Georgia Governor Nathan Deal celebrated the 50th anniversary of Chaparral Boats by presenting Founder Buck Pegg and President Jim Lane a special commendation at Chaparral and Robalo’s headquarters in Nashville, Ga.
The outstanding event, attended by nearly 600 employees along with more than 50 state, local and county officials, recognized Chaparral and Robalo’s ever-growing economic impact in Nashville, Berrien County and the state of Georgia.
“I can’t think of a more appropriate way to launch our 50th Anniversary celebration than having Governor Deal address the employees at Chaparral and Robalo Boats,” said Lane. “City, county and state officials have played a key role in supporting our company, and we’re proud of the partnership we’ve created.”
“When the decision was made to move Chaparral to Nashville, Georgia, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” said Pegg. “The work ethic and talent here is second to none. We have numerous employees that have been with the company 30 or more years.”
Governor Deal commended Pegg and Lane for their numerous civic contributions and the perseverance necessary to accomplish 50 years in business under the same management team. Chaparral Boats, which was founded in South Florida in 1965, moved to Nashville in 1976, where it currently operates a 1.2 million-square-foot manufacturing facility.
Chaparral is the largest employer in Berrien County. City officials estimate the boat company has more than a $125-million impact on the local economy. Representing Chaparral’s more than 150 domestic dealers were key dealerships from Georgia including, Atlanta Marine, Huggins Outboard and Crowe Marine. Representing the company’s international dealer network was Pride Marine from Ontario, Canada.
At the ceremony, Chaparral also announced plans for a major plant expansion. The company, which enjoys number one market share in the competitive 18′ to 35′ sterndrive arena, recently launched a new line of Vortex jet boats. In addition to Chaparral sport boats, the company also builds a complete line of Robalo fishing boats.
