Spring is officially upon us and MIAPBC is thankful for another successful Palm Beach International Boat Show! Thank you to everyone who helped make it a success: from our volunteers, to our event sponsors and attendees, advertisers, and anyone who exhibited at the show this year. We have many photos to share with you in the links below! We also encourage everyone to take the PBIBS feedback survey that was emailed to attendees and exhibitors after the show. If there is anything you would like to share with us separately, please feel free to reach out. On March 6, MIAPBC hosted another successful Careers in the Marine Industry Day with CareerSource and the School District of Palm Beach County. Make sure to check out the video. MIAPBC was also the presenting sponsor of the Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce breakfast at The Breakers Palm Beach on March 17, featuring our member and guest speaker Roger Moore, CEO of Nautical Ventures. Our next big event will be the Member Picnic at Sailfish Marina on May 10! We will be partnering with the West Palm Beach Fishing Club and their NEW tuna tournament. Stay tuned for more details. |
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Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce Breakfast |
| Marine Industries Association Florida Conference |
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Alyssa and Paola were in Tallahassee last week for the annual Marine Industries Association of Florida conference. We met with several legislators while legislative session is still ongoing, and also worked together as a group to unify our voice in the marine industry and educate one another on important issues affecting our regions. We will send more information in a separate email. Happy Spring! |
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Lake Park Harbor Marina, 17 Castaways Marina (Square Grouper), 12 T. Spencer Samuels Insurance & Financial Services, 10 Michael Rybovich and Sons Boat Works, 9 Sea Hawk Paints, 8 AccuDock, 8 Marine Services of Palm Beach, 7 AMG Insurance International, 7 Tom Serio Photography, 6 Seacoast Bank, 6 Cary Stamp & Co, 3 Network Innovations, 2 One Kind Art, 2 Yacht Habit, 1 Yacht Habit Foundation, 1 T-Butt, 1 A+ Permits, 1 BoatLessons.com, 1 Cruise Palm Beach LLC, 1 Ultra Badass Eco Lubricants LLC, 1 |
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Congratulations to our very own, Alyssa Freeman, Executive Director of the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County (MIAPBC), has been named a finalist for the Young Professional of the Year Award at the 2025 Leadership Awards with the North Palm Beach Chamber! |
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CAREERS IN THE MARINE INDUSTRY DAY |
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CareerSource Palm Beach County, in collaboration with MIAPBC and the School District of Palm Beach County, recently organized yet another successful Marine Industry Career Day. The event drew approximately 70 high school students from various schools, offering them a comprehensive exploration of potential career paths within the marine industry. From roles in marine law enforcement with FWC to opportunities as captains, crew members, boat builders, commercial diving, and within marine trades, the day was filled with insightful sessions. This was all made possible through a grant from the Palm Beach International Boat Show Gives Back. |
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The 2025 Palm Beach International Boat Show (PBIBS) drew a record-breaking crowd of more than 60,000 attendees from March 19 to March 23. With five days of perfect weather, the event’s historic attendance drove a momentous boost in business for local hotels, restaurants, and small businesses. PBIBS continues to serve as a major economic driver for Palm Beach County and exceeded expectations with its five-day expansion. Historically, PBIBS has generated more than $1.05 billion in regional economic impact, underscoring its role as a cornerstone of Florida’s tourism and marine business sectors. This year, PBIBS also donated more than $500,000 to its grant program, Palm Beach International Boat Show Gives Back, funding marine-related initiatives that inspire and support the next generation of boating enthusiasts. “The Palm Beach International Boat Show is a powerful economic engine that reinforces our community,” said Alyssa Freeman, executive director of the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County (MIAPBC). “This year’s record-breaking success has driven unprecedented revenue for local businesses, while also generating crucial funding for local nonprofits that strengthen the boating industry.” This year’s show featured more than 600 exhibiting brands and over 1,000 boats on display – the most ever – further elevating Palm Beach’s reputation as a premier destination for boating enthusiasts and visitors worldwide. PBIBS will return March 18-22, 2026, promising another world-class showcase. Stay updated at pbboatshow.com. |
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World Boating Day is an international open day, set on 24 May 2025, where companies within the leisure boating sectors open their doors in a variety of formats to provide global access into their world with a focus on the people behind the scenes and the lifestyle that boating, and yachting provides. It is free to join the campaign, being listed alongside amazing events, feeding the curiosity of audiences and crafting new stories. At MIAPBC, we encourage industry-wide involvement and are inviting you to organize your own local event. |
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Join by registering your interest on www.worldboatingday.com, or email info@worldboatingday.com to get access to the digital assets. Registration is now open for all leisure boating companies, and events from 19-25 May are included in the campaign! Follow @WorldBoatingDay on Instagram. |
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JA CAREER EXPLORATION FAIRS |
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We have been attending JA Career Exploration fairs in 2025. 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 would like to drop off brochures or some marketing material that we can share with the students you can do so by bringing them to our office. Please let Stephanie know when you will coming by to ensure someone is here to receive it. Also please 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. |
