Newsletter


From The Captain's Chair

From The Captain's Chair

August 2019



From the Captain's Chair: Website Makeover

At MIASF we are always looking at ways to improve our professionalism, enhance the services we offer our members, and keep pace with rapidly advancing technology. We recently invested considerable time and effort in an update to the association’s website that more accurately reflects the significance of the marine industry in the region. We added a lot of new photos and videos, additional content, and user-friendly systems. Important instructions for changing passwords and updating profiles was recently emailed to all member's bundle administrators. If you haven’t already, take a few minutes to visit the new site at www.miasf.org and check out some of the new features. We would love to receive your positive feedback, as well as any helpful suggestions. You can email us at info@miasf.org

Additionally, our Salty Jobs website is in the process of being revamped with a new partner that has extensive experience managing successful national job boards. JOBarto is a local company with an impressive background. Expect to receive more information via email about opportunities to post job openings, video content, company highlights, and more. MIASF members will receive free job postings through December 2019.

As the countdown to FLIBS begins, MIASF and Informa are planning some special events to help celebrate the show’s 60th anniversary and offer visitors, guests, and exhibitors a seamless experience. New events, like a ribbon cutting and a Mayor’s reception on opening day, as well as changes like the Superyacht Village at Pier Sixty-Six and the Windward VIP Club in a new waterfront location, keep the show fresh and exciting. We’ll keep you updated as additional events and opportunities are announced.

Regards,

Phil Purcell

CEO/president


Business Highlight: RPM Diesel Engine Co.

Business Highlight: RPM Diesel Engine Co.

Since 1956, RPM Diesel Engine Co. has built an outstanding reputation in all areas of marine and industrial diesel knowledge, service, and repair at its onsite facility in Fort Lauderdale and worldwide. With expert technicians and the best equipment available, it is a complete source for marine engine sales, service, and maintenance and is factory authorized for many major manufacturers. Overhauls and repairs are performed strictly according to manufacturer specifications. RPM has new, hard to find and obsolete diesel engine parts in stock for Detroit Diesel, MTU, Northern Lights, Kohler, Westerbeke and more.


Faces in the Industry: Jennifer Lang

Faces in the Industry: Jennifer Lang

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

I was born and raised in West Deptford, New Jersey and I spent most of my childhood playing competitive softball. My family and I moved down here in 2001 when my dad accepted a job opportunity that relocated us here to South Florida. I consider myself to be a very family-oriented person, I have two amazing children who push me to be a better person every day.

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

I am the Operations Director for Lauderdale Marine Center and I have been here since June of 2015. I oversee all the leasing, office administrative and human resource activities. I have a passion for my people. The greatest feeling as a manager is watching those you have taught, succeed. How you treat people is everything.

How did you initially become interested in the marine industry?

As a kid I spent my summers in North Wildwood. We would be at 2nd Avenue beach from 7am-3pm searching for hermit crabs and in the water. Our house on 7th Avenue was only a block away from the water where we could catch blue crabs and fish from the seawall. Every night we would go to the boardwalk and ride the rides at Morey and Mariner’s Pier.

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

The people, connections, opportunities, ideas and feedback that I receive from the organization and members. They always challenge me to want to be a better leader, employer, partner, mentor and neighbor. I am very focused on educating the youth and their parents about the endless possibilities available to them in the Marine Industry right here in South Florida.

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

I am currently on the MIASF Education and Workforce Committee and Junior Achievement Marine Industry Storefront Founding Members Board. I am also a member of the HRABC, Human Resource Association of Broward County and a SHRM Certified Professional, Society for Human Resource Management.

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

I love being outdoors, anything water related and in nature. My children and I have recently planted a butterfly garden so that keeps us very busy. I am a very involved dance mom to my daughter and coach for my son’s soccer team. We love doing mini vacations to Key Largo and long weekend trips to the parks in Orlando. It’s all about making memories and being the change you want to see in others.


Advocacy

Advocacy

MIASF recently hosted the new Sector Miami U.S. Coast Guard Captain, Jo-ann Burdian, and others for a meet-and-greet and tour of the New River to illustrate the significance of the marine industry and its impact on the South Florida economy. The visit allowed Captain Burdian to understand some of the challenges we are facing with the continued navigability of the New River amidst increasing passenger rail concerns.  


2019 SFBJ Book of Lists Survey

2019 SFBJ Book of Lists Survey

The South Florida Business Journal (SFBJ) is preparing to publish its ranking of local companies in the marine industry and needs your help to be as accurate and up to date as possible. Contact Jessica Bryant at the South Florida Business Journal to request your survey: jbryant@survey.bizjournals.com

There is no fee to be on the list. SFBJ collects information as business journalists and providers of local market intelligence. The list will run in the print edition, online, and in the annual Book of Lists, which is widely read and recognized as an authoritative source for local business information.


