Newsletter January 2022

From the Captain's Chair: Takeaways from a Truck

The Miami International Boat Show is back, kicking off Feb. 16 – 20, 2022. One of the country’s oldest boat shows, this year’s show is returning to its original home at the newly renovated Miami Beach Convention Center. The move back from Dinner Key eliminates traffic snarls across the Biscayne Causeway, surely a welcome relief for anyone driving in the area.
 
Attendees will also enjoy a better overall experience with all show venues within walking or easy shuttle distance from the convention center. Attendees can walk to Pride Park or hop on convenient shuttles to One Herald Plaza, Sea Isle Marina, Museum Park Marina, and the IGY Yacht Haven Grande at Island Gardens.
 
MIASF had the pleasure of hosting a pre-show luncheon on January 26th. The sold-out event was hosted at Briza on the Bay, where 110 guests were informed about details of the upcoming event. Guest speakers Larry Barryman of Informa Markets, with also Randy Field an his team at Informa, and Paul Flannery of the IYBA discussed NMMA and IYBA’s work to unite the show under one banner, and shared details about the new show transportation system, the PR plan, activated sites, and what attendees can expect at this year’s show. Thank you to our speakers and all who attended.
 
The upcoming boat show coupled with a recent personal purchase has me reflecting on opportunities our industry has to expand its customer base. For a long time, boat manufacturers have focused on “bigger and better” when designing their latest offerings. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a 20’ runabout or a 50’ yacht, we as an industry have been cramming more and more amenities into every vessel coming off the assembly line.
 
While this strategy appeals to a certain consumer, it is a far cry from our industry’s early days when visionaries like Orin Epson came up with the basic “boat, motor, trailer” concept. His belief was that boating should be within reach of consumers at all economic levels, not just the elite. I believe this approach is still viable today, and I’ve seen evidence of it in other industries – particularly automobiles.
 
I recently placed an order for a 2022 Ford Maverick. This entry-level pick-up (with an MSRP of less than $20K) has all the essentials a truck owner needs – and none of the extra bells and whistles. It hearkens back to and honors Henry Ford’s original goal to “build a motor car so low in price that no man will be unable to own one.” That’s exactly what Ford has done with the new Maverick.
 
I see opportunity for the marine industry to embrace this mindset. Let’s put less of an emphasis on status and more on humility and utility. Let’s build boats that are within reach of the everyday boating enthusiast. The bells and whistles will still be there for those who want them, of course. But why not inspire those with smaller wallets to believe they, too, have the means to own a boat? 
 
We are a creative industry with visionary leaders poised to embrace this paradigm shift. Whether it’s leveraging the power of 3D printing or other imaginative ways to design and manufacture more affordable, entry-level vessels, I am confident our industry can rise to this challenge. If Ford can do it, so can we.
 
In other MIASF news, we are proud to share that the 2022 apprenticeship class kicked off on January 6th. Total enrollment is up 35% from 2021, with 23 students joining the program this year. Sponsorship is also up by a full 50% from last year, with 18 companies on board as participating employers.
 
As proof that the apprenticeship concept is working, four of the new students were hired by sponsor companies after inquiring directly about the program. This is another indicator that the marine industry is open for business and hiring. We’re very excited to see this program come into its own.
 
Finally, I want to recognize our top-notch, forward-thinking team and some of their recent personal achievements. Despite a housing market that is tougher for buyers than any in recent memory, Megan Piggott, Director of Marketing & Workforce Development, has taken the big step of becoming a first-time homeowner. Her tenacity and perseverance in finding a suitable property in such a competitive market is in line with the way she approaches her role at MIASF. We are grateful to have her as part of our team and heartily congratulate her on this major accomplishment in her early 20s.
 
Noah Dermody, Director of Membership & Events, also recently scored a big housing win. After relocating back to south Florida in 2021, he faced the same challenges as everyone else searching for affordable rental housing in the area. We congratulate him on finding a great apartment after a tough, two-month search. His new place also happens to be close to the MIASF offices. Well done, Noah.
 
See you at the boat show.
 
