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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 for the 2024 program will open in Spring 2024. Active members in good standing with the NMMA are eligible to nominate a worthy 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 in Tampa, FL.

QUESTIONS

Contact: Rachel Harmon
Email: [email protected]

AWARD RECIPIENTS

View past recipients of this prestigious award.

2018: Dr. Thomas J. Dammrich, DBA - National Marine Manufacturers Association

Dr. Thomas Dammrich

 

Thomas J. Dammrich’s career in association management spans more than 40 years, with nearly 20 years at the helm of NMMA. With his four decades of association leadership experience and a background in accounting, finance, and economics he is mindful of stability while seeking new areas of growth. His strategic thinking and leadership define what it means to be a successful association president, as evidenced by the NMMA’s results on behalf of its members, as well as the caliber and tenure of NMMA’s staff.


Thom has consistently promoted a strong spirit of collaboration, leading to numerous shared successes for stakeholders in the recreational boating industry. One of the first areas he focused on was developing measurable market expansion efforts. The resulting Discover Boating campaign has helped unify the industry to do just that. During his tenure at NMMA he’s worked to unite the industry on advocacy issues, rallied NMMA members to improve product quality and safety and customer satisfaction. He was one of the first to demonstrate the need for the industry to market to a more diverse audience to capture future buyers.


Recreational boating, thanks to Thom's efforts, is represented at every table where decisions impacting the industry are addressed. He personally serves on the boards of the International Council of Marine Industry Associations, the American Sportfishing Association, the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, the Foundation for Recreational Boating Safety Education and Environmental Awareness, Grow Boating, Inc. and more. He has encouraged and supported NMMA staff leadership on more than 20 boards including the Water Sports Industry Association, Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, National Safe Boating Council, Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council, American Boat and Yacht Council and others.


Thom’s accomplishments have earned him both industry and civic recognition. His honors include Mel Barr Award from the NMDA, Boating Ontario’s President’s Award in 2005, the Skokie Rowing Venue named the Thomas J Dammrich Rowing Center in 2000, and the Associations for A Better Chicagoland 1996 Individual Community Service Award.


Thom conducts himself with an exceptional level of integrity and the greatest humility, and combined with his firm belief in looking forward, and his tireless passionate advocacy and promotion of the NMMA, boating, fishing and the entire marine industry, Thom has provided leadership that’s helped the recreational industry to grow and prosper and positioned it for success well into the future.