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🌊 MIAPBC CrossCurrents Newsletter

MAY 2024

April has kept Team MIAPBC busy!

Thank you to all our members for completing and sharing the City of West Palm Beach waterfront survey. If you have not done so, please take five minutes to complete it HERE. Our collective voice is important for the future of the West Palm Beach waterfront and Palm Beach International Boat Show.

We celebrated MIAPBC Vice President Tamra FitzGerald’s Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida Go-Getter Award and the birth of President Austin Burkett’s first child, a baby boy named Jett. We also celebrated our fabulous volunteers with a beautiful sunset cruise aboard the Motunui catamaran. 

We volunteered at a couple of Junior Achievement events: the Play for JA golf tournament and Inspire career fair at Lake Worth Middle School. I was asked to speak about the marine industry at a luncheon for the Greater Lantana Chamber of Commerce.

MIAPBC Board Vice President Tamra FitzGerald receives Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida Go-Getter Award

Congratulations to MIAPBC Board President Austin Burkett and his wife Bri on the birth of their first child, Jett Burkett!

I look forward to what May has in store! The Palm Beach International Boat Show was just named as a finalist for Business of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches. The event will take place on May 23 at the PBC Convention Center. May also happens to be my anniversary month, so thank you for allowing me to serve you for 16 (sweet) years! It has truly been an honor and pleasure.

The team is busy planning a fun, festive member picnic for everyone on May 19 at Sailfish Marina. Please come and bring your family and staff! It’s always a lot of fun, but the more participation we have the better it is!

Alyssa

16 Years

Safe Harbor New Port Cove

13 Years

2GSO Inc

8 Years

MMDesigns LLC

7 Years

UBS – The Smith Wealth Management Group

Taras Oceanographic Foundation

The Billfish Foundation

5 Years

International Marine Association

Interior Technology Services

3 Years

Intracoastal Marine Fuel

Valhalla Boat Sales

1 Year

The International Seakeepers Society

Volunteer Appreciation Sunset Cruise

Our Volunteer Appreciation Sunset Cruise was an absolute delight! Thank you to our sponsors Visit Palm Beach for an epic evening on the Motunui. We couldn't do this without our amazing volunteers! Thank you Susan Speaks McGirt for volunteering your time to snap these beautiful photos.

VIEW ALBUM

WE ARE LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS!

If you would like to volunteer at our Annual Member Picnic please email us

info@marinepbc.org

You will receive complimentary food and refreshments, plus community service hours if needed. 

We were able to meet with students from Lake Worth Middle School last month. We got to share about the Marine Industries and all the career opportunities available within the industry. The more opportunities we have for young people in our community the higher success we will have for our workforce needs in the future!

If you do (or would) offer internships or job shadowing opportunities. Please email info to assistant@marinepbc.org. Feel free to elaborate if there is a certain timeframe, age requirement, or any other requirements. 

WORKFORCE SHEET

George Clooney film 'Boys in the Boat' inspiring South Florida's rowing community

Rowing popular among all ages in Palm Beach County due to blockbuster movie

READ MORE HERE

Exciting news - QuikSigns is now

Tidal Wave Customs!

We’re thrilled to share our new name and look, while maintaining the same exceptional service and high-quality custom designs you love.

Here's what you can continue to expect from us:

 

 

Custom Boat & Vehicle Solutions:

Elevate your projects with tailored wraps, tint, protection films, ceramic coating 

 

Innovative Designs: 

Fresh, modern styles to make you stand out.

 

Trusted Team: 

Our experienced team is here to assist you every step of the way!

 

Visit our website to explore our services and learn more!

