During its meeting at the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show , the NMMA board of directors unanimously voted to elect Bill Yeargin , president

Bill Yeargin and CEO of Correct Craft , as NMMA ’ s new chair . Prior to his appointment to chair , Yeargin was NMMA vice chair . He has served on the NMMA board of directors for more than a decade . In addition to NMMA , Yeargin serves on the boards for Florida Council of 100 , and the Florida Chamber of Commerce .

NMMA president and CEO , Frank Hugelmeyer notes , “ Bill is one of our industry ’ s greatest champions , contributing much of his time and energy to unite the recreational boating industry as we work together to continue positioning our industry as the leader in outdoor recreation . We are fortunate to have Bill ’ s expertise , passion and commitment to boating as our board chair as his leadership will be a guiding light as we deliver NMMA ’ s strategic plan .”

ORR calls for swift passage of Outdoors for All Act

Earlier this year , ORR praised the introduction of the Outdoors for All Act in both the U . S . Senate and House of Representatives and called for swift passage through committee . Introduced by Senators Alex Padilla ( D-CA ) and Susan Collins ( R-ME ), and Representatives Nanette Diaz

Barragán ( D-CA ) and Mike Turner ( R-OH ), the bill would expand outdoor recreation opportunities in urban and low-income communities and codify the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership into law .

“ More Americans than ever are getting outside to reap the benefits that come from spending time on our nation ’ s public lands and waters ,” said ORR senior director Chris Perkins . “ The Outdoors for All Act will help to ensure that all Americans have equitable access to the outdoors - especially in disadvantaged communities that have traditionally lacked access to green and blue spaces - and ensure the $ 862 billion outdoor recreation industry can continue its important role in getting more people outside .”

Aine Denari recognized as a MAKE award honoree

The Manufacturing Institute ( MI ) has announced that Brunswick Boat Group President Aine Denari has been recognized as a 2023 Women

Aine Denari

MAKE America Awards Honoree . This annual national awards program honors women who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their careers and represent all levels of the manufacturing industry , from the factory floor to the C-suite .

“ It is an honor to be recognized by the National Association of Manufacturers and remain committed to inspiring the next generation of women in manufacturing ,” said Denari . “ Brunswick has done an outstanding job of promoting women in the workforce and specifically in manufacturing and it is our job as leaders of the Company to empower and develop women to have a successful career in the marine industry .”

“ I am proud of Aine and all of the outstanding women at Brunswick who are demonstrating leadership in manufacturing ,” said Dave

Foulkes , Brunswick Corporation CEO . “ We continue to support opportunities to promote women and diversity within our global workforce and in the broader marine industry , and I look forward to continued celebration of these wonderful accomplishments .”

Mercury Marine names new president

Brunswick Corporation today named John Buelow executive vice president and president , Mercury Marine . John was previously Vice President , Global Operations , Mercury Marine and succeeds Chris Drees , who has decided to leave Brunswick to pursue opportunities outside the company and the marine industry . Buelow will report to Brunswick Chief Executive Officer David M . Foulkes , effective immediately .

“ John is an established leader with close to 20 years of experience at Brunswick in a number of global leadership roles and I am confident that he will continue Mercury ’ s momentum and sustained growth ,” said Foulkes . “ John ’ s promotion is indicative of the talent and experience we have in our management ranks across the entire company and our continued focus on succession planning .”

Buelow joined Mercury Marine in 2004 and during the first six years of his Brunswick career held a variety of positions in Finance , including Vice President and CFO of Brunswick Marine in EMEA and Asia-Pacific . From 2010 until 2023 , John held several leadership roles at Mercury ’ s global headquarters in Fond du Lac including : Vice President , Business Development ; Vice President and General Manager , Mercury Castings ; Vice President , Category Management & Strategic Planning ; and for close to five years , Vice President , Global Operations .

During his tenure as head of Global Operations , John was integral to planning and executing many significant enhancements and expansions of Mercury ’ s manufacturing facilities , and to the launch of Mercury ’ s recent award-winning products including the 600hp V12 Verado outboard , the new V10 Verado outboards , and the Avator electric outboard family . He also drove innovative manufacturing im-

www . boatingindustry . com march 2023

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