Phil Purcell
CEO & President

January 2022 Advocacy Report

The discussion over how to cross the New River with commuter rail has seen more activity with the City of Fort Lauderdale recently passing a resolution prioritizing a tunnel. However, public meetings continue and the results from these meetings will be presented to the Broward County Commission in February for a vote of the locally preferred option. This step is necessary to move to the environment (NEPA) and design phase of the process which opens the opportunity to apply for federal funding.

In Tallahassee the legislature has begun this year’s session. While redistricting is a top priority overall, marine industry items on the agenda include:

Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission -  Revising the notices a person must be given for failure to submit to certain testsfor alcohol, chemical substances, or controlled substances; authorizing certain athletic teams or sports affiliated with specifiededucational institutions to operate a human- powered vessel within the marked channel of the Florida Intracoastal Waterway;revising the vessel conditions that an officer of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission or a law enforcement agencymay use to determine that a vessel is at risk of becoming derelict; prohibiting municipalities and counties from designatingpublic bathing beach areas or swim areas within their jurisdictions which are within the marked channel portion of the FloridaIntracoastal Waterway or within a specified distance from any portion of the marked channel; providing that all employees of commission or the Florida Forest Service may operate drones for specified purposes, etc.
 
Boating Safety -  Citing this act as the "Boating Safety Act of 2022"; authorizing a court to impose a specified fine for certain boating collisions and accidents; prohibiting liveries, beginning on a specified date, from offering a vessel for lease or rent without a livery permit; revising the conditions under which a livery may not knowingly lease or rent a vessel; increasing fines for violations of certain boating regulations; providing that an improper transfer of vessel title is subject to a civil penalty, etc.
 
Yacht and Ship Brokers' Act - Provides visiting broker is not required to be licensed under certain circumstances; requires DBPR to deny license to applicant under certain circumstances; requires person to demonstrate that he or she has been directly involved in specified number of transactions or certify that he or she has completed specified number of continuing education units to be licensed as broker; requires division to create & publish complaint form; provides disciplinary actions against licensed broker or salesperson.

January 2022 YSTAP Report

The third class of the Yacht Service Technician Apprenticeship Program has launched in a BIG way. Up more than 35% in enrollment from last year’s class, 23 apprentices began their 2-year journey of earning their nationally recognized credentials through on-the-job training and classroom instruction. Throughout the two-year program, the apprentices will be introduced to a wide variety of topics including but not limited to, electric, hydraulics, welding, carpentry, painting, and more, to prepare these high-skilled and high-trained individuals for a successful career in our industry.
 
This year’s class is beginning being taught by Bruce Evangelista, Hydraulics Group Manager of High Seas Hydraulics, as he brings more than 39 years of marine industry experience and expertise to the apprentices in the classroom.
 
Employer participation and support has also grown dramatically in the past year as there are now 18 companies on board as participating employers. The support and backing from our industry businesses is extremely important to the continued success and growth of the program and the next generation workforce for our industry. Current employers participating in the program include: AME Solutions, Inc., Aquamare, Bradford Marine, Derecktor, Engineered Yacht Solutions, FHG Marine Engineering, Frank & Jimmie’s Propeller, Gillen Yacht Services, Griffin’s Yacht Services, High Seas Technology, High Seas Yacht Service, MarineMax, RMK Merrill-Stevens, Rolly Marine, Roscioli Yachting Center, Safe Harbor Lauderdale Marine Center, Starboard Yacht Group, and TDW Marine.
 
A highlight of this year’s class of apprentices is the job placement opportunities provided to the participating employers. As we all work to fill our employing needs, when we receive interest from someone to participate in the program, we send out their resume to all 18 participating employers for an opportunity to hire these individuals. Just in this year’s class 4 individuals found employment and therefore enrollment in the program through this process. It is an added benefit to participating employers to have access to this new pool of future employees interested in furthering their own career in our industry and investing in their skill set.
 
This class of apprentices will begin in the module of Shipyard Safety. Currently, they are receiving their Maritime 10-hour OSHA Certification that is being taught by Pat Kelly of Bradford Marine. Pat Kelly has gone above and beyond with each class of apprentices donating his time to help these apprentices get the necessary hours of training for their certification.
 
