Deborah McQueen to take over helm Of Portland Marine Dealers Association

Greg Johnson has decided to step down as executive director of the Portland Marine Dealers Association. Longtime Portland area boat dealer Deborah McQueen has been selected to succeed Greg Johnson.
Johnson, who has served the PMDA for eight years, said he is leaving the organization to focus on his promotional business, Johnson Promotions LLC. The firm currently produces several publications, including a monthly senior newspaper (Senior Messenger) for the City of Vancouver, Oregon BoatFinder, Clark County Seniorfinder, Cruising Lifestyles as well as promotional and advertising services for Jefferson Yachts.
“I see this step not as an end but a beginning of a whole new chapter for the PMDA.  We have accomplished much the past few years together, including a strong financial base, two ongoing boat shows, new membership benefits such as Oregon BoatFinder and pmda.org, legislative clout and partnerships with the Oregon State Marine Board, Northwest Marine Trade Association and Northwest Sportfishing Industry Association,” said Johnson
“I am extremely proud of our achievements, and look forward to even greater things happening with new leadership,” Johnson added. “Only good can come out of a successful Portland Marine Dealers Association. Many members already understand this basic concept.  I am hoping more and more members of the Oregon marine industry will begin to understand that we need a strong Association to expand the boating lifestyle, and boating sales, in the future.”
McQueen is the former owner of Brown’s Landing in Scappoose, a former PMDA Board member and a board member on the Oregon State Marine Board. “I began my marine career in 1978 with Brown's Landing in Scappoose, a family owned marina and boat dealership,” said McQueen. “Canoes, boats, motors and service became my life for many years. I enjoyed those years, as some may agree - a love/hate relationship, but decided to go ahead and sell the business in January of this year. Hence, I am very much ready to begin a new challenge and career change. Accepting the position as Executive Director of the Portland Marine Dealers Association will provide that challenge.”
McQueen said her experience as a dealer, Oregon State Marine Board, and NW Steelheaders Chapter President experience will assist her in this position. “I am looking forward to expanding upon the base association that Greg Johnson has worked so hard to create,” McQueen explained. “ I hope to increase the value of the association to the members by creating educational, financial, and customer boating opportunities. Making this association a benefit to all of its members is my goal. My excitement and passion for this industry has never changed. I am looking forward to working with you to make doing business for each of you easier and growing the Oregon / Western Washington boating customer base.”
“Thank you PMDA Board members and general members for the confidence you are showing in me. I will work hard to help put PASSION back into your INVESTMENT in the marine, boating industry!”

The Second Annual Oregon BoatFinder recently made its second annual splash into the Portland boating market.
Oregon BoatFinder is the official publication of the Portland Marine Dealers Association. The annual publication serves as a versatile marketing tool for showcasing PMDA members and the excitement of recreating and owning a boat in Oregon.
This year, expanded circulation includes distribution at G.I. Joe’s Outdoor stores throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington, Portland Dealers Boat Show and all PMDA members. Wiersen Distributing, a professional newspaper distribution firm, delivered the publication.
Oregon BoatFinder features a valuable reference guide on boating basics, multi-species fishing, waterskiing and wakeboarding, year-round boating in Portland, and features on fiberglass and aluminum boats. And most importantly, Oregon BoatFinder includes a complete list of contact information for Portland Marine Dealers Association members both in the magazine.

