Recipients of the Ray L. Underwood Lifetime Achievement Award are those who have made long-term and significant contributions to recreational boating industry in Michigan, like that of past President of MBIA Ray L. Underwood (namesake of the award) who worked tirelessly for the industry for more than 40 years. See the history of the Award at the bottom of this page. Click here for the nomination form if you would like to submit a candidate for this award for consideration.

The Ray L. Underwood Lifetime Achievement Awards are presented each year at the Recreational Boating Educational Conference.

Recipients of the Award:

2024

Gregg and Mary Rising, Action Water Sports

Ron Wilson, Wilson Marine

2023

Harold Hall, Gary Mitter, Karl Schmidt

(Click on individual names for individual videos, entire video below)

2022

Herb Eldean, Eldean Shipyard

Mark & Jean Munger

2021

Ward Walstrom - Walstrom Marine

2020

Chris Lisowicz - North Shore Marina and Barrett Boat Works 

2019

Dennis L. Grinold

2017

Jim Krause - Belle Maer Harbor

2016
Rep. Candice Miller

2015
Ray L. Underwood

History of the Ray L. Underwood Lifetime Achievement Award
In July, 2015 the MBIA awarded industry veteran Ray Underwood with the inaugural Ray L. Underwood Lifetime Achievement Award named for the recipient.

“Ray Underwood has been an advocate for the marine industry in Michigan for decades. He has made great strides for our industry in his work as our Association’s Executive Director and as our lobbyist,” said current MBIA Executive Director Nicki Polan, who began her career at MBIA during Underwood’s term as Executive Director. “This award is well deserved!”

“Ray has an extensive background and history in the boating and fishing industries in Michigan,” said MBIA Chairman Jim Coburn, of Coburn & Associates. “The Board is honored to recognize him for his efforts.”

Underwood began his career with the Michigan Boating Industries Association as the Executive Director from 1976-1989, and served as the Director of Government Relations from 1989-1991. He continued to represent MBIA at Karoub Associates from 1991-1993. Since 1993, Underwood has been a Lobbyist at Muchmore Harrington Smalley & Associates, a top-rated lobbying firm in Lansing, Mich. and has been instrumental in the development of statewide lobbying efforts for the MBIA. Ray continues to lobby on behalf of MBIA today and has created a well-respected boating and fishing awareness program in Michigan. 

Click here for the nomination form.