If you’re interested in finding out how you can get involved in the program and support it as a participating employer, please contact Lori Wheeler at lori@miasf.org.

Faces in the Industry: Bruce Evangelista

Bruce Evangelista, High Seas Hydraulics
 
Tell us where you are from, what brought you to Florida, and how long you’ve lived here.
 
Born in Chicago, Ill. 1964
Father’s job was transferred to Fort Lauderdale in 1970
Florida has been my residence since 1970
 
Where do you work, what is your job title, and what does your job entail?
 
High Seas Hydraulics
Hydraulics Group Manager
I oversee and manage 13 technicians in 2 shops, one in Fort Lauderdale, Lauderdale Marine Center and our second in West Palm Beach, Rybovich Shipyard. I am responsible for all Estimates, Invoices, Customer issues, and anything that may arise during the work we are performing on our client’s vessel.
 
I am also the nighttime classroom RTI instructor for the Yacht Service Technician Apprenticeship Program at Atlantic Technical College. In the classroom I introduce the students to all aspects of the marine industry while they are employed by a member company completing their on the job training in each of the proficiencies.
 
How did you initially become interested in the marine industry?
 
I have grown up in South Florida and have always been in and around water. I went into the US Navy to begin my mechanical career after high school and returned to South Florida to continue as a mechanic/technician.
 
What is your favorite or most valuable benefit of membership in MIASF?
 
Being able to work closely with other members/contractors on our clients vessels together and the camaraderie and friendships I have made over the past 39 plus years I have been in this industry. MIASF also provides events to bring the Marine community together, such as the Waterway Cleanup, Plywood Regatta, Meet and Greet Happy Hours and many other events.
 
Describe any other community organizations or events with which you are involved?
 
I have worked on all of the Habitat for Humanity houses that MIASF has sponsored for the past 6 years.
I am on the Workforce Committee and helped develop the current Yacht Services Technician Apprenticeship Program curriculum.
I have assisted as the safety person during the Plywood Regatta weekend.

Business Highlight: Environmental Marine, Inc.

For nearly 30 years, Environmental Marine has been a trusted supplier of high-quality marine toilets to boat owners in south Florida. After acquiring the company in 2016, Tim and Mary Griffin made it a priority to grow Environmental Marine into the premier marine plumbing company in the U.S., serving customers around the world.
 
They haven’t wasted a minute working toward that goal. About to embark on their second showroom expansion in three years, the Griffins have guided Environmental Marine to be the largest Domentic Sanitation Master distributor in the U.S. They also offer GF PVC metric and standard pipe and fittings, Torrid water heaters, Aqualock metric and standard push to connect fittings and tubings, Weld Mount, a variety of clamps, and environmentally-friendly Bright Bay marine descaler – a food-grade solution that safely descales without harming the marine environment.
 
Understanding that boat owners and crew need parts on demand, the Griffins make it a priority to stock everything they sell in Environmental Marine’s expansive Fort Lauderdale warehouses. There’s one entire warehouse fully dedicated to toilets, and another in the works to house a growing line of FCI watermakers and mobile washdown system parts.
 
Environmental Marine’s goal is to be the go-to destination for hard-to-find marine plumbing supplies. As Mary emphasizes, “You can come to us for all the things you can’t find anywhere else and solve your problem right away.” Environmental Marine makes that possible with an expansive showroom and an e-commerce website, www.environmentalmarine.com, that sells and quickly ships parts all over the world.
 
The Griffins are also passionate advocates of protecting south Florida’s waters. Beyond offering eco-friendly products, Environmental Marine is also long-term sponsor of the Broward County Waterway Cleanup. “We want future generations to enjoy the waterways, reefs, and all sea life,” Mary notes. “It is critical we all do our part to clean up!”

You can contact Environmental Marine at (800) 522 2656, (954) 522 2626 or info@environmentalmarine.com. You can also visit their showroom between 8:00AM and 4:30PM weekdays at 111A SW 23rd Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33315.

