NMDA Announces Supplier of the Year Awards

Sea-Dog Line, Star brite, and Gold Eagle are the winners of the 2023 National Marine Distributors Association (NMDA) Supplier of the Year awards. The awards were announced during the NMDA Awards Luncheon, July 19, held during S.T.E.P. in Rosemont, Illinois. 

The Diamond category was won by Sea-Dog Line. The Everett, Washington-based company, is a leading supplier of over 5,500 marine dock, deck and rigging hardware items, 12-volt electrical/lighting, and ventilation accessories. The runner-up in this category was Xlyem. 

Star brite is the winner in the Platinum category. Star brite is a leading manufacturer of waxes, polishes, cleaners, teak finishes, motor oils, fuel additives, and more. Because Star brite is run by avid boaters who test every item on their own boats, only the latest technology and highest-quality ingredients are used. Runner-up in this category is ARCO Marine. 

In the Gold category, Gold Eagle was announced as the winner. Gold Eagle was started in 1932 in a small Chicago storefront. The original focus of Gold Eagle was on preventing and curing the toughest engine problems. The company has evolved beyond the engine to offer complete protection for all things from cars to boats to recreation equipment. Gold category runner-up is Presta Marine Products. 

Special Focus awards were also given for Best All Around Packaging, Marketing Philosophy, and Supply Chain Standards Efficiency. Sea Dog Line won the diamond award across all three, while ARCO, Presta Marine Products, Star brite and Shurtape picked up wins in the platinum and gold levels.  

The wholesale distributor members of NMDA have voted annually since 1972 to recognize their top suppliers for overall excellence in supply chain management, marketing, packaging & shipping and customer service. NMDA is the leading trade association for US and Canadian marine products distributors. Members include major distributors, many leading product manufacturers and manufacturers’ representatives.