Marine Industry CSI Announces 2009 Award Recipients

Customer Satisfaction Takes the Helm As Industry Ramps Up Service, Benefits for Boaters

CHICAGO – July 29, 2009 –The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) today announced recipients of the 2009 Marine Industry CSI Awards. A total of 72 boat and engine manufacturers were recognized for excellence in customer satisfaction, as part of NMMA’s Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) program.

Award recipients will be acknowledged during the 2009 International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX), taking place October 12-14 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

The Marine Industry CSI Awards program honors participating manufacturers that actively measure customer satisfaction and pursue continuous improvement to better serve the customer. Award recipients achieved and maintained an independently-measured standard of excellence of 90 percent or higher in customer satisfaction over the past year, based on information provided by customers purchasing a new boat or engine during the period between April 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009. Participating manufacturers must survey all new boat buyers during this period. For this reporting period, an impressive 60,000 customer responses were collected.

“As we work to strengthen our industry, customer satisfaction and retention will always be our foundation for growth,” said NMMA president Thom Dammrich. “This year’s Marine Industry CSI Award recipients are at the forefront of our industry’s growth potential and are helping ensure the experience of purchasing and owning a boat add value to the overall enjoyment of the boating lifestyle.”
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Sumerset Houeboats now has videos posted on YouTube for your viewing pleasure. Just visit www.YouTube.com and search Sumerset Houseboats. Look for upcoming videos of our International Houseboat Fest Showboats and other exciting projects, as well as special segments on the Sumerset Difference.

Be sure to make plans to visit us at the International Houseboat Fest in Louisville, Kentucky on January 29, 30, 31, 2009. Visit our website for details about the International Houseboat Fest Features, Ticket Packages, Seminars and Contests. See you there!

New ‘Houseboat Feature’ Set to Launch at 2009 Louisville Show
Special show section to highlight the latest in houseboat-related gear and equipment

Chicago, IL -
August 4, 2008 – The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is excited to announce a new houseboat-specific feature that will be unveiled at the 2009 Louisville Boat, RV & Sport Show, taking place January 24-February 1, 2009 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville.

The new houseboat section of the 52nd annual Louisville event will feature the latest and greatest in houseboats and related gear, equipment and services. The houseboat-only area will have its own set of hours and entrance, and will open the second weekend of the Louisville show, from Thursday, January 29 through Saturday, January 31.

Several of the industry’s leading houseboat manufacturers—including Fantasy Custom Yachts, Sumerset Houseboats & Cruisers, Stardust Cruisers and Thoroughbred Houseboats—have already committed to participating in the Louisville show’s special houseboat section.

“This special ‘houseboat extravaganza’ is a great addition to the Louisville show,” says Kim Muncy, manager of the Louisville Boat, RV and Sportshow. “Manufacturers couldn’t find a better location to showcase their newest products and services, as the popularity of houseboats on Kentucky lakes and with Louisville show attendees cannot be overstated. The show is an ideal place to unveil this type of unique display, and we expect the houseboat-only area to be wildly popular in 2009.”

For more information, visit LouisvilleBoatRVShow.com or contact Louisville show manager Kim Muncy at (502) 957-1666; kmuncy@nmma.

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is the leading association representing the recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters and anglers in the United States. The association is dedicated to industry growth through programs in public policy, market research and data, product quality assurance and marketing communications.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 14, 2008
Contact: Nancy Rimas, VP Customer Relations/Marketing

Nancy Rimas
Sumerset Houseboats
1-606-679-9393
1-606-678-0487
nrimas@sumerset.com
www.sumerset.com

Sumerset Houseboats Announces 2009 Model Year Changes

Somerset, KY — Sumerset Houseboats, the industry’s leading aluminum hull houseboat manufacturer, announces receiving the NMMA Customer Satisfaction Award and unveils improvements for their 2009 model year. The nation’s oldest and largest custom houseboat builder continually strives to adapt to their customer’s needs and improve on their marketplace offerings. Read the rest of this entry »

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 14, 2008
Contact: Nancy Rimas, VP Customer Relations/Marketing

Nancy Rimas
Sumerset Houseboats
1-606-679-9393
1-606-678-0487
nrimas@sumerset.com
www.sumerset.com

Sumerset Houseboats Announces 2008 Customer Satisfaction Award

Somerset, KY — “Sumerset is extremely excited about being a recipient of the National Marine Manufacturer Association (NMMA) CSI Award for 2008 – Sterndrive Houseboats. This validates our corporate philosophy of service after the sale. This joined with our continual focus on refining and improving our product, casts a bright light on our future”, stated Steve Lochmueller, President and CEO.

The National Marine Manufacturers Association announced total of 73 boat and engine manufacturers were recognized for excellence in customer satisfaction, as part of NMMA’s Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) program. Sumerset Houseboats is the first Houseboat manufacturer to qualify and receive an award since it’s inception in 2001.

