Newsletter November 2020


From The Captain's Chair

From The Captain's Chair

November 2020



Captain's Chair - HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

With the undeniable success of the 61st annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) behind us, we are incredibly grateful to the participating exhibitors, vendors, staff, and guests for their continued support and loyalty of FLIBS. Steadfast dedication to participating in the largest in-water boat show in the world exemplifies the stalwart perseverance of our industry during times of great challenge and substantiates its significance to the economic prosperity of the community at-large. We are also very thankful to the Broward County and city of Fort Lauderdale mayors and commissioners for trusting us to produce a safe, secure, and significant event for the benefit of residents and visitors, as well as the marine, tourism, and hospitality industries that underpin the economy.

Our third year of partnering with NBC Sports Network to produce the one-hour FLIBS special, which was broadcast to 90 million households on Sunday, November 1st and again on Saturday, November 14th, brought in first-time sponsorships from Visit Lauderdale and Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, strengthening our local relationships and bolstering the platform to showcase South Florida’s enviable boating lifestyle. The special can be viewed anytime at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SePKm7U6PDc.

Numerous exhibitors at this year’s show conveyed their feelings of safety and security with the advanced protocols put in place with Informa’s AllSecure program, in addition to overwhelming excitement at the surprising strength of sales and quality of buyers who visited their displays, with many meeting or exceeding sales from previous years.

Like other experiences during this pandemic, such as dining out, traveling by plane, or gathering with friends, the boat show felt a little different this year. The crowds were smaller, the docks were wider, face masks were required, there were multiple entrances with thermal temperature screenings, and one-way pedestrian paths inside the tents and on the docks. But what remained the same at FLIBS is that sellers and buyers found each other, and most importantly, created commerce.

During this traditional time of Thanksgiving, we certainly have much for which to be thankful. The marine industry remained essential throughout the coronavirus lock downs earlier this year, keeping our yards and businesses open and employees working; an emphasis on outdoor recreation after being cooped-up and isolated allowed a new generation of people to discover the joys of family boating and boat ownership; and the marine industry and its supporters showed true leadership and perseverance in successfully shepherding the boat show to fruition in one of the most challenging times in its history. 

I hope you enjoy the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday with close family and friends, stay safe, and remain healthy.

Sincerely,

Phil Purcell


Advocacy Report

Advocacy Report

We have exciting election news to share. We will have one representative in Tallahassee who will know and care about all our issues. Kelly Skidmore has been elected to district 81 in the State House of Representatives. When you see Representative Skidmore be sure to congratulate her.

This year at FLIBS, the U.S. Coast Guard and Customs and Border Protection both made their annual visit to the boat show. This was a great opportunity to introduce new leadership to our industry, take them on a tour of a yacht or two, then sit down to a small round table discussion. USCG spoke about its concern that yachts are failing to file notice of arrival in a timely manner, if at all. There are currently 19 yacht cases being reviewed for violation. It is important to note that ANOA has been in effect since 2008 and filing is electronic, reducing many reasons for non-compliance.

The round table session with CBP included advice on visa extensions - be sure to file the extension, as travel is still restricted. There continues to be challenges finding consulate offices open to apply for new visas. The consulates follow the host country regulations and currently only have emergency hours in most places. There were questions about B1 visas being permitted to work on U.S.-flagged vessels and the answer was yes, under certain conditions.

MIASF’s lobbyists were in town for the show so we sat down with all three (local, state, and federal) and reviewed this year’s priorities and discovered there were many links to our issues from the local level to the state and on to federal. Locally, we continue to monitor the train bridge operations, will petition to open the Manatee Protection Plan to redistribute the slip allocation, and continue to urge active marketing of the boating industry from government agencies. In Tallahassee we are monitoring FWC legislation, campaigning for the next step of the New River bridge project to move forward and preparing to take on guiding the amended Manatee Protection Plan through the second phase of approval. Finally, in D.C. we continue to monitor the development of the regulation that will permit a vessel over 300gt to fly an American flag, prepare for the 3rd phase of the Manatee Protection Plan approval, lobby for simplified language in the U.S. Longshore & Harbor Workers Compensation Act to reduce the requirements for yacht work, and identify grant opportunities for infrastructure (bridges, seawalls and dredging) and business assistance. Last and most critical is to develop working relationships with incoming leadership and those agencies with impact on visas, cruising licenses and entry into the U.S., and boating in general.

