Boston Whaler named VMA 2015 Lou Fifer Manufacturer of the Year
EDGEWATER, Fla. – Boston Whaler was recently awarded the VMA 2015 Lou Fifer Manufacturer of the Year Award, an honor given annually to the area’s top manufacturing company.
The Lou Fifer award, named after VMA’s founding executive director in 2009, recognizes the region’s best in manufacturing, honoring those who have “made a tremendous contribution to our manufacturing community and the community at large.”
VMA cited Boston Whaler’s clear strategic direction based on its three-prong focus: brand and product leadership, being the best partner to its suppliers and its community, and nurturing a winning culture. Whaler was lauded for its impressive marketing and growth strategy, and for its outstanding customer satisfaction, brand development, and ongoing relationship with its dealer network.
VMA also called Boston Whaler’s core strategy for employer branding “impressive,” noting the addition of more than 180 new jobs in the last 18 months, an achievement that earned Whaler the State of Florida Governor’s Award for job creation.
In addition, Boston Whaler was recognized for its community outreach efforts, which include the annual Boatload of Backpacks campaign, the Indian River Clean-Up, and contributions to Cudas Unhooked, an organization that helps financially challenged or at-risk students to become educated, contributing members of society.
“We are honored to be named VMA’s Manufacturer of the Year,” said Huw Bower, president of Boston Whaler. “It is truly rewarding to be acknowledged for what are essentially our passions and our values, which fuel every effort made here at
Boston Whaler. We have an incredible, highly devoted team; this award is meaningful because it speaks to their hard work and dedication.”
This year, VMA celebrates its 35th anniversary of serving and connecting manufacturers to each other and the community. The 35th Anniversary Awards Banquet honoring Boston Whaler and other award recipients will be held at The Plaza Resort and Spa on Dec. 3.
