Livonia, Mich., December 10, 2018 – Tom Haag and Steve Remias, both relentless advocates for the Michigan boating industry have been inducted into the Michigan Boating Industries Association (MBIA) Hall of Fame for the year 2018. The presentation was made at the Recreational Boating Educational Conference (RBEC), held December 5 in Lansing, Mich.
“Tom and Steve were both MBIA Chairmen in the past, served on numerous committees and are more than deserving of this, MBIA’s highest honor,” said Nicki Polan, executive director of the MBIA. “Tom’s legacy lives on at Colony Marine and at MBIA, and Steve continues to advocate for MBIA, recreational boating, and economic development in Michigan.”
Haag was a long-time member of MBIA, served on the MBIA’s Board of Directors and Chaired the Boat Show Committee for 9 years, and was Chairman of the Board when he suddenly passed away in March of 2018. Haag was Vice President of Colony Marine where he worked for more than 31 years.
"From the time I met Tom as we served together as MBIA board members through the time I had the honor and pleasure of working with Tom as his Vice Chair of the MBIA board, it was clear to me that Tom was more than an interested marine industry participant-------he was a true leader,” said MBIA Board Chair Patti Smith, VP of Operations at Silver Spray Sports. “Tom always listened, reasoned, and acted in the most caring and professional ways trying to do the very best for our industry and our members. He is so very deserving of this award, and although he is not here to receive it in person, I know that his decades of contributions to the marine industry (and especially to his service to MBIA), will continue to be an inspiration to all of us for years to come."
Remias recently retired as President and CEO or MacRay Harbor. He is also a long-time member of MBIA, past Board Chair and active Legislative Committee Chair having represented MBIA many times in Washington D.C. at the American Boating Congress. Remias also served as the MBIA Secretary/Treasurer, and on the environmental, transition and finance committees. He is a current member of the Michigan Clean Marina Foundation and MacRay Harbor was one of the first marinas in Michigan to achieve the Certified Clean Marina status under his leadership. Remias is the President of the Lake St. Clair Tourism Initiative, an organization designed to stimulate economic vitality and growth of the Lake St. Clair Region. He is also a Board Member of the Macomb County Water Quality Board, Destination District Project, as well as several other organizations.
"It was a pleasure serving on the MBIA Board with Steve for many years,” said Smith. ‘His enthusiasm and insight into the marine industry was always much appreciated, as well as his leadership roles in the association. Steve is very well deserving of this award, and I congratulate him on his long-time career in the marine industry, as well as his retirement going forward."
MBIA is the official, state-wide marine industry association which serves as the voice for Michigan’s $7.4 billion marine industry and the four million people who enjoy Michigan’s nearly one million registered boats. The MBIA is dedicated to the advancement, protection and promotion of boating across Michigan. The MBIA produces three association-owned boat shows, the Detroit Boat Show at Cobo Center, the Novi Boat Show in Novi, and the Metro Boat Show in Harrison Twp. The proceeds from these shows benefit boating in Michigan through MBIA programs and promotions.
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