Over 12,500 volunteers across the state joined their neighbors, family and friends in SOLV’s 12th annual Down by the Riverside May 12-20. Down by the Riverside brings together students, businesses and community members from every corner of Oregon and SW Washington to celebrate and improve our watersheds.
This year, more than 318 projects took place in every corner of the state. Volunteers removed 317,376 (estimated) pounds of trash and nearly 208,008 (estimated) pounds of invasive species and natural debris along waterways. The volunteers also took on a wide variety of watershed enhancement projects including building trails, planting trees, planting shrubs and seeds, enhancing butterfly gardens, removing invasive species, and cleaning up litter. All projects were designed to help enhance cities, parks and green spaces.
Down by the Riverside is presented by Oregon Lottery. Major sponsors include Portland Marine Dealers Association, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, Starbucks Coffee Company, Umpqua Bank and Weyerhaeuser Company Foundation. It is supported by Clackamas County, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Oregon Department of State Lands and generous donations by SOLV members.
Many sites offered snacks, nature walks or a BBQ; some even included boats and divers. A third of the projects were organized for or by school children participating in service-learning activities. Over 6,523 students participated in this year’s event. Students completed meaningful community-based projects that brought real-world relevance to their classroom lessons.
“Down by the Riverside is one of the most significant statewide watershed improvement projects in the nation,” said Sara Ryan, SOLV program coordinator. “It originated after the floods of 1996, when Oregonians gathered to cleanup the debris that had washed downstream and onto the floodplains. In the subsequent 12 years, this cleanup event has inspired thousands to join together and work elbow to elbow with strangers and family to make an incredible difference in our communities,” she noted.

Project highlights include:
CentralOregon: Volunteers in Bend participated in the Deschutes River Community Cleanup in 10 neighborhoods and at 11 river sites to remove trash and noxious weeds.

Columbia River Gorge: Community members cleaned along the nature trail area, including kayakers working on the shoreline. When the kayakers found an old picnic table, they used one of the kayaks to move it downstream!

Coast: After a huge Bay cleanup volunteers were rewarded with lunch at Crabbies. These volunteers found everything including the kitchen sink! Other memorable items included a record player and several tires.

Eastern Oregon: Biology students from the high school participated in a design contest for their native plant garden. The winners were able to implement their plan and all students worked on the beginning stages of creating the winners’ garden.

Portland Metro: Students cleaned up trash along the Springwater Corridor, cleaned up several encampment areas but did not remove personal items unless they were clearly trash. The group of students that participated at this site are going to New Orleans later this year and this project served as a good 'warm-up' for that trip.

Valley: A collaboration of volunteers in Corvallis from OSU, Love Inc., Corvallis Parks, and Leadership Corvallis, Metropool and others removed trash, invasive plants, and improved landscaping. The Mayor of Corvallis, President of OSU and the incoming and outgoing student body presidents joined other volunteers to pick up trash.

Southern: After learning about the life cycle, the 5th grade students from Fir Grove Elementary School in Roseburg worked with the 2nd graders to beautify their butterfly garden. Students from the kindergarten class also created decorative tiles for the garden.

Industry stakeholders are being encouraged to share Discover Boating’s new, short film titled Good Run to help build word-of-mouth recognition for the boating lifestyle.

Produced as part of its marketing strategy for 2007, the film will be posted to a variety of popular Web sites and shared with millions of potential boaters around the world this spring through a targeted e-mail distribution campaign.

Good Run was placed on several media distribution portals, including YouTube, Yahoo, MSN and Google Video, as well as DiscoverBoating.com, GrowBoating.org and the National Marine Manufacturers Association’s (NMMA) 23 consumer boat show Web sites. Over the course of several months, millions of e-mails will also be sent out with links to the film online, in the hopes that one consumer sees the message and then passes it along to his or her friends and family, and so on. All industry stakeholders are likewise being encouraged to include a link to Good Run on their respective company Web sites. It is available for live streaming from DiscoverBoating.com.

“We want as many potential boaters as possible to see this film, and we’re committed to making this happen via one of the most powerful communication tools available to us—the internet,” says Carl Blackwell, vice president of Marketing & Communications for both Grow Boating Inc. and the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). “In today’s world, where people have access to high speed internet connections more so now than ever before, we anticipate this high impact, low cost tactic will continue playing a significant role in future Discover Boating marketing plans.”

For more information on the Discover Boating marketing campaign, visit GrowBoating.org or contact Carl Blackwell at (312) 946-6277; cblackwell@nmma.org.

