Northwest
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NYBA News

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  • Tue, March 12, 2024 4:33 PM | Leslie Simmons (Administrator)

    Sign up today for the best rates! The Early Bird Deadline is March 15th. The exhibitor contract for the upcoming spring Boats Afloat Show at South Lake Union in Seattle is available! Join us for the third annual Spring Boats Afloat Show, April 25th - 28th, plus a special VIP Preview Night on Wednesday, April 24th.

    The Boats Afloat Show draws a qualified set of boat buyers from the region, with a heavy emphasis on current boat owners, and past boat owners planning to get back into ownership. With over 80% of show attendees coming from Western Washington, our service-oriented exhibitors are well-positioned to work with regional buyers and owners. The Spring Boats Afloat Show offers you a great opportunity to both reach new clients, and reconnect with your current customers. 

    Click here for the Exhibitor Contract

    Click here for the CORT Event Rentals Form

    The final deadline for registration is April 10th! 

    For more show information, click here.



  • Thu, February 01, 2024 3:10 PM | Leslie Simmons (Administrator)


    The exhibitor contract for the upcoming spring Boats Afloat Show at South Lake Union in Seattle is now available! Join us for the third annual Spring Boats Afloat Show, April 25th - 28th, plus a special VIP Preview Night on Wednesday, April 24th.

    The Boats Afloat Show draws a qualified set of boat buyers from the region, with a heavy emphasis on current boat owners, and past boat owners planning to get back into ownership. With over 80% of show attendees coming from Western Washington, our service-oriented exhibitors are well-positioned to work with regional buyers and owners. The Spring Boats Afloat Show offers you a great opportunity to both reach new clients, and reconnect with your current customers. Sign up today for the best rates! The Early Bird Deadline is March 15th.

    Click here for the Exhibitor Contract

    Click here for the CORT Event Rentals Form

    The final deadline for registration is April 10th! 

    For more show information, click here.

    See you in April!

  • Fri, January 12, 2024 10:23 AM | Leslie Simmons (Administrator)

    Hello!

    My name is Audrey Agidius and I am so excited at the opportunity to be your new Boat Show Event Manager for NYBA! Previously I worked as the Office Manager for Ocean Pacific Yachts, our fellow member and neighbors in South Lake Union.

    I have spent my entire life in the Pacific Northwest, I grew up in Portland Oregon before moving to Seattle in 2018. My love for boating started young when I spent every summer crabbing and fishing with my dad along the Oregon Coast.  

    I moved to Seattle to attend the University of Washington and studied Communications & Journalism, where I truly fell in love with this city and all the beauty it has to offer.

    Throughout my life I have always had a passion for event planning and management. I have been lucky to practice that passion in my personal life and as an aspect of many of my past positions, but it has always been a specific career that I have aspired to pursue. 

    I previously played an instrumental role in my former company’s exhibitor participation in many of the Boats Afloat Shows. I believe this previous role will give me a unique and invaluable perspective in this position. The shows have always been my favorite part of the year that I genuinely enjoyed being a part of and look forward to. Seeing the continual success and growth of the show is an honor and a privilege, I am so excited to bring my experience and ideas to the team at NYBA and to the future Boats Afloat Shows!

    Please don’t hesitate to contact me – I’m available in the office, by email or by phone. I look forward to meeting NYBA’s many wonderful members – and hope to see you at our Lake Union Piers Open House, January 17th!

    Sincerely,

    Audrey Agidius
    Boat Show Event Manager
    Northwest Yacht Brokers Association
    Office: (206) 748-0012
    Email: audrey@nwyachtbrokers.com

  • Wed, December 27, 2023 10:43 AM | Leslie Simmons (Administrator)

    Thank you to all the voters who participated in the recent NYBA Board of Directors election that closed December 18th! We had 43% turnout rate for the Business members election, and 37% turnout rate for the Affiliate members election.

    We're happy to share the results of the election - please welcome our newly elected Directors: 

    Ray Prokorym - Worth Avenue Yachts  (Business Member seat)
    Byron Shirley - Denison Yachting   (Business Member seat)
    Lesley Bishop - Trident Funding   (Affiliate Member seat)

    The new Board will meet on January 10th, 2024 for their first Board meeting. The Executive Committee will remain as-is, as they begin the second year of their appointed terms. 

    Thank you again to all who voted - we have a great team on the Board, and I'm excited to see all that NYBA will accomplish in the coming year! I also want to thank all of the candidates who ran for spots on the Board - we had an amazing (and big) slate of candidates! Please keep an eye out for Committee opportunities as they become available - another great way to serve NYBA!

