All aboard for Stuart Boat Show fun!

Chris Pollock, Gary Guertin Rick Allen, Robin Hicks-Connors,

Richard Treco, Bahamas Tourism office intern Ashley Knowles,

Rozeta Mahboubi and Donna Munroe post-show---all ready

for some boat show fun!

The Allied Marine Group conference room was packed with the Who’s Who of the marine tourism and Stuart Boat Show this week and the conversation was lively and engaging.  After introducing our host John Burkard, the president of Allsports Productions, Rick Allen, gave us a great rundown on what was in store for attendees at the 38th Annual Stuart Boat Show. Sharing in the conversation was John Smith, president of the Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast (MIATC). John shared his vision on what needs to occur to build the Treasure Coast's marine industry economy, as well as the industry's impact on marine tourism.  Martin County Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director Rozeta Mahboubi got right to the heart of the importance of the boat show and its important role in consistently keeping Stuart on the map as a world-class harbour-front community. Interestingly, Rozeta came up with a new name for the Cross Florida Canal/Okeechobee Waterway---Florida's Panama Canal. Very fitting for the gateway connecting the Gulf Coast to the East Coast, The Bahamas and the eastern Caribbean.

With South Florida and the Treasure Coast being on the doorstep to the Islands of the Bahamas, Richard Treco and Donna Munroe from the Bahamas Tourist Office joined the show to spread the Bahamas good cheer.  Just what good cheer did they talk about?  All the great incentives the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism has initiated to attract boaters, fishermen and outdoor enthusiasts of all types!  In addition, Donna also shared her passion for Grand Bahama Island, specifically sharing Grand Bahama is not just Port Lucaya and Freeport!  There are many unique and diverse attributes to the Islands of the Bahamas “Second City”.  And, special guest Chris Pollock, representing the Bimini Big Game Club, brought listeners up to speed on activity on Bimini and more.

Last but certainly not least, co-host Robin Hick-Connors made a very surprising and important announcement at the top of the show.  Described by others as an “adventure of a lifetime," Robin shared that on a recent fishing trip, she had caught (and released) her first sailfish. Check out the show audio (you can download the January 13 Stuart Boat Show edition here) to hear the details (and excitement) straight from Robin!

Thanks for being a Talkin' Tourism listener, and always feel free to suggest any great tourism topics you or others would like to hear more about.

Catch us next week, same time (10:05 a.m.), same channel (WPSL 1590 AM or www.wpsltv.com), and more great fun!

Stuart Boat Show, Offers to Get You Boating to the Bahamas, and Marine Tourism

It's hard to believe it's already Stuart Boat Show time! Boy, does time fly when you are promoting tourism! (Gotcha! You expected "when you're drinking rum!")

As we did last year on the opening day of this Treasure Coast tradition, we are broadcasting from the offices of Allied Marine Group, located right in the heart of the show. Expected to draw great crowds of boating, fishing and outdoor enthusiasts, we'll give our listeners an overview of what to see and the line-up of great guests will give the inside scoop on the show and special offerings you won't want to miss.

AllSports Productions and Stuart Boat Show producer Rick Allen will share his thoughts on this year’s show, comparing it to the last several shows. The economy is getting better (they say) and people still want to have boating fun. John Smith, Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast president, will give a marine industry state of affairs update for the Treasure Coast area and share the importance of marine industries to the area's economy. Rozeta Mahboubi, executive director of the Martin County Convention and Visitors Bureau,  certainly understands the importance of marine related tourism to our area. If hotels are places where people sleep, marinas certainly are places where boats sleep. When you look at the numbers, there are probably more boat slips than hotel rooms in Martin County, so a lot of boats (and their owners) sleep in Martin County!

Of course a show would not be a Talkin’ Tourism show if it didn't have a Bahamas angle. Joining us from the Bahamas Tourist Office will be one of our favorite Bahamian ambassador's and a long time friend, Richard Treco. Richard will outline all the special offers available to boaters headed over to the Bahamas.

Then, drilling down to the “island level,” Christopher Pollock, member of the Bimini Tourism Advisory Board and representative of the Bimini Big Game Club, will share some thoughts on what the private tourism sector can do to support the efforts of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism.

The hour will be action-packed and informative, so hoist your anchor, trim your sails and tune your radio (WPSL 1590 AM) and Internet dials to Talkin' Tourism for a boat-load of information!

Boat Shows, marine tourism, and community waterfront festivals

Jim Dragseth, Tom Kilcourse, April Price, John
Hennessee and Robin Hicks-Connors
talkin' tourism on the docks at Sailfish Marina.

