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🌊 MIAPBC CrossCurrents Newsletter

MARCH 2024

It’s March and the Palm Beach International Boat Show is right around the corner!

Before we get into all the great things happening at the show this year for members, let me remind everyone that a proof of the Boater’s Directory will be going out THIS WEEK. Be sure to check your email and make sure your listing is correct. You will only have 24 hours to do so before we go to print.

All members should have received their boat show tickets via email from Events Pass. Business members get two tickets and Boater members receive one. Any new members will receive six tickets, and if a current member referred them, they will get a total of six tickets.

The Palm Beach International Boat Show Gives Back inaugural grant reception last month was fantastic. Be sure to read more about it below and check out the photos. There were 25 local non-profits awarded a total of $500,000! There is an option to add a donation to your PBIBS ticket purchase and all that money will go directly towards this new grant program.

I am excited to announce that the PBIBS Kickoff Celebration aboard the South Beach Lady is almost sold out! If you are a business member and have not registered, I recommend you do it ASAP. A big thank you to all of our sponsors for this event. There will be more information circulating soon about another member and exhibitor benefit at PBIBS this year.

On Sunday, March 17, be on the lookout for the special boat show section in The Palm Beach Post. There will be lots of great PBIBS content in there to get ready for the show. 

Alyssa

Sailfish Marina, 38

Atlantic Filter Corporation, 23

JH Sprague Consulting, LLC, 20

Ward’s Marine Electric, 20

Alley, Maass, Rogers & Lindsay, P.A., 17

American Yacht Restoration, Inc., 17

C & L Insurance, Inc., 17

Florida Marine Guide.com, 17

Glasgow Equipment Service, Inc., 17

Lagoonkeepers.org, 17

Murrelle Marine, 17

Offshore Connection Marine Electronics, Inc, 17

Palm Beach Sailing Club, 17

Safe Harbor North Palm Beach Marina, 17

Safe Harbor Old Port Cove, 17

Seminole Marine Maintenance, 17

Viking Yachts Service Center, 17

Voda Marine Services, 17

Marine Electronic Solutions, 15

Horizon Yachts, Inc., 14

Palmdale Oil Company, 14

Glacier Society, Inc. (501c3), 8

West Marine Pro, 7

Willis Custom Yachts, 7

Ferreira Construction Southern Division Co., 7

ANGARI Foundation, 5

Gateway Marina, 5

Harbourside Place, 5

Lenco Marine, 5

Piper's Angels Foundation - Crossing For A Cure, 5

RAB Designs, Inc, 5

Soverel Harbour Marina, 5

Oasis Marinas, 3

Maz Ocean, 2

United Special Patrol, 2

Gecko Marine, 2

JAMCO, 1

Aquaview Media, 1

Yachtsafun, 1

The Palm Beach International Boat Show is paperless, members and sponsors, you will receive a separate email from vendorsupport@eventpass.com with a link to your complimentary tickets. Please make sure to check your junk/spam folder. There will be no physical tickets at the MIAPBC office or at the show itself. The Show will be held March 21-24 along West Palm Beach's beautiful Flagler Drive. This is just one way that we can say 'thank you' and provide you with a tangible benefit to your membership/sponsorship.

 

Come visit us at the MIAPBC booth located at the intersection of Datura and Flagler (Booth 909) where we will have several giveaways!

Legislative Days in Tallahassee

Gathering with the Marine Industries Associations at our state capitol for Legislative Days—a crucial moment to advocate for our industry. Grateful for the unwavering support of our legislative team and political leaders!

Palm Beach International Boat Show Gives Back 

Awards $500,000 to Inaugural Grant Recipients

The Palm Beach International Boat Show Gives Back grant program announced the inaugural grant recipients at a cocktail reception on Wednesday, February 21, at the Lake Pavilion in Downtown West Palm Beach.

The grant program is a collaboration between the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County (MIAPBC), the owner of the Palm Beach International Boat Show, and Informa, the producer of the show. 

In its first year, the Palm Beach International Boat Show Gives Back grant program distributed $500,000 among 25 nonprofit organizations to help support environmental and marine education programs, and waterfront projects in Palm Beach County. This included educational activities, curriculum development, field trips, outreach, in-house programs, and cultural events.

The 2023 Palm Beach International Boat Show Gives Back grant recipients are

  • Andrew “Red” Harris Foundation
  • ANGARI Foundation
  • CareerSource Palm Beach County
  • Civil Air Patrol
  • Cox Science Center and Aquarium
  • Education Foundation of Palm Beach County
  • Florida Atlantic University 
  • Florida Fishing Academy
  • Friends of Manatee Lagoon
  • Friends of the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge
  • Girl Scouts of South Florida
  • Inlet Grove Community High School
  • Junior Achievement of the Palm Beaches & Treasure Coast
  • Loggerhead Marinelife Center
  • Marine Education Initiative
  • Marine Megafauna Foundation 
  • Palm Beach State College Foundation
  • Partnership for Environmental Education 
  • Sandoway Discovery Center
  • Sea Turtles Adventures
  • StreetWaves
  • SunFest
  • The Reef Institute
  • The Talented Teen Club
  • Youth Sailing Foundation of the Palm Beaches

Donations to the Palm Beach International Boat Show Gives Back program can be made while purchasing tickets to the Palm Beach International Boat Show at pbboatshow.com. Donations are distributed through the Palm Beach International Boat Show Gives Back fund, managed by the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties.

