Newsletter October 2020

Captain's Chair - FLIBS

At MIASF, we applaud the leadership team at Informa Markets U.S. Boat Shows for making the decision to produce the 61st annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, which starts on October 28th and ends on November 1st. As one of the world’s largest trade show producers, Informa is leading by example and providing critical support to not just the marine industry, but the lateral industries of tourism and hospitality, and the overall community that relies on the show’s economic impact throughout the rest of the year.

Not much about 2020 has been typical since the pandemic hit the U.S., so, yes, the show will look a little different than it has in recent years and it will be punctuated with extensive new health and safety precautions and protocols that will offer confidence to visitors, guests, exhibitors, staff, and crew as they move about the show’s expansive outdoor sites. Online tickets sales indicate that Americans are ready to enjoy a fun outdoor event, and attendees can expect to see their favorite brands, several debut yachts, hundreds of vessels of every size, and all the accessories and services imaginable – just like always.  

I am very proud of the more than 60 MIASF members who will be exhibiting at the show and contributing to its success by spurring the economy and safeguarding the industry. I believe it is incumbent upon all MIASF members to support the show in whatever ways possible within each person’s health and safety comfort zone, whether that’s exhibiting, buying tickets, accessing the B2B opportunities, or using social media channels to share positive messages about the importance of the show.

While I sincerely hope for a speedy economic recovery, the imperative to develop and deploy safe and secure ways to continue doing business is one we should take seriously, whether it’s in response to the current situation or any crisis in the future. In its 61-year history, FLIBS has never been cancelled because of the resilience of this industry and the support of the community.

Thank you for all you’ve done and all you’re doing to make the boat show successful. I look forward to seeing you there.

Yacht Service Technician Apprenticeship Program Report

Apprentices in the Yacht Service Technician Apprenticeship Program (YSTAP) began learning the outside machining portion of the course this month. Topics to be covered include material lathes and milling machines, marine hydraulics, drivetrain and alignment work, blueprint reading, marine hardware, preventative maintenance, bow and stern thrusters, and stabilizers. The class completed the first machining workshop at Derecktor Shipyard under the guidance of veteran machinists Scott Sabety and Eduardo Portela. Several pieces of floor equipment were demonstrated, from massive material lathes to state-of-the-art milling machines. The class also discussed the variety of in-shop rigging used for supporting heavy material like props and shafts. Finally, the importance of precision measuring and part rendering were covered. Coming up soon, the apprentices will attend a milling workshop at Atlantic Technical College and get hands-on use of power tools used in outside machining in the marine industry.   YSTAP is growing its member involvement and signed on three new companies that will enroll apprentices in the January 2021 classes. We are pleased to welcome Advanced Mechanical Enterprises, Engineered Yacht Solutions, FHG Marine Engineering, and High Seas Yacht Service. For more information on how to join, contact jonathananthony.lowell@browardschools.com. 

Advocacy Report

Florida insurance regulators early this month dug into the details of a proposal that calls for reducing workers’ compensation insurance rates next year by an average of 5.7 percent. The state Office of Insurance Regulation held a public hearing on the proposal by the National Council on Compensation Insurance, or NCCI, which makes rate filings for the workers’ compensation insurance industry. The proposal would be the fourth straight year of premium decreases for employers. Average rates dropped 7.5 percent this year, after reductions of 13.8 percent in 2019 and 9.5 percent in 2018. Regulators are expected to decide in the coming weeks whether to approve, reject or order changes in the NCCI proposal.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission met October 7th and 8th. Industry leaders told wildlife commissioners that boaters need more public access to waterways, particularly in South Florida, while the state needs to address the behavior of new boat operators. The Commission received a wide range of suggestions from people involved in commercial boating and sport fishing during a nearly two-hour online discussion. Commissioner Rodney Barreto of Coral Gables suggested a joint venture between the state and local governments to open more boat ramps, while he said he would also like the commission to revisit shark-related rules. The commission also reviewed a draft proposal for the 2021 legislative session that would address issues such as anchoring rules, the removal of “repeat offender” derelict vessels from state waters, and safety-related items including a noncriminal prohibition on bow riding, which is when a person sits on the bow with a foot or leg over the side of the vessel. Several other items of concern include a no discharge zone for the entire state and requirement of a safe boater card for every operator after 2023. MIASF will be watching this bill through the 2021 legislative session, which will begin in March. To view the FWC meeting: https://thefloridachannel.org/videos/10-7-20-florida-fish-wildlife-conservation-commission-part-1/ 

The U.S. Coast Guard has reported that it continues to struggle with notice of arrival compliance. Currently, there are approximately 19 cases of yachts in violation of the ANOA, which is subject to a fine up to $96,000. Please advise your foreign yachts of the importance to file timely.

