Channel Blade's New ePro Mobile Helps Marine Dealers and OEMs Reach Buyers through Emerging Sales Channels

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Feb. 27, 2009 - Channel Blade, a leading provider of online lead generation, lead management and sales education solutions in the marine, RV and powersports industries, today announced the launch of a new sales tool called ePro Mobile. The tool aims to help marine dealers and OEMs capitalize on the 405 million mobile Internet users worldwide* using their smart phones, such as the iPhone or Blackberry Storm, to shop online.

Today's consumers expect to have the ability to research their next boat on their timeline. Gone are the days of simply providing an informative and compelling Web site; it's now critical for marine dealers and OEMs to showcase inventory and optimize their businesses on smart mobile phones.

"With over 10 million U.S. buyers accessing mobile search at least once per week**, ePro Mobile will provide our customers with a tool specifically designed to reach these active mobile searchers and drive more sales," says Jon Lintvet, chief executive officer of Channel Blade. "This solution offers OEMs and dealers complete vertical integration of the sales channel, providing each prospective buyer a brand-consistent and seamless communication from the first touch point to the last."

In addition to helping prospective buyers research existing boat inventory, ePro Mobile provides dealership salespeople with an immediate research tool whenever (and wherever) the opportunity to show inventory arises. A salesperson using ePro Mobile can answer buyers' questions immediately by looking up ongoing specials and comparing models, features and specifications at the touch of a button.

"ePro Mobile proved invaluable at the Miami International Boat Show." says Mark Sanderson, general manager at Boat Max Ltd. in Ontario, Canada. "It's a minimal investment that will truly help us reach more buyers and increase sales. Our team was able to access inventory in seconds rather than say 'I'll have someone call you'. A prospect was so impressed that he immediately pulled up our Mobile site on his iPhone."

Progressive manufacturers like Sea Ray recognize the value of this new sales channel during these challenging times. ePro Mobile will be fully integrated with Sea Ray's corporate Web site and dealer locator, providing dealers with ePro Mobile the best presentation of their business and the Sea Ray brand. "Sea Ray must reach prospects through their preferred method of communication," says Rob Noyes, vice president of marketing at Sea Ray. "It is unrealistic to believe consumers will simply come back later if we cannot deliver content on their timeline. If someone wants to research their next Sea Ray at the airport or at the dock, we are going to make sure it is easy and best-in-class."

Nolans RV & Marine in Denver is excited about the launch of its new ePro Mobile site. "We are in a society that is increasingly relying on the Internet to research purchases," says Gary Dyke, rental manager. "Shopping and researching on smart phones is the cutting-edge buying habit of today's consumers and we know that ePro Mobile will be another channel for our dealership to raise brand awareness, showcase inventory and drive more sales."