Captains Matt Wilder and Bruce White – co-owners of the local on-water assistance provider Sea Tow Portland/Midcoast – were recently recognized for their outstanding public relations and marketing efforts as recipients of the “PR Champion” award. The co-owners were presented with the award during Sea Tow Services International’s annual meeting, which was held virtually this year due to COVID-19.

The award – new in 2019 – annually recognizes the Sea Tow franchise who strategically utilizes local public relations efforts and marketing opportunities to help further the Sea Tow brand. Wilder and White won Sea Tow Foundation’s Franchise of the Year award in 2019 and were perfect candidates for this year’s PR Champion award, said Sea Tow President Kristen Frohnhoefer.

“These two captains and business owners know the importance of telling the Sea Tow story and they do it well,” Frohnhoefer said. “They have a lot to be proud of, especially the work they do beyond the end of a tow rope in their community. Bruce and Matt are well-deserving of this award for their continued efforts to further the brand.”

Not only are White and Wilder fantastic ambassadors of the Sea Tow brand, they also provide support to the non-profit Sea Tow Foundation. They have helped debut and promote a number of Foundation programs through the years, including Life Jacket Loaner Stations. With four in their area, the stations allow for boaters to borrow life jackets free of charge for their day out on the water as long as they are returned at the end of use. The two are also strong advocates for boating safety and take the opportunity to speak of the importance whenever it arises.

Three years ago, the duo also unveiled Portland Sea Taxi, servicing residents of the Casco Bay islands, both winter and summer. They have also made a number of partnerships to help local organizations such as the Maine Island Trail Association (MITA). In September, MITA presented Captains White and Wilder with its Spirit of Partnership Award.

“We are honored to receive this award,” White said. “We live in a great community that we are thankful to be part of. Whether it’s while you’re out in the water or you want to call us with a question about boating safety, we are always standing by.”

Captains Wilder and White are fixtures in the Boothbay Harbor area. Wilder was born in Boothbay Harbor and has been a maritime professional since he was 14, receiving his Coast Guard captain’s license at 21.

When he was just two weeks old, White’s parents took him for his first boat ride and he has been on the water ever since. At age 14, he started his passenger-carrying career and obtained his captain’s license at 19 years old. He currently holds a Coast Guard license for vessels up to 100 tons.