Annual Miami Member Luncheon

Returning this year was our annual Miami Member Luncheon, but, held at a new location at Briza on the Bay! Attendees were treated to marina views, good food, and insight and information about the new Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show. Paul Flannery of International Yacht Brokers Association and Larry Barryman of Informa Markets joined Phil Purcell on stage to present about new events debuting at the show, details about transportation and logistics of new show sites, the integration of new technologies, and more! Attendees were also joined by extra special guests in the audience, Townsend Bell and Jeff Swoboda with ShortShoot.TV and NBCSports as they briefly shared about their new activations in the marine industry in South Florida across a variety of platforms. This luncheon was a great catapult into the final countdown of the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show opening on Wednesday, February 16th.

Florida Panthers with the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance

In partnership with the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, an exclusive group of MIASF members were treated to a night of hockey! The GFLA invited MIASF to partner with them in their suite at the FLA Live Arena for a Florida Panthers Game. Playing against the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Panthers pounced on their opponent in the first period scoring an impressive five goals. The game ended with a score of 9-2 favoring the top of their division, Panthers. A night filled with good company and electrifying energy in the arena make for a hard to beat evening!

New Waterway Cleanup Sponsorship Opportunity

A new addition to this year’s Broward County Waterway Cleanup event is our partnership with Water Taxi Fort Lauderdale to offer the WWCU Water Taxi Corporate Team Sponsorship. For this level of support, your company is invited on a private Water Taxi ride before the event begins to an exclusive cleanup location. Your company’s logo will be featured on a banner displayed on the Water Taxi vessel leading up to the event and on the day of as you are out cleaning up. It’s a great chance for your company to be socially responsible and hang out with one another outside of the office while doing good in our community. There are still a couple of spots left for this opportunity so if you’re interested, please contact us at info@miasf.org to learn more and secure your team’s spot.

45th Annual Broward County Waterway Cleanup

The 45th Annual Broward County Waterway Cleanup is just over a month away. This annual cleanup event will return to its traditional format this year, taking place on the first Saturday in March (March 5th, 2022) from 9 am – 1 pm at more than 35 site locations across Broward County. Presented by the Florida Inland Navigation District (F.I.N.D.), we anticipate more than 1,200 volunteers to come together on this day and clean up our waterways and community. Like last year, we will integrate the Clean Swell App, developed by Ocean Conservancy for volunteers to record their clean up activity as they volunteer during the event. Each site across the county will provide supplies including but not limited to, gloves, hand sanitizer, trash bags, and the official WWCU t-shirt to all participants, while they last. You can register now for this event on the website and all volunteers MUST complete the registration form and waiver.
 
Returning this year is the official Waterway Cleanup Kick-Off Party, sponsored by the National Save The Sea Turtle Foundation. On February 3rd, MIASF Members, WWCU sponsors, and volunteers are invited to the Flagship Room at the MIASF Office to celebrate the kick-off of this cleanup event over light bites, drinks, and the reveal of the 2022 artwork. And, the Trash Bash will also be making a comeback! As a thank you to all volunteers for taking part in the event, we invite you to attend the official after-party of the WWCU from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm at a location to be announced. Come for raffles, food, drink, live music, and more!
 
Should you have any questions about the event, please reach out to us by emailing info@miasf.org or calling 954-524-2733.

5th Annual Marine Industry Elevator Pitch Competition

We are gearing up with the Marine Magnet Program at South Broward High School for the 5th Annual Elevator Pitch Competition! This annual competition engages the students by introducing them to careers in the marine industry and challenging them to come up with a 1-minute ‘elevator pitch’ to present to a panel of judges on why they would be a good fit for that position. The panel of judges are made up of YOU, our industry experts and professionals. So, if you would like to work with the youth and our next generation of future workers, reach out to Megan Piggott at megan@miasf.org to volunteer as a judge for this event. The event features three rounds of competition, with the first round being held February 22-24 at South Broward High School. The overall winner of this event will receive a $500 scholarship to help further their education. 