Boys and Girls Club Broward County Marine Industry Career Day

Boys and Girls Club Broward County Marine Industry Career Day

MIASF welcomed 70 high school students who attend the Boys and Girls Club Broward County (BGCBC) program to its headquarters in downtown Fort Lauderdale, where a panel of young marine industry professionals discussed various career paths, jobs, and the benefits of working in an exciting and growing industry. The panel, moderated by Sean Smith, MIASF’s director of development and host of the Salty Jobs video series, included Ionna Hernandez, business development manager from Yachts – International Registries; Richard Grennen, co-founder and CEO of FHG Marine Engineering; Juno Prudhomm, yacht broker at Denison Yacht Sales; and Megan Lagasse-Washington, marine director at Pier Sixty-Six Marina. Offering lots of career advice and tips on putting their best foot forward, panelists recommended that the students begin practicing important soft skills now, like having a positive attitude, being helpful and thoughtful, using proper grammar, being on time, and making relatable connections with interviewers and eventual co-workers. The students also enjoyed a newsletter writing activity with Lucy Reed, publisher of The Triton news publication, and a Water Taxi boat ride to Lauderdale Marine Center, where they visited six marine businesses and participated in a scavenger hunt.


www.miasf.org Gets a Revamp

www.miasf.org Gets a Revamp

Over many months, MIASF staff worked diligently with Advantage Services to revamp and revitalize the association's website. Updated photos, videos, and content provide a more memorable visit to the website, that also features user friendly tabs and a new view for the membership directory. Coupled with MIASF's growing social media presence, the website keeps the association up-to-date with advancing technologies. IMPORTANT: Be sure to look for the email that was sent on August 19th with step by step instructions on how to reset your password and update your company profile.


Marine Industry Summer Camp

Marine Industry Summer Camp

MIASF enjoyed overseeing two weeks of Marine Industry Summer Camp at Stranahan High School. The first week was dedicated to learning about the jobs, career paths, and professions within the marine industry and included field trips to local marine businesses where the students saw first-hand the types of jobs available. The second week, the students were able to develop and work with underwater ROVs, or remote operated vehicles, for a deeper understanding of the breadth of marine-related engineering opportunities.


Educator Training Conference

Educator Training Conference

On July 23rd, The American Boat and Yacht Council hosted its inaugural three-day “Marine Service Technology: Educator Training Conference” in Annapolis, Maryland. MIASF joined associations from 15 states, Canada, and the British Virgin Islands, who gathered to learn the latest on teaching marine service technology at the high school and post-secondary school level. ABYC was able to link different parts of the industry including future employers, educators who have significant influence over the number and talent of future boat techs, and equipment, engine, and boat manufacturers.


Member News

Member News

Oceanmax, leading innovator of underwater coatings, announced the next phase of its planned global expansion to support greater market penetration for its existing line and new introductions planned for Q3, 2019 and beyond. Oceanmax is scheduled to open new offices in Europe and America to support growth. The company said these locations will serve as centers of excellence for new products, enhance support for current and future customers and allow for deeper integration with soon-to-be-announced partners around the globe. To drive sales and business growth, current Oceanmax CEO Clint Jones will assume the role of President International Sales. His responsibilities will include global sales and support staff, channel development, and international expansion. Chris Baird, former Managing Director for Fusion Entertainment, assumed the role of CEO/Managing Director on August 12.

ComMar Sales, a Rhode Island-based representative of marine product manufacturers, celebrates 50 years of serving the marine industry in September. Founded in Massachusetts by Bill Glaser in 1969, ComMar got its start representing technical marine electronics manufacturers from Maine to Virginia. In the 1980s, ComMar added marine hardware and safety lines, and from the 1990s to 2008 expanded its representation to the southeast U.S. states, the Caribbean islands, and the Gulf Coast states.

IGY’s Yacht Haven Grande Marina - St. Thomas, USVI becomes the first North American marina to ever be awarded Gold Anchor ‘Platinum’ Level accreditation from The Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA), which manages possibly the oldest and most prestigious international marina rating system in the world.  By attaining their highest possible accreditation, IGY’s Yacht Haven Grande Marina establishes itself as one of the best marinas in the world. The arduous process to attain a platinum level rating required Yacht Haven Grande Marina to pass a comprehensive external audit encompassing design, operations, polices, procedures, communications, destination integration, and an independently administered review of the marina’s customer service enquiry standards.  The fact that Yacht Haven Grande Marina caters to the largest superyachts in the world (up to 600ft’ / 182m) on a remote Caribbean Island, makes this achievement even more outstanding given the level of custom services required for this unique market segment.