Business Highlight - FHG Marine Engineering

FHG Marine Engineering Inc. specializes in diesel engine in-frame overhauls, generator overhauls, and general preventative maintenance. Its marine engineers each have 10 years of experience and offer service and support on hydraulics, HVAC-R, and electrical systems with complete mobile service to the South Florida area.

Its engineers are graduates of the United States Merchant Marine Academy, a world class institution that trains future mariners for life at sea. They each have years of experience sailing on commercial, military, and cruise ships, in addition to a vast knowledge of luxury yachting vessels.

With FHG Marine Engineering, every technician that works on a vessel understands what it means to have a machinery malfunction at sea. It strives to ensure this never happens.

Rob Fletcher, Co-Founder & Chief Engineering Officer, began his career with a job at a boatyard as a teenager. His passion for marine service led him to pursue a degree in Marine Engineering at the United States Merchant Marine Academy. Upon graduation he sailed on Navy Supply Ships as an Engineering Officer and upgraded his USCG License to First Assistant Engineer Unlimited Horsepower.

Katie Hagan, Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer, graduated summa cum laude from the University of San Diego with a degree in International Relations. While at USD, she sailed around the world with Semester at Sea on the MV Explorer. As an Asian Studies minor, she later lived and worked abroad in Chongqing, China. Before FHG, she was a humanitarian with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Delegation to the United Nations.

Richard Grennen, Co-Founder & CEO, graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy with a degree in Marine Engineering. He gained experience on cargo ships, cable laying vessels, cruise ships, and US Navy vessels while upgrading his USCG License to First Assistant Engineer Unlimited Horsepower. He also has years of experience working on luxury and superyachts and is a member of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME).

Faces in the Industry - Chad Allen

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

I am originally from Tawas Bay, Michigan. My parents moved to FL when I was 13 and I finished middle and high school here in Fort Lauderdale.  I then did my undergrad in Seattle at the University of Washington and returned to FL in 2002 to obtain my master’s degree in business administration and have been here ever since.

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

I am the Founder/President of Coastal Tank. We are a specialty yacht cleaning & coating service subcontractor.  Our services include, pump outs & marine waste disposal, tank cleaning, bilge cleaning, epoxy coating repairs, pipe jetting, exhaust stack cleaning, HVAC air duct cleaning, dryer vent cleaning and galley hood cleaning.  I handle all of the estimating, scheduling and operations management.  We have a team of 8 foreman & technicians and are going into our 4th year in business.

How did you initially become interested in the marine industry?

I grew up power boating and racing blow boats in Tawas Bay, MI.  I have always had a passion for boats and being on the water. After completing my MBA, I worked as an owner’s rep for several commercial high-rise projects. When the real estate market crashed around 2007, I shifted gears and went to work for a company in the marine industry and gained nine years-worth of experience and relationships.  I identified a need for a tank cleaning subcontractor who could deliver the professional and courteous service and founded Coastal Tank in 2017.

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

Staying informed of industry trends, news and developments as well as networking and being able participate in city and county events that the association in involved with.  I am also involved with USSA and YPY (Young Professionals in Yachting).

Describe any other community organizations or events with which you are involved.

We have been involved with the Broward County Waterway Cleanup for the past three years as a Site Sponsor.  We also work with and are regulated by the USCG.

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

My main hobbies are fishing, surfing and golf as well as spending time with our two sons Chase and Mason. I also own and operate a fishing charter business called Soul Cat Outfitters which has been in operation for 1 year.

MIASF News - FLIBS PSAs

MIASF and Informa U.S. Boat Shows continue to produce informative FLIBS public service announcement videos that promote the show and its extensive health and safety measures. The latest video features influential voices within the marine industry and local community talking about the important impact of the boat show on many businesses in and out of the marine industry. It’s well known that FLIBS attracts not only boating clients, but also customers for hotels, restaurants, shops, and attractions. For some, boat show week is the busiest week of the year! The full library of PSAs can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/c/InformaBoatShows/videos. 

MIASF News - Members FLIBS Tickets

By now, all MIASF member bundle administrators should have received an email message that was sent on October 14th from Nicole Hoekstra, MIASF events coordinator, with a pdf attachment of two electronic tickets to FLIBS. If you do not think you received your member company tickets, please check your spam/junk folder first. Also, check your member profile online to confirm the email address of the bundle administrator is correct. Each electronic ticket is uniquely numbered so that it can be tracked to its owner and only scanned once upon entering the show and again upon exiting the show. Remember, MIASF members receive a discounted member rate when purchasing additional tickets for employees, family, and friends.