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Marine Yard Sale, Saturday, April, 12th |
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One-Day Free Event Offers Great Bargains for Boaters & Anglers The West Palm Beach Fishing Club’s annual Marine Yard Sale is set for this Saturday, April 12th and will feature a boatload of great deals once again. The free event will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the Fishing Club’s historic headquarters located at 201 Fifth Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. A huge variety of used items will be for sale including fishing rods & reels, marine hardware, offshore & inshore lure kits, fishing lead, anchors, dock lines, cast nets, nautical decor, coolers, gaffs, terminal tackle and many more marine related items. “This is a genuine yard sale, there are no commercial vendors, just the items we’ve had donated throughout the year. Everything gets cleaned up and ready to sell,” said WPBFC Board Member George Patane, who serves as a key yard sale volunteer. Proceeds support the youth education and marine conservation efforts of the Palm Beach County Fishing Foundation, the Fishing Club’s charitable affiliate. For additional information contact the Fishing Club at (561) 832-6780. |
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What Do “Liberation Day” Tariffs Mean for the Boating Industry? |
On April 2, President Trump announced a new set of trade actions, including a 10% baseline tariff on all imported goods, effective April 5. Additional tariffs, including some that range up to 34% on Chinese imports, for example, will take effect April 9. These ‘reciprocal’ tariffs target countries the administration identified as maintaining higher barriers to U.S. exports. The administration did not impose new tariffs on products such as lumber, copper, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals and critical minerals – though some of those items are under Section 232 investigations and could be subject to future tariffs. A 25% tariff on imported automobiles and parts took effect yesterday, in addition to existing tariffs on steel and aluminum. |
Do You Offer On-Water Training to Boaters? BoatUS Foundation Wants to Help You Train MoreThe nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water knows that on-water training can help reduce accidents and injuries, improve confidence behind the helm and help boaters get more out of the boating lifestyle. To make it easier for boaters to find boat-handling instruction as well as grow providers of behind-the-helm training, the Foundation is inviting on-water training schools, including local boat training companies, nonprofits, associations, clubs, individual captains or anyone offering boating instruction, to be included in its new online BoatUS On-Water Training Locator. Building upon its long-standing free online boating safety course for 37 states as well as its On-Water Training Program started in 2019, the new BoatUS On-Water Training Locator supports the nonprofit’s goal of educational outreach directly to boaters. To support the program, a listing on the On-Water Training Locator is $99 per month and includes links to training providers’ websites and course offerings. In exchange, the Foundation markets the locator to the more than 725,000 BoatUS members, the Foundation’s 200,000-plus annual state certification course takers and the public. |
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Below Deck Med star Captain Sandy launches innovative specialty plate designed to feature the spirit of the marine industry Celebrate Florida’s vibrant maritime culture with the new Boating Capital of the World license plate, now available for pre-sale through Captain Sandy Charities. Created by Below Deck Mediterranean star Captain Sandy Yawn, this limited edition plate is more than just a way to show your love for boating – it’s a way to give back. Every purchase helps support Captain Sandy’s mission to expand marine employment opportunities and fund critical job training and education programs throughout Florida. Whether you’re a boating enthusiast or searching for the perfect gift, this plate is the ideal way to contribute to Florida’s maritime workforce while proudly showcasing the state’s boating legacy. Captain Sandy is excited to see this initiative take off and hopes to spot the new plates on the road soon. “Anyone with a passion for the marine industry will love this plate,” she says. “It’s a powerful way to support a cause that impacts so many lives.” Don’t miss out! Pre-register today and join the movement to strengthen Florida’s maritime industry. Pre-register now at: boatingplate.com |
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FWC enhances boater safety with interactive waterway app campaign |
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For years, waterway users in Florida have had to juggle multiple sources of information to plan, prepare and navigate safely to enjoy their time on the water. Understanding weather forecasts, finding local boat facilities, official warnings and notices, waterway zones, and safety equipment requirements often required using several apps, websites and publications, leading to uncertainty about where and when to go, what to do and how to fully enjoy a range of water activities safely. In an exciting development for the boating community, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has announced a new initiative in collaboration with the National Safe Boating Council to pilot interactive safety content through a free mobile app called DECKEE. The app is designed to keep boaters safe and informed. Whether you’re navigating the coastline in a powerboat or sailing yacht, paddling in Key West in a kayak, or heading out for a day of fishing with friends, content delivered through the DECKEE app unifies everything Florida’s water enthusiasts need for their next day on the water. Over 1 million boat owners in Florida now have access to the following benefits and safety features in the free DECKEE app: - Plan your next adventure on the water with detailed maps, facility information, official warnings, aids to navigation and community insights.