Capping off this achievement is the resounding recovery of Yacht Haven Grande Marina and the island of St. Thomas after the 2017 hurricanes. Only four marinas have ever been awarded the platinum level designation by TYHA with none, except Yacht Haven Grande Marina, attaining this status after overcoming two single year Category Five hurricanes.

MarineMax Pompano recently raised over $20,000 to benefit the March of Dimes, with an exclusive Sea Ray Customer Appreciation Casino Night fundraiser and auction. The Sea Ray Customer Appreciation Casino Night raised a total of $20,293 in donations to the March of Dimes. The hot item of the night, which drew in $2,500 in donations, was an Admiral Marine Canvas & Upholstery voucher worth $3,000 in value. More big-ticket items included two in-home dinners by chef Anthony at $2,100 apiece, two yacht cruises at $1,600 apiece, and an enormous amount of Call-to-Heart donations totaling $4,500. On top of the live auction, guests enjoyed exploring the spectacular line up of boats and yachts on display, delicious food and drinks, and casino games like craps, blackjack, roulette, and slots. The March of Dimes is an 80-year-old not-for-profit organization that helps millions of moms and babies across the globe, no matter their age, socio-economic background or demographics.

Benetti’s 108m yacht, FB275, left the shipyard in Livorno as the largest yacht ever built by Benetti, and the first of the yard’s self-proclaimed “Giga Season” to be delivered. With naval architecture by Pierluigi Ausonio, FB275 has a steel hull and aluminum superstructure. Equipped with twin MTU 2880 kW engines and fuel capacity of 345,000 liters, the yacht has a maximum speed of 18.5 knots and a range of 6,500nm at 14 knots. There is also an electric Schottel stern SPJ pump jet to enable the yacht to travel distances powered entirely by electric propulsion. The yacht accommodates 22 guests and a crew of 29.

Global Marine Travel has been named in Travel Weekly’s 2019 Power List, the travel industry trade publication’s annual list that recognizes the top 54 travel agencies in the U.S. with $100 million or more in travel sales. GMT offers yacht crew specialized air/sea fares through a number of travel platforms and booking programs, as well as 24/7 customer service and advice on travel issues such as visa requirements. GMT, which is ranked No. 47 on the list, provides travel service to more than 300,000 maritime personnel around the world each year.

Through a lease-option, Nautical Ventures Group has taken over operations of Anglers Marina in Dania Beach and will rebrand the entity as Nautical Ventures Marine Center. On the 10-acre site, Nautical Ventures will build a new 200-unit drystack, a 15,000 square-foot state-of-the-art showroom, a six-bay parts service facility, a ship’s store, a waterfront restaurant with tiki bar, improve overall infrastructure for 120 wet slips, and be the future home of Nautical Ventures Boat Club. A newly built, custom houseboat is docked onsite, serving as an interim sales, brokerage and boat club office.

Lauderdale Marine Center (LMC), the largest yacht repair facility in the U.S., is pleased to announce that Ferretti Group America, a world leader in designing, building and marketing luxury motor yachts, has opened a 5,000 square foot office, workshop, and parts facility at LMC. Ferretti will employ eight full-time employees, with plans to add 15 to 20 new positions in the coming year at the LMC location. Ferretti's new parts department, which will be open to the public, will house more than 3,000 individual items and manage custom kits for spare parts for American owners of Ferretti Group brand boats. Ferretti's new service department is equipped to handle warranty work, routine maintenance, complete refits, and all phases of yacht refinishing for all Ferretti Group brands.

Located on the Miami River, full-service shipyard RMK Merrill-Stevens is renovating and rebuilding both the North and South shipyards as part of a $25M investment in the company. The investment will create approximately 100 new jobs now open to applicants at the historic shipyard known for superyacht repairs, maintenance, and refit. Among the roles that will be filled, the company is seeking to fill the following positions: Lead Marine Mechanic, Marine Mechanic, Diesel Mechanic (Volvo/Penta and/or Caterpillar certified), Lead Marine Carpenter, Marine Carpenter, Lead Marine Electrician, Marine Electrician, Lead Marine Welder, Marine Welder, Fiberglass Technician, Finish Painter, Bottom Painter, Marine Travel Lift Operator, Shipyard Foreman, Boat Detailer, Purchasing Associates, Purchasing Manager and Project Manager. New hires will receive competitive compensation, healthcare benefits, training, growth opportunities, and the rewarding opportunity to become part of the growing RMK Merrill-Stevens team. All applicants are required to provide work history, relevant qualifications, prove eligibility to work in the U.S., and take a drug test. 


