MIACC. July 2015 Main Deck: Marine Industries Association of Florida holds Statewide Summit. Welcome Aboard New Members: July Membership Meeting 2

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1 MIACC Marine Industries Association of Florida holds Statewide Summit A Summit of Florida s regional Marine Industries Associations was held at the Hyatt Regency in Sarasota on June 1st and 2nd. The purpose, improve dialogue among associations and begin creating a unified statewide voice on issues impacting the boating public and the Marine Industry. It was the first time in several years that all eight associations were together at the table. Represented were: Northwest Florida Marine Industries Association, Southwest Florida Marine Industries Association, Collier County Marine Industries Association, the Marine Industries Association of South Florida, Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach, Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast, Marine Industries Association of Central Florida, and the Jacksonville Marine Association. The summit was facilitated by long time industry veteran, and past Executive Director of the Lake Erie Marine Trades Association, Norm Schultz. He began with an around the room session of introductions of attendees and their respective associations. It gave everyone a better understanding of the different geographic regions and how each MIA operated. The diversity of the organizations not only drove home the scope of the marine industry in Florida but also the importance that this summit be the first step in bringing the industry closer together. Many issues were touched on such as; All Aboard Florida s bridge closings impact on boating, pending statewide anchoring and mooring regulations, continuing permitting problems, and a variety of questionable fishing regulations that impact boaters enjoyment of time on the water. The purpose of this summit, however, was not to address specific issues. Instead it was to find MIAF, to further it's lobbying efforts in Tallahassee for you, is looking for issues from all of the associations that we can address in the next legislative sessions. Our lobbyist is there to serve you! common ground, establish lines of communications within the associations and set some realistic goals as a starting point. There were two days of lively conversation and by the end, a spirit of optimism and a commitment to move this effort forward. The final Tuesday session resulted in a list of short-term goals that were mutually agreed upon as the next step. The Marine Industries Association of Florida should continue to function as the industry s statewide legislative and communications voice. Currently only five of the eight associations participate in MIAF. To be most effective, all eight must join in the collaboration. A statewide Economic Impact Study should be commissioned so that all marine organizations in the state are using the same data to position the marine industry with state and local governments and the media. This would be the first step in a unified branding or positioning of the marine industry in Florida. MIAF. Develop a realistic budget/business plan for MIAF to clearly establish goals and operational needs. Establish direct lines of communications between participating organizations, their members and other interested industry. This list was to be presented to the Executive Committee of Norm Schultz summed up his feelings in an to attendees. I was very impressed with the obvious commitment of everyone to their MIA. Even more, it's clear to me that the Florida MIA's working together can be a very powerful force to accomplish favorable things on a statewide basis. Equally important, I'm convinced from your active dialogue in the Summit, that each MIA could honestly say "I've got your back" to the others and stand ready to help in local issues when possible or needed. That alone will strengthen our industry. For more information contact, Michele Miller, MIAFOperations@boatflorida.org July 2015 Main Deck: July Membership Meeting 2 Standing Watch is Back 3 Member Events 3 Member Events 4 Donate Your Boat 4 Artificial Reef Update 5 MIPAC 3rd Quarter Donations Upcoming Events 5 Welcome Aboard New Members: Members Please Share The benefits of membership With your fellow colleagues! Invite a new member to the Next membership meeting And earn a free meeting ON US! Follow Us! Like Us! Find Us on your favorite Social Media 5

