Since 1974
The Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast is the only nonprofit marine trade organization dedicated to promoting, protecting and growing marine-related business and recreational boating interests in Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin and Okeechobee counties.
Established in 1974, MIATC keeps the public informed on important marine-related issues across the Treasure Coast by promoting boater safety; supporting workforce readiness within the marine industry; advocating for clean waterways, navigable passageways and ocean access; and policies supporting maritime interests.
As owner of the Stuart Boat Show (the region’s largest and most successful boat show), MIATC and its member businesses help drive an annual economic impact of more than $1.3 billion on the Treasure Coast. MIATC members range from family-run businesses and specialized tradespeople to yacht brokers and megayacht shipyards, who collectively make the Treasure Coast an ideal destination for boaters.
Stuart Boat Show
As proud owners of the Stuart Boat Show, MIATC works with Allsports Productions and our association members, as well as the national and international marine industry to produce this annual event – the largest of its kind in the region.
Winner of the Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 Best Events in the Southeast, the Stuart Boat Show attracts thousands of attendees yearly and is an economic driver for the marine industry’s regional impact of $1.3 billion.
Workforce Readiness
In partnership with Indian River State College, local schools and association member businesses, MIATC supports workforce readiness in our community by creating pathways into the marine industry for the next generation of skilled tradespeople. The association continues to identify and support local marine-related education programs and individual students pursuing a career in the marine industry. We welcome help from members interested in supporting this important initiative, as many of us are here today simply because someone was there for us early on in our careers.
Advocacy
MIATC advocates for policies supporting marine businesses and the boating public. Recently, the association took a position on Brightline’s expansion related to equitable access for vessel traffic through the FEC St. Lucie River Railroad Bridge. In addition, the association installed the St. Lucie LIVE! Webcam (available for free 24 hours a day, seven days a week) broadcasting all activity through this busy passageway. These efforts led to the early development of a more predictable bridge opening schedule for boaters, along with the US Coast Guard opening multiple comment periods for public feedback on the impacts of this new operating schedule.
Christmas Boat Parades
Each year, MIATC hosts three holiday boat parades throughout the Treasure Coast (one in each county) in December. The association relies on volunteer-driven committees to organize these cherished community events and participation is free. Boaters are encouraged to decorate their vessels with lights and spread holiday cheer for spectators on land to enjoy. Sponsoring this event is an excellent opportunity to get your business or products in front of local boaters. All proceeds benefit MIATC’s Workforce Readiness Initiative.
Environmental Stewardship
The Treasure Coast Waterway Cleanup is the perfect opportunity to engage MIATC members and the public, all vested in the environment. Since 2008, this annual cleanup has involved more than 13,500 volunteers who helped remove more than 100 tons of trash from local waterways.