    And of course - a special THANK YOU to our departing Board Members: Mark Gilbert and Mike Jenkins. NYBA thanks you for your many years of service to the organization.

  • Tue, December 12, 2023 9:37 AM | Leslie Simmons (Administrator)

    A quick reminder that VOTING is OPEN for the NYBA Board of Directors election. You must be logged into your account on this website in order to vote. 

    Click here to vote in the Business Members Poll

    Click here to vote in the Associate Members Poll

    You can only vote for the membership you are a part of, i.e. Business Members can vote on the (2) Business Member seats, and Affiliate Members can vote on the (1) Affiliate Member seat. Business Associate memberships are non-voting memberships and can't cast a vote.

    If you are having issues trying to login or have questions, please contact leslie@nwyachtbrokers.com. Note that you must login to your Wild Apricot account to vote. If you have already voted, the system will display a message stating that you have already voted.

  • Fri, December 08, 2023 1:54 PM | Leslie Simmons (Administrator)

    The NYBA Board of Directors election starts December 8th and runs through December 18th. This election features (2) open Business Member seats and (1) open Affiliate Member seat. 

    All members who are eligible to vote in this election were sent an email when the election opened, including instructions on how to cast their vote.

    Only Business Members and Business Member-Individual type members are able to vote on the (2) Business Member seats.

    Only Affiliate Members and Affiliate Member-Individual type members are able to vote on the (1) Affiliate Member seat. 

    Business Associate level members are non-voting members of the organization and are unable to vote.

    If you did not receive an email with the link to vote, please contact leslie@nwyachtbrokers.com. Note that you must login to your Wild Apricot account to vote. If you have already voted, the system will display a message stating that you have already voted.

  • Fri, December 01, 2023 10:13 AM | Leslie Simmons (Administrator)

    NYBA is excited to share the list of candidates for the upcoming Board of Directors election, which occurs December 8th - December 18th, 2023. There are (2) Business Member seats open, and (1) Affiliate Member seat open. Each seat is a three year term, beginning January 1, 2024 and running through December 31, 2026. 

    Attention Business and Business Individual Members: You will ONLY be voting on the Business seats.

    Attention Affiliate and Affiliate Individual Members: You will ONLY be voting on the Affiliate seat. 

    Business Associate memberships are non-voting memberships.

    Please take some time to review the candidate statements for the relevant seat(s) you will be voting on!

    Business Member Candidates: (2) Seats Available
    All Candidate Statements were submitted by the candidates, no edits were made by NYBA Staff; statements were limited to 200 words.

    Robert Fiala
    Hampton Yacht Group

    Started back in 2004 and have enjoyed the marine sales industry ever since. Enjoy all aspects of the industry including marketing, client relations, strategizing, managing and sales especially. 

    I believe in the Northwest Yacht Brokers Association. The association is an important aspect of representation of yacht brokers throughout our region. 

    Look forward in utilizing all of the above as a board member once again and contributing towards our Northwest Yacht Brokers Association success.

    Thank you for your consideration.

    Billy Gilbert
    Silver Seas Yachts

    Billy grew up on the water and around boats his entire life, working up through his family’s marina in Florida, leading the dealership to record sales, top customer satisfaction, and eventual acquisition. He adds to over a decade of experience down in the Southeast proudly now in the Pacific Northwest, where he has been exploring these waters, and working hard for his clients since 2020. He maintains a Florida Licensed and Bonded Yacht Broker status. He is also a proud family man, busy at home with his wife and daughter, when he isn’t working on making someone’s boating dreams a reality. 

    He would bring to the board a perspective of the importance of professional marine retailing, yacht brokerage ethics, and staying nimble in a moving business landscape. He seeks to shape the future of the boat and yacht market as fresh technologies and market forces meet a new generation of boaters in the years to come.

    Jason Knott
    Essential Shipyard Industries

    In my two-decade tenure in the marine industry, I've cultivated enduring friendships within the brokerage sector. When the need arose for a brokerage in Friday Harbor, I leveraged these relationships, reaching out to trusted colleagues of decades. Highly recommended by top brokers, NYBA became a cornerstone in my professional journey, providing invaluable insights. This access has enabled me to consistently and successfully contribute to the industry, benefiting both buyers and sellers.

    Now, I'm thrilled at the prospect of guiding new brokers, ensuring they uphold the highest industry standards. I am committed to sharing the wealth of experience accumulated over decades within NYBA, fostering a community where seasoned insights are readily available to new members.

