I.   Discussion of MRC Marine Industrial Symposium-

Mr. Brett Bibeau , MRC Managing Director, informed the EDC that there are two sponsorships, $5,000 from the Marine Industries of South Florida and $5,000 from MARAD.  Bibeau stated Kelly and he met with Mr. Tony Crapp, Assistant County Manager, and Mr. Brian Finnie, Director of Miami-Dade County’s Office of Community and Economic Development, on December 8 about the event.  They expressed support for the Marine Industrial Symposium, and identified two staffers who would contact the EDC and provide assistance.   The Marine Industrial Business Symposium is tentatively scheduled for   Friday, March 19, 2004 .  Per the EDC’s direction, Dr. Pamella Dana, Governor Bush’s MRC designee and Director, of the Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development, has been invited to host the symposium.  Mr. Bibeau is seeking an additional sponsorship from the Florida Export Finance Corporation, and is seeking assistance from ULI.  A meeting is still trying to be scheduled with Mr. Frank Nero, Beacon Council.  The potential speakers are Mr. Tom Murray, author of the Marine Industries Association of South Florida’s (MIASF) Mega-Yacht Economic Impact Study, Mr. Kevin Horn author of the Army Corps of Engineers Miami River Dredging Economic Study, and Mr. Frank Nero, Beacon Council.  Ms.Kelly suggested having a local economic impact analysis.    Mr. Bibeau noted he would reach out to Mr. Murray and Dr. Fran Bohnsack, Miami River Marine Group, would contact Mr. Horn.

            Mrs. Martha Lord, MIASF, suggested having a global perspective with the economic pressures on the Miami River .  Mr. Phil Everingham, Merrill-Stevens, suggested including a Biscayne Bay Economic Impact Study, which mentions the Miami River .  Mr. Everingham noted he would contact the consulting group to see what information is available.  Mr. Bibeau stated the events marketing materials should be printed by the end of January 2004.  Mr. Bibeau stated that Mr. Beau Payne, President of P&L Towing, would provide the EDC with a list of marine industrial publications to advertise the symposium in.  Ms. Lord suggested using our websites to further promote the event.

II. New Business

Mr. Paul Thompson, Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), showed a video on the “Clean Marinas” program titled, “Best Management Practices for Marinas ”.  Mr. Thompson provided information on their Clean Boating Partnership and a list of clean marinas and boatyards in southeast Florida .  Mr. Thompson gave a brief overview of the Clean Marina and Pollution Prevention Program and encouraged the MRC to work with the Clean Marinas Program along the Miami River .    

Brad St. Coeur, Harbour Towne Marina, stated his marina was designated and gave a brief overview of other designated clean marinas in Miami , FL.   Mr. Jose Diaz, Department of Environmental Resource Management (DERM), stated DERM supported the program, which was based on Miami-Dade’s best management practices (BMP’s).  Upon meeting the “Clean-Marina” criteria, a marina becomes EDC Minutes designated and is provided the “Clean Marina” logo and flag.  

Mr. Diaz informed the EDC that there are grant programs to assist marinas in achieving the programs criteria.  The grant programs include $10,000 in 50/50 matching grants, and a Clean Vessel Act grant program, which provides up to 75% of the funding to procure and install pump-out facilities.  Mr. Everingham, requested information on the “Clean Boater Program”, which should be a direct component of the “Clean Marina” program.  In addition, Everingham recommended the creation of a “Clean Terminal” program.  Ms. Patricia Hamilton, Keystone Point Marina , suggested to Mr. Thompson and Mr. St. Coeur that bilingual books and videos be provided in Miami Dade-County.  

Mr. Bibeau noted he had attended a “Clean Marina” program seminar in 2001 and forwarded the materials to the Miami River ’s marinas at that time.  Mr. St. Coeur stated that the programs materials have been revised since 2001.  Ms. Hamilton recommended the program change its name to “Green Marinas”.

 The Ms. Kelly asked for the group to present the program at the MRC’s January 7, 2004 meeting, noon , at 3250 SW 3^rd Ave.   Mr. Everingham made a motion for the MRC to analyze the benefits of the “Clean Marina and Boater” programs and for the EDC to recommend the MRC endorse the program and further recommend the development of a similar “Clean Terminal” program.  The motion was unanimously adopted.  Bibeau asked for an executive summary of the program be provided to MRC staff by December 15 for the board member mail out package.

Meeting adjourned.