The Michigan Boating Industries Association honored Ward Walstrom Jr. of Walstrom Marine with the Ray L. Underwood Lifetime Achievement Award.
“Because of his longevity, dedication and personal integrity, Walstrom has earned wide recognition within our industry and the respect of his professional peers,” MBIA chairman Tom DenHerder said in a statement. “The MBIA board voted unanimously to honor Ward Walstrom, Jr. with this, one of our most prestigious awards.”
Walstrom has served for six years as a Michigan State Waterways Commissioner and led the state in the development and maintenance of its 1,200 boating access sites and 80-plus state marinas. He also is a member of the Michigan Clean Marina Program board.
“Ward’s big-picture view of the marine industry and sustainability in Michigan has made a big impact on our industry, as well as Michigan’s precious freshwater resources,” said MBIA executive director Nicki Polan.
In other news, Jim Adams of Freeway Sports Center in Fenton, Mich., and Tim Tadsen of Toledo Beach Marina in LaSalle, Mich., will be inducted into the Michigan Boating Industries Association Hall of Fame.
Walstrom, Adams and Tadsen will be recognized Dec. 1 during the Recreational Boating Educational Conference in Grand Rapids, Mich.
