"Susan has clearly made significant contributions to Maryland boaters, marine businesses, and to the environmental well-being of the Bay"
The Marine Trades Association of Maryland’s (MTAM) executive director, Susan Zellers, received a Governor’s Citation for her years of praiseworthy service to the Chesapeake Bay recreational boating industry at MTAM’s annual barbeque June 6. Current and potential MTAM members attended the barbeque at Port Annapolis Marina.
Former MTAM president and current vice president of Avon Dixon Insurance Company, Jay Dayton, presented the citation.
“Over the years, Susan has clearly made significant contributions to Maryland boaters, marine businesses, and to the environmental well-being of the Bay,” Dayton stated. “Her knowledge of our industry and the environment, connections with legislators and government employees, and abilities to communicate to them the importance of a sound, solid environment and marine industry, cannot be overstated.”
During his time serving as the president of MTAM and as a board member, Dayton had the pleasure of working with Zellers on numerous legislative initiatives on the state and federal level. “We worked in conjunction with the Rhode Island Marine Trades Association, United States Superyacht Association, and the National Marine Manufacturers Association, to name a few, to accomplish huge federal legislative goals,” he said.
Zellers has been instrumental in promoting the Chesapeake Bay to larger yachts by shepherding the Yachting the Chesapeake initiative at various events such as the Newport Charter Yacht Show, Palm Beach International Boat Show, and Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show. These larger yachts equate to significant expenditures to all types of businesses when they visit our estuary; hence, we want to encourage them to visit regularly. She also leads an industry-wide workforce development effort in conjunction with EARN Maryland, and a Shrinkwrap Recycling Program in conjunction with Chesapeake Materials and the Clean Marina Program.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed spending time with Susan on these many initiatives and always come away having learned something from her in-depth knowledge and experience,” Dayton announced to the barbeque attendees. “This Governor’s Citation is a small acknowledgement of her significant achievements towards our marine industry and our beloved Chesapeake Bay.”
This Project is funded by the State of Maryland’s EARN Maryland Grant Program, administered by the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.
For more information visit mtam.org.
