(Sep. 28, 2005 - CHICAGO, IL) The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and Boating Writers International (BWI) will recognize marine companies that have developed new environmentally-friendly products as part of NMMA's Innovation Awards program at IBEX, October 19-21, 2005. Companies should submit new product entries before the Friday, October 7 deadline.

The Environmental Innovation Award recognizes the most innovative environmentally-friendly new products in the marine industry. The Innovation Awards program, organized by NMMA and judged by members of BWI, recognizes products that are innovative, benefit the marine industry and/or consumer, are practical and cost-effective.

 "The introduction of environmentally-friendly products benefits the entire boating industry and our customers," said Monita Fontaine, NMMA vice president of government relations. "We hope recognizing outstanding new products that enhance the boating experience will continue to further environmental innovation in the boating industry."

To be considered for the Environmental Innovation Award, exhibitors must submit their new product for consideration in the Innovation Award program.  Winning products will receive a separate award to honor their achievement, and do not necessarily have to come from the pool of those products that are honored with an Innovation Award.

Other Innovation Award categories include:

• Boatbuilding Methods and Materials
• Hardware Fittings (anchors, deck equipment and machinery, passerelle/crane, steering wheel, etc.)
• Furnishings and Finishes (appliances, furniture, lighting, textiles, interior paints and finishes)
• Mechanical Systems (air conditioning, heating, plumbing, pumps)
• Electrical Systems (AC/DC onboard and shore power systems, batteries, control apparatus)
• OEM Electronics and Electronic Systems (entertainment, navigational, onboard systems)
• Inboard Engines (including sterndrives, jet drives and propulsion systems)
• Outboard Engines (including outboard systems)
• Yard and Boat construction hardware and software (management programs, inventory and job flow software, etc.)

  Award recipients will be announced at the IBEX Industry Breakfast, being held October 21 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. For information on the Innovation Awards program and submitting a product for consideration, contact Melissa Skomedal at (312) 946-6281 or mskomedal@nmma.org.

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is the leading association representing the recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters and anglers in the United States. The association is dedicated to industry growth through programs in public policy, market research and data, product quality assurance and marketing communications.

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