Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/467551
LAUNCH www.BoatingIndustry.com March 2015 | Boating Industry | 11 FORMER BRUNSWICK BOAT GROUP PRESIDENT GRAVES LANDS POWERSPORTS GIG Motorsport Aftermarket Group has hired former Brunswick Boat Group president Andy Graves as its new CEO. Graves left Brunswick last May when Mark Schwabero was pro- moted to the position of president and COO of Brunswick Corp. "We conducted an extensive national search to find the right CEO for MAG," says J.A. Lacy, MAG's Chairman. "Andy understands building enthusiast-oriented brands and supporting a strong indepen- dent dealer network, proven by his success in the boating industry." "I am sincerely looking forward to the opportunity to work with industry leaders and believe we all benefit from remembering consumers and dealers are ultimately responsible for our success," Graves said. MERRITT ISLAND BOAT WORKS PLANS TO OPEN IN FORMER SEA RAY PLANT The former Sea Ray and Bertram facility on Florida's Merritt Island is getting a new occupant. Merritt Island Boat Works is coming to the Florida commu- nity with plans to create 380 jobs by 2018, with an average salary of $45,000. The company had considered locations in both North Carolina and South Carolina as well, but chose Brevard "for its available work- force and access to U.S. and international markets," Florida Gov. Rick Scott said in a statement. Last fall, Brevard County officials agreed to a variety of tax incen- tives to bring the company — known only as "Project Transom at the time — to the community. Merritt Island Boat Works plans to invest at least $16 million in capital improvements to the site. BOATING INDUSTRY A FINALIST FOR NATIONAL EDITORIAL AWARD Boating Industry has been named a finalist for the Jesse H. Neal Awards, the most prestigious award in B2B media. "We are thrilled to be recognized as a finalist in this year's Neal Awards," said Boating Industry editor-in-chief Jonathan Sweet. "This award is a goal for any journalist working in trade media. We are especially happy that the recognition is for the Top 100 program and its sharing of best practices, which goes to the core of what we do every day at Boating Industry." Boating Industry was honored for Best Cross-Platform Package for its Top 100 program. The category recognizes editorial projects and programs that reach across multiple platforms including print, digital and in-person events. Mike Marchesano, managing director of American Business Media, which presents the award, said of this year's entries, "The high quality of journalism reflected in this year's finalists illustrates the power of insightful reporting and thoughtful analysis. This caliber of journalistic excellence makes sense of many pressing business challenges and guides industry leaders to higher levels of effectiveness." Winners will be announced March 27 in New York City. VOLVO PENTA UNVEILS NEW FORWARD DRIVE ENGINE Looking to take advantage of the growing water sports market, Volvo Penta introduced its new Forward Drive technology at the Miami International Boat Show. "This is a transformative technology that will be as innovative as IPS was 10 years ago," said Ron Huibers, president of Volvo Penta of the Americas, referring to Volvo Penta's Inboard Performance Sys- tem, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. The engine will begin shipping in March. Huibers said that four boat builders are already incorporating the technology into some of their boats — Bryant Boats, Cobalt, Four Winns and Regal — and others are considering it. Chaparral President Jim Lane confirmed to Boating Industry that the company will also be releasing a For- ward Drive model. The Volvo Penta FWD begins with forward-facing dual counter- rotating props with an adjustable-trim drive. This patented and in- novative design pulls the boat through the water rather than pushing, with an undisturbed water flow to the propellers. Drivers will also be able to customize the wake for different ability levels and feel the difference in tighter high-speed turns, as well as more responsive slow-speed maneuvering and docking. HOUSE BILL AIMS AT REFORMING RENEWABLE FUEL STANDARD, ETHANOL RULES A bipartisan group of lawmakers are making another attempt to re- form the Renewable Fuel Standard. Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., introduced the RFS Reform Act of 2015 in February. The bill would eliminate requirements for corn-based ethanol blending and cap blending levels for other bio- fuels. It is a modified version of a bill Goodlatte introduced in the previous Congress. Several industry associations are urging their members to support the bill due to concerns about the damage 15-percent ethanol blends (commonly known as E15) can cause to marine engines. While it is illegal to use E15 in a marine engine, there are signifi- cant concerns about misfueling at roadside gas stations where E15 (which is legal for automobiles built after 1999) can be sold alongside lower ethanol blends. The ethanol issue is one of the key ones the industry hopes to see progress on this year, Nicole Vasilaros, director of regulatory and legal affairs at the National Marine Manufacturers Association, said in an interview for this month's issue (see p. 26).