- Access personalized equipment checklists, boating forecasts, regulations and resources from the FWC to ensure you are always ready for the ideal weather window.
- Automatically log your activities while on the water and share your live location to give friends and family peace of mind.
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Indiantown Marine Center is Hiring |
Title: Office and Marketing Administrator Duties: Customer Service, Compliance, Business Administration, Marketing and Events, Data Entry, Facility Maintenance. Job Description: Support daily organizational and general office tasks including greeting visitors and answering phones, providing information on Company Policies, and generating business related documents such as estimates, service tickets, and invoices. Promote a harmonious workplace by maintaining clear communication, handling correspondence, and interacting with customers and contractors. Plan and manage general marketing and promotional events in accordance with the Company Marketing Plan in order to heighten branding, generate sales inquiries, and increase revenue. The Office and Marketing Administrator works with the Office and Compliance Manager to support the administrative and marketing needs of the Company, which includes but is not limited to: - Address others with professional courtesy to develop positive relationships and encourage a friendly atmosphere for employees, customers, crew, and contractors.
- Provide Company operational information to customers, contractors, vendors, and others as relates to rates, policies, and general information and reinforce and maintain standard operating procedures.
- Prepare, distribute, receive, and file company business documents including estimates, statements, invoices, agreements, waivers, and other documentation and conduct company business in a professional and efficient manner; suggest strategies of increasing efficiency and streamlining company business practices.
- Plan, coordinate, and execute promotional activities by using the Company Marketing Plan including utilizing social media platforms, generating promotional materials, and managing boat show participation as well as development of other events centered around advertising and promotion of the Company.
- Provide availability for occasional weekend duty roster, and also for extended hours in the event of a hurricane threat to meet the increased demand for Company operations.
- Assist Management with general office operations including assistance with bookkeeping, general cleaning and tidiness of the office, special projects, human resources, or other office functions.
- Comply with the terms of employment in the Employee Handbook, including participating in training for safety and environmental issues and working to increase efficiency as best possible.
Supervisor: Office and Compliance Manager |
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MARINE ELECTRONIC SOLUTIONS & SERVICE, LLC WEST PALM BEACH, FL Full Time - Monday to Friday Paid Holidays Paid education for OEM Brands This is a great opportunity for individuals who enjoy working with their hands and minds, have a strong attention to detail and thrive in a collaborative team environment. |
| Position Title: Project Manager Brief Position Description: The Project Manager position is responsible for developing initial project plans and managing the service projects for Willis Custom Yachts (“WCY”). Job activities will include working with WCY business development department, WCY trade shops, WCY authorized outside contractors and WCY billing department. This position is also responsible for regular project status communication with WCY customers. |
MARINE HVAC Technician/InstallerThe HVAC Technician/Installer will be responsible for performing routine maintenance and service repairs on heating, ventilating, air conditioning systems, and marine water maker units. This position will also be responsible for the installation according to specifications and established safety guidelines of new units or replacement parts for existing units. Candidate must be capable of working independently with high attention to detail, ability to troubleshoot and communicate equipment issues, have a plan of action, assess and order parts and supplies needed for each job to completion. |
Job Description: Sales Floor No. Of Positions Available: 3 Job Type: Full-time Schedule: Tuesday-Saturday and Sunday-Thursday 9:30am-6:00pm Company Overview: Boat Owners Warehouse is a fast-growing, high-volume 60+ year established Marine Distributor and Retailer located in sunny South Florida, with locations throughout the Southeastern US. We are committed to providing exceptional customer service and high-quality products to our customers and community and strive to create a welcoming environment where customers can enjoy a seamless shopping experience. |
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| George Gentile 2GHO, Inc. Rick Kozell Law Office of Rick Kozell Martin Murphy, Jr. JAMCO, Inc. Doug West Westwind Marine Advisors |
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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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