For more information about Palm Beach International Boat Show Gives Back, visit marinepbc.org/grant-program.

READING MORE HERE

JA Inspire Career Exploration

We were able to meet with middle school students from Emerald Cove Middle School and 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!

We have more upcoming career fairs, so be sure to send us info if you do (or would) offer internships or job shadowing opportunities. Please email assistant@marinepbc.org. Feel free to elaborate if there is a certain timeframe, age requirement, or any other requirements. 

WORKFORCE SHEET

Gillen Yacht Services expands into the Safe Harbour Market as Robert McCann joins the Gillen Yacht Services Team. 

Robert McCann in Safe Harbor Lauderdale Marine Center yard.

Gillen Yacht Services, a renowned name in the marine industry, has appointed Robert McCann as the Service Manager for its newest location, Safe Harbor Lauderdale Marine Center (LMC). With a wealth of experience and expertise in the field, McCann will add a whole new level of excellence to the service department at LMC's state-of-the-art facility.

Robert brings over 41 years of experience in the Marine industry to the role. He began his journey working at his family-owned marina in Cape Cod. Bob’s career includes 16 years as vice president of purchasing for Boat US. Most recently, Robert was the service manager for Denison Yacht, responsible for all aspects of commissioning, repairs, and warranty obligations of their new yachts. Bob is a licensed 100-ton Captain and avid boater. 

Headed by Robert’s extensive business background, leadership, and dedication, customers can surely receive the same level of service at the new LMC location as they received in Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale.

"Robert McCann's arrival is a significant step forward for Gillen Yacht Services and Lauderdale Marine Center," said Dave Gillen, CEO of Gillen Yacht Services. "We have full confidence that his leadership will enhance our service offerings and bolster our reputation as a leading service provider in the yachting industry."

 

Safe Harbor Lauderdale Marine Center provides a new opportunity for Gillen Yacht Services to push the boundaries of the company and the center’s reputation for excellence. As GYS service manager at LMC, Robert will focus on working with the larger boat market, ushering in a new era of growth.

Sailing Scholarships for Underserved Youth

Dedicated to breaking down barriers for underserved youth, the Youth Sailing Foundation of the Palm Beaches, in collaboration with the Palm Beach Sailing Club, proudly announces sailing scholarships tailored for young enthusiasts this spring and summer. Beyond being a mere sport, sailing is a transformative experience, and these scholarships are designed to be a gateway for all youth to explore the boundless possibilities it offers.

Our mission is clear: We are dedicated to removing barriers so all youth can experience the joys of sailing. Sailing seamlessly blends physical activity and mental stimulation, fostering fitness, agility, and coordination while enhancing mental well-being by promoting focus, resilience, and adaptability. Beyond the deck, sailing imparts essential life skills crucial for personal development.

For those eager to embark on this maritime journey, applying for scholarships is straightforward – visit the Youth Sailing Foundation's website HERE or EMAIL for eligibility and application details.

For information about the youth classes visit Palm Beach Sailing Club’s website HERE.

FWC conducting technical assistance sessions for interested boating access grant program applicants 

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is offering technical assistance to potential applicants interested in the Florida Boating Improvement Program and the Boating Infrastructure Grant Program. 

The FWC works to improve boating access by evaluating potential sites for new boating access facilities and those in need of renovation or expansion; funding construction and renovation of boating access facilities; and administering grants programs for boating access and boating-related activities. 

The FWC will host four online technical assistance sessions for potential applicants interested in the Florida Boating Improvement Program and the Boating Infrastructure Grant Program in January. Applicants already familiar with the programs should still attend a technical assistance session to learn about recent guideline changes. 

FBIP provides funding through competitive grants for boating access projects and other boating-related activities benefiting motorized vessels in Florida. Eligible program participants include county governments, municipalities and other governmental entities of the state of Florida. 

BIGP provides funding through competitive grants for tie-up facilities for transient recreational boats 26 feet or longer. The program is funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Eligible participants include local governments, Native American tribes, Port districts, nonprofit organizations, private organizations, state agencies and some special purpose districts, if legally authorized to acquire and develop public outdoor recreation facilities. 

 

The FBIP application period will open on January 19 and close March 20, 2024. The BIGP application period will open April 1 and close July 1, 2024. 



Interested parties can visit the Boating Grants Programs website to attend one of the following sessions via Microsoft Teams: 

·       Monday, Jan. 8, 10–11 a.m.

·       Wednesday, Jan. 10, 10–11 a.m.

·       Tuesday, Jan. 16, 10–11 a.m.

·       Thursday, Jan. 18, 10–11 a.m. 

For more information, email the Boating and Waterways Section at FBIP@MyFWC.com or call 850-488-5600.

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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