The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas has opened the nomination period for the 2nd Annual Lifetime Achievement Award. The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes marine retail professionals who have made fundamental, significant and sustained contributions to the marine industry.
Last year, Don Galey, Galey’s Marine, Bakersfield, Calif., was named the first recipient of the award. Galey contributed to several major milestones within the industry, including the creation of the MRAA, the launch of Spader Business Management / MRAA 20 Groups, and the introduction of floorplan financing for marine dealers.
The selection of the Lifetime Achievement Award recipient will be made on the basis of the nominee’s contributions to the industry; the lasting impact of those contributions; and the demonstration of a lifetime commitment to the business of selling and/or servicing boats, and the delivery of an outstanding boating lifestyle to consumers.
“It was an honor to present Don Galey with the first-ever MRAA Lifetime Achievement award in a room full of industry professionals who have been impacted by his life’s work,” says Matt Gruhn, President of MRAA. “As a result of individual leaders like Don, our industry continues to evolve and strengthen for future generations. We look forward to recognizing another individual this year for their lasting impact on marine retailing.”
The award will be presented on December 9, 2018, on the opening night of the Marine Dealer Conference & Expo, at the MRAA Opening Night Awards Celebration. For more information or to submit a nomination, visit here.
Nominations for the MRAA Lifetime Achievement Award may be submitted by anyone, including self-nominations. Nominations may not be made anonymously, as the burden of offering evidence of merit falls on the nominator. Those nominations should include the nominee’s resume and/or career summary; a comprehensive description of the nominee’s major contributions to marine retailing, with supporting documentation; and at least three letters of endorsement, providing further evidence of the significance and magnitude of the nominee’s professional achievements.
Anyone who lives up to these criteria is eligible for consideration, although individuals selected for this award should normally be in or near their retirement. The award may be received posthumously.