MIASF Nominating Committee

The MIASF Nominating Committee has been formed and Jimmie Harrison has agreed to serve as chairman. The nominating committee was comprised of Danny James (Compass Logistics), Kristina Hebert (Ward’s Marine), Lisa Morley (Maritime Professional Training), and Chris Coleman (Overseas Yacht Insurance). The MIASF Board of Directors will approve the slate. Upon approval, the slate will be announced and anyone else interested in pursuing a board position may submit their name to patience@miasf.org for consideration. We will put a notice out when nominations are open. Nominees must be a voting industry member to be eligible to serve on the Board of Directors.

New River Middle School: Sharks in Action

On January 29th, MIASF supported New River Middle School’s Mission Possible: Sharks in Action event. Noah Dermody, Director of Membership and Events presented MIASF and attended the event to share with the students the upcoming opportunities they have to earn community service hours, win scholarships, and learn about boating at our upcoming events the Broward County Waterway Cleanup and Plywood Regatta. This event was a fun-filled afternoon for the students to present their real-world solutions for major environmental issues while also enjoying fun games, obstacle courses, raffles, music, and more. We are very impressed with this class of marine magnet students at New River Middle School, there projects were extremely informative and creative!

New Member Benefit: Dental Insurance

As many of you know, MIASF now offers access to a unique Dental and Vision insurance program from BEAM.  What makes the new Dental coverage for MIASF members different and better than other commercially available programs? More coverage, Less Exclusions. Like others, it covers Preventive Care and Routine Services however, what typically is covered as Major Services, i.e. Periodontics and Endodontics, is now covered as a Basic Service (covered at 80%, not 50%), meaning more coverage for these procedures.  Also, the program eliminates some of the exclusions that are all too typical in other dental insurance plans, i.e. missing teeth are covered along with implants. Better yet, no “waiting periods” for Major Services. This is unique in the South Florida marketplace.  Pricing is excellent and the coverage annual maximums offered are $2000, $1500, and $1000.  You can use any Dentist, or one from BEAM’s large network.  The vision program, like the dental program, has great benefits and pricing along with one of the largest provider networks in the country. To review the Dental Network, please access https://dentists.beam.dental/ or Vision Network https://www.vsp.com/eye-doctor
For more information and census specific pricing please contact our agent Jim Hopgood at 954-440-2853 or Jamesh@John-galt.com

Member News: Sounds Trade Only

Active Interest Media has named Gary Reich editor-in-chief of Soundings Trade Only. Reich replaces Jeff Moser, who assumes the editor-in-chief position at sister magazine PassageMaker.
 
“It speaks volumes about the breadth and depth of our bench at our marine titles that the ideal candidate to fill the Trade Only role would come from within,” said Gary DeSanctis, president of the AIM Marine Group. “Having worked with Gary for several years, I know that his passion and knowledge for the marine industry will keep STO as the leading B2B publication covering the business of boating and push the title to new heights.”
 
Most recently, Reich split his time between two Active Interest Media titles as managing editor of Anglers Journal and senior editor of Soundings. (Soundings Trade Only, Anglers Journal and PassageMaker are part of the AIM Marine Group.)
 
“Gary is one of the saltiest people I have the pleasure of knowing, with a resumé as interesting as he is,” Moser said. “He’s done stints as a rigger at a full-service chandlery and run wholesale units for marine retailers, was a service manager on the dealer side and was managing editor at Waterway Guide and then a full-time freelance writer/editor before coming to Active Interest Media five years ago. He’s a natural fit for the role.”

Member News: Freedom Waters Foundation

Freedom Waters Foundation, a nonprofit organization enhancing the lives of children, individuals with special needs, and veterans by providing therapeutic boat experiences, has added Robin Meagher and Marissa Stoneking to the organization’s staff. Meagher will serve as the Director of Programs and Development for the Florida east coast, working out of the Fort Lauderdale area, and Stoneking will fulfill the role of Administrative Assistant in the main office in Naples.
“It’s exciting to see our team grow,” remarked Debra Frenkel, founder, and executive director of Freedom Waters Foundation.  “We’re very happy to welcome Marissa and Robin to our crew and look forward to working on new and exciting opportunities with them this year.” 
Prior to joining Freedom Waters Foundation, Meagher was the Chief Operating Officer for The Triton, a professional yachting magazine based in Fort Lauderdale. She held several prominent positions and has owned and operated a consulting business for marketing, communications, and event management. Meagher also serves on the Board of Directors of the Lauderdale Yacht Club Youth Sailing Foundation, an organization dedicated to benefiting youths that uses sailing as a vehicle to teach boating, marine safety, sea conditions, and other useful skills.
Before relocating to Naples, Stoneking worked as a staff assistant for the philosophy, political science, and world languages and cultures department at the University of Alabama. Stoneking has extensive experience in administrative work, serving as an assistant for the US Army Service Component Command in Panama City.

