(Left to right) Scott Burke, Jerry Kedziora and Larry Willeagal with the South Shore Yacht Club. Image credit: Theresa Qualls, Wisconsin Clean Marina Program
Milwaukee, Wisconsin – South Shore Yacht Club has maintained their Wisconsin Clean Marina certification, a testament to their dedication toward the preservation of Wisconsin’s shared water resources.
South Shore Yacht Club is the biggest yacht club on Lake Michigan, bustling with events, activities and amenities that make it a popular destination year-round. To match their large size, the SSYC entertainment committee organizes a wide variety of events such as holiday celebrations and yacht races. The yacht club’s specialty is racing, and members can join various sailing and powerboating fleets. They even run a junior sailing program for young learners. Other amenities include a bar and restaurant, where they host events like football watch parties and specialty dinners.
Jerry Kedziora, a former commodore manager, believes the club especially stands out due to its members. “It’s the warmth, generosity, volunteerism [and] camaraderie that I find unique at SSYC. There is no place that I have ever been to that projects these feelings in addition to our members.”
Kedziora stated that maintaining a Wisconsin Clean Marina Certification strongly aligns with the values of their members and has increased member retention and recruitment rates. As he put it, “No one wants to join an organization that is not committed to a clean environment.” Kedziora attributed some of his passion for recertification to his belief that SSYC has a responsibility to its community for the sustainable use of Lake Michigan. “SSYC is committed to preserving this natural resource for all people, not just our members. We want to be good neighbors and having a Clean Marina Certification demonstrates that.”
Theresa Qualls, Wisconsin Clean Marina Program coordinator, congratulated SSYC on their status, “Their recertification is well-deserved. While working with them over the last year, it became evident that they value the Wisconsin Clean Marina Program and are dedicated to reducing pollution to Lake Michigan through implementing innovative practices.”
Marinas, related industries and services contribute more than $2.7 billion to Wisconsin’s economy. Through the Wisconsin Clean Marina Program, marinas will prevent pollution and protect fish, wildlife and public health. They know that clean water is important to boaters and Wisconsin’s coastal communities.
The Wisconsin Clean Marina Program was launched in 2010, and 26 Wisconsin marinas have since taken steps to voluntarily adopt practices to become certified. The Wisconsin Clean Marina Program is administered by the University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Program in partnership with the Wisconsin Marine Association, Wisconsin Coastal Management Program, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Fund for Lake Michigan.
For more information:
Theresa Qualls, Wisconsin Clean Marina Program, (920) 465-5031, quallst@uwgb.edu