While attendance stayed static, with a 4% drop from 2006, the 2007 Portland Dealers Boat Show at Portland Expo Center fulfilled its role of bringing out the buyers.

An informal survey of exhibitors found the usual reports of strong sales by most dealers. At the same time, the major promotion, Twiggy the Water-skiing Squirrel, attracted record publicity, including a major feature in The Oregonian and morning and night time reports on all four major network channels.

Twiggy coupled with the Free Friday promotion were credited with preventing the show from experiencing stronger declines, as is the case with several boat shows across the country.

A marketing survey conducted at the boat show found that once again, The Oregonian led the pack as the number one vehicle for attracting attendees. Channel 2 KATU, KGON radio, The Columbian and Fishing and Hunting News were also major draws.

This year, 24 dealers and a total of 46 exhibitors participated in the Portland Dealers Boat Show.

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River City Boat Sales, LLC – With 20 boats sold in May, sales continue to rocket off the chart for River City Boat Sales, LLC, in Gladstone, Oregon. Tired of working out of town and away from their families, two former fraternity brothers put their heads together and developed what they find is a very successful boat sales concept. For starters, owners Ken Guerins and Tim Coleman sell only high quality, pre-owned boats. Secondly, they focus on aluminum fishing boats in the fall and winter. Then, they flip the switch to offer fiberglass sport boats in the spring and summer.

Unabashedly describing River City Boats as the “Nordstrom’s of boat sales,” Guerins explains that it features 16-foot runabouts to 36-foot ocean fishing vessels that range from about $7,000 to $70,000. “Our goal is to provide about 50 boats in inventory at any given time,” says Guerins, a lifelong boater. “We offer sellers two choices: we buy or consign. We remarket these boats and provide in-house financing if buyers need help.”

Recently moved from the Sellwood area to Gladstone, the new location is situated on one acre and offers great access to I-205, inside and outside showrooms, inside storage as well as a full service shop and detailing. Guerins observes, “We’ve got a lot of late model boats because consumers bought the wrong boat. We want to help boaters find the right boat with no pressure.”

River City Boat Sales: 90 82nd Drive, Gladstone, OR97027 503-797-2222; HYPERLINK "http://www.rivercityboatsales.com" www.rivercityboatsales.com; info@rivercityboatsales.com

SK Northwest Sea-doo – For the past six years, SK Northwest has nailed the title of “largest Sea-doo in Oregon” and in the past few years, the Portland dealer has laid claim to selling the most Bombardier products of any single dealer in Oregon and Washington. According to owner Shawn Karambelas, SK Northwest sells about 200 Sea-doos a year. It also sells lots of Sea-doo sport boats in the 15 to 23-foot range that run from $16,000 to $54,000. “We move a lot of watercraft,” says Karambelas. “These days the most popular model is the 215 HP, three-seater model that was new in 2004.”

SK Northwest grew out of a fraternity relationship, too. It seems that the business got its start when the owners rented two, personal watercraft to a fraternity at Oregon State University. The business grew to serving all the frats of both Oregon State and the U of O and, then, to the general public. By 1998, SK Watersports was the largest rental operation in the state of Oregon with three locations. These days SK Northwest still maintains a rental fleet of about 25 personal watercraft as well as its full service sales, parts and storage operations.

SK Northwest Sea-doo: 1447 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland, OR 97232 503-238-2510; HYPERLINK "http://www.sknorthwest.com" www.sknorthwest.com; sknw@pacifier.com

Brown’s Landing Marine – On February 1, 2007, the new owners of Brown’s Landing Marine in Scappoose, Ore., took over the recently completed 10,000 square foot facility with showroom and service area. Mike Fiske and Kathy Irvin are the fourth owners of the operation started in 1958. Irwin observes that, “Although we hit the ground running, we have had a very favorable and warm welcome from the staff and customers.”

The new owners have added versatile Weldcraft boats, 18 to 26-feet, to their inherited stable of new craft, which include Hydro, G3, Livingston and Yamaha. The facility also provides limited covered and outdoor storage with easy access to Multnomah Channel.

