Marine Industry
Team Leader:
Jason Dunbar, (954) 525-6617; Jason@lukebrown.com
Team Members:
Kristina Hebert, Frank Herhold, Joe McCann, Patience Cohn, Kitty McGowan, Kenneth Joyce, Charles Ernst, Jim Naugle, Margaret Croxton, Jeff Erdmann , Becky Castellano, Corey Ranslem, & John Sprague.
Mission:
To champion the South Florida’s recreational marine industry and work with County, State and Federal Legislators, regulators and agency staff to ensure the promotion, professionalism and fair regulation of boating and the business of boating.
Identify boating growth opportunities while removing unnecessary impediments to business.
Issues:
- The size of the 21st century recreational marine industry services pleasure craft from 10’ to 557’ marine industry Florida’s aquatic infrastructure must meet the needs of the increased volume and size of today’s boater.
- The promotion of dockage and access for all families to enjoy our water is vital for Florida’s marine industry growth. Encourage Local Municipalities to implement civic plans that will allow boat ownership to be an affordable recreation.
- State and Federal regulatory agencies must also approve the dredging of our waterways to accommodate the new breed of super yachts.
- 3rd largest industry in the State of Florida is the Marine industry. Helping Legislators, regulators and agency staff understand the need to Promote marine tourism as a recreation through events and venues, and South Florida as a service capitol of the world is necessary to drive this $13 billion industry.
- Call on the Legislature through agencies like Visit Florida to support the development comprehensive marketing programs.
- Marine businesses seek a fair opportunity to conduct business in a reasonable regulatory atmosphere that balances environmental responsibility with business growth. Call on regulatory entities such as Department of Environmental Protection to review the approval processes for marine projects.
- Amendment 6, a constitutional amendment to assess working waterfront property at its current use was approved by the voters overwhelmingly in 2008. Encourage Legislators to understand the unique challenges marine businesses face, as a result of water-dependent access, and the importance of the enabling implementation language for Amendment 6.
- Enterprise Florida has focused some attention on the recreational marine industry, with support in developing international trade within the marine business. Request and assist the State of Florida and Enterprise Florida in developing defined strategic marine business retention policies and initiatives.
Work with the Legislators to provide new initiatives that facilitate market competitiveness both locally and globally.
Date Submitted: 09/14/11