Member News: Suntex Marinas' Acquisitions

Suntex Marina Investors said it added Tahoe Keys Marina to its holdings, making the announcement in the waning days of 2021. 
 
Located in South Lake Tahoe, Calif., the facility is the largest protected marina on the lake, with 270 slips for boats to 100 feet, indoor winter dry storage for as many as 50 vessels (and outdoor space for approximately 150 boats), a fuel dock, launch ramp and a 9,600-square-foot service shed.
 
“There are very few settings in the world as beautiful South Lake Tahoe, and Tahoe Keys Marina has the ability to be the crown jewel on the lake,” CEO Bryan Redmond said in a statement.
Suntex said it plans to reopen the restaurant, replace the docks and clean up the facility’s grounds, among other projects.
 
“This acquisition gives Suntex an opportunity to manage and eventually redevelop Tahoe Keys Marina, the premier marina on Lake Tahoe, into a world-class trophy asset,” said Suntex head of investments David Filler.

________________________________
Suntex Marina Investors, owner and operator of marina properties around the U.S., announced another addition to its growing portfolio with the acquisition of Caloosa Marina located in Islamorada in the Florida Keys. 
 
Situated on approximately 15 acres just 1.5 hours east of Key West and 2 hours south of Miami, Caloosa Cove is a destination property with a general and ship store, roadside and marina fuel, an ocean-view restaurant, and a resort with apartment-style units with ocean views from all rooms. The marina consists of approximately 32 wet slips that can accommodate vessels up to 65-feet and 88 dry slips for boats up to 34-feet. Of the dry slips approximately 76 are covered in a hurricane-rated barn. The adjoining vacation ownership resort has 30 apartment style units overlooking the ocean and marina. The Safari Bar & Grill is a historic oceanfront bar and restaurant, popular with locals and tourists, that is newly remodeled and slated to open under a new name in summer of 2022. Most of the property has been recently refurbished, with plans underway to continue the renovation.
 
“This purchase provides Suntex with a unique opportunity to continue to expand upon our holdings in the Florida Keys and our footprint in the South Florida market,” said David Filler, head of investments, Suntex Marinas. “The marina is a first-class facility with full amenities and fits well into our portfolio of other iconic, first-class facilities.” 
 
“Caloosa Cove is poised to be a premier facility in one of the most desirable locations,” said Sam Chavers, senior vice president, operations, Suntex Marinas. “The existing facility is an excellent foundation to which we can add our exceptional customer service and dedicated management style, as well as investment in the level of fit and finish to build a truly incredible Florida Keys marina that guests will remember for a lifetime.”
 
Each year, thousands of commercial, recreational and pleasure boaters visit the Florida Keys to fish, dive, snorkel and enjoy a wealth of activities on the water, including kayaking and paddle board sports. The Florida Keys’ surrounding waters are protected by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, extending from south of Miami westward to encompass the Dry Tortugas. The Sanctuary has spectacular resources such as coral reefs, shipwrecks, seagrass beds and active fisheries. Islamorada attracts more than 680,000 visitors per year.

Upcoming Events

On February 3rd, we will kick-off the start of WWCU 2022 with the official Waterway Cleanup Kick-Off Party, sponsored by the National Save the Sea Turtle Foundation. This party, hosted at the Flagship Room at the MIASF Office, is open to all members, WWCU site coordinators, WWCU sponsors, and volunteers. At this event, guests will enjoy light bites and drinks and the reveal of the official 2022 artwork. Posters and flyers will be available for pickup to be distributed to local businesses to help spread the word. Registration for the event is free and open now, click here to RSVP now!
 
