Volvo Penta of the Americas Inc. recently announced it will assist its dealers in becoming certified under the Marine Industry Dealership Certification program by helping defray certification costs. Beginning with the 2007 Model Year, Volvo Penta dealers successfully achieving Marine Industry Certified status can use up to 100 percent of their accrued Volvo Penta advertising co-op funds to cover costs associated with the Dealership Certification program. Volvo Penta dealers that have already become Marine Industry Certified are encouraged to submit their certification letters to Volvo Penta for verification and recognition.

Dealership Certification actively addresses one of the marine industry’s primary concerns: customer service. An effective dealership certification program that provides both consumer and dealer benefits is fundamental to the Grow Boating Initiative. The Marine Industry Dealership Certification program was developed by dealers, for dealers and focuses on the areas that affect dealership quality—operations, facilities, professional sales/service processes, customer satisfaction and employee training/satisfaction.

To date, a total of 415 dealerships have enrolled in the Marine Industry Dealership Certification program, 132 of which have completed the certification process and earned the official “Marine Industry Certified” designation.

The Grow Boating Initiative is 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 additional information about the program, a list of upcoming Marine Industry Dealership Certification Launch Meetings or to schedule a Launch Meeting for your area, visit DealerCertification.org or contact program manager Elizabeth McAllister at (312)946-6500; emcallister@DealerCertification.org.