NMMA Presents 2020 Charles Chapman Award

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) honored Carl Blackwell and Joe Lewis, Mount Dora Boating Center & Marina, with the 2020 Charles Chapman Award, most notably for their leadership as Grow Boating president and chairman, respectively, dedicating their careers to getting new boaters on the water and helping guide new boaters into boat ownership. The Chapman Award recognizes individuals or groups within the marine industry who have made outstanding contributions to the sport of boating for the benefit of the recreational boating industry and boating public. The award was presented during the annual Miami Boat Show Innovation Breakfast, presented by the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation.

Carl Blackwell joined NMMA as chief marketing officer in September 2003. In his 16 years with NMMA, Blackwell oversaw 275 boat show marketing plans and helmed the launch of the first Discover Boating national marketing campaign in 2006, as well as each of the subsequent 14 campaigns.

In July 2011, Blackwell was appointed President of Grow Boating, Inc., which manages the industry-funded Discover Boating Campaign in the U.S. and Canada.

Joe Lewis, owner and general manager of Mount Dora Boating Center & Marina, has been active in boating and fishing organizations in and around his community for more than thirty years.

Lewis was chairman of Grow Boating from 2011 to 2019 and is serving as past chair. He served as chair of the Marine Industry Associations of Florida, Marine Industry Association of Central Florida and serves on the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation Board.

For more information about NMMA’s Charles Chapman Award and to nominate a deserving leader for 2021, visit http://www.nmma.org/industry-awards/charles-chapman-award.