Awards handed out at ABC dinner

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Marine Manufacturers Association last night honored those within the industry who have helped its lobbying efforts and those in government who have responded to those efforts.

Industry advocate of the year awards went to three people. David Blackburn of Faria Marine Instruments was designated NMMA advocate of the year; Madeleine Uran of Yamaha Motor Corp. was Personal Watercraft Industry Association advocate of the year and Bill Anderson of Westrec Marinas was Association of Marina Industries advocate of the year.

Legislative appreciation awards went to Eddie Albright, Marine Power; Bernie Goettker, Unique Functional Products; Bob Healey, Viking Yachts; Steve Lochmueller, Sumerset Houseboats; Bill Naumann, Hatteras Yachts; Mark Riechers, Mercury Marine; Rich Waggoner, Indmar Marine Engines; and Bock Stickell, Washington Marina.

The industry’s Admiral’s Circle Award went to U.S. Rep. Mike McIntyre, D-N.C.
NMMA Political Action Committee corporate citizen awards also were distributed. Grady-White won the gold award for highest number of contributors to the PAC, and Faria Marine Instruments took the silver. Indmar Marine Engines took the gold award for highest dollar amount contributed, and Grady-White the silver.

All the awards were presented at an American Boating Congress dinner. ABC winds up today.
NMMA said more than 220 people participated in the legislative get-together this year — a 15-percent increase over last year. More than 100 congressional offices were visited or are being visited today, and sponsorship money increased 138 percent.