MIAMI—Score one for South Beach ACE. In its battle with Portman CMC, the group a group featuring Tishman Hotels and Robert Wennett just won a major endorsement in its quest for the privilege to redevelop the Miami Beach Convention Center and its 52-acre site.

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is backing South Beach ACE instead of Portman CMC, a group that includes Portman Holdings and CMC Group. The NMMA endorsement marks the first vocal show of support by a Miami Beach Convention Center client since the public bid process began.

“After analyzing Tishman's South Beach ACE proposal, we feel strongly that they should be awarded the project as it represents a well-designed superior plan,” wrote Cathy Rick-Joule, vice president of Southern Shows, show manager for the Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show, in a letter to Miami Beach City Manager Jimmy Morales. “I fully support the City of Miami Beach in awarding this prestigious project to Tishman's South Beach ACE.”