 

View Website

Inlet Grove Community High School

Named One of The Best High Schools

ANGARI RAISES MORE THAN $80,000 FOR STEM EDUCATION AT ANNUAL CELEBRATION

West Palm Beach, Florida (April 18, 2024) ─ ANGARI Foundation raised more than $80,000 to invest in the future of STEM education in South Florida at their Annual Celebration on Saturday, April 6. One hundred guests gathered on the serene waterfront patio at Seasons 52 in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

The Foundation’s research vessel, R/V ANGARI, sat dockside for guests to tour and learn about ANGARI’s mission of supporting marine science through research and education. Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and live music, and participated in a silent auction. ANGARI Foundation President Angela Rosenberg welcomed guests, introduced the ANGARI team and spoke on the past, present and future of ANGARI programming. 

 

A short film highlighting the Foundation’s successes over the last several years and its flagship STEM education program Coastal Ocean Explorers: Sharks was shown as part of the night’s presentation. Following the film, Board Chair Chris Davis and Ms. Rosenberg presented Dr. Amanda Waite, ANGARI Director of Science Education and Advancement, with a plaque in recognition of her commitment to the development of the program.

Join 2024 Marine Workplace Study — Take Survey

By MRAA

 

The inaugural 2024 Marine Workplace Study is a trailblazing investigation of the needs and desires of today’s marine industry employees. All industry professionals, at every level, are invited to participate and lend a voice, insights and opinions to drive positive transformation.

TAKE WORKFORCE SURVEY

Governor DeSantis Announces

Freedom Summer Savings



Governor Ron DeSantis announced that he would be signing the Freedom Summer Sales Tax Holiday, in the budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25. The Freedom Month Sales Tax Holiday will take place the entire month of July and will make items such as fishing supplies, outdoor recreation equipment, admissions to state parks and, museums sales tax free. Additionally, the Governor announced that Florida State Parks will offer free admission on Memorial Day Weekend to kick off the summer for Florida’s families. To read more, click HERE.

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The Regulatory Alert - Changed Overtime Rule for Salaried Employees

By Chad Tokowicz



• This MRAA Alert is a special update regarding the U.S. Department of Labor Final Rule on increased salary requirements for “White Collar Overtime Exemptions”

The U.S. Department of Labor on Tuesday, April 23 announced the release of a final rule raising the minimum annual salary threshold for overtime pay eligibility. This primarily applies to executive, administrative and professional employees, commonly referred to as the “White Collar Overtime Exemptions.” The 383-page final rule is briefly summarized below.

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is a federal law that regulates when employees must be paid minimum wage and overtime. Under the FLSA, overtime pay, which is due to all employees who do not fall within a specified exemption, is one and one-half times an employee’s regular pay rate for every hour that is worked beyond 40 hours in a work week. While hourly workers are generally entitled to overtime pay, salaried workers are not if they earn above a certain pay level and supervise other workers, use professional expertise or judgment, or hire and fire workers.

 

Currently, salaried workers making less than $35,568 annually qualify for overtime pay when they work more than 40 hours in a week. Starting July 1, the threshold will increase from $35,568 to $43,888 per year. It will then increase again to $58,656 on Jan. 1, 2025.

 

The change will be most critical for employers who are now claiming an overtime exemption for employees earning more than $35,568 annually, but less than $58,656 annually. Upon enactment, these employees, occupying this $23,088 band, would lose their current status as overtime-exempt.

 

The new standard will likely be challenged in court by affected industry groups that have argued that excessively raising the standard exceeds the Labor Department’s authority. Unless and until there is court intervention, employers should prepare as follows:

 

  • Review salaried employee classifications to confirm compliance with new salary thresholds to remain exempt.
  • Review salaried employee classifications to determine whether employees should be reclassified as nonexempt.
  • For employees reclassified as nonexempt, ensure all hours worked are properly recorded.
  • For employees reclassified as nonexempt, review budgets, set hours expectations and development policies for approval of overtime.

Stone crab season closes May 2

Florida’s recreational and commercial stone crab seasons in state and federal waters will close May 2, with the last day of harvest being May 1. This annual season closure is intended to increase the stone crab population and build resiliency in the fishery. 

Commercially harvested stone crab claws may be possessed and sold during the closed season but only if they have been placed in inventory prior to May 2 by a licensed wholesale or retail dealer. 