    My extensive background spans designing electric propulsion systems, academic research, commercial crabbing, and sailing. Alongside my wife Emily, we operate a shipyard service in Friday Harbor, recently expanding to much larger operation in Anacortes. My fourteen-year-old son, Atlas, actively contributes to our family endeavor. I'm eager to bring this rich tapestry of experience to the NYBA Board, contributing to the growth and excellence of our industry.

    Thank you for considering my candidacy.

    Gretchen Miles
    Waterline Boats

    My relationship to boating began on my honeymoon…I fell in love! My confidence has grown through several iterations: beginning with a Bayliner 2858 and Mainship 390. Next, we chose a DeFever 49, currently own a Jefferson 64 Pilothouse and have lived aboard for 10 years.

    To expand my opportunities and continued professional development, I am a licensed 100 ton Near Coastal Master Captain.

    I became motivated to become a yacht broker while experiencing the process of buying and selling our personal boats. I began working with Waterline Boats in late 2014 and am a Certified Professional Yacht Broker. Currently, I am the manager of Waterline Boats newest expansion office located at the Port of Everett. I am a newly minted member of the NYBA Boats Afloat Show committee and an active member with the Everett Yacht Club. Unrelated to the yachting industry, I was a private business owner for 21 years.

    I believe I will contribute to and help elevate our organization by sharing our goals of professionalism, integrity, and education. Our professional organization is growing; I have passion, perspective, possess good leadership skills and I have a good sense of humor.

    Ray Prokorym
    Worth Avenue Yachts

    As a current Director, I would like to run for reelection to the NYBA board.

    My experience as a Director gives me a very good foundation and understanding of the current state of our organization. This includes the challenges and opportunities that are in front of NYBA. My resume as a business owner both in and outside of the boating industry gives me a broad perspective on the various elements involved in running a successful company. I also feel strongly that NYBA is a broker organization for the betterment of the brokers and dealerships that make up our members. My goal is to always reflect the best interests of our members.


    Byron Shirley
    Denison Yachting

    One of my most important experience was moving from France to the Caribbeans to live on a 39’ Gulfstar at the age of nine. We then settled in California, where I did Sea Scouts (4 Years), sailboat racing, boat deliveries, and more living aboard. After many land-based careers where I gained valuable experiences in service, marketing, and sales, I eventually turned to the boating industry, starting with sailboats and eventually into powerboats, as well. Today I celebrate 13 years as a yacht consultant—including a decade in Seattle at Denison Yachting, and in that role, I try to share and spread the passion I have for the boating world, and guide clients towards a boat that will best fit their needs. 

    In joining the NYBA board, I hope to help build up “boating enthusiasm” further in the Pacific Northwest; I want to do my part in de-mystifying boating, making it an approachable experience. We boaters know that yachting is one of the last remaining options for truly being on your own, or in turn to find yourself opening up to total strangers because you need a spare impeller! I believe NYBA has an important role in shepherding this.

    Affiliate Member Candidates: (1) Seat Available
    All Candidate Statements were submitted by the candidates, no edits were made by NYBA Staff; statements were limited to 200 words.

    Lesley Bishop
    Trident Funding

    I have been an Associate Member of the NYBA for 26 years, providing boat and yacht loans utilizing various financial programs.   I started in the industry working for Ganis Credit Corporation and for the past 22 years I have been with Trident Funding. 

    In working closely with yacht brokers during this time, I have learned what they need to do business, what their ethical, legal, and practical concerns are. I believe I can bring a unique perspective to the Board that can help implement and express member concerns into Association Policies.

    It is imperative for me that our Association is successful and strong as that benefits all members, including associate members. 

    In my spare time I love to travel, garden, and spend time with my family. Some of my favorite trips have been sailing with my sister and brother-in-law on their sailboat in the Mediterranean and Baltic Seas.

    I appreciate your consideration and look forward to working on your behalf as the Affiliate Member of your Board of Directors.

    Sonya McNett
    Anacortes Marine Documentation

    I am excited to pursue a position as an Affiliate Board Member with the Northwest Yacht Brokers Association.

    As the owner of Anacortes Marine Documentation LLC, I bring 30 years of marine industry experience to the table, 5 years in charter, and 25 years in the title industry. As the principal title agent, I have been in the unique position of offering support to yacht brokers and industry professionals over the years for diverse vessel transactions throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond. I believe my experience as a neutral support agent would be well served on the Board. I believe in the NW Yacht Brokers Association’s purpose of promoting cooperation, professionalism and high standard of conduct in the yacht sales business. I look forward to collaborating and serving the industry that has supported us for many years.

