MINNEAPOLIS – The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas and the MRAA Educational Foundation announced today that they have engaged James Cunningham as the event emcee for the MRAA’s 2017 Opening Night Awards Celebration.
Cunningham, who has hosted and performed at numerous events for clients including Pepsi, Frito-Lay, McDonald’s, Walmart, and more, has also hosted a series of sold-out events across Canada for “The Power Within,” where he shared the spotlight with such luminaries as former U.S. President Bill Clinton, Sir Richard Branson, Martha Stewart, Barbara Walters, and others.
“James Cunningham has proven that he’s among the most skilled corporate emcees and comedians in the world,” says Liz Walz, Vice President of MRAA and the Executive Director of the MRAA Educational Foundation. “His personalized performances seem to guarantee laughter, and we’re thrilled to be joining forces with him to deliver an entertaining and inspirational event.”
The MRAA Opening Night Awards Celebration will shine a spotlight on outstanding members of the marine retail workforce, as well as initiatives at the MRAA and MRAA Educational Foundation designed to support workforce development and growth. Cunningham will help MRAA and the Educational Foundation bring fun and honor to the night as the recipients of several scholarships and prestigious awards are recognized. In addition, Cunningham will host the Fork It Over Marine Industry Talent Show, a fundraising effort that promises to delight.
For some unique insight into the awards, watch this video.
To learn more about the Opening Night Awards Celebration, click here.
Complementing his work as a corporate emcee and entertainer, James is also the hilarious host and associate producer of the TV series Eat St., which airs on Cooking Channel USA and Food Network Canada, and in more than a dozen other countries around the world. He is the author of the bestselling cookbook of the same name (Eat St.), wherein he shares recipes from the most daring, delicious, and inventive street food that can be found anywhere.
The MRAA Opening Night Awards Celebration is sponsored in part by Priority One Financial Services, SeaDek Marine Products, Protective Asset Protection, Barletta Boat Company, Boating Industry, and Soundings Trade Only.
About the Marine Retailers Association
At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, we believe that for the marine industry to thrive, the retail organizations that interact with the boaters in their community must thrive. With that in mind, MRAA works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting those retailers, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, visit MRAA.com or contact us at 763-315-8043.
About the MRAA Educational Foundation
As part of its mission to create a strong and healthy boating industry, the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas is committed to offering training, education and professional development opportunities to its members and the entire marine dealer community. In 2004, the association launched the MRAA Educational Foundation, a not-for-profit 501(c) 3 corporation, to provide financial support for education, training and professional development in the recreational marine trades. For more information, visit MRAA.com/foundation or contact us at 315-692-4533.
