operations, customer service, marketing and professionalism.

Collectively, the 2009 Boating Industry Top 100 employ nearly 4,247 people and operate 269 retail locations across North America. “While most industry awards are given to those dealers that sell the most boats, our Top 100 program is much more qualitatively focused,” said Matt Gruhn, Editor-in-Chief of Boating Industry, “thereby leveling the playing field for all dealers and directing consumers to those dealers that can best deliver on the dream that boat ownership promises.” Hayes Marine, based in Appling, Ga., ranked 31st on this elite list, which recognizes the best-of-the-best of the more than 5,000 marine dealers in North America. “Our editorial staff was extremely impressed with the quality control measures embraced by this dealership’s service department,” said Gruhn. “These processes allow the dealership to deliver a consistently high level of customer service.” Boating Industry's editorial staff reviewed almost 250 applications, culled from more than 3,000 nominations. The applications asked both quantitative and qualitative questions regarding all aspects of marine dealer operations. “For the past five years, the Boating Industry Top 100 has stood as the pinnacle of excellence for marine dealers,” explained Tammy Galvin, Vice President of Affinity Media. “And now, in today’s economic climate, the already coveted award is that much more so as dealers continue to face unprecedented turbulent times in the marine industry. As a direct result of this program, myriad best practices are being adopted throughout the industry, not only by those dealers who are out there aggressively capturing marketshare, but also those who are simply trying to weather the storm.” To help bring the Boating Industry Top 100 to life, Affinity Media, the magazine’s parent company, created the Leadership Alliance, an elite group of the marine industry’s leading suppliers. These companies were invited to participate because they possess, as one of their corporate values, a true belief in and commitment to raising the bar of professionalism across all marine industry sectors, and particularly for dealers. The 2009 Leadership Alliance members include: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc., GE Capital Solutions, BoatTrader, Volvo Penta, ADP Lightspeed, Manheim Specialty Auctions, Global Marine Insurance Agency and the Marine Retailers Association of America. To see the complete ranking of the Top 100 dealers, visit www.Boating-Industry.com.