Newsletter

From the Captain's Chair: Workforce Development Progress

June and July have remained productive months at MIASF, despite the traditional summer slowdown. MIASF staff, committee members, and industry leaders have been focused on a variety of workforce development issues, from placing summer interns in local businesses, to attending national conferences like the National Marine Trades Council and the American School Counselor Association. Additionally, great progress is being made on securing the State’s first “Yacht Service Technician Apprenticeship Program” with Atlantic Technical College and the Florida Department of Education.

Earlier this year, Florida’s governor made a commitment to invest substantially in workforce and technical training programs that will help the State move from ranking 24th in the nation to being number one by expanding workforce education opportunities. For several years, MIASF has led the charge toward the creation of an apprenticeship program that will help to ensure the marine industry benefits from a skilled and talented workforce that will sustain it into the future.

During the legislative session that concluded in May, MIASF successfully advocated for the inclusion of a $750,000 appropriation in the State budget that would require the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to study impacts to the marine industry from additional passenger rail across the FEC train bridge that spans the New River.

MIASF is committed to ensuring the continued and ongoing navigability of the New River to safeguard a $12 billion industry while understanding the need for transportation solutions in a region that is the sixth largest metropolitan statistical area (MSA) in the country.  Once the FDOT study is underway we will keep everyone posted on the opportunities to participate as stakeholders in the various elements of the process and the procedures for offering input.

I encourage everyone to take some time this summer to enjoy all the natural beauty Florida’s waterways have to offer the boating community. We are fortunate to have the world’s third largest barrier reef off our shores, as well as the wetlands and wildlife of Florida Everglades National Park, and countless picturesque lakes and rivers throughout the State. Try to take advantage of these incredible natural resources if you can.

Regards,

Phil Purcell

CEO/President

 

Business Highlight: Marine Max

The roots of MarineMax date back over 40 years, but the story starts when executive chairman of the Board, Bill McGill, moved his family to Florida to turn his lifelong passion into what would become the world's largest boat retailer. It was the start of thousands of family memories all centered on the water.

Later he, along with a group of America's leading boat retailers, decided the boating industry was in need of change. By uniting companies, they could maximize efficiency of operations while sharing best practices on everything from insurance to mobile boat-servicing and allow team members to focus on what's important: getting customers out on the water. And they have been proudly doing so for over 15 years as a publicly traded company. This new approach became MarineMax.

Headquartered in Clearwater, Florida, MarineMax is the nation's largest recreational boat and yacht retailer. Focused on premium brands, such as Sea Ray, Boston Whaler, Hatteras, Azimut Yachts, Ocean Alexander, Galeon, Grady-White, Harris, Bennington, Crest, Mastercraft, NauticStar, Scout, Sailfish, Scarab Jet Boats, Tige´, Yamaha Jet Boats, Aquila, Aviara, NauticStar, and Nautique. MarineMax sells new and used recreational boats and related marine products and services as well as provides yacht brokerage and charter services.

MarineMax currently has 67 retail locations in Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina and Texas and operates MarineMax Vacations in the British Virgin Islands and the Bahamas. MarineMax is a New York Stock Exchange-listed company.

Faces in the Industry: Gina Marrone, Sirocco Marine

Tell us where you are from, what brought you to Florida, and how long you’ve lived here.

I spent most of my childhood in the small town of Narragansett, Rhode Island. I grew up just a few blocks from the beach! I spent most of my summer days and nights by the ocean and working at Monahan’s Clam Shack. I moved to Florida after high school and continued my education at Florida Atlantic University. I’ve now lived in South Florida for the past 29 years and have raised three amazing children who are all attending my alma mater. Go Owls!

Where do you work, what is your job title, and what does your job entail?

I am currently the sales and business development manager for Sirocco Marine. We are the flagship dealer for BRIG in the United States. Our location in Fort Lauderdale has over 72,000 square feet of showroom space for RIBs (rigid hulled inflatable boats). BRIG is a relative newcomer in the RIB market in the U.S., so my job is to grow sales by broadening the brand, not only as tenders for the yachting industry but on a recreational level as well. The biggest challenge is to encourage recreational boaters to try out a RIB instead of another type of boat – they haven’t yet caught on to the benefits in owning a RIB in comparison to a more traditional family boat like a pontoon or center console.

How did you get initially become interested in the marine industry?

Growing up in a coastal beach town, I have always been drawn to the ocean. At the age of ten, I began surfing with my dad, which is when my love for the ocean began. Throughout the past 12 years, I have partnered, owned, and operated several small marine businesses as well as worked for key marine industry businesses.

What is your favorite or most valuable benefit of membership in MIASF?

The MIASF is an invaluable leader in the marine industry! Through various events, it inspires and educates our youth, gives back to the community and offers an unlimited amount of resources and support to its members. MIASF truly unites our multi-million-dollar industry and has become an invaluable asset allowing the South Florida industry to have a cohesive voice at the local and national level.