Speaking of the Legislature, every year MIASF participates in Broward Days and specifically the marine component. All marine stakeholders meet and determine the marine concerns critical to Broward, create an issue paper and share it with the Broward Legislative Delegation (our elected officials). Typically, during the legislative session, we go to Tallahassee and lobby our issues. This year may be different, but we are still moving forward with the identification of our goals and communicating them to our elected officials, although person-to-person visits in Tallahassee may not be possible this year. Please let MIASF know if you would like to be involved with Broward Days.

DEP’s Coral Reef Conservation Program has begun a new process specifically focused on engaging the fishing community (fishing stakeholders and industry) and to harness the capacity of this community to advance conservation and sustainable use of the Southeast Florida Coral Reef Ecosystem Conservation Area (ECA). The new process is facilitated by a project team from the University of Florida. MIASF holds a committee seat in this group, which is tasked with developing user specific recommendations to be provided to the Coral Reef Conservation Program.


Yacht Service Technician Apprenticeship Program Report

Yacht Service Technician Apprenticeship Program Report

Apprentices in the Yacht Service Technician Apprenticeship Program (YSTAP) continued learning the outside machining portion of the program this month. The class covered different components and safety issues related to outside machining in the marine industry. Topics this month included material lathes and milling machines, as well as servicing and diagnosing shafts, couplings, propellers, cutlass bearings, conventional stuffing boxes, dripless shaft seals, and struts. Lastly, vibration issues were covered with relation to the above-mentioned topics. With the drivetrain class work now complete, the apprentices are prepared for the upcoming advanced topics workshop with marine engineer, Richard Merhige, from Advanced Mechanical Enterprises in December. RIch, a graduate from SUNY Maritime College and a Level II Vibration Analyst, will discuss how AME handles drivetrain repair and diagnosis of running gear, as well as the importance of vibration analysis on yacht systems. Our new 2021 YSTAP classes are beginning Monday, January 4th and we are close to full! The 2021 apprentice classes are taught at award-winning Atlantic Technical College in Coconut Creek and classes will meet weekly for two years on Monday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. For more information on how to join, contact instructor Jon Lowell at jonathananthony.lowell@browardschools.com. 


Business Highlight - Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport

Business Highlight - Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport

The Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE) is located in the heart of the City’s Uptown Business District, just minutes from downtown Fort Lauderdale. Owned and operated by the City of Fort Lauderdale, Executive Airport serves a variety of general aviation needs including aircraft refueling and parking, corporate aviation, air ambulance, air charter, maintenance, avionics, flight training, and aircraft refurbishing.

Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport features an array of outstanding amenities including a 24-hour FAA Air Traffic Control Tower, U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility, 24-hour Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting services, 24-hour airport security, a Fort Lauderdale Police Substation, and four Fixed-Base Operators (FBOs) that provide fueling, maintenance, aircraft hangars, and other aviation and related services to aircraft operators and their passengers.

Totaling approximately 1,000 acres, the Airport oversees the administration of land leases, development of airport property, as well as operates, maintains, and promotes the Executive Airport, Airport Industrial Airpark, and the Fort Lauderdale Downtown Helistop (DT1), which serves as a multimodal connection to and from the downtown business area. In addition, Executive Airport administers and promotes the City of Fort Lauderdale’s Foreign-Trade Zone-241, which offers numerous economic benefits and advantages to companies involved in export/import.

FXE is self-sustaining, using revenues generated from land leases and fuel flowage fees to fund operational costs. Surplus revenue is used as matching funds for capital improvement projects and to leverage state and federal grants.

