Boating Industry Intelligence You Can Profit From
ORLANDO, Fla. – Nancy Smith, vice president and co-owner of boat dealership Colorado Boat Center, was named the 2009 Darlene Briggs Award Winner during a luncheon held last Wednesday at the Marine Dealer Conference & Expo. The honor is given annually to an outstanding woman in the marine industry.
Those who nominated her pointed out her involvement in the Colorado Marine Dealers Association and Marine Retailers Association of America, described her as a “a steward for boating within her own community” and cited her “true and genuine desire to promote our industry.”
“At a time when many dealers are focused on doing what is just best for themselves, Nancy has shown that she is a champion for the industry by making herself available to so many others for their benefit as well,” one person stated.
At the event, Boating Industry magazine’s national sales manager, Kathy Johnson, introduced the 2008 Darlene Briggs Award Winner, Ann Baldree of Chaparral Boats and Robalo Boats, who presented the award.
The Darlene Briggs Woman of the Year Award is presented annually to an outstanding woman in the boating business who demonstrates leadership and commitment to the industry. The recipients also must show a willingness to volunteer their time and effort in their communities and social organizations.
This award was established in 1987 in honor of Darlene Briggs of Wayzata Marine, who exemplified these qualities, serving as the first retail marine saleswoman in Minnesota and the first female member of her state marine trades association. It is sponsored by Boating Industry magazine, MRAA Spader 20 Group 103 and MRAA.
The 2008 recipient was Ann Baldree, national and international sales manager for Chaparral Boats and Robalo Boats. Other past recipients include: Marcia Kull, vice president and general counsel of Volvo Penta; Joan Maxwell, president of Regulator Marine Inc.; Kris Carroll, president of Grady-White Boats, Inc.; Lynn Fiorenzano of Silver Spring Marine; and Maureen Dickson of Cap Sante Marine.
The Marine Dealer Conference & Expo was held Nov. 16-18 at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, Fla.
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