For Immediate Release

NMMA Now Accepting Nominations for 2010 Alan J. Freedman Award

Chicago, IL

CHICAGO (June 7, 2010) — The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is now accepting nominations for the 27th Annual Alan J. Freedman Memorial Leadership Award. The Award, sponsored by NMMA’s Accessory Manufacturers Division (AMD) Board of Directors, honors the memory of Freedman, a former NMMA Shows Committee chairman and active association member who helped found the association in 1979. It will be presented during the 2010 International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX), taking place September 28-30 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville.

The Freedman Award recognizes an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the marine industry through leadership, creativity and personal motivation. Past recipients of the award include: Dave Blackburn, Faria Instruments (2008); Bob Latham, Latham Marine (2007); George Bellwoar, Perko Inc. (2006); James W. Taylor, Taylor Made Group Inc. (2005); and, Bob Selig, Davis Instruments (2004).

“The Freedman Award is given to an individual within the Accessory Manufacturers segment of our industry to celebrate their work and accomplishments in making the recreational boating industry what it is today,” says Fred Sherrerd, Industry Manager, Marine Division, ASA Electronics and chairman of NMMA’s AMD Board. “To be recognized with such an esteemed award is a true testament to an individual’s dedication and commitment to both their respective business and the industry at large.”

Any member of the marine industry may nominate someone for this honor. Candidates for nomination include accessory manufacturers, representatives, members of the media, dealers, distributors and association staff.

The deadline for this year’s Freedman nominations is July 24. Nomination forms are available for download here. The 2010 recipient will be presented their award on September 28 during the annual IBEX Industry Awards Breakfast.

For more information or to submit a nomination online, visit NMMA.org and click on the Freedman Award link or contact Rachel Francisco at (312) 946-6222.

About the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA): 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.