Guests Tom Kilcourse and Jim Dragseth did an outstanding job describing the importance of the approaching 38th annual Stuart Boat Show to the tourism industry in Martin County and the Treasure Coast.  One of the longest running events in the area, the Stuart Boat Show certifiably attracts visitors from near and far putting 'heads in beds'. This land and 'sea' display show is considered one of the best and has been described as the Goldilocks of boat shows:  not too big, not too small, just right.

One attribute shared by Jim Dragseth as to why the marine industries, and events such as the Stuart Boat Show, are such a vital part of our area’s economy is because Stuart is blessed with such great waterways.  Boat Show Committee Chairman Tom Kilcourse described the activities and the exhibitors who will help make the show a great family affair.  This is definitely one event to put on your January “to do list”.

John Hennessee, the chairman of the Port Salerno Neighborhood  Advisory Committee, and April Price, events coordinator for the Port Salerno Seafood Festival, dropped by the studio to give listeners a sneak peak of what is in store for this year’s festival, which takes place on January 28th.  Celebrating six years, this event draws over 30,000 attendees to the working waterfront town of Port Salerno.  More to come on the Seafood Festival in the coming weeks.

Here's one of the boys---Jim Dragseth, Gary Guertin
and Tom Kilcourse.

The Bimini Islands are THE place to be this New Year’s Eve. Talkin' Tourism hosts Gary Guertin and Robin Hicks-Connors reviewed the great happenings scheduled on both North and South Bimini this coming New Year's weekend and if you listened to the show, you’ll agree that there is definitely a party going on.  Talkin’ Tourism will be broadcasting live from Bimini Sands Resort and Marina on Friday morning. If you can't join us on island for all the fun, then definitely tune in Friday morning to learn more about Bimini and why this is destination is one you shouldn't miss.

Here's last week show for those of you who might of missed it or for those who want to listen in again.

See you Friday from Bimini!

Boat shows and a big New Year's celebration on a tiny island

In just three weeks, the 38th Annual Stuart Boat Show will be attracting boaters, marine enthusiasts and exhibitors from across Florida and beyond to the Treasure Coast. Billed by producer AllSports Productions as the largest boat show between Annapolis, Maryland and West Palm Beach. The Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast (MIATC) owned show is a perennial crowd pleaser offering something for everyone.

This week, Tom Kilcourse of Merritt Supply and Stuart Boat Show Committee Chairman, along with Jim Dragseth, the president of legendary Whiticar Boat Works and MIATC board member, will be in the studio to share with listeners all of the exciting details (over 500 boats and $100 million in products on display) of the show. Rumor has it there will be vintage boats on display, a simulated fishing tournament for the kids, and a whole lot more.

What will be the hottest Bahama Island to be on this New Year’s Eve?  It may be closer than you think and there is still time to make plans to join the fun. We'll have all the details for you!

It is hard to believe that we are closing out another year of Talkin’ Tourism.  The journey has been fantastic and we thank all of our listeners and sponsors for their support. From our remote broadcasts from the Bahamas, locations around the Treasure Coast and our home studio at Sailfish Marina, we continue to explore how important tourism is to our economy and quality of life.  Thank you for the opportunity to share our passion.

From the Talkin’ Tourism team, we wish you Happy Holidays and a healthy and Happy New Year!

Marine Tourism and the Gateway to the Bahamas

Allied Marine's waterfront conference room was a great spot to broadcast last week’s show at the launch of the 37th annual Stuart Boat Show. Special thanks to Jon Burkard, vice-president of brokerage sales for Allied Marine, a Ferretti Group Company for rolling out the red carpet for the Talkin’ Tourism team. The guest line-up could not have been more perfect with old friends reuniting and new friendships being kindled.

Stuart Boat Show producer Rick Allen led the discussion about the economic impact of the show to the Treasure Coast region, with specific insight on the numbers and dollars. John Smith, the president of the Marine Industries of the Treasure Coast (MIATC), shared how important the show is to the hundreds of marine industry firms and business in the area, as well as the show's true potential for continued growth.

Continuing to drill down to tourism specific impact, Rozeta Mahboubi, the executivie director of the Martin County Convention and Visitor's Bureau, explained the direct impact to local hotels, restaurants and related hospitality business.

Representing Bahamas Ministry of Tourism interests, Richard Treco from the Bahamas Tourist Office, expressed the Ministry’s very strong commitment to the Treasure Coast markets. It is very clear that the Treasure Coast is the Gateway to the Bahamas for thousands of boating and fishing enthusiasts. With the island of Bimini being the closest Bahama island to the U.S. mainland, Bimini Big Game Club’s Christopher Pollock was on our prestigious guest list and he shared some great upcoming events, tournaments and boating activities that are sure to be a magnet for folks headed to Bimini. Very exciting stuff!

