On Tuesday, April 29, the States Organization for Boating Access (SOBA) presented its most prestigious award, the SOBA Congressional Award, to Senator Herb Kohl (D-Wisc.) during a ceremony held in conjunction with the 2008 American Boating Congress (ABC) in Washington, D.C.
SOBA President Ed Poolos and Vice President Kent Skaar presented the award to Senator Kohl in recognition of his many years of service, dedication and support of the recreational boating industry. Kohl currently serves as Co-Chairman of the U.S. Senate Boating Caucus. He was a major supporter of the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 (WERDA) and is co-sponsoring the Clean Boating Act of 2008 (S. 2766).
“SOBA wishes to commend Senator Kohl for his continued efforts to promote water access opportunities for boaters in the State of Wisconsin and across the country,” Poolos said. “His commitment to recreational boaters is unwavering, and we salute him for his ongoing dedication to the nation’s boating community.”
Senator Kohl was first elected to the Senate in 1988 and re-elected to a fourth, six-year term in 2006. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1956 and a master’s degree in business administration fromHarvard University in 1958. Kohl served in the Army Reserve from 1958 to 1964.
Before coming to the Senate, Kohl, a Milwaukee native, helped build his family-owned business, Kohl’s Grocery and Department Stores. He served as company president from 1970 through the corporation’s sale in 1979. In 1985, he purchased the Milwaukee Bucks to ensure the basketball team remained in Milwaukee and is recognized as an avid sportsman.
Senator Kohl presently serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee, the Judiciary Committee, and is Chairman of the Special Aging Committee.
Formed in 1986 by a small group of state boating officials, SOBA was designed to promote the acquisition, development and administration of recreational boating facilities nationwide. Membership in the organization has now expanded to all 50 states and five territories, and includes not only state boating officials but also consultants, engineering firms, manufacturers, suppliers, publishers and other businesspersons interested in boating access.
For additional information regarding SOBA, contact Bernice McArdle at (312) 946-6280; [email protected].
