The National Marine Distributors Association announced in a statement its Supplier of the Year winners. The awards were presented last week at NMDA’s Sales, Training Education and Purchasing conference in Rosemont, Ill.
Sea-Dog, Uflex USA and Gold Eagle were named winners at the STEP conference. The awards included Gold and Platinum categories, with a new Diamond category formed this year.
Sea-Dog, based in Everett, Wash., won the Diamond Category. The company supplies more than 5,500 dock, deck and rigging hardware items, as well as 12‐volt electrical/lighting and ventilation accessories.
Runner‐up in the category was Blue Sea Systems.
Uflex USA won the Platinum category. The company was established in 1935 as a flexible hose manufacturer. It now is a leader in the design, development and manufacturing of marine steering and control systems. It is located in Sarasota, Fla.
Runner-up in the category was Polyform US.
Gold Eagle was named winner of the Supplier of the Year Gold category. The original focus of the company when it was founded in 1932 in Chicago was to prevent and solve engine problems. The company has evolved beyond engines to offer complete protection for boats, cars and recreation equipment.
Gold runner‐up was Meguiar’s.
Focus awards in each category also were presented. Best All Around Packaging went to Sea‐Dog Line (Diamond), Perko & Uflex USA (tie for Platinum) and ASA Electronics (Gold). Marketing Philosophy went to Sea‐Dog Line (Diamond), Uflex USA (Platinum) and Gold Eagle (Gold). Supply Chain Standards Efficiency Award was given to Sea‐Dog Line (Diamond), Polyform US (Platinum) and Caframo (Gold).
Wholesale distributor members of NMDA have voted on the awards since 1972 to recognize their top suppliers.
