Newsletter June 2022

From the Captain's Chair: Hello Summer

Summer is officially here and as the customers begin to enjoy their boats in different destinations, the marine industry can take time to enjoy their personal boats with their friends and family.

The traffic on the Intracoastal is predictable and beneficial to our economy. On the other hand, vehicular traffic will continue to worsen due to lack of infrastructure. As the third largest state, Florida is positioned well to take advantage of the $1.2 trillion Federal Infrastructure Bill with $550 billion dedicated to infrastructure investments including $60 billion identified for rail projects. It’s going to take forward-thinking solutions and leadership from our elected officials as these decisions have a timeline to be made.

From an industry perspective, we remain committed to working through the analysis to determine the best local option in terms of a bridge or tunnel at the New River Crossing. A scoping study to determine the feasibility of a tunnel is officially in process. A “no build” remains the unacceptable option which was supported by the Marine Advisory Committee in a letter to the Broward County Commission. The commission is the local governing body that will take the lead on this project. Our commitment to our industry and community is unwavering.

At the start of July, the new board of directors will begin their term for MIASF. For this transition, the outgoing and retiring members and the new members came together once again at Il Paesano’s for dinner and a board meeting. Over good food and good company, the annual dinner serves as a great networking opportunity for everyone to get to know one another better, discuss current issues, and prepares the MIASF Board to set priorities for the coming year.
Exciting news was received several weeks ago. The Marine Research Hub (MRH) was formed to raise the visibility, reputation, and prestige of Florida’s oceanographic research institutions and facilitate university research and the transfer of technology into marketable goods and services. This legislative session under the guidance of industry champion Representative Chip La Marca, the MRH received $300,000 to help expand the efforts to showcase the Blue Economy in Florida.

As we look ahead, preparation for the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show has already begun. With some new things coming on the horizon of this year’s show and building off the success of last year’s show, we have a lot to look forward to at the end of October. We have a great partner in Informa who’s global reach is unmatched.

Rising energy costs, supply chain issues, and inflation due to interest rates are all very real issues we are facing as a country and industry. Every day we are having to find new ways of adapting our lives and businesses to work through it, as mitigating associated expenses could be as easy as throttling back on RPMs.

The Fourth of July is a great opportunity to reset and enjoy the quality of life the open for business state of Florida has afforded us. Whether it is watching the fireworks offshore, trolling through a school of dolphin or a leisure cruise in the ICW, be safe, have fun and repeat.

Regards,

Phil

Advocacy Report June 2022

Tallahassee legislative session ended with a big win for the Marine Research Hub. Representative Chip LaMarca sponsored a bill to provide funding to allow MRH to purchase operational equipment, support staff, a multifunctional website, brand recognition and much more of the wish list. With the stroke of his pen to the budget, Governor DeSantis made it a reality. Bills don’t pass in a vacuum and there were many supporters that saw this appropriation to the finish line. Everyone’s efforts are sincerely appreciated.

MIASF participated in a public meeting Congressman Mast hosted in Stuart with Brightline. Brightline is working hard to develop a dialog with the residents who are concerned with the increased length of closures once the Brightline service starts running to Orlando. Mast spoke about the fair share of the waterway with 50/50 split. The bridge currently has a 6 ft clearance, but Brightline has already completed a scoping study to allow plans for a new bridge to move forward with a wider and more aligned opening and 16 ft clearance. The next step is to apply for funding. We will continue to share our support with the Treasure Coast Marine Association as they work their way through the bridge regulation process. Closer to home, a scoping study has been agreed to by Broward County to determine the viability of a tunnel under the New River, November is the target date for the results.

On the local front in Fort Lauderdale, three of the five seats on the commission are being vacated this year. If you are a Fort Lauderdale resident, please become involved in this election. It is important the decision makers appreciate the marine industry’s importance to the community.

