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Blackwell steers NMMA boating campaign

When Carl Blackwell isn't plying Lake Michigan in his Sea Ray 260 powerboat, he's helping boat and accessory makers sell more products. The chief marketing officer of the Chicago-based, $41 million-revenue National Marine Manufacturers Association is making waves with NMMA's nonprofit subsidiary, Discover Boating, and its campaign to convert more consumers to life on the water. "We sell the lifestyle," the 53-year-old Blackwell told CEO Update. "My job is to make the pie bigger so more people can succeed. It's a lot of fun, especially this time of year." Consumer marketing campaigns are unusual for trade associations, but this is not Blackwell's first rodeo. He grew up on… Read More