Describe some of the other community organizations or events that you are involved with or participate in. 

I am currently on the Membership Committee of MIASF and in the past have worked as the Softball Commissioner at Rotary Park in Hollywood, Florida.

Tell us about your hobbies and what kinds of things do you do for fun.

I love spending time with my family and friends. My hobbies include writing, paddle-boarding, boating, watersports, biking, yoga, cooking, and gardening.

MIASF Advocacy

State Budget

During the 2019 Florida Legislative Session, MIASF successfully advocated for an appropriation through the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to study the impact of increased passenger rail on the FEC railway bridge that spans the New River. While MIASF remains supportive of increased transportation opportunities to address traffic congestion, we are dedicated to maintaining the navigability of the New River for our marine businesses. The $750,000 appropriation will provide FDOT the ability to examine alternatives to any additional passenger rail on the existing rail line and identify specific infrastructure solutions that would allow for increased passenger rail in the region, including the potential of Tri-Rail Coastal Link.

Florida Titling of Boats

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law the Uniform Certificate of Title Act (HB 475/S 676), which creates a titling program for recreational boats. The National Marine Manufacturers Association and the marine industry have been advocating for the legislation that creates a vital tool in the effort to protect consumers from buying damaged, destroyed or stolen boats.

Similar to the way Carfax identifies if a car has been in an accident and who the owner is, the creation of a Florida titling program adds consumer protection. Titles also create confidence in the marketplace and help protect dealers from being saddled with an unsellable vessel.

Yacht Service Technician Apprenticeship

MIASF is working with the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) and Atlantic Technical College (ATC) to establish the State’s first registered Yacht Service Technician Apprenticeship. The two-year program will give apprentices a basic set of shipyard skills to jump start a career in the marine industry. So far, three South Florida shipyards have committed to enrolling employees in the program.

The MIASF Education and Workforce Committee, ATC, and FDOE district representatives have been working toward creating an apprenticeship program for approximately three years and have put significant time and energy into ensuring that they developed a sustainable program that will benefit both the apprentice and the employer.

Applications are currently being accepted for a full-time instructor position. Interested parties must have documented knowledge and skills and six years of full-time experience as a shipyard/mega-yacht technician in the areas of rigging, forklift and crane operations, pipefitting/plumbing, welding/fabricating, carpentry, and painting. For more information or to apply, contact Karen Blakley at karen.blakley@browardschools.com or 754-321-5118.

2019 Up and Comer Awards

Congratulations to MIASF’s director of operations, Lori Wheeler, and Maritime Professional Training’s vice principal, John Flanigan, for being honored at South Florida Business and Wealth’s 2019 UP AND COMER award dinner and celebration. The awards program celebrates the top achievers under the age of 40 throughout South Florida who are nominated by members of the community for their achievements in the workplace as well as their charitable and civic contributions. The marine industry was well represented by Lori and John – well done!

U.S. Coast Guard Change of Command

MIASF was honored to attend the U.S. Coast Guard Seventh District Change of Command Ceremony on June 19th, where Rear Admiral Eric C. Jones was sworn in as the new Commander. As District Commander, he is responsible for all Coast Guard operations in the Southeast United States and the Caribbean Basin, including Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Seventh District encompasses an area of 1.8 million square miles and shares operational borders with 34 foreign nations and territories.

American School Counselor Association Conference

MIASF joined the National Marine Manufacturers Association, the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association, and Yamaha Marine at the American School Counselor Association Conference in Boston where they worked collaboratively in the “Explore Careers in the Boating Industry” booth and welcomed more than 1,500 visitors over three days. The goal was to meet school guidance counselors and share information about careers in the marine industry to share with their respective students around the country as part of a workforce development initiative.

National Marine Trades Council

MIASF staff took part in the 2019 National Marine Trades Council (NMTC) three-day annual meeting held in Anacortes, Washington, discussing important topics including boat show production and management, workforce development, advocacy, and association management. NMTC is an informal group of marine trade associations from across the country that has been meeting since 1972. In attendance were representatives from 20 associations and four national/international organizations. Guest speakers included Liz Walz, vice president of Marine Retailers Association of the Americas; Freya Olsen from Discover Boating; Julie Balzano, senior director, Export & Workforce Development at National Marine Manufacturers Association; and Jaimie Francis from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

High School Field Trip

Rising freshmen enrolled in the Marine Magnet Program at South Broward High School recently participated in a field trip that allowed them to gain insight into the marine industry. The students' day began at Water Taxi where they were introduced to CEO Bill Walker and toured the facilities and various vessels onsite. After the tour, the students boarded a Water Taxi for an enjoyable ride on the New River to Bradford Marine. They then toured the shipyard to see firsthand the myriad of marine services offered and learned the logistics of operating a complete yacht facility. The field trip ended with a message from Michael Kelly, Braford's new COO. Overall, the day provided a fun atmosphere for the students to experience an overview of many different aspects of our industry. Many thanks to Water Taxi and Bradford Marine for welcoming the group of students into their businesses for the day.

