Photo: Liz Walz, Ann Baldree and Marcia Kull (left to right). Click on image to enlarge.

Annually an award is presented to an outstanding woman in the marine industry. It recognizes long and devoted service, untiring commitment, and the advancement of women in the marine business. The award, named in memory of Darlene Briggs of Wazata Marine, a woman admired for her efforts and tireless dedication to the marine industry. This award is presented annually to an outstanding woman who is actively involved in the marine industry at any level. It recognizes long and devoted service, untiring commitment, and the advancement of women in the marine business.

This Award, sponsored by Boating Industry magazine and MRAA, was presented at the Marine Dealer Conference & Expo in Las Vegas on November 19th. Liz Walz, Senior Editor of Boating Industry introduced Marcia Kull from Volvo Penta who was the 2007 recipient of the Darlene Briggs Award. Marcia presented the 2008 Marine Woman of the Year Award to Ann Baldree, National and International Sales Manager of Chaparral Boats and Robalo Boats, LLC, Nashville, TN.

During the three decades that Baldree has been involved in the marine industry, she has traveled around the globe representing Chaparral and Robalo. She manages the internal sales department staff as well as nine regional sales managers.

Baldree credits her strong work ethic to her family upbringing and to those on her management team. She noted that Chaparral President, Jim Lane and founder Buck Pegg have been a true inspiration to her growth and success.

Click image to enlarge.

The Marine Dealer Conference & Expo presented two engaging sessions with leaders in the industry. The Industry Giants Forum was moderated by Liz Walz, Boating Industry magazine. The panelists included Clint Moore with Volvo Penta, John Dorton with MasterCraft Boat Company, Phil Dyskow with Yamaha Motor Corp, Irwin Jacobs with Genmar Holdings, Paxson St. Clair with Cobalt Boats and Dusty McCoy with Brunswick Corp. The first question posed to the panel related to inventory management. It was generally felt that manufacturers and dealers need to keep their communication open and active. Manufacturers need to protect their dealers. They need to work together to prevent unused boats from going to liquidators.