September 21 2015
Thursday, September 17th, was an interesting day in Miami for Parker Bogue of Luke Brown Yachts. Parker was invited to attend events on and around the Miami River showcasing the cities growing interest (investment) and commitment to the Yachting industry.
The morning began with a formal breakfast seminar hosted by Inter-American Chapter of the United States-Mexico Chamber of Commerce. The room was filled with a number of well known names from the business and political communities. The topics of discussion ranged from the difficulties of drawing investment into Mexico (for security reasons), the stability of the Peso and the flow of money leaving Mexico. Miami recognizes it had been, and should remain the place where international business and pleasure are welcome. The city leaders believe the yachting industry can offer solutions and growth, beneficial to both Latin America and Miami.
Later in the day, Parker attended the Grand Opening of the Apex Yacht repair facility on the Miami River. Located on the South Fork of the Miami River, the Apex facility was recently an abandoned (yet sprawling) section of commercial property. Decades ago, the property was home to Allied Marine, and the Hatteras Dealership, owned by the Rockefeller family. The visit was nostalgic for Parker, as he remembered walking into the Hatteras Dealership for his first job in Yachting, 40 years prior, as a young man in his 20's fresh out of the US Navy.
The event was covered by the press as Miami's Mayor, Tomas Regalado, Commissioners and a dozen dignitaries from as far as Venezuela were in attendance. Within the context of the Mayors keynote speech, were the words "The Yacht Business has returned back to Miami, and we will NOT let it slip away ever again...."