MIASF News - History Fort Lauderdale

After months of exploratory work and research, History Fort Lauderdale (previously known as The Fort Lauderdale Historical Society), in partnership with MIASF and industry sponsors, will open Fort Lauderdale’s first Marine Museum exhibit later this month. The exhibit will be housed within the History Museum New River Inn, located in the City’s Historic District, with artifacts from early Native Americans to modern naval architecture on display. Visit www.historyfortlauderdale.org for updates or call 954-463-4431 for more information.

MIASF News - South Florida Business Journal Special Marine Section

For the sixth year in a row, the South Florida Business Journal has published its special Marine Section, a 15-page pull-out focused solely on the marine industry, produced annually in advance of FLIBS and inserted in one of SFBJ’s weekly October newspapers. By creating the list of the top 20 marine businesses by revenue and employees, this publication has been instrumental in helping MIASF share the success story of the marine industry with local and regional business leaders and elected officials, solidifying its prominent role and impact on the local and statewide economy. Additional copies of the special section are available in the MIASF office and included in New Member packets throughout the year.

MIASF News - HANDY/MIASF Panel

MIASF partnered with HANDY, Inc. during its marine industry month to virtually present to their youth. Megan Piggott, MIASF digital media and outreach coordinator, presented an overview of the marine industry and moderated a panel of industry leaders. The panelists included Erena Fridman- Yacht Service Technician Apprentice with Derecktor, Ionna Hernandez- Business Development Manager of International Registries, Inc., and Richard Grennen- CEO/President of FHG Marine Engineering. There were more than 70 youth, from age 12 to 25, virtually participating from three different HANDY sites. The panelists spoke about their pathways and experiences, their careers, and advice they would give to the youth entering their careers.

The three teams at each site were then challenged to create a commercial to ‘sell’ the viewer on a career(s) in the marine industry. The commercials were reviewed by MIASF Education and Workforce Committee leaders on the basis of creativity, industry knowledge, and persuasion. The winning commercial came from HANDY’s Wells Center site and the participants will receive a special dinner delivered to their site in compliance with health and safety standards.

MIASF News - Broward County Commission to Launch CARES Grant Program

The County Commission is establishing a grant program using CARES Act funds for small businesses and non-profits in Broward County to help mitigate the impacts of COVID-19.   

The Broward County CARES Act Small Business and Non-Profit Assistance Grant Program is designed to aid small businesses with 20 employees or less and non-profits with 25 employees or less. The program will be administered through the County’s Office of Economic and Small Business Development, while local partners will provide free technical assistance to applicants.  

$25 million in federal CARES Act funding will be allocated to the small business grant and an additional $10 million for non-profits. These funds can be used to reimburse the costs of business interruption related expenditures caused by COVID-19’s required closures and/or operating restrictions. Funds are not a loan, and do not have to be paid back. The County is also assisting some cities with administering their CARES Act funding for small businesses, while other cities will administer their funds directly. 

The application period is not open yet. However, businesses can visit the newly created website www.broward.org/cares to learn more about the Broward County CARES Small Business Grant and the Non-Profit Grant program including eligibility, application process, technical assistance, and much more.

Member News - MarineMax

MarineMax Inc. announced the acquisition of Skipper Bud’s, significantly growing its presence in the Great Lakes region and the West Coast. Skipper Bud’s is one of the largest sales, brokerage, service, and marina/storage groups in the world. Fiscal 2019 revenue for Skipper Bud’s was $220 million, making this the largest acquisition for the company to date, adding 20 locations and bringing the group’s total retail outlet count to 77. The shareholders of Skipper Bud’s will remain as its operators. With the acquisition, MarineMax adds 20 locations in Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, California, Washington, and Florida. Additionally, the acquisition strengthens MarineMax’s premium real estate holdings with the addition of 11 marina and storage facilities, nearly doubling the company’s marina portfolio.

Member News - Northrop & Johnson

Northrop & Johnson welcomes Yacht Broker Grant Henderson to its team of international brokers. Grant is based in the Fort Lauderdale office. Originally from Madison, Wisconsin, Grant always had an affinity for the water. He grew up spending most of his time on the lakes of Madison competitively sailing A and C Scows and Lasers, as well as waterskiing and playing hockey. Grant attended Lawrence University, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in history, and started all four years on the LU hockey team. Grant is on the Board of Directors for the International Yacht Brokers Association (IYBA) and serves as its Secretary. He was recently elected to his third term as Chairman of the Marine Advisory Board for the City of Fort Lauderdale, is a 10-year member of the Downtown Fort Lauderdale Rotary Club and was a member of Young Professionals in Yachting since its inception. Grant is married to Kimberly, an attorney at Moss Construction, has a five-year-old son, Colin, and a three-year-old daughter, Sloan.

