West Marine, the largest specialty retailer of boating supplies and accessories, is announcing a final call for entries for its "Green Product of the Year" award. Participants can view the complete rules and entry requirements, at www.westmarine.com/green .  To become an Entrant you must mail the following:

• A complete product description 
   
• When claims are made for reductions or elimination of pollutants, it must be identified as tested or estimated.
  
• When possible, submit a working prototype, model or sample of the product or product design.
  
• All entries with a copy of a signed Contest Registration Form must be received by West Marine by November 1, 2009 at the address below:
   
  West Marine Products, Inc.
  Green Product of the Year
  Mailbox Drop # K6
  500 Westridge Drive
  Watsonville, California 95076
   
  

As part of West Marine's mission to improve and protect marine habitats and reduce its impact on the environment, it will award one prize of $10,000 to the designated Official Winner (void where prohibited by law) at the 2010 Miami International Boat Show.  The competition is free and open to individuals, manufacturers, distributors and/or inventors of boating products.

The panel of esteemed judges includes:

Dr. Randy Kochevar, PhD, Stanford University's Hopkins Marine Station
Mike Sutton, VP and Director, Center for the Future of the Oceans, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Ruth Wood, President, BoatU.S. Foundation
Chuck Husick, President, OWA, Inc., former President of Cessna Aircraft and Chris-Craft Boats
Stan Honey, Ocean Racing Navigator, founder of Etak and SportVision
Randy Repass, Chairman and Founder, West Marine
Chuck Hawley, VP of Product Information, West Marine
 

The judges will select the winner based on the following criteria:

Eco-effectiveness:  How effectively does the product improve the marine environment, conserve natural resources, or reduce the carbon wake of boating operations (e.g., fossil fuel consumption)?

Cost-effectiveness:  How does the product compare in cost per use or purchase price versus current products and technologies? 

Applicability and Breadth of Market Impact:  If implemented or used, how universal is the application of the product for its intended use?

Degree of Innovation and Originality:  How does this product improve upon or replace similar products or solutions currently found in the market?  How does this product serve a new green market need or niche not currently served by existing products or solutions? How original is this product, design or solution?  Are any new technologies or materials used? 

Compliance with Official Rules: Does the Entry and Entrant in all respects comply with the Official Rules? 
 

About West Marine
West Marine, the largest specialty retailer of boating supplies and accessories, has more than 340 stores in 38 states, Puerto Rico, Canada and a franchised store located in Turkey. The Company's catalog and Internet channels offer customers approximately 50,000 products - far more than any competitor - and the convenience of exchanging catalog and Internet purchases at its retail stores. The Company's Port Supply division is one of the country's largest wholesale distributors of marine equipment serving boat manufacturers, marine services, commercial vessel operators and government agencies.  For more information on West Marine's products and store locations, or to start shopping, visit westmarine.com or call 1-800-BOATING (1-800-262-8464).