NMMA selects IMCI chairman as winner of Chapman Award
CHICAGO, Ill. – The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) has recognized Lars Granholm’s lifetime contributions to the marine and recreational boating industry by honoring him with the Charles F. Chapman Award, according to a press release.
Granholm, who joined the Outboard Marine Corporation in 1961, has been involved with the recreational boating industry for more than 40 years, also serving as the project manager for standards development at the U.S. Coast Guard (1974-1981), where he authored small boat regulations.
Granholm joined NMMA’s staff in 1981 and established the NMMA Certification programs. He also founded the Recreational Marine Agreement Group, and later, at his initiative, expanded the organization into the European-mandated Recreational Craft Sectoral Group, which oversees all small boat certification in Europe today.
The International Marine Certification Institute (IMCI), was also established by Granholm, who served as its managing director until 1999 and remains chairman. IMCI is now the largest certifying organization in Europe, having certified products in 33 countries.
“Lars has truly been one of the framers of modern recreational boat industry rules and regulations,” NMMA engineering standards director Tom Marhevko said. “The work he has done with the Coast Guard is still being used today, as is all his work in producing the concept of boat certification in Europe. He is a true industry giant.”
The Chapman Award recognizes individuals or groups that have provided consistent promotion and protection of the sport of boating, resulting in benefits to both the industry and the public. As the Chapman Award winner, Granholm will be honored with an engraved crystal medallion. A $1,000 will also be donated to the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) in his name. The award will be presented Feb. 12 during a special ceremony at the Miami International Boat Show,
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