According to the Florida Department of Transportation's 2019 Statewide Economic Impact Study, the Executive Airport supports 12,708 jobs, with a payroll of $578,721,000 benefiting the local economy/residents. The combined direct, indirect and multiplier factors of the economic impact study for FXE was reported to be $2,091,276,000 annually. Executive Airport and Airport Industrial Airpark tenants pay approximately $4 million in taxes each year. These two facilities combined comprise the City’s second largest taxpayer.

More than 200,000 visitors arrive in the area each year through Executive Airport. Executive Airport ranks as one of the busiest general aviation airports in the country with more than 172,000 annual operations. It is the busiest U.S. Customs facility for clearing international arrivals of general aviation aircraft and passenger.


MIASF News - Miramar High School Career Day

MIASF News - Miramar High School Career Day

Megan Piggott, MIASF’s digital media and outreach coordinator, participated in the virtual Miramar High School Career Day with about 60 high school students. She presented a thorough overview of the many jobs and career opportunities available in the marine industry as well as the different pathways of introduction, a description of the Salty Jobs video series, and background information on MIASF and the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.


Faces in the Industry - David Rose

Faces in the Industry - David Rose

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

I was born and raised in Fort Lauderdale. Graduated from Florida State University and now live in Delray Beach, FL.

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

I work for Yamaha at Bennett Marine, where I am the Director of Sales. I manage three divisions – Domestic OEM, Domestic Distribution, and International Distribution.

How did you initially become interested in the marine industry?

I was raised on the water, fishing and boating. I had taken a corporate job that I really didn’t enjoy and one day I started looking at marine industry jobs and found a great position open in International Sales at Bennett Marine.

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

The networking has been tremendous, but I personally love the knowledge that is shared amongst members and the “best practices” that are communicated within the group since we are all from such different segments of the industry.

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

I participated in Big Brothers Big Sisters for almost a decade but now my “little brother” has become an adult. We have a one-year old son – so my wife and I find ourselves with less free time.

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

Spending time with friends and family is “the” thing that I enjoy most. We are doing some home renovation projects on a new home right now and I love seeing the improvement process through each step. This is our second home that we are overhauling, so that is where I will be spending my weekends instead of fishing or trying to golf.


MIASF News - Marine Research Hub and Ocean Exchange

MIASF News - Marine Research Hub and Ocean Exchange

The Marine Research Hub and Ocean Exchange board members had an informal workshop during the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. The meeting included a presentation from Millicent Pitts/Ocean Exchange and Ann Carpenter/Braid Theory and OE board member, on the increasing potential of strengthening Florida’s relevance in the blue economy and the urgency needed to develop and implement a strategic path forward. 


MIASF News - Insurance Survey

MIASF News - Insurance Survey

MIASF is exploring health benefit options for our members. By aggregating our members, we will have a very large group. Large groups have lower costs than smaller plans for the same benefits. We believe this will offer great value to you and your company. Savings are likely to be $1000/year per enrolled employee verses similar benefits offered by commercially available carriers in South Florida.

But we need your help. Please take 2 minutes to complete the survey below. The results of the survey will allow us to obtain rates and benefits for your (and your agent's) review.

Click here to complete the survey by November 25th. Thank you!


MIASF News - 6th Annual Global Business Luncheon

MIASF News - 6th Annual Global Business Luncheon

MIASF and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance partnered to host the 6th annual Global Business Luncheon during the opening day of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. With a small audience of community business leaders onboard the MIASF Hospitality Lounge and several dozen participating online, keynote speaker, Craig Jackson of Barrett Jackson Auctions, entertained participants with stories and anecdotes of the history of Barrett Jackson from its early beginnings to its recent in-person, record-breaking auction in Arizona last month.


MIASF News - FLIBS Wrap-Up

MIASF News - FLIBS Wrap-Up

The Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance hosted a FLIBS Wrap Up breakfast meeting at the Tower Forum on November 20th. MIASF and Informa provided an overview of the show and highlighted the many exhibitor successes and visitor experiences, including the NBC Sports Network one-hour special that was sponsored in part by Visit Lauderdale and the Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport.