For two years, MIASF has participated on a committee of well-known anglers that has been developing recommendations for actions to enhance coral reef conservation and fishing quality within the Kristin Jacobs Coral Reef Ecosystem Conservation Area (Coral ECA).  The Coral ECA includes all marine waters from the St. Lucie Inlet to the north of Biscayne National Park, out to 3 nm. This project is under the direction of NOAA and Florida Fish and Wildlife and facilitated by the University of Florida. As the project wraps up, the committee will be looking for feedback from the public to help form their final recommendation. The ideas cover water quality, habitat, fisheries, artificial reefs, and more. Please plan to participate in the public meeting when the date is announced in August.

YSTAP in June 2022

Both classes of the Yacht Service Technician Apprenticeship Program are well underway in the carpentry module of the curriculum. The classroom instruction is currently being taught by Anthony Minimi, a teacher at Atlantic Technical College. Mr. Minimi is extremely knowledgeable on this subject matter and brings a lot of value to the classroom and apprentices sharing his experience from his own construction business.

With so many facets in carpentry, the apprentices began by learning the proper names for tools, sanding procedures, safety practices with tools and more. These lessons also incorporated standard measurement conversions, reading scales, drawing techniques and more. These aspects of the program have proven to be very beneficial for the apprentices and applied in many different ways at their individual companies and on-the-job training. After understanding the basics of carpentry, the apprentices will begin to move into projects to apply what they have learned including but not limited to hand-eye coordination, drawing techniques, measurements, conversions, drawing to scale, and permitting.

Beyond the classroom instruction and on-the-job training, the program is still searching for an instructor to help lead the program and have an impact in building our industry workforce. This is a full-time or part-time job opportunity that includes teaching two nights a week at Atlantic Technical College. The qualifications for this position are to be eligible for a Broward District teacher’s certificate and documented knowledge and skills as a shipyard/mega-yacht service technician in the areas of rigging, plumbing, welding, carpentry, painting, and general maintenance.

If this is a job opportunity you are interested in, or know someone for this role, please email Lori Wheeler at lori@miasf.org.

Business Highlight: Freedom Waters Foundation

This month’s member spotlight is on an organization that has been providing therapeutic boat experiences for individuals with special needs and veterans for more than 16 years in the South Florida community. Freedom Waters Foundation was founded by Debra Frenkel, a licensed social worker, and John Weller, a yacht broker and six-time cancer survivor in 2006, who teamed up under their shared passions of the marine industry and serving others.

Since then, this nonprofit organization currently works with more 125 boat owners and industry partners to provide more than 3500 on-the-water experiences annually primarily in South Florida including the counties of Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Broward, Palm Beach, and southern Martin. Two of their biggest events are annual fishing tournaments, Heels & Reels for at-risk teen girls and Buoys and Bait for at-risk teen boys, and their Adaptive Sailing Program, which provides an opportunity for children and adults with disabilities to learn to sail.

The organization originated in Fort Lauderdale, FL but currently works out of Naples, FL. Their team has plans already underway to grow to a national organization as they have expanded to Lake Lanier in Georgia and Lake Monroe in Indiana to provide boat outings for deserving individuals and their families.
You can learn more about this organization and their events on how to get involved by donating or volunteering on their website – www.freedomwatersfoundation.org.

Faces in the Industry: Danny James

Danny James – Owner, Compass Logistics & Marine LLC

Tell us where you are from, what brought you to Florida, and how long you’ve lived here.
Danny James is a native of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, born and raised.  He attended Bethany, St. Marks and Cardinal Gibbons High School before going to Kings Point, NY in 1999 to attend the US Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA).  After graduating from the US Merchant Marine Academy and 8 years active duty in the Marine Corps, he transitioned to the reserves and came back to South Florida to get his MBA from Nova Southeastern University and his Customs Broker’s license.  He started Compass Logistics & Marine in 2017.

