NMMA Hall of Fame Awards Logo The National Marine Manufacturers Association Hall of Fame was established in 1988 to recognize and honor individuals who have made or continue to make substantial contributions toward the advancement of the marine industry. It is NMMA’s most prestigious recognition.

HALL OF FAME NOMINATION CRITERIA

To be eligible for the NMMA Hall of Fame Award a candidate must:

  • Have made a substantial and lasting impact on the industry or their particular segment

  • Are known in the industry and are beyond personal or professional reproach

  • A past (deceased/retired) or current member and supporter of NMMA

  • Actively involved in the marine industry for a minimum of ten years

NOMINATION PROCESS

Nominations are being accepted for the 2024 program through June 27, 2024. Active members in good standing with the NMMA are eligible to nominate a worthy industry leader. An official nomination form must be submitted, along with; supporting documents (letters of support, articles around the candidate's work in the industry, etc) that will enhance the nomination portfolio by the given deadline.

REVIEW PROCESS

All nomination portfolios will be reveiwed by the NMMA Hall of Fame Committee after the nomination deadline. The NMMA Board of Directors will make a final vote to determine the award recipient(s). Nominators will be notified of award status August 2024.

AWARD PRESENTATION

Award recipients will be presented at IBEX during the Industry Breakfast taking place on Tuesday, October 1 in Tampa, FL.

QUESTIONS

Contact: Rachel Harmon
Email: [email protected]

AWARD RECIPIENTS

View past recipients of this prestigious award.

2015: Robert Long, JRL Ventures, Inc./Marine Concepts and Dusty McCoy, Brunswick Corporation

Dustan“Dusty” McCoy

Dustan “Dusty” McCoy is a lifelong boater whose deep appreciation for what is best about the marine industry and dogged determination to revitalize his company provided inspiration and leadership that advanced not only his company, but also his beloved industry.

Dusty McCoy joined the Brunswick Corporation in 1999 as Vice President and General Counsel. In 2000 he spearheaded the formation of the Brunswick Boat Group, to bring all of Brunswick’s nearly 20 boat brands under one umbrella.

With McCoy at the helm, the fledgling Boat Group 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 Brunswick today.

In 2005 Mr. McCoy assumed the reins of Brunswick Corporation as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. He quickly won over dealers, customers, employees and the financial community, and emerged as an active and persuasive spokesperson and advocate for the recreational boating industry.

As such he advocated for boating interests in diverse issues, including boating safety, growing youth and minority participation, affordability, and conservation. He literally traveled the world as an evangelist for the values and positive aspects of boating.

The recession of 2008 hit the marine industry hard, and Brunswick, like many marine companies, saw its overall sales decline dramatically. Under McCoy’s steady hand, Brunswick responded efforts to reduce spending, improve operations, protect the distribution and dealer network and to lay the groundwork to emerge a stronger Company.

Dusty McCoy honed in on the positive aspects of the industry, citing the firm underpinnings of the marine market and boaters’ unflagging desire to be on the water. He challenged his company and the industry to offer new models with more innovation and appeal at the same or lower price points. He stressed expanding and embracing international markets. As testament to McCoy’s emphasis on innovation, Brunswick has been granted a total of 1,139 patents since 2000.

During the recession, Brunswick also introduced the Brunswick Dealer Advantage, offering dealer support services and tools to help build long-term profitability.