Election results were announced during the first official Grow Boating Board of Directors meeting, which took place Thursday, May 11, in Atlanta.

The following Grow Boating Board members will serve as officers during the 2006-2007 term: chairman - Scott Deal, president and CEO, Maverick Boat Co. Inc.; vice chairman - Kevin Grodzki, president of Mercury Marine's MerCruiser Business Unit; treasurer - Rod Malone, president, Ski & Sail Centers; and secretary - Terry Carlson, president, Raymarine Inc. Officers will serve one-year terms but may be reelected after their terms expire.

“The newly-elected officers represent a perfect mix of dealer and manufacturers, all with the same goal-to grow boating,” said Thom Dammrich, NMMA president. “The entire board is dynamic and engaged and had the primary responsibility to lead the Grow Boating Initiative.”

“Our first board meeting was extremely productive,” echoed Chairman Deal. “I am honored to serve with such a remarkable group of board members, and we are looking forward to the important work that lies ahead.”

In addition to the four officers, Bruce Van Wagoner, president of the Marine Unit for GE-Capital Solutions, Commercial Distribution Finance, was also appointed to serve as chairman of the Grow Boating Advisory Council. The Council represents all of the segments of the marine industry, and its input will be delivered to the Grow Boating Board through the chairman.

“The board selected Bruce because of the leadership role that he and GE have played from the start of the Grow Boating Initiative,” said Dammrich.