Stone crab traps must be removed from the water within five days after the close of the stone crab season. Stone crab claws may not be harvested from traps pulled after the season closes. 

For more information on harvesting stone crabs for recreation, trap specifications, commercial stone crab regulations and licensing information, go online to MyFWC.com/Marine

Keep up-to-date with saltwater and freshwater fishing regulations on your phone with the Fish Rules App and follow  Instagram.com/FishRulesApp  or Facebook.com/FishRulesApp.

Adjunct Instructor, Marine Technology - (H)

Lake Worth Campus

Part time

Join our team!

What We Offer

At Palm Beach State College, you will discover a place where ideas come to life and the heartbeat of a county begins. By joining us, you will be exposed to professionals from across the U.S. and abroad who are the strivers, reinventors, explorers, and influencers dedicated to developing talent that fills the most needed workforce roles. As the Panthers, we embrace a community of belonging, caring, and connection for our students and employees. We seek creative individuals to help PBSC fulfill its mission of inspiring hope, advancing skills, and transforming lives.

About this role

Instruct college students in accordance with educational theories and techniques. Develops discipline related curricula, assess student learning, participates in program evaluation, and college activities. Maintains college and department standards in support of the College's mission and strategic plan.

Work schedule varies according to teaching assignment. PLEASE NOTE: This is an open continuous applicant pool. Submitting an application does not guarantee an interview or employment. Positions will be filled by the department on an as needed basis.

Applications without attached copies of official transcripts or non-web based unofficial transcripts will not be considered. Transcripts for Adjunct positions must either be an official copy or a college-stamped student copy or a non-web based unofficial transcript, scanned into an electronic format and attached to their application. Transcripts produced through web-based student systems will not be accepted.

APPLY HERE

FLORIDA INLAND NAVIGATION DISTRICT

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT/OFFICE MANAGER

(full-time, in office)

 

Location: Tequesta and Jupiter, FL (Full-time in office, Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM)

Employer: Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND), an independent special taxing district and local sponsor of Florida’s Intracoastal Waterway in partnership with the US Army Corps of Engineers.

 

Job posting: March 25, 2024

Deadline: Open until filled. Anticipated start date is May 1, 2024

Salary: $65,000-$70,000 salary range

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Paid time off, Florida Retirement System, Life Insurance

 

Application: Applications must include a cover letter, detailed resume and 3 professional references. Email application to JZimmerman@aicw.org

 

Position Summary: The Florida Inland Navigation District is seeking a high-level administrative assistant who demonstrates a commitment to public service and team success. This is a responsible executive administrative work position in support of the Executive Director or Deputy Director. The ideal candidate has exceptional clerical experience, office management skills and a passion for boating and Florida’s waterways. Detailed job responsibility listing available upon request.

 

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Performs daily clerical tasks and office management. This includes answering the phones, opening mail, ordering and maintaining supplies, managing contractors for office maintenance, upkeep and repair, minor accounting and purchasing support, scanning and filing, data entry for quarterly grant reports and fulfilment of public records requests.
  • Administrative support for the FIND Board of Commissioners monthly Board meetings. This includes publishing legal notices; meeting planning and scheduling; attendance coordination with commissioners; transcribing meeting minutes; printing/collating and distribution of meeting agendas; maintain outreach and meeting mailing lists; track and maintain district resolutions and management of archived records.
  • Assist in the development of letters, documents and reports, update website, participate in the planning and implementation of the district’s 100th anniversary activities and other outreach/event planning.

 

Required Knowledge and Skills:

  • Considerable knowledge of the principles and organization of public administration.
  • Knowledge of the functions, operations, and strategy of F.I.N.D.
  • Ability to direct and coordinate the work of others as required by assignment.
  • Ability to work independently on complex and confidential tasks and to deal with non-routine matters.
  • Ability to interpret, explain and apply policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
  • Ability to compose effective and accurate correspondence pertaining to varied and specialized subject matter.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
  • Ability to develop and maintain an effective and cooperative working relationship with others.

