John Thommen, founder and CEO of Ocean Marketing Inc, is the recipient of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) 2019 Alan J Freedman Memorial Leadership Award, presented last Friday during the Miami International Boat Show (MIBS).

The Freedman award recognizes individuals “who’ve made outstanding contributions to the marine accessories industry through leadership, creativity and personal motivation.”

Thommen began the well-respected marine accessories marketing agency in 1981, providing valuable marketing support for their manufacturing clients, and the company has become one of the premier marine sales agencies in the US under his leadership, according to NMMA.

He also founded Ocean Accessories LLC, which manufactures, imports and distributes marine accessories throughout North America and 22 countries with warehouses in Connecticut and Kent, England.

“John’s unwavering commitment to marketing and providing instruction on the proper use of marine products to dealers, retailers and end users has resulted in better safe boating practices, and is a testament to his lasting mark on the industry,” said NMMA president Thom Dammrich.

Thommen served on the board of the National Marine Distributors Association for eight years and is a past director of the National Marine Representatives Association, and a past president of the United States Marine Safety Association and has worked on various NMMA show committees.

He is a Life Trustee of the US Coast Guard Foundation and a former trustee of the International Yacht Restoration School – a trade school dedicated to the education of students in the restoration of classic and traditional vessels. He is also a past trustee of The Shoreline Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation that works to bring recreation and education to the Connecticut shoreline communities.

Thommen is currently a member of the New York Yacht Club, Sachem’s Head Yacht Club, and Guilford Yacht Club. He is also Chairman of Guilford, CT Harbor Management Commission, a town committee dedicated to the stewardship of Guilford’s shoreline.