Boats.com and NMMA Announce Second Annual North American Marine Industry Web Awards

Boats.com (www.boats.com) and the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA, www.nmma.org) Marine Industry Web Awards submission deadline is quickly approaching. In order to submit a site please go to www.boats.com/nawebawards.

(PRWEB) October 6, 2005 -- Today, boats.com (www.boats.com) and the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA www.nmma.org) announced they are accepting nominations for the upcoming 2006 North American Marine Industry Web Awards until November 30, 2005. The Awards recognize companies that lead the North American marine industry’s drive toward higher standards of excellence in Web site design and content.

In 2005, Walker Bay Boats, Honda Marine Division, Marine Max and The Moorings were honored as the industry web leaders. The organizations proved they understood their market and consumers need to research and shop for marine products on a well-designed and easy to use Web site.

Again this year, five award categories honor different segments of the North American marine industry and the companies in those segments whose Web sites demonstrate creativity in design, ease of navigation and up-to-date, relevant content.

The Awards recognize the following categories:

Best OEM/Manufacturer Site
For boat manufacturers

Best Marine Equipment Site
For equipment manufacturers

Best Dealer/Broker Site
For power or sailboat dealers and brokers

Best Marine Site – Overall
For all marine websites

Outstanding Contribution to the Online Marine Industry
This category is open to any individual who has made a significant contribution to the development of the Internet within the industry.

The judging panel, which is in the process of being assembled, will again include a person nominated by boats.com and the NMMA plus three Internet professionals with appropriate credentials and experience from outside of the industry.

“The success and response of last year’s event was overwhelming and as the marine industry’s acceptance of the Internet as an integral part of the business model expands, Web content and design are playing a large part in the success of an organization,” said James Nolan, group general manager of boats.com & YachtWorld.com. “By distinguishing those in the marine industry who are placing a priority on their Web sites we can help other organizations see how site design can increase sales and consumer interest in the recreational boating industry.”

To nominate a company or an individual, please complete the online application on the new dedicated web awards web site: www.boats.com/nawebawards/index.html. The application includes all relevant award information.

Winners will hold one of the prestigious titles for a year and will also receive a trophy created by world renowned yacht designer, Tony Castro. The awards will be presented at a special ceremony during the 2006 Miami International Boat Show, February 16-20, at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

About NMMA
National Marine Manufacturers Association 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.

About boats.com
Through boats.com and its affiliated Web site www.yachtworld.com, marine dealers, brokers and manufacturers are utilizing a new, international channel of operation and consumer interaction.

Boats.com enhances the capabilities of the boating industry by offering dealers and OEMs a range of unique products, online and offline, which help sell, finance, insure and market all marine product lines. With an established network of industry alliances - including the exclusive endorsements from the industry's two leading associations, the NMMA and the Marine Retailers Association of America (MRAA), boats.com provides an unmatched level of consumer access to information, boat listings, accessories, and financial and insurance products for the marine industry. Boats.com is owned and operated by Trader Publishing Company, Norfolk, VA. Visit: www.boats.com.

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