The Connecticut Marine Trades Association (CMTA) is pleased to announce that Don MacKenzie of Boat’s Incorporated was named the 2015 Jeanne Czel Person of the Year at the Association’s annual Jingle & Mingle celebration on Thursday, December 17th. The award which celebrates the life of Jeanne Czel, formerly of Ritt’s Marine Center whose life and spirit touched all she came in contact with, is CMTA’s highest honor.
Jeanne Czel fought a courageous battle against cancer, never losing site of the needs of others and with a sense of humor that was contagious. This event was her favorite as marine industry colleagues come together for a night of fun and fellowship. No business, just camaraderie.
As an industry leader Don has served on CMTA’s Board of Directors, as Chairman and Chairman Emertius and Boat Show Committee Chairman. He is co-owner of Boat’s Inc. a top Grady White and Parker Dealership and marina in Niantic, CT. Boat’s Inc has won several Industry’s Top 100 Dealerships Awards and their annual "One Tide Challenge" has been a don’t miss event for his customers and slip holders.
But Don’s outside-the-industry work is where his heart is. As he recently said, "..as much as I love the industry, coaching has been a huge outlet and a passion and has also got me out in the non-boating public more…you would never believe how much a little help for an individual or family or small organization can do for the recipients". Don coaches girl’s basketball at Ledyard High and works with Ledyard’s top notch football program. His "kids" and coaches recognized him in video tributes at the event.
The Award includes an inscription from Booker T. Washingtion "If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else", and CMTA recognizes that Don truly lives that each day.
Don recently shared his request for future awardees, "For next year, please consider anyone in your organization to become a recipient. It doesn’t have to be a board member or chairman of a committee. If you have someone who is a champion of our industry on your staff or out there promoting good will, please nominate them."
Amy Lynn Clark was the first recipient in 2014 and received a Proclamation from Governor Malloy at the event.