Where do you work, what is your job title, and what does your job entail?
Danny James is the Founder & CEO of Compass Logistics and Marine LLC.  Compass Logistics & Marine is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned logistics company headquartered in South Florida. As a Licensed Customs Broker and International Freight Forwarder, they provide logistics services throughout the US and world. The company specializes in customs brokerage, air/ocean import and export, trucking, warehousing for a variety of industries and subsectors to include but not limited to marine, aviation, government, industrial, energy and tech.

How did you initially become interested in the marine industry?
As a Fort Lauderdale native, Danny grew up on the water and around boats. Anything having to do with boats and the water he loved, whether boating, fishing, surfing, wakeboarding, or just cruising. One of Danny’s first jobs was a dock hand and boat washer at Sunny Isles Marina in North Miami. Danny took his passion further and attended the US Merchant Marine Academy, where he studied the marine industry, shipping and logistics and had the opportunity to spend a year at sea as a cadet, travel the world and serve on multiple ships.

What is your favorite or most valuable benefit of membership in MIASF?
The industry and the people. MIASF serves one of the best and most important industries in South Florida. The small businesses and the people that serve in this industry are exceptional. MIASF plays an important role in representing this industry, its people, and businesses, and ensures it stays strong in the near term and long into the future.

Describe any other community organizations or events with which you are involved?
Danny still serves in the military as a Major in the US Marine Corps (Reserves), where he is just shy of 19 years of service. Additionally, Danny serves on a few boards; Marine Industries Association of South Florida, the Seafarers Board, and recently finished his terms serving on United Way’s Mission United Advisory Board. Supporting community and giving back is important to Danny and his company and in 2021, Danny and his employees donated over $10k to multiple charity organizations to include, but not limited to: Habitat for Humanity, Mission United (United Way), Wounded Warrior Project, Vets Helping Heroes, K9’s for Warriors, Jimmy Fund (Cancer), Alzheimer Association, Easterseals South Florida, Helping Neighbors Feed Neighbors, Just Keep Living, and Abandon Pet Rescue.

Tell us about your hobbies and the kinds of things you do for fun.
When not working and doing military reserve training, Danny loves to spend time with his family: Justine (wife) and three kids Preston (5), Piper (3), and Paxton (1). An ideal weekend will be spent on a boat or at the beach/pool with family.

MIASF Welcomes New Intern

The MIASF team grew this past month welcoming aboard intern, Anthony Santiago. Anthony is a recent graduate from South Broward High School and completed the Marine Magnet Program during his 4 years. Additionally, this past year, Anthony was the overall winner of the 5th Annual Marine Industry Elevator Pitch Competition and was awarded a $500 scholarship.

In the fall, Anthony plans to attend Florida Atlantic University and earn a degree in engineering and continue his path of entering our marine industry workforce. The team at MIASF is excited to work with Anthony and the news ideas and value he will add to our association and industry.

Phil Purcell Moderates Downtown Council Breakfast

CEO/President, Phil Purcell, served as the moderator at the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce Downtown Council Breakfast, co-hosted by the Marine Advisory Council. At the Tower Club, Phil opened the breakfast event with a brief introduction about the marine industry and the issues that we are currently facing. Attendees were very engaged, and it served as a great platform to share with a different audience about the marine industry and its impact on our community.

After introductions were made, Tim Petrillo, The Restaurant People, Romney Rogers, RMZ Law, and David Dweck, Miami Association of Realtors, took the stage to begin the panel discussion. Each panelist was able to share their thoughts, experiences, and perspectives about the marine industry, how one can get involved in it, and why someone should want to get involved.

Phil Purcell Receives Visionary Leadership Award

The Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce held its annual dinner, “75th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee”, which included their anniversary gala, board installation, and guiding light awards reception. The night was a full program of dinners, an awards presentation, live entertainment, and an auction. At this year’s event, Phil Purcell received the Visionary Leadership Award on behalf of MIASF and the Marine Research Hub. It was an honor for the Marine Research Hub to be recognized for its work and dedication to building awareness of Florida’s Blue Economy and the important role it plays in all our lives and community.

