Alan J. Freedman Memorial Leadership Award
Recipients of the NMMA Freedman Award are individuals who, in the course of their careers, have made outstanding contributions to the marine accessories industry through leadership, creativity, and personal motivation. The following are the categories for consideration:
• Marine aftermarket or OEM manufacturer
• Marine representative
• Member of a marine-focused media
• Boat dealer
• Marine distributor
• Marine trade association staff person
NOMINATION PROCESS
Nominations to the 2025 awards program will open Summer 2024.
To nominate a worthy industry leader:
- Nominators must belong to a member company and be in good standing with NMMA.
- Submit the official nomination form.
- Submit supporting material to enhance the nomination. Supporting material includes, but not limited to; an enhanced career timeline and accomplishments, articles about the nominee and letters of support. Supporting materials should be received digitally through the provided file share link by the entry deadline.
Nominators will be notified of award status in January 2025.
AWARDS PRESENTATION
The 2025 Alan J. Freedman Award will be presented during the Miami Industry Breakfast at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Tickets are required for entry.
QUESTIONS
Contact: Rachel Harmon
Email: [email protected]
AWARD RECIPIENTS
2005: James W. Taylor, Taylor Made Group
James W. Taylor
James W. Taylor has served as Chairman and CEO of the Taylor Made Group, Inc. since 1996 and is responsible for the overall leadership, direction and development of its companies.
In 1970, Mr. Taylor was appointed Executive Vice President for Taylor Made Products, Inc., a division of Nelson A. Taylor Co. Later, he was named President of the Division and in 1981 assumed the position of Executive Vice President of Nelson A. Taylor. Seven years later, he was named President and CEO.
Mr. Taylor holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Union College, Schenectady, New York. He attended the Harvard Owner-President Management Course at Harvard Business School in the late 1980s. Mr. Taylor also served in the United States Army from 1966 to 1969, attaining the rank of First Lieutenant.
He is involved with a number of marine industry organizations including the National Marine Manufacturers Association (former Chairman of the Board), the National Association of Marine Products and Services (former President) and the National Marine Distributors Association (associate member and past board member).
Active in the community, Mr. Taylor presently sits on the Board and is a Trustee of a number of local organizations including: the Double “H” Hole in the Woods Ranch, Caron Foundation, Nathan Littauer Hospital Foundation, Lexington Foundation, Fulton County YMCA, The Hyde Collection, the Saratoga Automobile Museum and Twin Rivers Council–Boy Scouts of America. He is the former Chairman of the Board of Trustees for WMHT Public Television, former Board Member of the Fulton County United Way and Saratoga Performing Arts Center and former President of the Fulton County Chamber of Commerce. He resides in Saratoga Springs, New York.
The Taylor Made Group, Inc. includes Taylor Made Systems, Taylor Made Products, Taylor Made Custom Products and most recently Trend Marine Products. Headquartered in Gloversville, New York, the company has plants in the United States, Ireland, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia with products marketed worldwide.