Marina tenants propose nonprofit association to unify marketing and operations

Trish Rodriguez, presenting the Beach Marina commercial tenant outreach group's update to the advisory board Sept. 10, said tenants are moving to formalize a marina association as a nonprofit membership organization to promote and support waterfront businesses. "I'm pleased to share, that the Marina Association is turning into a real association," Rodriguez said. The group would be governed by a board of directors representing the range of marina businesses — large tour and dinner boats, small operators, fishing and water-transportation businesses and hospitality vendors — and would include the city in its representation. Organizers told the advisory board the association would start with monthly meetings, a dedicated website, social pages and newsletters and would seek independent funding through annual membership dues. Supporters said they have begun outreach and have named prospective board representatives. Rodriguez said the group has discussed funding with Amplify Clearwater and with Visit Saint Pete Clearwater (VSPC) and expects to pursue tourism-related funding to supplement member dues. Organizers estimated they would conservatively secure 40 percent participation from the roughly 38 marina businesses when setting dues and initial budgets, and said they will keep membership fees modest to account for the recent financial impact on small operators. Board members at the meeting asked about marketing costs and suggested pro-bono or in-kind contributions from local firms; one member suggested the marketing firm Black Dog as a possible vendor to approach. Rodriguez said the association will evaluate marketing vendors and funding options as it finalizes structure and budgets. Several board members praised the effort as a way to present a more professional, unified waterfront brand while recognizing not every tenant will join immediately. The discussion was informational; no formal action to create the nonprofit or set dues was taken at the meeting. Rodriguez and the outreach committee will continue discussions with Amplify Clearwater and prospective members and return with more formal proposals for the advisory board and city staff to review.