Between hosts Gary Guertin and Robin Hicks-Connors' questions and comments, combined with the enthusiastic conversations by the guests, the hour seemed way too short. It was a terrific and fitting second anniversary edition of  Talkin' Tourism. If marine tourism is important to you, this week's program will help you truly understand why this segment of the tourism industry is so important. If you missed it, here's the audio file for our January 14 show covering the Stuart Boat Show and the Gateway to the Bahamas. And, be sure to check out the Stuart Boat Show slide show below.

Marine Tourism is BIG Business Around the World

Just 103 weeks ago, Gary and Misti Guertin, along with Robin Hicks-Connors, launched into the world of regional tourism promotion via local radio, internet and social media. Talkin’ Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast was born. This Friday’s 104th show will mark the second anniversary of the show! How time flies when you are having fun (and rum)! Over the past two years, based upon the acceptance of the show in the Bahamas and British Virgin Islands, we had to change its name. It's now affectionately known as Talkin’ Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast (and Beyond)! 

It is fitting that our two-year anniversary will be marked by a live remote this week from the 37th annual Stuart Boat Show—and, it also marks the second show we've done from the Stuart Boat Show.

On the Treasure Coast (and beyond), marine tourism is a huge segment of tourism economy. As a matter of fact, in Martin County, there are nearly as many, if not more, wet slips and dry boat storage spaces than hotel rooms! 

This week’s show includes a line-up of guests who contribute in a big way to the Treasure Coast's and other  marine tourism economies. Here's the line-up:

• Rick Allen, president of AllSports Productions and the Stuart Boat Show's producer
• Jon Burkard, vice-president of brokerage sales for Allied Marine, a Ferretti Group Company
• Richard Treco, manager of special markets for the Bahamas Tourist Office
• Chris Pollock, director of operations for Bimini Big Game Club/Guy Harvey Outpost Resort
• Rozeta Mahboubi, executive director of the Martin County Convention and Visitors Bureau
• John Smith, the general manager of River Forest Yachting Center and the president of the Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast (MIATC).

A few other surprise guests and fans will most likely be thrown into the boat, too!

One thing is certain, we promise a fun, lively and  informative show, so tune in this Friday (January 14) to WPSL 1590 AM or www.wpsltv.com at 10:05 a.m. This is a ship (oops, we mean show), you won't want to miss!

(P.S. If you're on Facebook, get more show details on the Stuart Boat Show's Facebook Page.)

Treasure Coast Traditions--Holiday and More!

All that was missing at the Elliott Museum studio Friday morning was the rum-laced eggnog. Poinsettias, Christmas ornaments, Christmas carols and a 12-foot Christmas tree reminded us (especially those of us who still haven't started our shopping) that Christmas is only 15-days away! 

After a one-month hiatus, History Lady and Radio Man had lots of catching up to do. The show kicked-off with Historical Society of Martin County communications director Amy Christensen launching into the details of the Society’s classic car show, which is held in the spring and now moving to the airport because it has grown so large! If you have a classic automobile that you would like to show off, there is still time to register. Last week's show's audio (download here) will give you all the details you need.

Here on the Treasure Coast, boats and everything related to boating, is a BIG deal. That said, Rick Allen, president of AllSports Productions and producer of the 37th annual Stuart Boat Show, gave listeners the rundown on this annual Stuart tradition. Some of the topics covered included whether a boat show a good place to purchase a boat and how to figure out what type of boating lifestyle appeals to you and your family? Rick had the answers and this year’s show will have something for everyone, including the kids. Have you ever thought about joining the cruiser boating lifestyle? If so, you'll want to check out what Rick had to say about Cruiser Expo, which is part of the Stuart Boat Show. This annual event will draw vendors and attendee’s from near and far. For the latest announcements on the show, become a friend of the Stuart Boat Show's Facebook page. And, while you're at it, if you aren't already one of our Facebook fans, don't forget to become a fan of the Talkin' Tourism Facebook page!

Rounding out the show, we took a look at some of the programs and activities available at the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center on Hutchinson Island and we covered what's happening in the Islands of the Bahamas. What are you doing for New Year’s Eve? Want to party at the End of the World? Talkin’ Tourism has the scoop on a great Bimini Big Game Club event that you don't want to miss! Learn more when you listen to the show, or if you can't wait, follow this link.

Always fun and always entertaining, Talkin’ Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast (and Beyond!) is the show to listen in on to keep you up to date on things to do, places to go and people to meet!

See you on Friday! Stay warm. If you need help, try the eggnog recipe posted above!

And here's a gift for all you procrastinators. How many shopping days do you have left? The snowman knows! Good luck!


Myspace Countdown Clocks

A Treasure Coast Tradition---The Stuart Boat Show (and Cruiser Expo)

The Stuart Boat Show and Cruiser Expo cruise into
Stuart January 14-16, 2011.