MIASF Board of Directors Dinner

The new MIASF Board of Directors will begin their new term officially on July 1st. Leading up to this transition, current, outgoing, and incoming board members came together for an annual dinner and meeting. For the second year in a row, the dinner was hosted at Il Paesano’s, a quaint family-owned Italian restaurant. Over plenty of delicious food, the purpose of this event is to provide a more casual environment for leadership to get to know one another as they share ideas, network, and prepare for the upcoming year.

MIASF Attends Port Everglades Association Luncheon

The Port Everglades Association held its annual luncheon which MIASF was honored to support and attend at its sponsored table at the Signature Grand. MIASF staff members were joined by some of its members at this luncheon, which serves as the annual briefing for business from Broward’s airport, seaport, and tourism leaders. Over a delicious plated lunch, attendees were treated to a presentation that was made up of panel members Mark Gale, CEO/Director of Broward County Aviation Department, Stacy Ritter, CEO/President of Visit Lauderdale, Jonathan Daniels, CEO/Director of Port Everglades/Broward County Seaport, and Gretchen Cassini, Administrator MAP of Transportation Surtax and moderated by Heiko Dobrikow, General Manager of the Riverside Hotel. This annual luncheon is always extremely valuable to get an update on the state of each of the industries represented as they are each powerful economic engines in our county.  

Final Notice to Renew Your MIASF Membership

If you are a member company that still has not paid their renewal dues for the 2022-2023 year, you will be receiving a final notice of your renewal invoice in the mail that is due upon receipt. Renewal payments were due on April 1, 2022, however, we have extended a grace period for those members that have not yet renewed. The grace period will expire on July 1, 2022 and members still pending renewal will no longer be listed in our online directory or in our printed 2022-2023 South Florida Marine Directory set to be released at FLIBS 2022.

To make your renewal payment, you may do so by logging in to the account of your bundle administrator and pay the outstanding invoice via credit card. If you would like to pay by check, please make checks payable to the Marine Industries Association of South Florida and mail checks to 221 SW 3rd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312. If you have any questions about the status of your membership or need assistance paying your dues, please email Noah Dermody at Noah@miasf.org.

MIASF Welcomes Florida Association of Professional Lobbyists

MIASF welcomed the Florida Association of Professional Lobbyists (FAPL) as they held their candidate interviews at the Flagship Room at our office. This all-day event consisted of a variety of candidates for a variety of legislative positions introducing themselves to the audience and going through a Q&A session to allow the lobbyists to better get to know each person and their goals and position on different topics. At the conclusion of the interviews, candidates, lobbyists, current elected officials, and our members were invited to a reception for more networking with one another over passed hors d-oeuvres and drinks. For those in attendance, it created an environment for more casual networking to better get to know the candidates and officials and their plans moving forward.

Anchor Meeting Features Walter Duke & Partners

At this month’s Anchor Member meeting, we welcomed guest speakers, Walter Duke III and Albert Owler, from Walter Duke & Partners to update attendees on the status of the commercial real estate market. Florida is still considered “open for business” and a target for investor markets. Downtown public commercial units are down approximately 50% in their occupancy, but single-entry buildings are seeing a larger interest. In the marine segment, it was also noted that the Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT’s) are investing and looking for additional marine properties. They are currently earning approximately 4%, which is an acceptable return at this time. Albert also stated he is seeing slips selling for $150,000 - $200,000, which is a significant increase.

Member News: Dockmate Hires New National Sales Manager

Dockmate, manufacturer of advanced wireless remote-control systems for yachts, announced it has hired Chris Myers as national sales manager to better service its customers throughout the United States. In his new role, Myers is tasked with directing the Dockmate team of inside and outside sales representatives across the United States and growing and supporting Dockmate’s dealer network. 

A lifelong boater and avid offshore and nearshore angler, Myers has been working professionally in the marine industry for nearly 20 years. He has been involved in all aspects including boatbuilding, products, manufacturing, sales and finance. Myers began his career with Buddy Davis Yachts, notable past positions include an appointment with Seakeeper, Finance Director at Galati Yachts, National Sales Manager for Lumishore, and most recently Business Manager for MarineMax.

