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The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) welcomed new board members and honored industry leaders at its annual meeting on Jan. 6 in San Antonio, Texas.\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n The event marked the official start of ABYC Standards Week, where experts across the marine industry gather to review and update safety standards for the design, construction, and repair of recreational boats.<\/p>\n ABYC Board Chair Jeff Wasil and President John Adey shared updates on the organization\u2019s initiatives and recognized the volunteers who contribute to advancing boating safety.<\/p>\n The 2025 board of directors was announced, including new member Paulee Day, chief administrative officer and corporate secretary of West Marine.<\/p>\n \u201cAs a lifelong boater who has devoted most of my career to the boating industry, I am particularly appreciative of ABYC\u2019s accomplishments in promoting boating safety,\u201d said Day. \u201cI\u2019m thrilled to bring my skills and knowledge to support the mission of ensuring safe and enjoyable boating for all.\u201d The meeting concluded with ABYC\u2019s annual awards ceremony, recognizing significant contributions to boating safety and the marine industry.<\/p>\n John Adey presented the Horizon Award to Anne Dunbar of the International BoatBuilders\u2019 Exhibition & Conference (IBEX), acknowledging her exceptional career and contributions to ABYC\u2019s mission.<\/p>\n \u201cWe celebrate Anne\u2019s remarkable impact on our industry and her pivotal role in advancing ABYC\u2019s work,\u201d said Adey. \u201cHer leadership with IBEX has been essential to spreading ABYC\u2019s boating safety message. No one has done more to foster ABYC and U.S. Coast Guard involvement than Anne, and her dedication has strengthened our organization\u2019s credibility and growth.\u201d<\/p>\n Dave Marlow, Brunswick\u2019s senior director of product integrity, presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Pete Chisholm of Mercury Marine. The award recognizes ABYC members for their lifelong service to the marine industry and significant contributions to recreational boating safety.<\/p>\n \u201cPete\u2019s name is synonymous with excellence, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to the marine industry,\u201d said Marlow. \u201cHis decades-long career at Mercury Marine exemplifies dedication to advancing marine technology and safety standards. His work with ABYC, ISO, NASBLA, and NBSAC has undoubtedly saved lives and made boating safer and more enjoyable.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Jeff Wasil introduced the new slate of officers and directors-at-large, with Christina Paul of K&L Gates stepping in as chair. The elected officers are:<\/p>\n\n