MIASF News - Kelly Skidmore

MIASF News - Kelly Skidmore

MIASF said goodbye to its public relations specialist, Kelly Skidmore, this month. Kelly joined the team in June 2016 and provided an elevated style of writing and communication that has become one of the hallmarks of the association. During her tenure, Kelly also served as the executive director of the Salty Jobs video series in its early days, spearheaded the launch of the Marine Research Hub of South Florida, and guided the transition of Ocean Exchange from Savannah, Georgia to Fort Lauderdale to coincide with the timing of FLIBS. She assisted with advocacy efforts and was the Broward Days Marine Industry Impact Team Leader. She leaves to join the Palm Beach County Medical Society as its CEO.


Member News - Derecktor Ft. Pierce

Member News - Derecktor Ft. Pierce

After 11 months of review, the engineering and plans for Derecktor Ft. Pierce’s new haul-out basin have been officially approved by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, paving way for construction to commence once the City of Fort Pierce Building Department gives its final approval. The haul-out basin measures 220 feet in length and 50 feet wide, comparative in size to one of the two concrete silos located adjacent to the Derecktor facility at the Port of Fort Pierce. Existing upland will be excavated from the concrete pier making way for 288 auger cast piles needed to support the relieving platform surrounding the perimeter of the haul-out basin. Construction includes the installation of an intricate system of tiebacks, whalers and sheet pile, all of which will support the 1,500-ton lift under a full load of approximately 4.5 million pounds - or roughly the same weight as a fully fueled space shuttle preparing for launch. The 1,500-ton mobile boat hoist will be shipped from Northern Italy to Port Everglades later this year and will be delivered to Fort Pierce by barge. Assembly of the massive machine will take 6 to 8 weeks to complete. Standing 85 feet tall, 75 feet wide and 120 feet long, the lift will be nearly as tall as Fort Pierce’s South Causeway and as wide as a six-lane highway.


Member News - HMY Yacht Sales, Inc.

Member News - HMY Yacht Sales, Inc.

HMY Yacht Sales, Inc. announced the opening of a brand-new location at Bahia Mar Resort & Yachting Center. Founded in 1979 with its first office located in Fort Lauderdale, HMY has expanded to twelve strategic, high-profile locations to assist its clients with the sale, acquisition, and charter of their yachts. HMY’s newest office will represent new yacht brands Viking Yachts, Princess Yachts, and Okean Yachts, as well as all brokerage vessels.


Member News - National Marine Manufacturers Association

Member News - National Marine Manufacturers Association

National Marine Manufacturers Association announced is recent board elections. Members have elected Steve Heese as chairman of NMMA’s board of directors. Heese, who is president of Chris-Craft Corp., is joined by vice chairman, Ned Trigg/executive vice president of Dometic Marine, treasurer Ron Huibers/retired president of Volvo Penta of the Americas, and secretary Doug Smoker/president and CEO of Smoker Craft, Inc.


Member News - U.S. Superyacht Association

Member News - U.S. Superyacht Association

The U.S. Superyacht Association held its annual meeting and awards ceremony on Friday, October 30th during the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show at Bahia Mar Resort, using a hybrid format of in-person, online, and through the airwaves via Superyacht Radio, reaching 1,390 participants around the globe. Congratulations to Beacon Award winner, Jonathan Rothberg of M/Y Gene Machine, and YPY Leadership Award winner Katie Hagen of FHG Marine Engineering. The Chairman Award for Herman Pundt/Denison Yacht Sales and Golden Compass Award for Bob Roscioli/Roscioli Yachting Center were presented posthumously.


Member News - Hall of Fame Marina

Member News - Hall of Fame Marina

The Hall of Fame Marina annual Marina Day event scheduled in July 2020, “Fishing with America’s Finest,” benefitting veterans was postponed until 2021 due to the virus, but organizers wanted to find another way to support the community by thanking the health professionals from Holy Cross Hospital, who have been saving lives, with the gift of a fun relaxing experience on a Tropical Sailing sunset cruise. Cruise certificates were included in a special gift basket including personal notes of gratitude with champagne and chocolates. Twenty-five cruise certificates and gift baskets were presented and distributed for health care professionals and a guest.


