Floods disrupt France's Cote d'Azur Thousands in St Tropez without power as heavy rains from the Atlantic to the Cote d'Azur delivered devastating rains and floods to areas of this popular French summer playground. It is the worst flooding in 2 centuries.
BP buys devices from Kevin Costner for oil spill cleanup
Questioning rescue cost of teen sailor
Australia and France came to the rescue of the Abby Sutherland's solo quest, but many question who should pay the cost. However, rescues at sea are a no-cost agreement under international conventions regarding maritime search and rescue operations. The incident might influence how future quests are perceived by the public since many people considered the teen far too young for such a challenging undertaking. Video
Rodriguez Group chairman resigns
Following the arrest and ongoing police investigation into alleged illegal activities, Alexandre Rodriguez, resigned his position as chairman of the Rodriguez Group. The companies holdings include Mangusta yachts and Camper & Nicholsons; neither of which are involved in the investigation.
The stock value which trades on the Paris Stock Exchange as ROD:FP, has slipped from a high of around €50 in 2006 to around €4 recently.
MIASF Names New Executive Director
Carlos Vidueira of Rybovich and Huizenga Holdings to Replace Retiring Industry Veteran Frank Herhold
Dania Beach, FL (June 5, 2010) – Following the retirement announcement of Frank Herhold from Marine Industries Association of South Florida after 20 years of stewardship, the organization’s Board of Directors has named Carlos Vidueira as the new Executive Director effective July 1, 2010. The official introduction and announcement were made on Saturday June 5, 2010 at the MIASF Annual Meeting & Awards Reception held at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum in Dania Beach. Vidueira is currently Vice President of Rybovich Superyacht Marina & Refit, which is owned by Wayne Huizenga Jr. and since 1992, Vice President of Huizenga Holdings, Inc. He has been working with Rybovich from 1995 and was instrumental in the original concept plan for the facility and held responsibility for the day to day management of the business, including the its $60 million construction budget. Vidueira has been primarily responsible for the expansion of the marine facility into Riviera Beach, elevating the brand’s international recognition and has lead government relations efforts for the company making numerous valuable local, state and federal contacts.
MIASF president John Stephens of Lewis Marine Supply, when making the announcement before 300 Association members and guests said, “Like the two MIASF presidents before me, I was aware that Frank was thinking about his retirement and the Executive Director transition process. And, upon his official announcement earlier this year, the Board initiated a process that carefully considered the critical needs of our Association, evaluated the state of our industry, looked at several very qualified candidates and received input from several core members of our group, particularly our new Anchor Members.” He added, “Through our comprehensive process we have selected Carlos Vidueira who brings a wealth of local, national and international business experience along with bold and visionary leadership that we believe will help grow and shape a brighter future both for MIASF and the South Florida recreational marine industry as a whole.”
Members of the 800 strong group and guests at the Annual Meeting, who also included federal, state and local elected officials, along with partners from other marine trade associations and agencies such as United States Coast Guard and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, warmly welcomed the appointment of Vidueira as the new Chief Executive Officer. In his comments to the attendees Vidueira said, “Tonight is a night we are here honor the achievements of Frank Herhold whose contribution and impact over the years will be hard to follow, but, as I assume the role of Executive Director of MIASF, I believe the future is bright and that together we can once again make South Florida the unquestionable Yachting Capital of the World.”
Herhold, who will continue to serve the Association in an emeritus capacity on major projects said, “On this my 20th year, the time is right for me to turn the helm over to someone else and the MIASF Board has made an excellent choice in naming Carlos to be my successor.” Adding that he was proud of his accomplishments with the Association and particularly thrilled to be leaving with yet another significant achievement in the passage and enactment of legislation for a sales-use tax cap on boats occurring during his tenure Herhold stated, “I know that Carlos will be a bold and visionary Executive Director who will work for the greater good of our Association and industry. I wish him my sincerest congratulation and best wishes.”
Vidueira indicated that while July 1st may be his official start date, he was already busy meeting with Association members to better gauge the concerns, challenges and opportunities. He urged members to share their ideas, opinions on matters of critical importance to our industry and time to help MIASF as we formulate a strong plan for the future.
MIASF Announces New Board of Directors
Dania Beach, FL (June 5, 2010) – The 2010 – 2011 Board of Directors for the 800-member Marine Industries Association of South Florida was introduced at the organization’s Annual Meeting & Awards Reception held last Saturday June 5, 2010 at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum. Directors are elected by the membership annually and serve for two year terms, while Executive Officers serve one year terms.