Beyond new boat sales, Irvin explains that Brown’s Landing Marine offers a full service department with four technicians including a five star Yamaha certified technician.

Fiske comes to the marine industry with sales and marketing experience in the aviation industry, Irvin worked in sales and customer service in equipment management. “We are both avid boaters,” says Irvin. “So when it came time to pick what we wanted to do next, we knew it had to be with boats.”

Brown’s Landing Marine & Outdoor: 50565 Browns Landing Ct., Scappoose, OR 97056 503-543-6526; HYPERLINK "http://www.brownslanding.com" www.brownslanding.com; sales@brownslanding.com

Sundance Yacht Sales – Sales Manager for Sundance Yacht Sales Ken Stanley, observes that yacht sales at both the Portland and Seattle locations are very strong. “We are selling a good number of new and pre-owned 44 to 65-foot Navigator Pilothouse yachts,” says Stanley. “Fuel is not a concern, yacht sales continue to take off.”

Sundance Yacht Sales serves as dealer for Californian (34’ and 41’), Marquis, Carver and Chris-Craft. Its 9 acre site on Hayden Island accommodates one of the largest indoor storage facilities on the West Coast and can hold 558 boats up to 32-feet in length. It is totally enclosed and heated facility where owners can call ahead and request to have their vessels launched and fueled.
Sundance Yacht Sales: 570 NE Tomahawk Isld. Drive, Portland, OR 97217 503-283-3216; www.sundanceyachts.com; sunyacht@aol.com

Pacific Power Boats-The big news at Pacific Power Boats (PPB) is that the 20-year-old company has assumed Trident Marine’s retail boat sales. Due to the fact that Trident Marine’s owner Ken Markowski was retiring, it seemed like a good time for Pacific Power Boats to take over retail sales of Chaparral utility boats (18’ – 40’) and Lund aluminum fishing boats (12’ – 23’). Trident Marine’s sales staff will remain in tact and help with the transition. “What it means is that sales and service were run by two different entities,” says PPB Owner Jon Spassov. “By combining the two, we should see a much smoother operation between owners and service.” For the past two decades PPB has been known for service and repair. Those services include lots of gelcoat work, mechanical, dry rot repair, structural refits and bottom painting. In addition, PPB’s upholstery department designs and builds tops and covers.
When asked about business, Spassov replies, “Busy, busy, as busy as ever. We don’t see any change due to high gas prices. If people have a real passion for boats, it looks like they will spend what it takes to get out and play.”
Pacific Power Boats: 33rd and Marine Drive, Portland, OR 97211 503-288-9350; www.pacificpowerboats.net; pacificpowerboat@qwest.net

The Portland Marine Dealer Association (PMDA) attracted a number of new members this year. According to General Manager Scott Cure, True Form RV & Marine in McMinnville, Ore., opened in June 2006 and displays a full line of new Lund, Larson, Wooldridge and Session boats in its 10,000 square foot indoor showroom. Outside on six acres, customers can browse among another 45 boats that are designed to meet the needs of everyone from towboaters and waterskiers to anglers. While Cure notes that Larson’s 22-foot family runabout is probably the most popular boat on the yard, he invites boaters to checkout the operation’s full service repair and parts and service departments. “We find that the high price gas hasn’t affected sales because people still need to recreate,” says the Honda and Mercury dealer.

Beaverton Turbo Liner & Accessories Plus joined the fold to better introduce its signature, spray-on bedliner to boaters who own trucks and trailers. Sales Manager Nick Nemecek says that the “total surface contact” spray-on product protects boat bedliners and boat trailers with a thick, heavy material that forms a protective coat against rust and UV rays. “It’s great for protecting boat rigs because they are subject to the harsh, marine environment,” says Nemecek. “Rather than getting all rough and beat up looking, the application is durable and keeps the vehicles looking clean and tough.”

