Marine Industry

Team Leader:

Frank Herhold, 954-524-2733 Marine Industries Association of South Florida
 

Team Members:

Bruce Schattenburg, Florida Yacht Brokers Association ; Kristina Hebert, Ward’sMarine Electric, Inc.; J.J. Mc Connell, Gillman Yachts; Jeff Erdman, BowmanYachts; Jason Dunbar, Luke Brown & Associates; Dale Weatherstone, RaritanEngineering, Inc.; Joe McCann, Smith & Ballard; Norm Taylor, Broward County Office of Economic Development; Bob Swindell, Broward Alliance; Stephen Scott,City of Fort Lauderdale Economic Development Department; Jay Reynolds, J.P.Reynolds, Inc.; Patience Cohn, Marine Industries Association of South Florida; Gordon Connell, Marine Industries Association of South Florida; Kitty McGowan, Marine Council

Mission:

• To work with Florida Legislators and agencies to ensure Florida’s recreational marine industry remains a core industry to the State of Florida and the vital economic engine it is through these challenging financial times. The 2010 Florida Legislative session will focus on legislation that will help retain, attract and grow marine business by providing tools to permit fair competition both locally and globally.  

Issues:

• Promote the significance of the “Florida Maritime Full Employment Act” and encourage legislative support of HB 711.
• Support all legislation which will keep Florida and her marine businesses on par at a minimum or with a competitive advantage over neighboring states and the global market.
• Educate Legislators on the unique challenges marine businesses face as a result of water-dependent access and the importance of the enabling language for Amendment 6.
• Assist the State of Florida and Enterprise Florida in developing strategic marine business retention policies and initiatives.
• Meet with legislators to increase their awareness of OPPAGA report# 07-48 “Legislature May Wish to Consider Options for Enhancing Florida’s Recreational Marine Industry.”

Date Submitted: 02/18/10