Attracting business to the International Marine Hub in Fort Lauderdale

To broaden the scope and reach of the South Florida region’s business climate, the 3rd Annual International Marine Hub Luncheon was held as a result of collaboration between the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, Marine Industries Association (MIASF) and Starmark.

On the opening day of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, this year’s panelists Robin Hayes, CEO of JetBlue Airways; Daniel Cane, CEO of Modernizing Medicine; and Daniel Cane, former CEO of TradeStation, addressed how business and community leaders can work together to attract businesses as well as employees from around the country. With representatives from local colleges attending, discussions included connecting graduating students with companies.

Phil Purcell, executive director of the Marine Industries Association of South Florida, shared how the tri-county’s $11.5 billion marine industry continues to grow as a result of the efforts by business executives. Bob Swindell, CEO of the Alliance and Stacey Ritter, CEO of the Convention and Visitors Bureau also addressed more than 150 corporate leaders.

Additional collaborative efforts by the partnering organizations at the Boat Show included the Coral Reef Pavilion that highlighted four universities sharing advancements with marine research and a breakfast where university presidents discussed working together towards their research efforts.

Again this year, the Show experienced an increase in advanced ticket sales and has achieved another record-breaking year with revenue for its 57th year. Over $3 billion of vessels, electronics and merchandise were popular with attendees.