“Managing sales in the United States is a big undertaking and one that takes the knowledge we know Chris will bring to this position,” said Marc Curreri, CEO, Dockmate US. “We look forward to drawing from his broad expertise and are confident he will be an excellent representative of the brand.”

“Dockmate is a terrific organization,” said Myers. “The products we produce are engineered to the highest standard and our customer and dealer support is world class. The collaboration between our team is like none I’ve been a part of. I’m looking forward to helping lead and contribute to the growth of the Dockmate brand and help drive the overall awareness of this industry sector.”

Based in Miami, Myers has been living in South Florida for many years with his wife and is currently refitting a classic 18-foot Maverick flats boat that has been in his family for 25 years.

Member News: TopSide Marinas Acquisition

TopSide Marinas has acquired North Point Yacht Club on Lake Belton in Texas.

TopSide plans to invest in the Temple, Tex., marina by adding more than 70 wet slips, TopSide cofounder Jacob Boan said Tuesday in a statement. The property, previously owned by the Brashear family, is TopSide’s third marina. 
“The Brashear family has always wanted to make a positive impact on the community, and we believe that TopSide Marinas will help continue that legacy,” Price Brashear said in the same statement. 

“We are excited to take the baton from Price and continue to provide an outstanding boating experience for all members of North Point,” said Stephen Lehn, another cofounder of TopSide Marinas.

TopSide acquired two marinas in 2021: Beavers Bend Marina on Broken Bow Lake in Oklahoma and Galveston Yacht Marina in Galveston, Tex. The company said it plans to continue acquiring marinas and will consider all opportunities within the United States, including properties located on lakes, rivers and along the coast.

Member News: West Marine Appoints New Chief Commercial Officer

West Marine yesterday announced that it appointed Stacey Renfro as its chief commercial officer. Renfro will report to West Marine CEO Eric Kufel. 
“We are extremely pleased to welcome Stacey Renfro to the West Marine team,” Kufel said in a statement. “Through her complex growth initiatives and game-changing strategies, she has built lifestyle brands and transformed omni-channel retailers to accelerate digital strategies. Stacy’s passion for boating and the category, along with her skillset and proven track record of success, will be an immediate asset to West Marine.” 

According to the statement, Renfro has more than 25 years of experience in e-commerce, marketing, planning, merchandising and customer experience. Her most recent position was as CEO of retailer mDesign, and she previously served as chief digital and customer experience officer for The Vitamin Shoppe. 

Upcoming Events in 2022

In July, MIASF Members are invited to what has become an annual event, a Member Mingle at Frank & Jimmie’s Propeller. Frank & Jimmie’s is known to host extremely fun and valuable events for our members filled with networking, great food and drink, shop demonstrations, and more! As a founding member of MIASF, and celebrating 75 years of business, the Mingle will be a must-attend event! This year’s event will be a backyard barbecue and USA theme event in honor of the 4th of July and summer. The Member Mingle will be on Wednesday, July 13th from 5 pm to 7 pm., 200 SW 6th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301.

Also, at this Member Mingle we will be supporting the Children’s Diagnostic & Treatment Center’s Back-to-School Supply Drive. Each year, the CDTC collects school supplies and backpacks to benefit hundreds of children in the local community. Attendees are asked to bring school supply donations for this initiative.

You can register to attend here!

Past Events in June 2022

This month’s Member Connect was in conjunction with the Florida Association of Professional Lobbyist’s (FAPL) Cocktail Reception. Following their day spent in the Flagship Room conducting candidate interviews, MIASF members were invited to join the candidates, lobbyists, and elected officials for a night of networking. This event opened up an opportunity for MIASF members to learn more about candidates’ positions on a variety of topics, speak with local officials, and receive an overall legislative update. We are appreciative of FAPL for opening up their event to our members as remaining in the know of current legislative issues is extremely beneficial to our industry and individual businesses.

