MIATC History
MIA-TC chartered in 1974 as a not-for-profit trade association comprised of members in and around the Treasure Coast. Its purpose was, and remains, to promote, protect, and grow local marine businesses. It is affiliated with the Marine Industries Association of Florida, which acts in similar manner at State and Federal levels. Over the past 30+ years, the organization has grown, both in membership and in recognition with state and local officials, business councils, trade groups and the boating public as an asset to the benefit of the community. It is a sought after source for information on marine business and its economic impact by numerous agencies. In addition to having become an excellent platform for member networking, MIA-TC has made notable contributions on behalf of our members. Some of our recent accomplishments include:
- Obtaining official recognition of the marine industry as a "targeted enterprise" within Martin County, providing numerous opportunities for tax breaks, grants and incentives to marine businesses.
- Securing government and public support to improve the water quality of the Indian River Lagoon and to dredge the Manatee Pocket for better navigation.
- Establishing and developing a premier Annual Boat Show in Stuart, enabling members to showcase products in a venue attracting tens of thousands of potential buyers of marine products.
MIATC Board of Directors
2011-12 MIATC Officers and Directors
- President: John Smith, River Forest Yachting Center
- Vice-President: Gail Byrd, Coastal Realty
- Secretary: Mary Radbaugh, St. Lucie Marine
- Treasurer: Jim Dragseth, Whiticar, Inc.
- Past-President: Marty Laven, -
- Senior Director: Joanne "Jody" Foster, Guy, Yudin & Foster
Directors
- Paula Cunningham, Documentation Services
- John Hennessee, Fish House Art Center & Gallery
- Robert Kaidy, Ocean5 Naval Architects
- Tom Kilcourse, Merritt Supply
- Dean Kubitschek, Ft. Pierce City Marina
- Dominick LaCombe, Jr., American Custom Yachts
- Butch Olsen, Pt. Salerno Commericial Fishing Dock Authority
- Janie Vallery, Armstrong Nautical
Director of Operations: Michele Miller
Committee Chairs
- Legislative: Jody Foster
- Membership: Allison Wigley
- Scholarship: Steve Haigis
- Annual Meeting: Julie Lentine
Past Presidents
- Mike Matlack – 1974-1976
- Herman Reitz – 1976-1977
- Bill Shawfield – 1978
- Tom Chamberlain – 1979-1980 Jean Carbia – 1981
- Rick Zurich – 1982-1983
- Doug Prew – 1984
- David H. Lowe, IV – 1985-1986
- Roger Field – 1987
- Gregg Burdick – 1988
- Stan Kraly – 1989
- Morris Adger – 1990
- William E. "Ted" Guy, Jr. – 1991-1992
- Robert J. Skidmore, Sr. – 1993-1994
- Roger Field – 1995
- Michael E. Kiefer, Jr. – 1996-1997
- Rusty Veatch – 1998-1999
- April Price – 2000-2001
- John Yudin – 2002-2005
- George Field – 2006-2008
- Martin Laven – 2008-2009
- Steve Haigis – 2009-2010
- John Smith – 2010-2011