Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/570649
LAUNCH www.BoatingIndustry.com October 2015 | Boating Industry | 13 INDUSTRY NEWS TOP 100 DEALER RUSSO MARINE OPENS NEW LOCATION New England boat dealer Russo Marine has opened a new location in Danvers, Mass. Russo Marine is a perennial top-ranked dealer in the Boating Industry Top 100, and one of only 24 companies to have ranked in the Top 100 for the program's entire history. "After a long year of planning, preparation and construction, we are excited to be opening our newest dealership in Danvers," said Larry Russo, Sr., president and CEO of Russo Marine. "We acquired a fully developed, four-acre parcel and have completely renovated an existing 25,000 square-foot building and added another 6,400 square feet for service." INDUSTRY MOURNS INNOVATOR HAM HAMBERGER Sylvan "Ham" Hamberger, a long-time industry innovator and leader, passed away in July. Hamberger, whom various sources peg at either 86 or 89, worked for a number of companies in the industry, including Mer- cury Marine, Yamaha and Boston Whaler during a 40-year career. He was elected to the National Marine Manufacturers Association's Hall of Fame in 1985. Industry leaders cited Hamberger's lasting impact on the industry following the news of his death. "Everyone at Yamaha is saddened to learn of the passing of Ham Hamberger, who led the Yamaha Marine Group in its formative years," Yamaha Marine President Ben Speciale said. "I am proud to have known Ham. A lot of us learned from Ham and continue to apply what he taught us. He wasn't just the leader of our company; he was a visionary whose influence continues in the marine industry to this day." BENETEAU OUSTS CEO BRUNO CATHELINAIS Bruno Cathelinais has been let go as CEO of Bénéteau, effective in July, the company said. The company said the ouster was precipitated by "disagreements" with the board of directors over his role at the company and succession. Financial director Christophe Caudrelier served as interim CEO. Herve Gastinel, head of its boats division, was scheduled to replace Cathelinais effective August 26. MARINE PRODUCTS CORP. SALES UP 24 PERCENT FOR QUARTER Marine Products Corporation, manufacturer of Chaparral and Robalo boats, showed some robust growth for the second quarter of the year. For the quarter ended June 30, 2015, Marine Products gener- ated net sales of $59,498,000, a 24.0 percent increase compared to $47,975,000 in the same period of the prior year. The company cited increased sales of the Chaparral Vortex Jet Boats, as well as higher sales of Robalo's outboard sport fishing boats and Chaparral's SunCoast Sportdeck outboards, as key factors in the growth during the quarter.