Two Recreational Boating Industry Leaders Inducted Into NMMA Hall of Fame
LOUISVILLE – Sept. 3, 2015 – The recreational boating industry will recognize two leaders this year with the National Marine Manufacturers Association’s (NMMA) highest honor when inducted into the NMMA Hall of Fame. Bob Long, chief executive officer and owner of JRL Ventures, Inc. and Marine Concepts, and Dusty McCoy, chairman and chief executive officer of Brunswick Corporation, will be recognized for their career achievements and contributions to the industry. The awards will be formally presented during the 25th annual International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX) at the show’s annual Industry Breakfast on Tuesday, Sept. 15 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville.
The NMMA Hall of Fame was established in 1988 and recognizes individuals who have made, or continue to generate, substantial and lasting contributions toward the advancement of the marine industry. It honors individuals whose names and deeds are synonymous with the pursuit of quality, innovation, and perfection within their respective spheres of expertise.
Thom Dammrich, president of NMMA says, "As two leaders with unwavering dedication to the marine industry who’ve made extraordinary contributions to recreational boating, we are honored to celebrate Bob and Dusty and add them both to the distinguished list of NMMA Hall of Fame inductees that includes such pioneers as Chris Smith, Charles Chapman, Carl Kiekhaefer and Ralph Evinrude and such contemporaries as Ham Hamburger, Leon Slikkers, Phil Dyskow and Ralph Meloon.”
A talented leader, innovator and entrepreneur, Bob Long has spent 45 years in the marine industry and his success and perseverance to excellence is evident throughout his career including time spent at the helm of Starcraft and Crestliner, a 17-year reign at Wellcraft Marine, and 21 years as owner/CEO of internationally recognized JRL Ventures Inc. / Marine Concepts. A long-time NMMA member, Long assisted in NMMA’s formation in 1979 and sat on its board for six years. He has made a career-long commitment to meet a need, provide quality, research new and innovative technology, and employ a very personal approach to marine marketing.
Dusty McCoy has accomplished much for Brunswick Corporation and undertook the formation and direction of the Brunswick Boat Group, a new division when developed in 2000. Under McCoy’s steady hand, the fledgling Boat Group assembled a headquarters staff and capabilities, developed and refined market strategies, and set about a series of changes in the development, manufacture and marketing of its boats – stressing quality, efficiency, innovation and customer satisfaction – values that still drive these efforts today at Brunswick. As part of this evolution, Dusty emerged as an active and persuasive spokesperson and advocate for the marine industry.
To attend the breakfast, be sure to buy a ticket by calling 484-751-5135. Tickets are $30. Doors will open at 7:00am and the program will begin promptly at 7:30am Tuesday, September 15.
To learn more about past NMMA Hall of Fame inductees, visit the NMMA ‘Industry Awards’ page.
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About IBEX: IBEX is owned and produced by Professional BoatBuilder magazine and the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and is the marine industry’s largest technical trade event. For boat builders, marine industry dealers, aftermarket suppliers and buyers, designers, repairers, surveyors, and boatyard/marine operators, IBEX is the single source for the latest boatbuilding technologies, tools, and materials. For the latest information, visit www.IBEXShow.com.
About NMMA: National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is the leading association representing the recreational boating industry in North America. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters and anglers throughout the U.S. and Canada. The association is dedicated to industry growth through programs in public policy advocacy, market statistics and research, product quality assurance and promotion of the boating lifestyle. For more information visit www.nmma.org.