Question: When is February’s Member Connect event?
Answer: Wednesday, February 9th 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Tarpon River Brewing
 
If you liked that lame trivia question, you’re sure to love February’s Member Connect event because it is TRIVIA NIGHT! Sponsored by Advanced Mechanical Enterprises, Inc., join us at Tarpon River Brewing on February 9th to take part in rounds of trivia to win some really cool prizes. If that’s not enough of an incentive to join us, you will be able to hang out with your fellow members over drinks and appetizers as well. If we can count you in for this event, keep an eye out for when registration opens!
 
Presented by the Florida Inland Navigation District (F.I.N.D.), the 45th Annual Broward County Waterway Cleanup is set to take place on Saturday, March 5th from 9 am to 1 pm. This traditional event, established in 1976, will take place across more than 35 sites in Broward County. As the county’s largest and longest-running environmental event, more than 1,200 volunteers will do good in our community by cleaning up our waterways and parks. Then, all volunteer participants are invited to the Trash Bash, the official WWCU after-party. As a thank you to all volunteers, come out for food, drinks, music, raffles, and more as we celebrate the BIG difference, we all made together in our community. Register for the Waterway Cleanup here. Registration is required for all participants.
 
Before your social calendar fills up, make sure you save the dates for some other important upcoming MIASF events! More information about the following events will be released soon but put them in your calendar now as you won’t want to miss any of them!
·      March 15th: Member Connect Event – Cryptocurrency Panel Discussion in the Flagship Room at the MIASF Office
·      April 13th: Member Connect Event – Hosted at RMK Merrill Stevens
·      April 22nd: Marine Industry Night at the Florida Panthers Hockey Game
·      April 30th – May 1st: 25th Annual Plywood Regatta
·      May 18th: MIASF Annual Meeting Luncheon at the Lauderdale Yacht Club

Past Events

Briza on the Bay in Miami hosted our Annual Miami Member Luncheon this past month. As the industry gears up for the new Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show, this event provided a platform for key stakeholders of the event to share new information, exciting events, and more about the upcoming show. Panelists of the luncheon program were by both the International Yacht Brokers Association and Informa Markets, co-owners of the new show. Over delicious food, good views, and informative presentations, our members were treated to an amazing afternoon with one another at this event!

Salty Jobs

We know many companies are currently hiring and Salty Jobs is looking to feature your ‘salty job’ in an upcoming episode. The Telly award-winning video series focuses on engaging and introducing the next generation workforce to our industry in a unique way. If you’re interested in taking part in an episode, reach out to Megan Piggott at Megan@miasf.org to learn more!

Featured Job: Project Coordinator Marine Services - Fire Ranger

Project Coordinator Marine Services – Fire Ranger
 
Job Description: Fire Ranger Marine a division of Summit Companies, a well-established Fort Lauderdale based Fire and Safety Equipment Service Company is seeking a long term, career minded individual to join our marine services department. Applicants must be a highly productive team player with an upbeat personality, have customer service experience, have an excellent, professional telephone manner, be a quick thinker and have the ability to multi-task and work with little supervision. Professional experience in computer data entry including knowledge of all Microsoft Office programs in particular Outlook, and Excel is necessary. Working in our marine department directly assisting our project managers, your daily responsibilities will include data entry, maintaining electronic and hard copy filing systems, preparing reports, scheduling, managing a scheduling calendar, scheduling and coordinating meetings and appointments, filing, responding to e-mails and generally assisting company representatives. Applicants must have reliable transportation and be available for immediate start. We are looking for a long term career minded individual that has the energy and enthusiasm to learn and grow with our company.
 
Qualifications: Knowledge and experience working in the South Florida marine industry and awareness of marine etiquette and language is a plus. Good written and verbal communication Microsoft Office, Excel is a plus Great Attention to details
 
Benefits: Health insurance Paid time off Dental insurance 401(k) Vision insurance Life insurance 401(k) matching Referral program Flexible spending account Health savings account
 
Location: Oakland Park, FL
 
Salary Range: $16 - $18 per hour
 
Full-Time/Part-Time
 
How to Apply: Please send a letter of introduction and copy of your resume to the attention of Lisa Carlo, LCarlo@summitfiresecurity.com

Did You Know...?