Shark Tagging with NSU

MIASF was pleased to partner with Pompano Dive Center to sponsor a recent shark tagging expedition with researchers from the Nova Southeastern University Guy Harvey Research Institute and students from the South Broward High School Marine Magnet program. Joined by Sean Smith, MIASF’s director of development and host of Salty Jobs, the researchers collect the data from tagged sharks to understand more about their migratory patterns, life expectancy, and predators. Although no sharks were caught and tagged that day, the students learned the role sharks play in the ecosystem and that more than 100,000 million sharks were killed last year, and they did see other wildlife like dolphins, sea turtles, and a manatee. Additionally, they learned about different career opportunities in the marine industry such as captain, first mate, and marine researcher.

Stolen Boat Meeting

With recent headlines proclaiming Florida the "stolen boat capital of the nation", MIASF hosted a group of interested individuals and local law enforcement to discuss the actual statistics and promote solutions that may help to prevent and/or deter future thefts.

 

Member News

F.I.N.D. Grant

At the June commission meeting of the Florida Inland Navigation District (F.I.N.D.), commissioners approved an agreement on the consent calendar to partner with MIASF and share in the cost to monitor and maintain the continued navigability of the New River at the FEC bridge. F.I.N.D.’s Broward County Commissioner, Frank Gernert, championed the request, which was approved by the entire commission.

Paul Engle Retiring

After 26 years at Bradford Marine, former president Paul Engle announced his retirement. Engle joined Bradford in 1993 after years as a yacht captain and has previously served as a Board of Director for MIASF. Since the beginning of this year, Engle has worked with the yard’s new owners, John and Michael Kelly, as they revitalize the business. Paul is looking forward to playing golf and tennis, and fishing and boating.

MarineMax Acquires Fraser Yachts

MarineMax has announced an agreement with Italian-based yacht builder Azimut/Benetti Group to acquire Fraser Yachts. The deal includes a multiyear agreement that gives MarineMax exclusive dealership rights to sell Benetti yachts in North America. Monaco-based Fraser offers yacht brokerage, yacht charter, yacht management, crew placement and new build services through 20 offices in 18 countries around the world. According to MarineMax, the more than 160 Fraser team members will remain in place and continue to manage the company’s operations.

Pinmar Appoints New Head of Operations

Global superyacht painting and refinishing company Pinmar has named Derik Wagner executive director of its U.S. operations, responsible for leading its U.S. management team and spearheading its growth in North America and the Caribbean.

Wagner brings more than 20 years of experience in global sales, business development and management skills, including a previous position as managing director at MTN Yacht Service. He was president of the International Superyacht Society (ISS) from 2015 to 2017 and is a founding member of the U.S. Superyacht Association (USSA) and a former Anchor Member of MIASF. He will operate out of Pinmar’s new U.S. headquarters at Rybovich in West Palm Beach.

Boat in Times Square

The installation of a 59-ft cruiser in the heart of Manhattan caps off the month-long 50th anniversary celebration of Azimut Yachts. Working alongside its dealer, MarineMax, the celebration included media appearances on television shows and radio talk shows, cruise tours along the Hudson River, as well as a multitude of public and private events. Appearing in Times Square from May 10-22, the yacht is the maximum size that can fit in the allotted space and was presented during Design Week by Design Pavilion and NYCxDesign.

Caribbean Disaster Response Planning Conference

IGY Marinas recently hosted a 2019 Caribbean Disaster Response Conference in MIASF’s Flagship Room. The first of what is hoped to be an annual event brought together an alliance of NGOs, air and sea asset managers, and local stakeholders to maximize collective disaster response capacities. Discussions included best practices, existing humanitarian aid frameworks in the Caribbean, roles and responsibilities, and a step-by-step immediate action plan before a storm makes landfall.

Upcoming Events

MARITIME MONDAY

MIASF is joining forces with USSA and YPY to host the ever-popular Maritime Monday: Trivia Night Edition, which will be held on August 12th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at The Downtowner in the Maxwell Room. An RSVP is REQUIRED in order to play. In the true spirit of networking, players will be randomly assigned to a team upon check-in and pouting will be frowned-upon. Bring your thinking cap, a stack of business cards, and a friendly competitive spirit. YPY, USSA, and MIASF members will receive one free drink and light bites will be served. Need more details? Contact sean@miasf.org or nicole@miasf.org.

