• Two Dealers Honored for Outstanding Commitment to Protecting Boating Access and Advancing Advocacy
TAMPA, FLORIDA – Dec. 18, 2025 – The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas recognized two outstanding dealer advocates during its annual awards luncheon at the 2025 Dealer Week Conference and Expo, presenting the MRAA Dealer Ambassador Award to Tom Whowell of Gordy’s Marine and Bob Bense of Superior Boat Repair and Sales.
Presented by MRAA’s Government Relations team, the Dealer Ambassador Award recognizes MRAA members who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to advocacy, government relations and protecting the long-term health of the recreational boating industry. This year showcases the growth of MRAA’s advocacy engagements. Multiple Dealer Ambassador Award recipients earned the honor, reflecting the continued growth of advocacy engagement among marine retailers nationwide.
“Dealer advocacy and engagement is the backbone of our government relations efforts and is one of the strongest assets of the recreational boating industry at large,” said Mike Sayre, MRAA Director of Government Relations. “When policymakers hear directly from the businesses and individuals who serve boaters every day, it makes our message even stronger and more effective. Tom and Bob exemplify what it means to step up, engage and lead when it comes to dealer advocacy.”
Tom Whowell – Gordy’s Marine
Whowell protected recreational boating access in Wisconsin by hosting several Wake Responsibly events and educating lawmakers about wake sports. Representing three generations of family ownership at Gordy’s Marine, Whowell has been a leading voice in opposing unreasonable access restrictions, proactively sharing best practices related to wakesurfing with customers and engaging local officials to ensure boating access remains viable for future generations.
“For more than 70 years, Gordy’s has been built on the idea that fair and equitable access to the water matters,” said Chad Tokowicz, MRAA Government Relations Manager. “Tom’s willingness to engage with policymakers and lead conversations around responsible boating sets an example not only for his region, but for how dealers across the country can step up and battle restrictions on access.”
Bob Bense — Superior Boat Repair
The second Dealer Ambassador Award went to Bob Bense of Superior Boat Repair and Sales for leading efforts on the West Coast to address access restrictions related to the invasive Golden Mussel. As an MRAA Board Member and longtime industry advocate, Bense helped lead coordinated efforts with the Sacramento Marine Trades Association, became certified as a decontamination station and played a critical role in working with state officials to restore access to Folsom Lake for recreational boaters.
“Bob’s leadership during an incredibly challenging situation demonstrated how impactful dealer engagement can be,” Sayre added. “By bringing the recreational boating community’s perspective directly to state decision makers, Bob helped shape how California moves forward in addressing this invasive species while keeping boating access and the impact to local businesses top of mind.”
Together, Whowell and Bense exemplify the purpose of the MRAA Dealer Ambassador Award, highlighting dealers who go above and beyond in their advocacy efforts and inspiring other marine retailers to engage with elected officials at the local, state and federal levels. The MRAA Government Relations team takes pride in working with our members on any and all Government Relations and Advocacy issues, so if you have any issues in your region please do not hesitate to reach out.
Diamond Ambassador Program
Before presenting the awards, MRAA recognized MarineMax for its support as a Diamond Ambassador member. The Diamond Ambassador program directly supports MRAA’s advocacy efforts. It helps ensure marine retailers have a strong and effective voice at all levels of government. To learn more and step up as a Diamond Ambassador, click here.
Marine Industry Advocacy
As MRAA looks ahead to 2026 and beyond, dealer engagement will be more important than ever. Marine retailers who want to get more involved in advocacy can connect with MRAA’s Government Relations team to learn about opportunities to engage, including the Dealer Ambassador program. With new members in Congress and state legislatures, now is a great time to build relationships and dive into advocacy.
Email Chad Tokowicz or Mike Sayre to get involved in advocacy in your local community or at a national level. There are numerous opportunities to engage, so please consider signing up to be an MRAA Dealer Ambassador and filling out a prior approval form for the BoatPAC.
About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA)
The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas is the trusted catalyst for success in the marine retail industry. Dedicated to fueling dealer growth and strengthening the boating experience, MRAA delivers industry-leading insights, expert guidance and proven solutions that assist marine retailers in navigating challenges and seizing opportunities. Through education, advocacy and innovative resources, MRAA empowers dealers to thrive, and help drive a stronger more sustainable marine industry. Learn more at MRAA.com.