The Marine Industry CSI Awards program honors participating companies actively measuring customer satisfaction to pursue continuous improvement. Award recipients achieved and maintained an independently-measured standard of excellence of 90 percent or higher in customer satisfaction over the past year, based on information provided by consumers purchasing a new boat or engine during the period between April 1, 2007 and March 31, 2008. Participating manufacturers must survey all new boat buyers during this period.

“Sumerset Houseboats is honored to be a recipient of the 2008 NMMA CSI Award . This award recognizes, once again, that Sumerset Houseboats leads the industry; striving to provide the best possible customer experience with the belief that those experiences will translate into meaningful customer relationships. Sumerset has always stood for the idea that “Your word is who you are.” Receiving the NMMA CSI Award is tangible proof of our efforts to uphold that belief,” affirmed Steve Lochmueller, President and CEO.

Sumerset Houseboats is the oldest and largest manufacturer of aluminum hull houseboats and is located in Somerset, Kentucky. Visit our website at www.sumerset.com for more information and to view photos of our boats.

FROM: NATIONAL MARINE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION
200 E. Randolph Dr., Suite 5100
Chicago, IL 60601-6528
312-946-6200

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Lindsey Johnson (ljohnson@nmma.org; 312-946-6204)

NMMA Announces 2008 CSI Award Recipients
Seventy-three boatbuilders, engine manufacturers receive awards

CHICAGO, July 14, 2008 - - The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) today announced recipients of the annual 2008 Marine Industry CSI Awards. A total of 73 boat and engine manufacturers were recognized for excellence in customer satisfaction, as part of NMMA’s Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) program.

Award recipients will be formally acknowledged during the annual Industry Awards Breakfast at the 2008 International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX), taking place October 6-8 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Read the rest of this entry »

As boating industry experts, Discover Boating wants to know your favorite boating destinations in the U.S. Cast a vote for your favorite fishing, cruising, sailing and watersports spots around the country!

The winning cities will be posted on DiscoverBoating.com and incorporated into Discover Boating public relations efforts this summer.

Please encourage others to vote, too! But don’t wait; polls close Monday, June 30.

To vote for your favorite boating destinations, CLICK HERE.

The Entrepreneurial Institute’s purpose is to develop future business leaders and entrepreneurs in Southern and Eastern Kentucky. High school freshmen, sophomores and juniors from throughout The Center’s 42 county service area are invited to apply. The program is an intensive, weeklong program focused on developing creativity, teamwork, business and leadership skills. The Institute is developed, coordinated and supervised by The Center for Rural Development and will be held at The Center’s facility in Somerset, Kentucky. Activities during the week are both educational and fun. Participants will be divided into teams. The weeklong institute includes classroom instruction, guest speakers, competitions and tours of local businesses. The concluding event will be a team business concept competition.

For more information about the Center for Rural Development call 606.677.6000

The boating community and everyone involved in the boating industry, conservation, fishing, and outdoor recreation is facing a serious problem if Congress does not pass the Clean Boating Act of 2008 by September 30, 2008.

Please take 3 MINUTES of your day and visit www.BoatBlue.org to send a quick message to your Representatives and Senators urging them to support recreational boating and pass the Clean Boating Act of 2008. A sample letter is already drafted for you; all you have to do is add some information and click send!

Please forward this message to everyone you know. Encourage family, friends and colleagues to do the same. It only takes a few minutes, and their efforts (and yours!) will go a long way in helping protect and preserve our ability to get out on the water without the government on your back.

The Clean Boating Act would prevent the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from requiring every single boater to obtain a federal or state permit for everyday, overboard water discharges. If Congress doesn’t pass this legislation by September 30, boaters will face what is essentially a new tax on their boat, stiff penalties, criminal liability and lawsuits from individual citizens. EPA is forced to impose these new regulations in the wake of a court case pertaining to commercial ships that inadvertently swept up recreational boats. You can learn more at www.BoatBlue.org.

Let’s unite to pass this legislation BEFORE we lose our boating freedom! Please visit www.BoatBlue.org today; take just a few minutes to send a message to your Representatives and Senators. The more letters they receive, the stronger our voices will be heard!

Don’t forget: PASS IT ON!!!!!

Exclusive Sumerset Dealer, The Harbor Boat and Yacht Sales on Table Rock Lake, Missouri, is featured in a Memorial Day promotion news release by the Branson Chamber of Commerce. The story extols the benefits of recreational boating and fishing, and focuses on the Houseboating Lifestyle. Follow this link to read the entire story. There’s Fun for Everyone on Branson Area Lakes. Follow this link to read more about Sumerset’s Exclusive Dealer, The Harbor Boat and Yacht Sales on Table Rock Lake: http://www.theharborboatsales.com/ Sumerset Houseboats wishes you a Safe and Enjoyable Memorial Day Weekend.