Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/459238
LAUNCH 12 | Boating Industry | January 2015 www.BoatingIndustry.com INDUSTRY UNHAPPY WITH EPA'S ETHANOL REVERSAL In 2013, the marine industry won an apparent victory when the En- vironmental Protection Agency announced plans to lower etha- nol levels in the nation's fuel supply. That apparent victory ended up being a false one, though, as the EPA announced in November that it would not propose those lower levels for 2014 and instead pushed any decision into 2015. The decision, which is being applauded by ethanol proponents, has been roundly criticized by the marine industry, which has long lobbied for the elimination of 15-percent ethanol blends because they can cause damage to marine engines. "By punting its decision, the EPA has done nothing to alleviate concerns regarding the continued availability of low-ethanol fuel blends relied upon by the boating industry. Consumers remain at high risk," said Nicole Vasilaros, the National Marine Manufac- turers Association's director of federal and legal affairs. "We have serious, well-documented and data-driven concerns with the safety of high ethanol fuel blends which have been proven to cause damage to marine engines. This damage hurts manufacturers during a time of important economic recovery. The RFS is a broken law which sets unrealistic fuel mandates and requires a long term fix from Congress." SUNSEEKER APPOINTS NEW CEO Sunseeker International announced the appointment of Phil Po- pham as chief executive officer, effective January 1. He has worked most of his career at Jaguar Land Rover, most re- cently as group marketing director but he has also held the positions of group sales director, managing director of Land Rover, as well as working in North America and South Africa for the company. "Phil's expertise and wide-ranging experience in iconic brands, manufacturing and international markets made him the perfect choice to continue developing world-class, innovative and dynamic yachts," Robert Braithwaite CBE, founder and acting president of Sunseeker International, said. CHAPARRAL/ROBALO AND WET SOUNDS WIN 'BEST OF SHOW' AT MDCE Chaparral/Robalo and Wet Sounds were each named "Best in Show" at the 2014 Marine Dealer Conference & Expo. The MDCE "Best in Show" awards recognize the hard work that MDCE exhibitors put into creating engaging, attractive and informa- tive displays for conference attendees. Wet Sounds won "Best in Show" in the Small Display category (a 10- foot by 10-foot space), while Chaparral/Robalo took home the award for the Large Display category (a 10-foot by 30-foot space or greater). MDCE "Best in Show" winners are selected based on the fol- lowing criteria: Originality, creativity, design and best use of space. A panel of judges selected by MDCE organizers walked the Expo Hall floor, evaluated each of the MDCE exhibitors' displays based on booth size (small or large display), and determined their favorites based on the awards criteria. MIAMI INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW MOVING FOR 2016, 2017 The Miami International Boat Show will have a new home for at least two years as the Miami Beach Convention Center is renovated. The show will be hosted outside the Miami Marine stadium for 2016 and 2017, organizers announced in November. During the convention center's renovation, scheduled to start after the 2015 show, only half of the center will be open at a time. The park- ing lot, where many companies display as well, will also not be available. "The rebirth of Miami Marine Stadium, one of Miami's most iconic and beloved marine venues, is a nod to the significance and rich history of Miami's boating lifestyle and to the immense possibili- ties for Miami's vibrant boating community," said NMMA President Thom Dammrich. "The Miami International Boat Show has been the premier gathering place for more than 100,000 boaters who travel from around the globe each year to create life-long memories while taking in the largest boat show in the world. Calling Miami Marine Stadium a home in 2016 and 2017 unites two of the city's most celebrated boating institutions and solidifies Miami's place on the map as an international boating destination." NMRA ANNOUNCES NEW OFFICERS AND BOARD MEMBERS The National Marine Representatives Association has elected its 2014-2015 officers and board members. Two new officers and three new board members joined the association's leadership group. Brandon Flack of Atlantic Marketing Co., Stonington, Conn., has been elected to president, while Rob Gueterman of GSW & As- sociates, Tampa, is now vice president. Keith LaMarr of Macaroni Marketing, Watsonville, Calif., now serves as NMRA's new treasurer. Neil Trombley of Gulf Atlantic Marketing, N. Ft. Myers, Fla., joins NMRA's board as secretary. Ken Smaga of ComMar Sales LLC, Land O' Lakes, Fla., is now past president. Three new board members, John Miklovis of North Star Sales, Northbrook, Ill.; Jim Cressy of Cressy Marketing, Mishawaka, Ind.; and Dave Burgess of Canadian Rep Service, Coldwater, Ontario; will serve three-year terms. INDUSTRY NEWS