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3 Page 3 MIACC Standing Watch is BACK! ty they visit (Collier is up to bat this summer). Recreational fishing changes, manatee downlisting, anchoring in State waters, and water quality issues are all on the plate right now. Member Events Dear fellow Tradesmen and Women, it has been in the works for quite a while, but it is time to announce that the Boating Advocacy group, Standing Watch, Inc., is reorganizing to - once again act as the voice of recreational boating in the State of Florida. Founded right here in Naples, Standing Watch was the fastest growing, and perhaps one of the largest, grassroots organizations ever in Florida. With a membership peak at 25,000 in 2004, Standing Watch helped put Boater s Rights into Florida Statute. We also helped, along with the MIAF and NMMA, form the Office of Boating and Waterways within the FFWCC. This was funded by marina fuel tax monies that had previously gone to the DOT to build interstate highways. We have had the Org on inactive status since 2007, but have returned to Active status this past February. We have been putting a plan together to re-energize Florida s Boating Public on a variety of topics. A Legislative agenda will be announced in September, but will dove-tail nicely with MIAF efforts now in motion. We will, as well, bring some new ideas to the table that will put forth the best in science, access, and reasonable enforcement with regards to the use of Florida s vast aquatic resources. You can help our effort, and broaden our reach by becoming a Corporate Member, or an Individual Member in a variety of ways. Please give me a call, or me at jimkalvin@yahoo.com if you would like to help out. We are setting up for the long-haul, and intend to bring your clients concerns to our local, State, and Federal resource managers once again in a proactive, scientific, and accountable fashion. Sincerely, Capt. Jim Kalvin Issues that we intend to bring to the attention of your clients includes the All Aboard Florida rail initiative on the East Coast which will result in a virtual shut-down of the Okechobee Waterway. FFWCC Staff is coming around the State again with their 10 year review of our Manatee Protection Plans which seem to always affect permitting issues in each Coun-

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5 Page 5 Marine Industries Association of Collier County PO Box 9887 Naples, FL Phone: (239) Fax: (239) director@miacc.org Frank Perrucci President Chris Burkard Vice President Sherry Kish Secretary Hunter Dane Treasurer Kit Sawyer Past President MIACC Marco Reef #2 is officially named Rooney Reef!! Francis Rooney has committed a $100,000 donation to the third of 6 Legacy Reefs off our coast. Then there were 3! Artificial Reef Update Directors: George Adams, Russ Burland, Pat Flanary, Jim Kalvin, Dan Mercier Sr., Tiffany Sawyer Executive Director The MIACC represents you, the marine business owner and your business interests to the government and to the public. At a time when government regulations are expanding, the MIACC is striving to work with government - locally, statewide and nationally to protect equally all marine business concerns. Our goal is to inform our members how their business will be affected and how solutions can be reached if new regulations are at odds with marine business interests. In addition, it is equally important to work with the public in preserving their right to safe and fun boating. The MIACC works with educators and safety organizations to educate the public to practice safe boating. The MIACC also encourages members to put in place hands-on environmental business practices that will prevent pollution and damage to our coastal waters thus protecting boaters enjoyment of healthy waterways and ensuring a sustainable future for the environment and the marine industry. MIPAC 3rd Quarter Contributions Marine Industries Promoting Access for Citizens In 2002 the Marine Industries Association of Collier County formed a Political Action Committee named Marine Industries Promoting Access for Citizens (MIPAC). This action was taken so that we can support issues and legislative candidates who assist the goals and purposes of the marine industries community. On a quarterly basis, the MIPAC seeks donations of $50.00 from each member. The MIPAC s missions and goals are to act upon problematic issues that must be addressed at the legislative level for the growth and protection of the marine industry. Monies collected from the MIPAC donations are used in supporting political decision makers that will tackle the very issues that affect all members of our industry. As a good steward of our member s donations, MIPAC adheres to uniform contribution criteria when determining how much and to which candidate assistance is allocated. MIPAC will educate you about the political landscape and issues facing our organization and will strategize political impact. In addition, the committee is always open to suggestions, questions and comments. Please send your quarterly donations to MIPAC, PO Box 9887, Naples, Florida rd Quarter Requests PLEASE Remember to make checks payable to MIPAC! Upcoming Events Happy 4th of July! July 4th July Membership Meeting: Naples Princess July 16th 6:30pm-9pm Naples Boat Show Downtown Applications available August Naples Boat Show Downtown October 3-4th Kids Fishing Clinic November 14th