Featured Job: Apprentice Program Instructor

Yacht Service Technician Apprenticeship Program Instructor
The Yacht Service Technician Apprenticeship Program is actively searching for a new instructor for the state-approved 2-year program.

Job Description:

Position: Yacht Service Technician Apprenticeship Instructor

Qualifications: Must be eligible for a Broward District teacher's certificate in the area of shipyard/mega-yacht service technician. Documented knowledge and skills as a shipyard/ yacht service technician in the areas basic electric, general maintenance, hydraulic systems, pumps and plumbing, running gear and machining, shipyard lifting, safety, welding and fabrication, woodworking and carpentry, workplace employability, and yacht painting, and verification of industry certifications/credentials held. 
• Document six (6) years of full-time (40 hours a week) experience performing the skills and activities of that occupation with at least one (1) year of full-time experience working in the trade during the last five (5) years (Recency). Submit an Employment Verification of Occupational Experience Form to each employer for whom you have worked. Self-employment or experience in a family-owned business must be verified by the accountant or attorney of record verifying the type of business and the services provided by the business. Verification forms must be notarized. 
• Provide verification that you are a high school or GED graduate.

Start Date: ASAP

Interested applicants can send their resume to Lori Wheeler - E-mail: lori@miasf.org

Did You Know... Your Renewal Invoice Was Mailed?

Did You Know… that if your company hasn’t paid their membership dues you will not be listed in the 2022-2023 South Florida Marine Directory?

Welcome Aboard June 2022 New Members

On Site Alignment Tampa LLC
Lennard Okkerse
Email: lennard.okkerse@onsitealignment.com
Website: www.onsitealignment.com
Address:
4324 N 56th street
Tampa, FL 33610
Phone: 985-232-9292
Company Description: On Site Alignment llc offers high-end mechanical services with a strong focus on alignment. We are specialized in alignment, engineering, machining, vibration data collection and analysis of all critical rotating equipment onboard of ships. Besides this, we also do sterntube repairs and 3D dimensional surveys
Business Category:
·       Naval Architects / Marine Engineers
·       Miscellaneous
·       Naval Architects / Marine Engineers
·       Yacht Maintenance

Offshore Marine Inspection
Charles Hazouri
Email: charles@offshorenola.com
Website: www.offshorenola.com
Address:
500 Mandeville Street, Unit 10
New Orleans, LA 70117
Phone: 504-450-8044
Company Description: My company Offshore Marine Inspections (OMI) conducts Marine Thermal Imaging Surveys / Inspections (Infrared (IR) or Thermography), Ultrasonic Non-Destructive (Audio Gauge), Coatings and Gloss Inspections, and Consultations.
Business Category:
·       Surveyors
·       Investigations

Reina Boat LLC
Dayi Hayri
Email: hayridayi@gmail.com
Address:
313 WINDMILL PALM AVE
Plantation, FL 33324
Phone: 561-9909640
Company Description: Reina Boat is the first branded houseboat at US with regular models more than 9 for residential & commercial purposes
we are in the market with unique solutions by proving operational services such as dock & slip rentals and other related services for the best experience of Reina Boats
Business Category:
·       Manufacturer - Custom Boats
 
Yacht Sales International
Brewster Knott
Email: Brewster@yachtsalesinternational.com
Website: www.YachtSalesInternational.com
Address:
400 SW 1st Avenue Suite 1
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: 954-642-2080
Company Description: YSI represents buyers and sellers of the finest motor yachts and powerboats available.  Headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with offices in Cape Coral, West Palm Beach, Annapolis, and Chicago, we extend our global reach through an extensive network of dealers and suppliers. Our commitment to excellence is evidenced in the personal touch our licensed brokers and sales associates put into every transaction.  YachtSalesInternational.com is a worldwide leading dealer and supplier for Greenline, ALVA, Lion and RYCK.
Business Category:
·       Boat Dealers - Power (New)
·       Yacht Brokers