The award was presented to Ms. Zimmerman on Wednesday, January 25th, at the Blue Innovation Symposium in Newport, RI. This event connects the marine technology industry through education, networking, and facilitating partnering opportunities.
Cheryl is a long-standing board member and Past President of MOTN, the award sponsor. Formed in 1994, MOTN is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to promoting, supporting, and expanding marine technology manufacturing and service businesses throughout New England. Steven G. Withrow, the award’s namesake, presented the award. Mr. Withrow was a former Executive Director of the organization and an icon in the marine technology industry in New England and throughout the US.
“It is an honor to be recognized for my contributions to the industry. I am proud of my 20 years of leading FarSounder as CEO from bringing the technology to market to being globally recognized as the leader in Forward Looking Sonar. My new role now as Market Strategist enables me to focus on niche markets, including Unmanned Surface Vessels (USV)”, said Ms. Zimmerman. “I thank the Blue Innovation Symposium and MOTN for this award and for being a catalyst for innovative technology in the USV market and many others.”
FarSounder has attributed part of its early growth to its MOTN membership. MOTN is an organization that fosters cooperation between, and opportunities for, its member companies to increase business and develop connections both within and outside of the organization. They do this through networking, education, and a number of targeted programs.