The National Marine Representatives Association honored Perko vice president of sales and marketing George Bellwoar with its 2020 Mel Barr Award. Incoming NMRA president Scott Kolodny presented the award during the opening day of IBEX, which is being held virtually due to the pandemic.

The award — whose namesake was one of the founders of the NMRA — acknowledges a person who has made significant contributions to the improvement of the marine industry.

Kolodny noted Bellwoar’s years of service in NMRA’s selecting him for the award, including stints as chairman of the boards of the American Boat and Yacht Council and the National Marine Manufacturers Association.

“George has also been a steadfast proponent of the NMRA and understands the vital role independent reps play in the marine sales chain,” he said. “He has dedicated the greater portion of his career to our industry, and it is better for his contributions.”

Bellwoar is part of two ABYC standing committees — Fuel and Ventilation Technical and Navigation Light and Sound Signal — and advocates for the recreational segment through the Grow Boating initiative and Water Access Task Force.