NMDA Announces Supplier of the Year Awards

Star brite, ARCO Marine and C.E. Smith Company are the winners of the 2026 National Marine Distributors Association (NMDA) Supplier of the Year awards. The awards were announced during the NMDA Awards Luncheon, July 22, held during S.T.E.P. in Rosemont, IL.

The Diamond category was won by Star brite. The Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based company was founded in 1973 and manufactures cleaning, maintenance and appearance chemicals for the marine, RV, automotive and powersports markets, with a manufacturing and distribution center in Montgomery, Alabama.

Runner-up in this category was Sea-Dog Line. ARCO Marine is the winner in the Platinum category. The Pensacola, Florida-based manufacturer has built alternators, starters and charging components for the marine and RV markets since 1960, and is known for its high-output alternators and Zeus charging technology.

Runner-up in this category is Polyform US. In the Gold category, C.E. Smith Company was announced as the winner. Founded in 1967 and based in Greensboro, North Carolina, the company manufactures boat trailer parts, guides, fenders and bracketry, along with fishing and hunting accessories.

Gold category runner-up is IMMI. Special Focus awards in each category were also presented. These awards are scored by adding together the categories that are appropriate and are awarded to the company that scored the highest in each category.

The wholesale distributor members of NMDA have voted annually since 1972 to recognize their top suppliers for overall excellence in supply chain management, marketing, packaging & shipping, and customer service.