American Marine supports community as they expand

By Julia Wolf

Thanks to combined efforts with Barletta Boats, the Bill and Kristin Fenech Family Foundation, and Lake Holcombe Marina, part of the American Marine family, the Lake Holcombe Food Pantry recently received a $6,694 donation.

“The food pantry is important,” said Paula Fronk, general manager of Sales and Services at Lake Holcombe Marina.

Each Barletta dealer location received a percentage of their annual wholesale purchases, as a gift from the Bill and Kristin foundation, to direct to a charity of their choice. Each dealer location was asked to match at least 10 percent of that gift.

“We are so thrilled to be a small part of the causes that our dealer partners are passionate about,” said Bill, president and founder of Barletta Pontoon Boats.

The American Marine La Crosse location also donated $10,039, to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse, through the partnership.

Fronk says the dealership plans to continue supporting community through organizations, like the food pantry, Women with Courage and the Lions club.

Boaters Choice Marine, Chippewa Falls, also joined the American Marine family, after it was recently purchased by the La Crosse company. Boaters Choice was started in 1998, by Matt and Penni Asplund, and their award-winning customer service kept them in business for 23 years.

“We partnered with American Marine, as they provide a similar customer experience to those of Boaters Choice,” said M. Asplund, co-founder of Boaters Choice and current general manager. “It allows us to expand out offerings to our customers and continue to grow our relationship with them.”

The business, located just off of State Hwy. 53, carries a large selection of parts and accessories, and represents Alumacraft, Crest and Vaiggo (formerly Misty Harbor) pontoons, as well as Glastron and Honda/Mercury/Yamaha outboards.

“The veteran team is a welcome addition and we plan to learn from each other on the ever-expanding customer experience,” said Justin Pretasky, president and owner of American Marine.

American Marine also announced they were named a Boating Industry 2021 Top 100 dealer, tying for 20th place. The list recognizes the top dealers in North America, based on business operations, professionalism, marketing tactics, customer service and more, since 2005, and is the only independent ranking of boat dealers in North America.