I.       Discussion of Miami River Marine Industries Symposium – Mr. Tony Garrastazu, Governor Bush’s Office of International Affairs, offered to contact the Governor’s scheduling office, to see if the Governor would be available to be the keynote speaker for the September 27, 2004 Miami River Marine Industries Symposium, in the Hyatt Regency Miami.  The EDC thanked Mr. Garrastazu.

The EDC reviewed the budget for the Symposium.  The following sponsorships have been pledged and or received:

• The State of Florida -   $3,000

• Weston Solutions -       $3,000

• Bean Environmental -    $3,000

• Marine Industries Association of South Florida - $5,000

• MARAD - $5,000

• Miami River Marine Group -     $3,600

• Hyatt Regency Downtown Miami- In Kind donation

Ms. Megan Kelly requested Mr. Brett Bibeau , MRC Managing Director, to seek an additional co-sponsorship for the Symposium from Miami-Dade County .

Ms. Megan Kelly inquired of the status of the database for the mail-out.  Ms. Pulido indicated approximately 1,000 names are in the current excel spreadsheet, with 780 names on labels from the Marine Industries Association of South Florida.  Mr. Frank Herhold advised he would provide the MIASF directory in an Excel or Word file to Ms. Pulido.  Pulido stated the “Save the Date” post card is in its final design review. Ms. Pulido stated the deadline to submit the design to Pronto Post for printing and mailing is July 9, 2004 . 

Mr. Brett Bibeau provided a status update on the Hyatt Regency arraignments.  Bibeau met with Christina Nunez in the Hyatt on July 6, 2004 , and discussed all Symposium needs.  Bibeau noted the Hyatt contract would be based on attendance, and Audio Visual needs would be handled with an independent company.  Ms. Nunez will e-mail EDC co-chair Megan Kelly and Mr. Bibeau a draft contract by Friday, July 9, 2004 .

Ms. Kelly directed MRC staff to seek a Public Relations firm proposal to assist with media for the symposium. Mr. Bibeau agreed to research options, and report back to the EDC.

Due to personal family matters, Ms. Yadira Pulido announced her resignation from the Miami River Commission . She advised the EDC she would leave all Symposium related materials organized and ready for the transition.

The meeting adjourned.