Anchor Member Meeting

Anchor Member Meeting

The MIASF monthly Anchor Member Meeting featured lobbyists Matt Sacco of The Rubin Group and Teye Reeves of Smith, Bryan, and Myers to discuss general elections results and the 2021 legislative session.


Past Events

Past Events

MIASF’s last Maritime Monday was an in-person event held on November 16th in the Flagship Room at MIASF HQ. By limiting the guest count to 24, providing single serve beverages and snacks, and requiring guests to be socially distanced, MIASF was able to host a safe and fun networking event. MIASF is ending the practice of socially gathering on a monthly basis for networking purposes due to the challenges and restrictions associated with hosting groups at local venues.


Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events

SAVE THE DATE! MIASF will join with YPY, USSA, ISS, and IYBA to host a virtual Holiday Celebration and Toy Drive on December 8th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The celebration will be virtual, but the toys must be real. Options for gifting include buying gifts on Amazon to be sent directly to the Children’s Diagnostic and Treatment Center, dropping unwrapped toys for the CDTC at IYBA or MIASF headquarters until December 14th, or through Touch a Heart Foundation’s Adopt-A-Family program, which matches South Florida families in need with sponsors who receive their wish list of holiday gifts and household items, as well as providing them with a holiday meal.


Salty Jobs

Salty Jobs

Megan Piggott and new cohost, David Chew, get their motors running by working with engineers at FHG Marine Engineering. Splitting up to conquer the day, Megan works onboard a yacht to conduct a bearing inspection while David performs an inspection on a cylinder head in the workshop. Click here to watch this latest episode.


Did You Know?

Did You Know?

The MIASF office will be closed for the week of Thanksgiving, November 23rd through 27th.


Welcome New Members

Welcome New Members

REGULAR MEMBERS:

G&H Marine Canvas Inc.

Edgar Valencia

Email: info@ghmarinecanvas.com    

Website: www.ghmarinecanvas.com 

1601 SW 20th Street CS#6

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315

Phone: (754) 204-4372

Company Description: G&H Marine Canvas Inc. is recognized as a pioneer fabricator in South Florida of exclusive interior and exterior Yacht products like: Upholstery, Cushions, Canvas, Enclosures, Yacht Awnings and Headliners. G&H Marine Canvas is convenient Located at Lauderdale Marine Center.

We use the most advance technology and State-of-the-Art equipment to accomplish every project the way you need it and stand behind every single process to delivery exceptional products for your vessel

Business Category: Canvas Shops, Carpet & Textile – Installation/Cleaning/Restoration, Sail Makers, Yacht Design/Interiors

 

K4 Mobility

Mark Theissen

Email: mark.theissen@k4mobility.com   

Website: www.k4mobility.com   

20 N. Wacker Dr Ste 1200

Chicago, IL 60606

Phone: (800) 453-1324

Company Description: Our mission is to build and operate a secure digital platform to harness the power of the internet for maritime, with an inspiring, clear, and convenient technology path for cutting-edge performance now and in the future. The vision for the internet is global and mobile, connecting every person and asset anywhere and everywhere on the planet. K4's vision is to be the trusted platform that harnesses rapidly innovating satellite internet technology for maritime and beyond.

Business Category: Satellite Communications, Computer Network Specialists, Computer Software/Services, Cellular Phones/Communications

 

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS:

Streamline Computing

Marc Jackson

Email: marc@streamlineme.us   

Website: www.streamlineme.us   

2019 SW 20th Street, Suite 101

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315

Phone: (954) 800-4000

Company Description: For 20 years, Streamline has been providing the marine industry with IT and AV support. We understand that a vessel's IT and AV infrastructure must meet the demands of guest and crew, whether in port or during a crossing. There is no job too small or too big. We encourage our clients to call on us during any technology crisis. There are plenty of things to worry about while at sea, Technology should not be one of them. Contact Streamline today. Or tonight, we are probably still working.

Business Category: Computer Network Specialists, Computer Software/Services, Audio/Video Systems