Member News - Yacht Management South Florida

Congratulations to Josh Kerrigan, president and founder of Yacht Management South Florida, Inc., for being recognized by South Florida Business and Wealth in its Las Olas Lifestyle edition of 50 Men of Influence. Click here to see his interview: https://go.epublish4me.com/ebook/html/10104111#page/96                  

Member News - Safe Harbor Marinas

As reported in International Boat Industry (IBI), Safe Harbor Marinas has entered into a definitive merger agreement with Sun Communities and one of its subsidiaries in a transaction valued at $2.11 billion. Sun Communities is a premier real estate investment trust that owns and operates 426 properties across North America. Safe Harbor will operate independently from Sun’s other businesses but will benefit from its tremendous strength. Safe Harbor’s 45,000 members enjoy access to the largest network of marinas in the world. In June this year, Safe Harbor announced the acquisition of its 100th marina, located across 22 states in the US.

Member News - Dometic

Dometic was honored at IBEX Online with an Innovation Award in the category of Propulsion Parts, Propellers, for its new Electric Power Assist product, which is engineered to bring the smooth, easy control of electric power-assisted steering to a wide range of popular boats, including pontoons, runabouts, RIBS, aluminum fishing boats, and center consoles. Well done!

Member News - T. Spencer Samuels Insurance and Financial Services

Lisa Samuels, T. Spencer Samuels Insurance & Financial Services (TSS) Partner and Co-Founder, was named 2020 Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County (MIAPBC) Member of the Year. The award was presented during the MIAPBC Annual Membership Awards ceremony on September 29. The ceremony had a small live component with a restricted audience of 30 people and was streamed live on the MIAPBC Facebook page. 

MIAPBC Member of the Year is awarded to the member “who has been dedicated to the perpetuation of the highest ideals, trust, and professionalism for the industry.” All nominees were reviewed by the MIAPBC Membership Committee, and Lisa Samuels was selected as this year’s top member. Lisa received a unique, marine themed, glass award during the ceremony. The award dates back to 2002 and is the most prestigious award given by the MIAPBC to a member. Congrats on your well-earned recognition, Lisa!

Member News - ComMar Sales

MIASF applauds ComMar Sales for quickly responding to the danger caused by hurricanes Laura and Sally by generously donating law enforcement-grade First Watch H2O Tac waterproof jackets to Louisiana volunteers, known fondly as the Cajun Navy, which was originally formed by boaters who helped rescue stranded victims following Hurricane Katrina.

Member News - Isotropic Networks

Space and Satellite Professionals International (SSPI) 2020 announced late last month the “20 Under 35” list of outstanding young professionals and noted that the honorees were celebrated at its Future Leaders Celebration on October 6th. Among those recognized was Melissa Orlick, Director of Maritime Communications at Isotropic Networks. SSPI’s annual list of "20 Under 35" features 20 employees and entrepreneurs to keep your eye on in coming years. They were selected from nominations submitted by companies recognizing excellence in their young talent, by entrepreneurs seeking to make their mark on the industry, and by peers seeing and applauding leadership and achievement. Congratulations, Melissa! We’re watching you!

Upcoming Events - FLIBS

The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show will take place from Wednesday, October 28th to Sunday, November 1st. Attendees will be admitted using an electronic ticketing system and temperature checks at the show’s multiple new entrances. Main docks have been widened to widths up to 30 feet, and tents will be equipped with high velocity sanitization systems with HEPA filters. As a reminder, face coverings will be required by exhibitors and attendees and customer lines will be spaced out with visual markers every 6-feet, including at entrances, restrooms, and food and beverage stands.

Complimentary tickets for lunch onboard the MIASF Hospitality Lounge will be limited to only MIASF Members who are exhibiting in the show and Anchor Members however, lunch tickets will be available for purchase on a space available basis from Thursday to Sunday. Member lunch will be not available on opening day.

Anchor Member Meeting

Townsend Bell, an American professional motor racing driver and motorsports commentator for NBC Sports’ IndyCar Series coverage, spoke to MIASF Anchor Members about the details that go into the making of the FLIBS one-hour special that will air on NBC Sports Network on Sunday, November 1, 2020 at 4:30 p.m. He talked about the dozens of photographers and editors, and the talent who will be at the show filming, as well as the “Best in Show” competition that will award a newly designed trophy to one of several vessel debuts at the show.