 

 Qualifications:

  • Associate degree plus 3-years of work-related experience; or a bachelor’s degree and 2-years of work-related experience; or a high school diploma and 5-years of work-related experience.
  • Exceptional clerical skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office suite of products, primarily Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
  • Excellent time management and organizational skills. Ability to work independently to oversee multiple projects simultaneously. Previous experience working with a public agency or state/local elected office is preferred.
  • Outstanding interpersonal skills: ability to work cooperatively with a variety of stakeholders including FIND staff and commissioners, agencies, elected officials, local governments and contractors.
  • Previous experience with event planning.

FIRST CLASS WATERCRAFT

 

Marine Service Technician

This position requires mechanical and electrical boat repair experience. Marine technicians inspect, maintain, and repair boats of all kinds. Using diagnostic equipment, they test and repair boat engines, hulls, propellers, rigging, and navigational equipment. They may also install and test sanitation and refrigeration systems, cabinetry, electrical systems, steering gear, and accessories. This position requires mechanical knowledge or background from marine, automotive, motorsports or heavy equipment repair. Pay is based on experience. Technical experience is preferred. To be successful as a marine service technician, you should have excellent attention to detail and strong self-discipline. An outstanding marine service technician demonstrates great hand-eye coordination and should be able to follow written and verbal instructions.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Inspection of boats and motors as they are received.
  • Troubleshoot and repair boats & engines for customers and dealer stock.
  • Outboard engine installation and rigging of new boats and repowers.
  • On water testing of new and repaired boats to verify proper operation.
  • Installation of accessories and electronics.
  • Complete Warranty repairs in a timely matter.
  • Scraping away old paint, barnacles, and debris from vessels.
  • Keep a clean and safe working area.
  • Follow procedures with attention to detail.
  • Prioritize and meet deadlines.
  • Good verbal and written communication skills.
  • Communicate with customers in a professional manner.
  • Good customer service skills.
  • Reading through repair and installation orders to determine the material, time, and equipment required.
  • A willingness to learn and accept constructive feedback.
  • The ability to carry heavy loads and to stand, sit, and stoop for prolonged periods.
  • Data entry of time and parts used.
  • All other responsibilities as assigned by management.

Marine Service Technician Requirements:

  • A minimum of a high school diploma or GED.
  • Relevant certificates may be required.
  • Certified Yamaha and Mercury outboard Technician preferred.
  • Practical experience with tools and equipment used in marine maintenance.
  • Ability to read and understand technical manuals.

Michael Rybovich & Sons is hiring

EXPERIENCED:

  • Boat Builder/Carpenters
  • Marine Electricians
  • Mechanics
  • Painters/Varnishers
  • Parts Department Associate

Competitive salary and recently updated comprehensive benefits package.

Come join our family-owned and operated custom sportfishing operation in Palm Beach Gardens. Work with some of the best craftsmen in the business!

Call Monday-Friday for additional information:

(561) 627-9168, and/or send your resume to:

info@michaelrybovichandsons.com

CrossCurrents Newsletter is published by the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County, Inc. in an effort to provide its members with information that will educate, while enabling members to increase networking with other marine industry businesses.

Board of Directors

Austin Burkett, President

E.J. Schrader Mattress Company, Inc.

Tamra Fitzgerald, Vice President 

Venue Marketing Group

Raymond Graziotto, Secretary

Seven Kings Holding 

Janet Zimmerman, Treasurer

Florida Inland Navigation District  

Mallory Doremus

Palmdale Oil Company

Tino Garcia

Ferreira Construction Company, Inc.

George Gentile

2GHO, Inc.

Michael Kennedy

Michael Kennedy, Attorney



Martin Murphy, Jr.

JAMCO, Inc.

Doug West

Willis Custom Yachts

Staff

Alyssa Freeman 

Executive Director

Paola Pineros

Marketing & Membership Manager

Stephanie Button

Administrative Manager

Rena Blades

PBIBS Director of Community Relations and Government Affairs

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