ORLANDO, Fla. – John Sima, former chairman of the Marine Retailers Association of America, received the Irv Rosenthal Award Tuesday during a luncheon at the Marine Dealer Conference & Expo.
Sima is owner and president of Sima Marine, a family-owned dealership and marina in Ohio.
“I’ve learned more than I’ve given,” Sima said of the industry he has been involved with since he was 12, helping out at the business he now owns. His parents started Sima Marine in 1952, and his father, Jim, also once served as chairman of the MRAA.
Sima said he was shocked to receive the honor, adding, “This business is our life.”
The award is given annually to an industry participant who has contributed to the goals of the MRAA. It was created in honor of Rosenthal, an early MRAA supporter who was the president of Transfer Monogram, a supplier of boat decals and emblems.
The 2009 award recipient was Pack St. Clair of Cobalt Boats.
Several awards will be given out today during a luncheon at the MDCE: the Darlene Briggs Marine Woman of the Year Award; the Manufacturer/Supplier of the Year Award; the Legislative Award; and the Jerry Martin Journalism Award.