In his fifth season as a recreational boat towing service, Vessel Assist/Boat U.S. Marine Towing & Salvage, operated by Capt. Ted Carr, recently joined the PMDA. Running a 26-foot, aluminum ACB, Carr patrols the Columbia River upstream to the Bonneville Dam and downstream to Longview as well as on the Willamette River south to Oregon City. Carr says he has built a reputation on honesty and offers fast, efficient and fair-priced service. Armed with twin, 225 HP Mercs, the Vessel Assist boat runs at 50 MPH to the scene, but can only tow at a speed of about 7 to-8 MPH. “The most common problems relate to engines and outdrives that get debris in them,” says Carr, who can tow boats to service, slip or launch. “Mostly, I see weekend warriors driving ski or towboats who get into trouble, often with groundings.”

West Coast Sailing (WCS) opened its doors in Portland two years ago and joined the PMDA this winter. Owner George Yioulos says business is wonderful at this store that sells “everything you need for the small sailboat.” The store represents four lines of daysailors, which range from 8 to 17 feet in length, as well as offers Internet and catalog shopping for accessories, sails, gear and parts. While Lasers continue to top the charts as the most popular selling boat at WCS, Yioulos is proud of the store’s sponsorship of high school, youth and Olympic hopeful sailors. His advice to parents is “Send your kids to the Willamette Sailing Club Program for a week. If the kids enjoy it they can continue, if they don’t, they’ve still had a great week and fun intro to sailing!”

There’s a lot going on with the Portland Marine Dealers Association right now. HoWe’re pleased to announce that Deborah McQueen has agreed to take the reins as the PMDA’s executive director replacing Greg Johnson who stepped down after the Spring Show. We owe Greg an enormous debt of thanks for his efforts. Greg stepped in during a very difficult time after Darren Rice’s untimely death and ran our shows, promotions, publications and meetings. Greg’s efforts and time on behalf of the association are deeply and genuinely appreciated. Deb, who most of you already know, brings a wealth of experience to the position and a unique dealer’s perspective as the past-owner of Brown’s Landing.
Deb’s already jumped-in and has been hard-at-work generating a plan to grow the organization and produce and promote our upcoming Super Summer Boat Sale. Beyond the business of producing our boat shows Deb plans to expand our membership, grow the Oregon BoatFinder Magazine and more aggressively promote boating as a top-of-mind recreational pursuit in Oregon and S.W. Washington.
As a former local boat dealer Deb keenly understands our challenges and needs and we’re confident she’ll make every effort to elevate the profile of our collective businesses.
With the recent departure of John Laird as a board member and Deb leaving the board to assume her duties as executive director leaves the PMDA with two vacancies on the board. Both have already been filled by Jeff Slaughter of Brinsfields Boat Basin and Deb Horan of Sea Tow. Thanks to Jeff and Deb for their contribution.
Legislatively we can be proud of the fact that our agent’s fee bill has been passed by both houses and is awaiting the signature of the Governor. As you may recall, the PMDA has been working with the marine board for the last four years trying to push through an increase in the agent’s fee. Thanks to the participation of PMDA dealers and the marine board it looks like we’ll see an increase to $2.50 per transaction. For some dealers this will add as much as $3,000 a year to their bottom line!
Finally, the PMDA is your association. We urge you to participate any way you can. There’s a lot going on to the benefit of our business interests through the PMDA and your help and perspective is needed to help us in carrying the load. As most of you know, it hasn’t been an easy year in the marine industry and, as most of us agree, the only way we can clear these hurdles is by working together. Your thoughts and participation are essential to the future of our local marine industry.

Both Deb McQueen and Trey Carskadon have been re-appointed by the Governor to the Oregon State Marine Board. Just recently, both were confirmed by the Senate and are looking forward to their second 4-year terms on the board. The OSMB is a model boating agency, the only one of its’ kind in the country. No other boating agency in the United States has education, facilities, administration, enforcement and licensing are all under one agency umbrella. Board members can serve a maximum of two terms.

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