Past Events

BETTER BUSINESS BREAKFAST

MIASF hosted a Better Business Breakfast to discuss the topic of Sea Level Rise on Tuesday, June 25th with panelists, Dr. Nancy Gassman, City of Fort Lauderdale assistant public works director; Dr. Jennifer Jurado, Broward County chief resilience officer and director of  Environmental Planning & Community Resilience Division; and Dr. Alex Bogdonoff, co-founder and principal of Brizaga. The panel, moderated by MIASF vice president James Maitland, focused on the effects of sea level rise on the marine industry and community and solutions being implemented both at the county and city levels.  

MARITIME MONDAY

Maritime Monday took place on June 3rd at Boatyard Restaurant. The location provided a great atmosphere to kick-off the summer. The environment was relaxed, perfect for attendees to network while enjoying light appetizers and drinks. 

MIASF MEMBER MINGLE

Sailorman hosted an MIASF Member Mingle Customer Appreciation Summer Cook-Out on Saturday, July 20th at their store in Fort Lauderdale. Guests enjoyed free food and drinks, live music, games and prizes, as well as special sale prices on select merchandise.

Did you Know?

MIASF Members can reserve the Boardroom and Conference Room for company and community meetings. The Boardroom comfortably accommodates about 20 people and the Conference Room can easily seat eight to ten. Call the office at 954-524-2733 or email info@miasf.org to request a specific date and time for your next downtown meeting.

Welcome Aboard New Members!

REGULAR MEMBERS:

 

Electrosea

Tracy Mitchell

Email: tmitchell@electrosea.com 

Website: www.electrosea.com 

549 Harrington Rd.

Wayzata, MN

Phone: 621-669-5889

Company Description: ElectroSea™ introduces CLEARLINE™, a new technology that prevents barnacle growth from clogging your vessel’s seawater conduits. CLEARLINE keeps raw water supply lines for air conditioners, cooling systems, and wash down pumps operating at maximum rates and peak performance.

 

Everglades Diesel Fuel Injection & Turbo Service

Lonni Cibants

Email: Lonni@evergladesdiesel.com 

Website: www.evergladesdiesel.com 

243 SW 33rd Court

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315

Phone: 954-522-1780

Company Description: Everglades Diesel Fuel Injection & Turbo Service keeps our customers moving by offering specialized service for electronic and mechanical governors, generator application pump and governors, fuel injection, multi-port and throttle body injectors, and STC injectors. There's no substitute for experience, and the team at Everglades Diesel has over five decades of experience in providing the services and products you need.

 

Just Catamarans

Rafael Escobar

Email: Service@justcatamarans.net 

Website: www.justcatamarans.net 

850 NE 3rd St., #207

Dania Beach, FL 33004

Phone: 954-589-2343

Company Description: Catamarans Service and Sales

 

Performance Power Systems

Toby Mizelle

Email: service@performancepowersystems.com 

Website: www.performancepowersystems.com 

2200 NW 32nd St., Suite 500

Pompano Beach, FL 33069

Phone: 954-366-5778

Company Description: Performance Power Systems is a full-service marine diesel engine facility specializing in marine powertrain and generator systems. From new system sales to used and reconditioned units, Performance Power Systems can meet your toughest demands.

 

Karen Lynn Interior Design

Karen Lynn Poulos

Email: info@karenlynninteriors.com 

Website: www.karenlynninteriors.com 

2551 W. State Rd. 84

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312

Company Description: Boutique interior design firm specializing in custom yacht interiors for new construction and refit of super yachts

 

Seven Seas Yacht Sales

Melody and Len Renne

Email: Melody@sevenseasyachtsales.com 

Website: www.sevenseasyachtsales.com 

1500 W. Broward Blvd.

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312

Phone: 954-463-8143

Company Description: Boat Dealership (New, Pre-Owned and Brokerage). Re-Power Center, full parts & service center, waterfront location

 

GCC

Jennifer Werth

Email: jwerth@eoh.inc.com 

Website: www.gcc-na.com 

7399 NW 74th St.

Medley, FL 33166

Phone: 206-696-2944

Company Description: Innovative motion control - providing hydraulic, pneumatic & electric solutions to the marine industry service, repair and hydraulic hose assemblies based in Medley.

 

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS:

 

River Run Consulting Group

Doron Abraham

Email: dabraham@riveruncg.com 

Website: www.riveruncg.com 

6978 Halton Park Lane

Coconut Creek, FL 33076

Phone: 201-913-9975

Company Description: Business consulting and coaching

 

Carr, Riggs & Ingram

Jack Quealy

Email: jquealy@cricpa.com 

Website: N/A

33 SW Flagler Ave.

Stuart, FL 34994

Company Description: National Top 20 firm, providing Tax, Audit, Advisory, Analytics, Business Transition, Consulting, Investment Banking and Personal Wealth Management services to our clients.