MBIA awards Rep. LaFontaine and Sen. Robertson with Mayor’s Cup
Livonia, Mich., — Rep. Andrea LaFontaine and Sen. David Robertson have been awarded with the 2014 Mayor’s Cup Award, given by the Michigan Boating Industries Association (MBIA) annually for outstanding contributions to the recreational boating industry in Michigan. LaFontaine and Robertson have been recognized by the MBIA Board of Directors for their leadership in sponsoring the Sales Tax on the Difference (STOD) for boats which became law in November of 2013.
The presentation of the awards took place today at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the 56th annual Detroit Boat Show at Cobo Center in Detroit, Mich. 2004 Mayor’s Cup Recipient Randy Richardville and Senator Jack Brandenburg were also in attendance and were thanked for their help passing the STOD legislation.
“The passage of Sales Tax on the Difference was vital for our industry to bring Michigan to an even playing field with other Great Lakes states for boat sales,” said MBIA Chairman Jim Coburn, of Coburn & Associates. “We commend Rep. LaFontaine and Sen. Robertson for their leadership; they are very deserving of this honor.”
“Immediate results have already been seen by our dealer members. Many are reporting specific instances where boat sales transactions stayed in our state that would have been taken to other states before STOD,” said MBIA Executive Director Nicki Polan. “Boating is a $7.4 billion industry in Michigan and with STOD we expecting continued growth.”
The Mayor’s Cup Award started in 1984 and 30 individuals have been recognized since its inception. The list includes Michigan municipalities, elected officials, organizations and individuals that have made an outstanding contribution to recreational boating.
Past recipients of the Mayor’s Cup have been:
- 2013 MI Representative Andrea LaFontaine and MI Senator David Robertson
- 2011 Rick Snyder, Governor, State of Michigan
- 2010 Candice Miller, U.S. Representative
- 2009 Captain Luke Clyburn, Captain of the Pride of Michigan
- 2008 Grosse Pointe Yacht Club
- 2007 SOS Terri Lynn Land & Lt. Governor John Cherry
- 2006 WJR Radio, The Voice of the Great Lakes
- 2005 Ray Underwood, Muchmore Harrington Smalley
- 2004 MI Representative Randy Richardville
- 2003 Rodney Stokes, MI DNR
- 2002 MI State Senator Joel Gougeon
- 2001 Dr. Ed Mahoney, MSU
- 2000 Dawn Riley, America True
- 1999 Michigan Representative William J. Callahan
- 1998 Candice S. Miller, Michigan Secretary of State
- 1997 O.J. Scherschligt, MDNR
- 1996 The Nautical Mile Association
- 1994 Michigan Senator Gilbert J. DiNello
- 1992 J.P. McCarthy, WJR Radio
- 1991 St. Aubin Marina, Detroit
- 1990 Dryland Marina in Grandville
- 1989 Rep. Tom Hickner and Sen. Phil Arthurhultz
- 1988 City of Harrison
- 1987 City of East Jordan
- 1986 City of Rogers City
- 1985 City of Grand Haven
- 1984 Mayor Coleman A. Young