Upcoming Events - Maritime Monday

MIASF will host its first post-pandemic, in-person Maritime Monday at its spacious headquarters property on November 9th. Make plans to join colleagues and peers for a physically distanced and safety-minded event beginning at 5:30 p.m., with single serve drinks and refreshments provided. While not seated at a table, all individuals will be required to wear a face mask. Hand sanitizer will be available. Click here to RSVP.

Past Events - Breakfast with the Journal

To launch the annual South Florida Business Journal Marine Special Section, MIASF typically hosts a Breakfast with the Journal in its Flagship Room. Due to physical distancing requirements, this year’s event was held virtually with the full teams of both MIASF and SFBJ online, along with invited guests from the community. MIASF CEO/president, Phil Purcell provided an in-depth preview of what to expect the 61st annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, and the SFBJ editor, publisher, and reporters discussed local business topics and trends. The annual “Book of Lists” marine industry report was published on the same day and delivered to 10,942 readers.

Past Events - Maritime Monday

“Two truths and a lie” was last month’s fun and entertaining Maritime Monday theme, which was held on October 5th at 6:00 p.m. Each participant on the Zoom virtual get-together introduced themselves by describing three unique things about them. Two of the items were true and one was lie, with the remaining guests guessing which was the lie. It was a creative and engaging way to get to know one another! Winners of the randomly raffled gift cards were Christie Harrison of Frank & Jimmie’s Propeller, Brooke Joiner of Videoworks of America, and Sheila Roux of Marina Investments Group.  

Did You Know?

This year, NBC Sports Network will broadcast its third annual one-hour FLIBS special during the show on Sunday, November 1st at 4:30 p.m. Check your local listings for coverage and will air again on November 17th. 

Salty Jobs

Salty Jobs is back! Incorporating appropriate safety measures, filming of the popular video series returned this month with the first episode of Season Four at Bahia Mar Yachting Center, where host Megan Piggott gets a whiff of what it takes to service marina customers and their yachts. Check it out, along with the new Season Four opening and logo design! www.saltyjobs.org 

New Members

REGULAR MEMBERS:

 

Atlas Marine Group

Adolfo Rosendo

Email: arosendo@atlasmarinegroup.com   

Website: www.atlasmarinegroup.com  

4325 E. 11th Ave.

Hialeah, FL 33013

Phone: (786) 312-1231

Company Description: South Florida's specialists on all manner of coatings and linings used in marine vessels. Atlas Marine has over 14 years of experience at arresting corrosion / erosion on tanks, exhausts, bilges, sea chests, hulls, stern tubes, rudder tubes, chain lockers, piping and many other areas.

Additional services such as metallizing, electrostatic coating, powder coating and dry ice blasting are also offered at our 10,000 square foot facilities in Miami, FL.

 

Indiantown Marine Center

Galla Gumadlas

Email: admin@indiantownmarinecenter.com  

Website: www.indiantownmarinecenter.net  

21043 SW Citrus Blvd.

Indiantown, FL 34956

Phone: (772) 277-3268

Company Description: Your safe and affordable south Florida alternative

Full suite Marine services and Yacht care with Hurricane safety

Wet and Dry dockage and or storage up to 180'

Two haul-out ramps for 300T and 100T travel lifts

Convenient location for Repair and Refit

Located in Advanced fiber-optic based communication and technology company

Across from Indiantown Airport-X58

Fresh water, Atlantic Ocean gateway to the Gulf

International shipping convenience and ready access to supply hubs

 

Moondog Dive Outfitters

Gregory Mooney

Email: greg@moondogdive.com  

Website: www.moondogdive.com  

3100 W State Road 84 Bay 103

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312

Phone: (954) 257-4694

Company Description: Moondog Dive Outfitters is a full-service dive support company for the yachting community based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. We offer a full line of dive compressor systems from Nitrox Solutions and Bauer Compressors, sales and service of all major scuba manufactures, hyperbaric chambers and free diving equipment, along with accredited training from all major agencies. Custom Dive Lockers and Compressors are our specialty.

 

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS:

 

Beachcomber Resort and Club

Jack Miller

Email: jack@beachcomberresort.com  

Website: www.beachcomberresort.com  

1200 S Ocean Boulevard

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Phone: (954) 941-7830

Company Description: Oceanfront beach resort and Deep oceanfront restaurant and bar