The National Marine Manufacturers Association Hall of Fame was established in 1988 to recognize and honor individuals who have made or continue to make substantial contributions toward the advancement of the marine industry. It is NMMA’s most prestigious recognition.
HALL OF FAME NOMINATION CRITERIA
To be eligible for the NMMA Hall of Fame Award a candidate must:
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Have made a substantial and lasting impact on the industry or their particular segment
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Are known in the industry and are beyond personal or professional reproach
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A past (deceased/retired) or current member and supporter of NMMA
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Actively involved in the marine industry for a minimum of ten years
NOMINATION PROCESS
Nominations are being accepted for the 2024 program through June 27, 2024. Active members in good standing with the NMMA are eligible to nominate a worthy industry leader. An official nomination form must be submitted, along with; supporting documents (letters of support, articles around the candidate's work in the industry, etc) that will enhance the nomination portfolio by the given deadline.
REVIEW PROCESS
All nomination portfolios will be reveiwed by the NMMA Hall of Fame Committee after the nomination deadline. The NMMA Board of Directors will make a final vote to determine the award recipient(s). Nominators will be notified of award status August 2024.
AWARD PRESENTATION
Award recipients will be presented at IBEX during the Industry Breakfast taking place on Tuesday, October 1 in Tampa, FL.
QUESTIONS
Contact: Rachel Harmon
Email: [email protected]
AWARD RECIPIENTS
2015: Robert Long, JRL Ventures, Inc./Marine Concepts and Dusty McCoy, Brunswick Corporation
Robert "Bob" Long
After earning a BS in engineering and an MBA, Bob Long began his career as a manager of manufacturing engineering at Starcraft Marine, where at the age of 29, he became Vice President. His work history also includes the presidency of Starcraft (Topeka, IN.) and Crestliner (Little Falls, MN.), a 17-year run as president of Wellcraft Marine (Sarasota, FL.), and 23 years as owner/CEO of JRL Ventures, Inc./Marine Concepts.
Bob has made a career-long commitment to provide quality products, research new and innovative technology, and employ a personal approach to marine marketing. He works with local schools and colleges to promote (marine) engineering to students who are the next generation of marine industry employees. He also works with the media to educate the public and the government on the recreation boating industry.
In the 1970s he was instrumental in the fight against a ban on weekend boating as well as a luxury tax on boats.
A long-time NMMA member, Bob assisted in its formation in 1979, and sat on its board for six years. As an active NMMA member, he attends, hosts and currently sponsors NMMA at The American Boating Congress.
Mr. Long dedicates much of his time to civic and industry organizations including the Suncoast Foundation for Handicapped Children, the Mote Marine Laboratory Board of Directors, The American Boat and Yacht Council, Florida Marine Retailers Association, the Cape Coral Council for Progress Board of Directors, St. Martha’s Catholic School Parent Teacher Association.
