MIASF Holds Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon

The Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF) recently hosted its 2023 Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon for its members, local elected officials, and community business leaders. Lori Wheeler, vice president of the MIASF, kicked off the event by announcing the newly and re-elected board members. Rich Merhige from Advanced Mechanical Enterprises, Inc., and Justin Montes from DeAngelo Marine Exhaust, Inc. were newly elected and Bob Denison of Denison Yachting and Chuck Cashman of MarineMax were re-elected to the board.  

MIASF also recognized outgoing board members Danny James of Compass Logistics & Marine, and Megan Washington of Pier 66 Hotel & Marina for their contributions to the association.  

The two Award of Excellence winners recognized at the event for their outstanding achievement and contributions, were Deborah Cleaver of Safe Harbor Lauderdale Marine Center and Kitty McGowan, president of U.S. Superyacht Association. In addition, this year’s Advocacy Award winners were announced as Broward County Mayor Lamar Fisher and Florida State Representative Adam Botana for their leadership and support of the Marine Industry.  

The 7th Annual Frank Herhold NSU Changing Lives Scholarship recipient was announced as John Alfirevich, who is a graduate student researching coral reef restoration. Bob Swindell, president and CEO of The Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, received the 2023 Golden Anchor Award, which recognizes an individual for their lifetime of work and achievement.  

The event concluded with a presentation on how businesses can use AI, particularly ChapGPT, to enhance company performance and provide a better customer experience.