Salty Jobs Partners with JOBarto

Salty Jobs Partners with JOBarto

Salty Jobs has partnered with JOBarto to modernize its website and create a state-of-the-art national job board. To start, the soon to be relaunched site will offer MIASF members the ability to:

1). Include company details and logo

2). Post as many free job postings as you like until December 31st, 2019

3). Add Multiple users to the account

4). Review job applications

5). Manage job postings

JOBartO launched in 2015 with the mission to help clients improve the efficiency of running their job board sites. Its comprehensive and talented team has been involved in the internet business since the early 90’s and has focused on the job board industry the last seven years.


Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events

Maritime Monday will be held on September 9th, due to the Labor Day holiday at the beginning of the month. Meet us at Truluck’s at The Galleria on Sunrise Boulevard from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for socializing and networking with friends old and new. MIASF will buy your first drink and provide some snacks. (Leave your white shoes at home!)

MIASF Members are invited to our next quarterly Member Mingle event, a Fall Kick-Off Party, hosted by Frank & Jimmie's Propeller on Thursday, September 19th from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.


Past Events

Past Events

Last month, nearly 100 people attended the second Maritime Monday Trivia Night. Held at The Historic Maxwell Room inside The Downtowner and emceed by our own James Maitland, the evening had guests enjoying challenging questions, team building, food, drinks, and a spirited tie breaker. Thanks to our co-hosts YPY and USSA, and gift card prize donors Centennial Bank, T. Spencer Samuels Insurance and Financial Services, RMK Merrill-Stevens, and Flagship Management.

On August 28th, MIASF members attended our 2nd annual NetWORK with a Purpose, connecting marine industry businesses with veteran job seekers. Partnering with United Way Mission United, the event brought together employers and veterans in a friendly and social atmosphere.


Did you Know?

Did you Know?

You can submit company news and press releases for consideration in the monthly MIASF newsletter; email pr@miasf.org to share your latest news.


Welcome Aboard New Members!

Welcome Aboard New Members!

REGULAR MEMBERS:

Cay Marine

Joe Schechter

Email: Joe@caymarineservice.com 

Website: www.caymarineservice.com 

501 NW South River Drive

Miami, FL 33136

Company Description: Boat Yard on the Miami River specializing in Custom Yacht Renovation and Maintenance.

 

ThrowRaft

Troy Faletra

Email: troy@throwraft.com 

Website: www.throwraft.com 

1202 NE 8 Ave.

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

Company Description: ThrowRaft provides patented technology and the most modern innovations in the PFD industry, which hasn’t seen any progression in over hundred years. Our patented products are the best, cutting-edge, government approved safety equipment that legally replace the square cushion and ring buoys on all registered recreational vessels in the U.S.A. Compact safety that fits anywhere!

 

Jim Steel

Email: jimsteel@steeltowing.com 

Website: www.steeltowing.com 

PO Box 460156

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33346

Phone: 954-536-1207

Company Description: Provide marine towing to large private and commercial vessels in South Florida.

 

Yamaha Marine

Gregg Snyder

Email: Gregg_snyder@yamaha-motor.com 

Website: www.yamahaoutboards.com 

1270 Chastain Rd. NW

Kennesaw, GA 30144

Phone: 770-420-5879

Company Description: The leader in creating a lifetime of exciting and memorable experiences. At Yamaha, we dedicate ourselves to achieving this Vision, and our Mission drives our actions every day.

 

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS:

Insperity

Steve Warner

Email: Steve.warner@insperity.com 

Website: www.insperity.com 

100 SE 3rd Ave., Suite 1900

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394

Phone: 866-715-3552

Company Description: Insperity provides comprehensive outsourced human resources solutions that deliver administrative relief, better benefits, reduced liabilities and a systematic way to improve employee engagement and productivity. Our solutions include HR, benefits, admin, payroll, risk management, compliance, and talent management.

 

WheelHouse IT

Rory Cooksey

Email: rory.cooksey@wheelhouseit.com 

Website: www.wheelhouseit.com 

2890 W. State Road 84, Suite 108

Fort Lauderdale , FL 33312

Company Description: South Florida's largest award-winning Managed IT Service Provider focused on bringing enterprise class IT support to the small and mid-size business. WheelHouse IT's unique approach is designed to provide a custom curated support plan to each business that we partner with. While handing everything from Managed IT Services, Managed Cloud Services, Security and Compliance to supporting your internal IT departments.

 

Fiberbuilt Umbrellas & Cushions

Jordan Beckner

Email: jordan@fiberbuiltumbrellas.com 

Website: www.fiberbuiltumbrellas.com 

2772 NW 29th Terrace

Lauderdale Lakes, FL 33311

Company Description: Fiberbuilt Umbrellas and Cushions is dedicating to manufacturing contract quality shade products, beautiful replacement cushions and decorative pillows for many contract industries including the marine industry. Our innovative fiberglass support rib construction ensures strength, resilience and durability.