VERO BEACH, FL—During this past year, the Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast embarked on an exciting journey to better serve the needs of its member businesses and the communities it represents.
“Our year started with the association introducing the St. Lucie River LIVE webcam to help keep boaters safe in Stuart and concluded with the completion of a thorough economic analysis of the region’s marine industry in partnership with the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council,” Justin Beard, MIATC executive director, said.
“Other highlights included revamped member networking socials were, the successful 50th Anniversary of the Stuart Boat Show and for the first time in MIATC history memberships exceeded 150 businesses.”
MIATC celebrated these noteworthy accomplishments during its annual meeting at Vero Beach Yacht Club in June. During the event, board members were recognized for their contributions and Tom Whittington was recognized for his leadership of the organization as president. MIATC also introduced its board members and officers slate for the 2024-25 fiscal year (July 1 to June 30).
New board members elected to serve two-year terms:
- Ryan Helmig, Sea Tow Treasure Coast and Palm Beach
- Brian Trappy, Land ‘N” Sea Distributing
- Amy Cimber-Snodgrass, Onward & Upward Events
Board members re-elected to serve an additional two-year term:
- Dan Romence, Indiantown Marine Center
- Robert Mac Keen, Derecktor Ft. Pierce
- John Sprague, J.H. Sprague Consulting
Board members elected to serve a one-year term as an officer:
- President: Dan Romence, Indiantown Marine Center
- Vice President: Robert Mac Keen, Derecktor Ft. Pierce
- Secretary: Butch Olsen, Port Salerno Commercial Fishing Dock Authority
- Treasurer: Sean Ebersold, Ebersold Boatworks
- Past President: Tom Whittington, Manatee Pocket Yacht Sales
Board members continuing their term:
- Lauren Abbott, Oceanwide Electronics
- Hank Berry, Carpenter On-Board
- Lauren DeLuca, Safe Harbor Harborage Yacht Club
- Thomas O’Brien, Chapman Marine Supply
- Don Spaeth, Freedom Boat Club Fort Pierce
Each year, the president of the MIATC awards individuals for their exceptional efforts to support the association. This year’s President’s Award was given to Sean Ebersold for his contributions as treasurer. Dave Lefler was given the Outstanding CPA Award for his efforts to improve the association’s financial stability, compliance with regulations and strategic growth.
“My thanks to past president Tom Whittington and executive director Justin Beard for doing such a great job with the work of the association this past year,” MIATC president Dan Romence said. “I look forward to continuing the work they have started, and encourage all of our members to take an interest and participate in a committee, to donate some of their time to the betterment of the Marine Industry’s leading advocate group in the Treasure Coast.”
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.
For more information about MIATC, contact Justin Beard, executive director, at jbeard@miatc.org or 772-692-7599.