Executive Officers for the South Florida recreational marine trade group are:
President: John Stephens, Lewis Marine Supply
Vice President: Keith Hart, RPM Diesel & Diesel Services of America
Secretary/Treasurer: Jim Renfrow, Total Marine
Immediate Past President: J.J. McConnell, Gilman Yachts of Fort Lauderdale
Members of the Board are:
Jason Dunbar, Luke Brown & Associates
Mark Hanke, Merritt Boat & Engine Works
Jimmie Harrison, Frank & Jimmie’s Propeller Shop
Kitty McGowan, NautiCom Communications
Scott Miser, Rybovich
Cathy Petowsky, Lauderdale Marine Center
Jay Reynolds, J.P. Reynolds, Inc.
Scott Salomon, Hall of Fame Marina
Bob Saxon, Florida Yacht Brokers Association
“As we look towards another year as a Board, and reflect on the past year, I want to first thank the 2009 – 2010 Board for their hard work and dedication to MIASF and our mission,” said John Stephens, who is beginning his second year as president of the Association. He stated, “Our industry and our organization faced the challenges of the last year bravely and boldly and I know the re-election of Scott Miser and Kitty McGowan to the Board, along with newly elected members Scott Salomon and Jason Dunbar, will maintain the MIASF Board of Directors as a united and focused body that will continue to serve the interests of our members and the industry.”
Florida Boat Sales-Use Tax Cap Is Approved as Governor Charlie Crist Signs Florida Jobs Bill FYBA, MIASF Joint Effort, Backed By Grassroots Support, Proves Successful
Fort Lauderdale, FL – June 1, 2010 –In what amounts to a major victory for Florida’s struggling marine industry, a measure limiting the sales-use tax on boat purchases now is poised to become law. Florida Governor Charlie Crist signed the larger Jobs for Florida Bill, CS/SB-1752, which contains the Florida Boat Sales-Use Tax Cap legislation on May 28, 2010. The $18,000 Boat Sales and Use Tax Cap will take effect on July 1, 2010, effectively bringing Florida’s boat dealers and brokers into parity with their competitors in other states and nearby countries, where sales taxes on boats have been far lower.
“Thanks to an intense lobbying effort sponsored jointly by the Florida Yacht Brokers Association (FYBA) and the Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF), the Florida Boat Sales-Use Tax Cap has been approved and is about to become law,” said Jeff Erdmann, President of Bollman Yachts of Fort Lauderdale and a member of the FYBA Legislative Committee, which along with MIASF’s Government Relations Committee has spearheaded efforts to pass this landmark legislation. “We want to thank Governor Crist for signing the bill into law, as well as the bold leadership of Representative Ellyn Setnor Bogdanoff, Senator Don Gaetz, Representative Tom Grady, Representative Will W. Weatherford, and all of the State Legislators who supported our cause.”
The Boat Sales-Use Tax Cap limits the 6-percent Florida state sales tax on a boat purchase or the use tax for currently owned vessels to $18,000, helping Florida save marine industry jobs and, ultimately, increase sales tax revenue. Florida has been losing boat sales and service business and revenue to other states and countries that offered more favorable sales tax treatment. Passage of the cap is expected almost immediately to begin invigorating Florida’s vital marine industry by helping to stimulate boat sales and encourage boat buyers and current owners to register, keep and use their watercraft in the state.
“Florida’s marine industry badly needed this legislation to pass,” said Bob Saxon, FYBA Chief Executive Officer. “We want to thank all our members who heeded our calls to action and wrote their State Legislators urging them to support this important measure. Their efforts have paid off and demonstrate once again that an effective, consistent and well-coordinated grassroots effort can reap positive results.”
MIASF Executive Director Frank Herhold agreed, adding: “Our members spoke loud and clear and, thankfully, our Legislators and Governor Crist responded to the call. Florida offers some of America’s most inviting boating destinations and most experienced marine sales and service professionals. With the passage of this bill, it once again will become a popular place to purchase a vessel, especially for those contemplating purchases over $300,000. Consequently, Florida’s important and vibrant marine industry faces a stronger and brighter future.”
A clever and simple way too clean up the oil mess
If BP can't figure out how to stop the leak, then those citizens effected by the disaster will have to come up with some 'down home" solutions.
