FEBRUARY 15, 2007

Mayor's Cup cites contribution to recreational boating

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land's support of recreational boating has earned her the Michigan Boating Industries Association's most prestigious award.

MBIA President Van Snider Jr. today presented Land with the Mayor's Cup at the 49th annual Detroit Boat Show in the Cobo Center. The award is bestowed each year by the MBIA to a Michigan individual, organization or community that has made outstanding contributions to the recreational boating industry.

"Michigan is a state made for boating," Land said. "Its abundance of inland lakes and, of course, our surrounding Great Lakes make Michigan a boater's paradise. Boating is a way of life in our state. Its recreational enjoyment and economic impact make it one of our most dynamic industries. We are fortunate to have a quality organization like the Michigan Boating Industries Association that dedicates itself to promoting and enhancing this legacy."

In presenting the award, Snider noted Land's support of the Proposal 1 ballot issue approved by voters in November 2006. The measure provides a constitutional guarantee that state funding dedicated to outdoor recreation and natural resource protection is used for those purposes.

"Secretary Land's leadership of the coalition efforts to pass Proposition 1 contributed greatly to its passage on November 7, 2006," Snider said. "As a result, waterway, marine safety and harbor development funds will only be used for their intended purpose. The Secretary also has streamlined boat registration and titling processes thereby providing convenience to thousands of Michigan's boat owners. We are pleased to recognize Secretary Land for her significant accomplishments to the Michigan boating community."

Approximately 40 percent of Michigan residents are boaters and the industry's economic impact is tremendous. Direct and indirect spending related to boating exceeds $2 billion a year in the state.

The Mayor's Cup is a large silver trophy mounted on a base that lists all past recipients. Lt. Gov. John Cherry, who co-sponsored the Proposal 1 campaign with Land, shares this year's award.

The Secretary of State's Office handles watercraft titling and registration.