Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/231507
LAUNCH Analysis, data, solutions, news and perspectives to move your business forward. BY TOM KAISER Rallee Chupich, director of service and restaurant operations at Gordy's Lakefront Marine in Wisconsin, was named the 28th recipient of the Darlene Briggs Woman of the Year award at the 2013 Marine Dealer Conference & Expo, held November 17-20 in Orlando, Fla. The award is presented annually to an outstanding woman who is actively involved in the marine industry at any level and recognizes long and devoted service, untiring commitment and the advancement of women in the marine business. As part of the second generation of a family business operating since 1955, Chupich and her three siblings grew up on the water, helping their parents and working on the piers. She officially joined the business as a teenager 30 years ago, and the family is now grooming its third generation to take over the business some day in the future. Chupich is the smiling face of one of the country's most successful marine operations that has evolved significantly since adding boat sales to the roster more than 15 years ago. With an insatiable drive, neverending sense of urgency and background as an educator, she has become one of the industry's most powerful women and a role model for anybody looking to get ahead by hard work and force of character. Rallee Chupich, director of service and restaurant operations at Gordy's Lakefront Marine, accepts the Darlene Briggs Woman of the Year award. Photos by Universalimage.net Gordy's Rallee Chupich is named 2013 Darlene Briggs honoree Continued on page 8 HOT SPOTS Personal watercraft sales rise Though often overlooked, personal watercraft is the third bestselling marine product, and the segment is up 3.2 percent. New York City, Florida and Texas have seen the largest increases as of late, according to October early release data, which represents about 60 percent of the nation's retail sales. New York City tops the list of regions with the largest increases, up 6.7 percent. Three Florida regions are in the Top 10, with Miami-Fort Lauderdale up 5.1 percent, Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater up 2.6 percent and Orlando up 1.4 percent. Two Texas locations on the list are Houston, with a 4.5 percent increase, and Dallas-Fort Worth, with a 4.0 percent jump in PWC sales. 6 | Boating Industry | January 2014 P06x11-BI14JAN-Launch.indd 6 6.7% Detroit, MI 3.7% New York, NY 3.8% Los Angeles, CA 1.6% Atlanta, GA Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX Charlotte-Gastonia, NC 2.3% 4.0% Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL Houston, TX 4.5% Miami-Fort Lauderdale, FL Personal watercraft sales are up 3.2 percent nationwide. New York City has reported the largest hike, up 6.7 percent. 2.6% 1.4% Orlando, FL 5.1% Source: Statistical Surveys www.BoatingIndustry.com 12/18/13 9:56 AM