Grow Boating said today that the Marine Leadership Alliance donated $10,000 to the national Discover Boating campaign, helping to fund the industry’s common goal of growing recreational boating. The gift is in honor and memory of two beloved industry leaders who died earlier this year — Ed Atchley and Jim Lane. As dedicated professionals with long careers in boat manufacturing, Atchley and Lane possessed a passion for the marine industry and an innovative spirit, leaving a permanent mark on the recreational boating community. Atchley, who died in April, was a former co-owner of Cobia Boats and later owner of Robalo Boats. After his retirement he became involved with the American Boatbuilders Association, remaining active in the industry he was so passionate about. Lane, who died in March, was president of Chaparral and Robalo Boats. He spent about 40 years with Chaparral, leading the company, along with friend and founder Buck Pegg. Lane served a number of roles in industry associations, including as a member of the board of the National Marine Manufacturers Association. The Marine Leadership Alliance, which dedicated the donation to Atchley and Lane, is a group of key suppliers that gather regularly to promote the exchange of ideas, issues, opportunities and solutions for the advancement of the industry. They are: ASA Electronics; BH Electronics; Dometic Corp.; Faria/Beede Instruments; GEM Products; Glen Raven; Inland Plywood Co.; Lenco Marine; Merrimac Marine Insurance; Syntec Industries; Taylor Made Group; Transhield Inc.; Volvo Penta of the Americas; and William F. Miller & Associates.
