AMDA HISTORY vis a vis E-Tailing

[clarionreef]

The AMDA/e-tailing stuff from the past keeps getting re-insinuated into one different thread after another watering down the threads, diverting them and breaking up sometimes positive, constructive momentum.
So, heres a relevant place for re-visiting old history on this.
The AMDA of 2002-2004....spent most of its time on ;
1. The CORL/AMDA/MAC training initiative
2. Internal divisions over the issues of MAC and AMDA...the BOD was often split over this
3. Appearing and presenting at IMAC, MACNA and Marine Ornamentals conferences
4. Establishing the barrier netting fund and igniting still another.[ handnet fund]
5. Re-defining appropriate strategies to effect reform of the trade to prevent harsher measures and sanctions.
6. e-tailing and the definition of who can be a member of the American Marinelife Dealers Assn. [the smallest and last of these issues].

Our BOD had some very pro-MAC folks on it; Randy Goodlet, Mark Scheffler and Rick Preuss. This kept it from becoming anything unanimous and any charge of cronyism is frankly...hilarious :lol:
I remember open, often contentious debate which in a fee society complicates the idea of railroading anything down anyones throat.
At the conclusion of the 2 years terms; we change again and put it all to a vote. The members still decide, still rule and determine the character of the BOD...and well they should.
Anything to add Mitch? Mark?
Mark and I are no longer on the BOD.
Steve

 

[aquaticvet1]

And it has managed to muster up "eight squared" members. That my friends is a failure not a success . One unsuccesful leader after another has caused the demise.

There is still no way to get AMDA's message to the most important person of all---The customer. Folks that makes them irrelevant as an entity.

The solution---One organization that represents all players each with a common goal . The APPMA has made it work , why can't Steve with his great vision see it ? By the way Steve, the APPMA is in this country.

Race again.

 

[aquaticvet1]

Next

 

[StevenPro]

I have long felt that AMDA desperately needed to reorganize. In my opinion, it should drop the regional directors and instead establish BOD positions for a wholesale/importer director, retail director, internet sales director, and service director along with the standard President, VP, Secretary, and Treasurer. Members would apply to whichever section best fit thier business model. In this way, the industry could unite under one organization while also giving each segment proper representation on the BOD.

 

[aquaticvet1]

Bingo , we have a winner.

 

[dizzy]

And we should probably drop the standards of practice as well. We should let everyone join no matter what their business practices and we could become a large and powerful lobby. Kind of like the AARP. Let MAC be the cops. Suits me.
Mitch

 

[aquaticvet1]

and a retailer.

 

[mark@mac]

Steve,

I really like that idea! Having directors for each "area" of business....
Would that mean even e-tailers would have their own division?

I have always felt there was a place and purpose for AMDA (spent 3 years on the BOD), and feel there is a place and purpose for an org like MAC as well.

So there we have it, we just need to re-organize both orgs and re-kindle this movement. 8)

 

[aquaticvet1]

StevenPro ,
I am with you all the way. Please contact Kevin Kohen or myself if we can be of any help.
Thank you , Race

 

[StevenPro]

I am curious. Before every applicant is accepted as part of AMDA, does the board send a representative to inspect the facility and business practices of the applicant? Or, does the board only review certain applications and come to a decision based upon hearsay, personal bias, and/or general impressions?

 

[StevenPro]

Another thing I am curious about is what is AMDA? I was under the impression that it stood for the American Marinelife Dealers Assocation. As I read that, it means to me that this is an association that represents the common interests of the dealers in marinelife of America, not an exclusive organization of people that the BOD likes, respects, and believes acts in an ethical manner.

 

[dizzy]

Steven when I joined AMDA it was supposed to be an organization of elite dealers who lived up to the standards of practice. I've watched one leader after another fail to unify the group. The more diversified the group the harder that is to do. AMDA may have never lived up to its potential, but I can assure you it wasn't from a lack of effort by some of the past and present leaders.

 

[aquaticvet1]

Dizzy ,
When I hear the words "elite", I get ED.

 

[dizzy]

Well aquaticvet IIRC that is what they called it. I've certainly never felt like an elite dealer, but I did want to live up to the standards of practice. I was the first dealer to take the AMDA skills test too. I think Randy G. took it in another direction when he hijacked it, after the members voted to go inactive in Ft. Lauderdale. Hijacked may be a strong word, but he certaintly didn't have a mandate from the membership. I think Rick and Mikki gave it to him.
Mitch

 

[aquaticvet1]

Mitch,
You confused me on that one . Help me please.

 

[dizzy]

Well I guess we are even cause I can't understand what you are talking about half the time either. Which part did you need help on?

 

[bookfish]

Too funny!
I think Race was referring to "erectile dysfunction"
And you are referring to " elite dealers"
Sometimes on-line communication is most entertaining!
Now let's all laugh together and the first round's on me!

 

[aquaticvet1]

Bookfish ,
You are correct. A liitle out there and I apologize.---- Race

 

[dizzy]

I guess I just couldn't see a macho guy like Race having that sort of problem.

 

[aquaticvet1]

Mitch,
This was not the common ground I was seeking---- Cheers.