Godfrey Marine

Boat manufacturer agrees to help defray certification costs for its extensive dealer network

CHICAGO, September 8, 2006 - - Godfrey Marine Group of Elkhart, Indiana, recently announced it will assist dealers with the costs associated with becoming certified under the Grow Boating Initiative’s Marine Industry Dealership Certification Program. The offer, which is being extended to dealers of the Sanpan, Aqua Patio, Sweetwater, Parti Kraft, Polar Kraft, Polar and Hurricane brands, allows dealerships to receive up to 50 percent reimbursement of total certification costs via Godfrey’s “Flex-Funds” program after the certification process is complete.Dealership Certification actively addresses one of the main issues limiting growth in the marine industry: customer service. An effective dealership certification program that provides both consumer and dealer benefits is fundamental to the Grow Boating Initiative. The new Marine Industry Dealership Certification program was developed by dealers, for dealers and focuses on the areas that affect dealership quality—operations, facilities, professional sales/service processes, customer satisfaction and employee training/satisfaction.

EPA Cites Godfrey Marine Syracuse for Clean-Air Violations

CHICAGO (May 15, 2006) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has cited Godfrey Marine Syracuse for alleged clean-air violations at the company's aluminum boat manufacturing plant at 300 E. Chicago St., Syracuse, Ind.EPA alleges that Godfrey emitted excessive amounts of hazardous air pollutants from its coating operation from Sept. 1, 2004, to Dec. 31, 2005. In addition, EPA said the company failed to comply with reporting requirements.

"EPA's mission is to protect public health and the environment," said Acting Regional Administrator Bharat Mathur. "We will take whatever steps are needed to ensure compliance with the Clean Air Act."

These are preliminary findings of violations. To resolve them, EPA may issue a compliance order, assess an administrative penalty or bring suit against the company. Godfrey has 30 days from receipt of the notice to meet with EPA to discuss resolving the allegations.

Hazardous air pollutants may cause serious health effects including birth defects and cancer. They may also cause harmful environmental and ecological effects.

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- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency