Newsletter July 2018


From The Captain's Chair

From The Captain's Chair

July-2018

From the Captain’s Chair

A MIXED BAG

I hope everyone is enjoying the summer so far and had an opportunity to celebrate the Fourth of July with friends and family and maybe took some time to watch the exciting FIFA World Cup matches that led up to the championship game between France and Croatia.

With just three months to go until opening day of the 59th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, MIASF is busy getting ready for another great event. Once again, we will be hosting the MIASF Hospitality Lounge aboard the 128’ Grand Floridian, with daily lunch for members and guests,
special events, cocktail receptions, as well as the highly anticipated annual Exhibitor Party. Adding an additional level of excitement, the production crew for the NBC Sports Network post-show television special will be headquartered with us on the first deck.

As you may know, the Fort Lauderdale City Commission recently granted approval to the proposed plan to marry Pier 66 and what has been known as the Sails Marina, allowing for a 15-year window for development. MIASF and Informa are working closely with the owner and developers of the property to ensure that it will continue to be available as one of FLIBS seven indispensable locations.

Exhibitors and visitors can expect more infrastructure improvements at FLIBS, including a newly designed and streamlined entranceway, improved food selections, and simplified catering options.

We remain engaged on public policy issues that have the potential to impact and effect our members and have publicly opposed the Florida Department of Transportation study as well as the consideration of a pedestrian bridge over the New River – the lifeline of the marine industry.
Understanding that freight trains cannot withstand significant inclines, we continue to advocate for passenger rail over the New River to be diverted to a new 45’ or higher bascule bridge that would be carried to the north side of Broward Boulevard, reducing navigational delays on the river and eliminating the inconvenience and gridlock of vehicles traveling east and west on Broward Boulevard stopping continuously for passenger trains.

We are keeping a close eye on the impact of increased steel and aluminum tariffs and are relieved that our insightful implementation of the first-ever recreational boating Foreign Trade Zone will shield participating sites from the imposition of the additional costs.

Phil Purcell
CEO/President, Marine Industries Association of South Florida