    I am currently serving a 2 year term on the Board of the American Vessel Documentation Association as the Treasurer, a position that was voted in by fellow association members, my peers. Thank you for your vote!

    Peter Ricks
    Novamar Insurance

    The Resume:

    · Regional Manager for Novamar Insurance Group

    · National Charter and Commercial Manager for GEICO Marine, Alexandria, VA

    · Vice President of Anchor Marine Underwriters, Seattle, WA

    · Past Commodore, Tyee Yacht Club, Seattle, WA

    · US Navy (5 deployments)

    · USCG Master Mariner (100 ton Captain Near Coastal with tow endorsement) with multiple training and delivery evolutions completed

    The Personal:

    I’ve been privileged to live in, work in, and recreate in a space I have loved since I was a child- the ocean. From my years in the Navy on multiple deployments, to my 20+ years in Marine Insurance here in Puget Sound, to being a liveaboard since 2008, I and my wife are well immersed in life on and around the water.

    My Reasons for Running:

    To make a difference. I’m very good at what I do, and am privileged to work as with my peers as a professional in the marine industry in Seattle. To be the best at what we do, we need to adapt and change with the markets. I feel I bring an experienced voice to the table to help NYBA become the best it can be.

    Thank you.

  • Fri, November 17, 2023 2:21 PM | Leslie Simmons (Administrator)

    We are currently seeking NYBA members to run for three upcoming open Board seats. This term runs from January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2026 (three years). We are seeking candidates for three Board of Director seats. We are specifically seeking candidates to fill (2) Business Member seats, and (1) Affiliate Member seat.  If we have multiple candidates, you will be running 'against' candidates who share the same membership affiliation only. Thank you to both Mark Gilbert (Nordhavn Yachts Northwest) and Mike Jenkins (Trident Funding) for their long service on the NYBA Board! Both Mark and Mike are not seeking re-election. One current Board Member plans to run for re-election.

    Please take a few minutes to read how serving on the Board can enhance your experience here in our local maritime community, and what kind of commitment the position entails (it's not too much time, we promise!).

    Community and Professional Development Benefits:

    • Develop a strong working relationship with other Board Members, many of whom are Yacht Brokerage owners
    • Have ‘an ear to the ground’ regarding industry developments, changes in local brokerages, pending government action affecting our industry
    • Help maintain a high ethical standard within our industry and promote a positive impression to the public
    • Help determine the timing and character of two premier NYBA-produced events: the spring and fall Seattle Boats Afloat Show

    Time Commitment and Scope of Position: 

    • Attendance (in-person or via Zoom) at monthly Board of Directors Meeting (typically lasts 2-3 hours).
    • Participation in at least one of the Association’s Subcommittees, such as Boat Show Committee, Bylaws and Forms Committee, Ethics Committee, Government Affairs Committee, or Grow Boating Committee.
    • Be available for occasional (3-4) phone calls per month, each lasting 15-30 minutes each.

    We strongly encourage our Members to run for open Board positions - this helps keep the Board fresh with new ideas, and is an excellent opportunity to strengthen your professional network. Business Member-designated seats are available to all NYBA "Business Member" or "Business Member-Individual" levels of membership.  The single Affiliate Member-designated seat on the Board is available to all NYBA "Affiliate Member" or "Affiliate Member - Individual" levels of membership. 

    If you're interested in running for an open Board position, please take a few minutes to fill out this form and we will be in touch! Please note that filling out the form does not mean you HAVE to run - it's a means for us to begin conversations with people who are interested in getting more information on running!

    We are asking for candidate commitments by November 28th. The Board Election will occur between December 8th and 18th. 


  • Tue, November 14, 2023 4:47 PM | Leslie Simmons (Administrator)

    NYBA is excited to announce the opening of a full-time Boat Show Manager position with NYBA! Karli will be staying on with NYBA as the Director of Operations, fulfilling the roles of running the business & finance side of the organization, but passing on the boat show management to a new person that we are excited to welcome to the NYBA team. See the full job description here - we welcome any qualified NYBA members to apply, or to recommend applicants!

  • Tue, October 10, 2023 2:27 PM | Leslie Simmons (Administrator)

    Save the Date! The NYBA Annual Meeting is happening November 1st, 2023 at the Seattle Yacht Club main station. We're in the midst of finalizing the schedule and agenda, and we will release registration details soon! 

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