Did You Know… registration for the 45th Annual Broward County Waterway Cleanup is now open! Register here to participate in this year’s event on Saturday, March 5th, 2022!

Welcome Aboard New Members!

TyM Technical Yacht Management
Nicola Ruggeri
Email: nruggeri@tym-fl.com
Website:N/A
Address:999 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33131
Phone: 786-803-1105
Company Description: Marine Electronics Maintenance and Services. Approved Class and Major Manufacturers and Suppliers
Business Category:
·      Electronics
·      Audio / Video Systems
·      Cellular Phones / Communications
·      Satellite Communications
 
ODYSEA HOSPITALITY / BWA YACHTING PUERTO RICO
Jose Casanova-Lopez
Email: JCASANOVA@OH.COM.PR
Website: www.bwayachting.com/puerto-rico/
Address:Capitolio Plaza, Calle Marina suite 301, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00901
Phone: 787-948-2835
Company Description: OdySEA Hospitality International (OH!), a corporate hospitality business with extensive experience in the nautical tourism segment in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.
BWA Yachting is a worldwide yacht agency and yachting services provider formed to support captains, managers, and crew, making their lives easier, assisting with the increasing demands of managing a modern superyacht.
Business Category:
·      Yacht Agent
·      Business Development
 
MYS USA INC
Jennifer Malone
Email: florida@medyachtservices.com
Website: www.medyachtservices.com
Address:1650 SE 17TH ST, STE 210, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316
Phone: 954-548-0543
Company Description: 360-degree assistance to superyachts in North, South & central America, The Caribbean & Bahamas.From port bookings to surveys & spares to concierge & security services, we are a full-service yacht agency ready to assist where and when needed.
Business Category:
·      Yacht Agent
 
Magna Marine LLC
Leo Du Plessis
Email: info@magnamarineservices.com
Website: www.magnamarineservices.com
Address: 3336 SW 2nd Ave, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33315
Phone: 954-927-7756
Company Description: Complete yacht repair and service. Mechanical, electrical, hydraulics, running gear, refits ect.
Business Category:
·      Yacht Maintenance
·      Hydraulics
·      Engines - Repair
·      Electric
 
Lurssen Yachts Americas
Timothy Hamilton
Email: Tim@lurssenamericas.com
Website: www.lurssen.com
Address: 600 Breakers Ave, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304
Phone: 954-603-1730
Company Description: We represent Lurssen Yachts In America
Business Category:
·      Manufacturer - Custom Boats
 
Griffin's Yacht Services Inc.
Tim Griffin
Email: tim.griffin@griffinsyacht.com
Website: www.griffinsyacht.com
Address: 2800 NE 7th Ave, Pompano Beach, Florida 33064
Phone: 954-234-1295
Company Description: Provides service and installation of yacht plumbing systems and components.  These include Reverse Osmosis water makers, domestic water pressure systems, water purification and sterilization, marine head systems, sewage and wastewater treatment systems, and piping in most materials.
Business Category:
·      Marine Sanitation
·      Desalinators / Water makers
·      Machine Shops
·      Specialty Products
 
BERGSMACSI LLC.
Piet Bergsma
Email: peter@bergsmacsi.com
Website: www.bergsmacsi.com
Address: 2019 SW 20th St #110, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33315
Phone: 954-234-1295
Company Description: Coating consultancy company that provides a full spectrum of services for the Super/Mega Yacht and General Aviation industry. The Director, Peter Bergsma has over 35 years of industry experience in combination with a Master Painter, BaS and BBM degree. Their specialized services include inspections, survey's, consultancy, legal cases, and general aviation.
Business Category:
·      Surveyors
 
Beam Dental
Phil Barnett
Email: phil.barnett@beam.dental
Website: https://beam.dental/
Address: 266 North 4th St, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone: (800) 648-1179
Company Description: Beam Dental is a dental insurance provider with a twist. We provide a wellness based dental insurance product which includes a bluetooth connected toothbrush to help drive good oral hygiene. Additionally, we provide vision insurance through VSP.
Business Category:
·      Insurance - Health