With unsurpassed waterways, 22 miles of coastline, an inlet leading to the Gulf Stream and a position at the east end of the Cross Florida Canal/Okeechobee Waterway, Martin County is the definitely a boating, fishing and outdoorsman’s paradise.

With the Treasure Coast sailfish tournament season now in full swing, it is only a matter of weeks until the largest boat show south of Annapolis, Maryland sails in to Stuart, Florida. Rick Allen, president of AllSports Productions, the producer of the Marine Industries of the Treasure Coast owned show, is this week’s featured guest. Rick will share with Radio Man and History Lady what makes this 37th year of the Stuart Boat Show so special. With over $100 million in products on display and over 500 boats of every shape and size, this show is one not to miss.

A relatively new feature of the Stuart Boat Show is Cruiser Expo. Based upon the popularity of the cruising lifestyle, Cruiser Expo is the place to be to learn, mix and mingle with others who enjoy the art of cruising. During the course of the three-day weekend, informative seminars and information sharing will cover subjects for both the novice and seasoned skipper. We'll cover all the topics and details on the show. And, if you want more updates on the show, become a fan of the Stuart Boat Show's Facebook page.

It has been one month since History Lady and Radio Man have shared the studio microphones, which means a whole lot of catching up is guaranteed. Robin has big news on the Elliott Museum's Annual Classic Car Show and other great museum exhibits, which you won't want to miss.

As always, there will be Bahamas updates, Treasure Coast happening’s and lots of infotainment.

Join us this Friday at 10:05 a.m.. You can find us on your radio at WPSL 1590 AM or on the Internet at http://www.wpsltv.com.

Travel, life on the road, and tourism from the entertainers viewpoint

For the first time in recent history, the Elliott Museum was more like a comedy club than a museum! Guests Derek Richards, Michael “SPAZ” McGoorty and Loretta Grantham had Talkin' Tourism host Gary Guertin and guest co-host Ed Griffith in stitches! The show's theme was a “behind the scenes” perspective about life on the road for entertainers who contribute enormously to the overall tourism experience. While Gary had high expectations for the show with such great guests, even his expectations were exceeded! The show was filled with laughs, merriment and mayhem.

Some of the interesting fodor included Loretta and Derek’s most “off-the-wall” restaurant experience, which as a result of the error, resulted in a special menu item created in their honor! What about SPAZ? He shared what happened when he proceeded to the kitchen to find the manager with a broken table knife in his hand. If you listened to the show, you'll know whether he got a free meal or a one-way ticket to the local jail!

Some of you may think it's more “Christmasy” up north. You just may change your mind after hearing Derek’s opinion on what location is more "Christmasy."
On a more serious note, there was great conversation about the potential for entertainers to collaborate with local attractions and venues to boost tourism business, as well as the importance of the entertainment business to the tourism industry, and much more.

NEWS FLASH! During the show, Radio Man promised to give-away a four pack of tickets to the upcoming 37th annual Stuart Boat Show. Well, with all the hysteria of the show, Radio Man spaced-out and forgot to do the giveaway. So, here is the deal. You can still win the tickets by being the first to e-mail the correct answer to the following two-part question.

Here it is:  (1) From what island in the Bahamas was the November 19, 2010 show broadcast from AND (2) what is the full name of the resort/marina that hosted the show?

The first correct answer e-mailed to talkintourism@gmail.com, picks up a four-pack of tickets to the Stuart Boat Show! It's that easy.

If you missed the November 26 show (because you were out shopping!) and want to know what happened to SPAZ, where Derek thinks is the most "Christmasy" place on the planet, and more about tourism from an entertainer's perspective, then you can download it here. Enjoy!

Boats, Cars, and Bimini, here we come!

This week, Talkin' Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast did what it loves to do best as hosts Gary Guertin and Robin Hicks-Connors broadcasted the show live from the 36th Annual Stuart Boat Show and 2nd Annual Cruiser Expo.

This week’s featured guest, Tony Parkinson provided all the details of a fabulous event coming January 30—100 Years of Cars, one of the top car shows in the country featuring many one of a kind automobiles from rarely seen private collections. Car contributors and enthusiasts will be flocking to The Pine School in Hobe Sound from all over the country for this one.

Michelle Miller, director of Operations for the Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast (MIATC), the owners of the Stuart Boat Show, provided an overview of the association's mission. Marine related industries are a major part of the Treasure Coast economy and the Stuart Boat Show certainly brings this point across. So, what do the show’s vendors have to say about the economy and their expectations? Jim Knoska, of Yacht Watchman International took a turn in the guest seat and gave listeners a personal and honest perspective of the “state of the industry” and what is ahead for the boating industry.

The last guest was Danielle Dunfee, from Bimini Bay Resort. She gave Robin, Gary and listeners a preview of what's in store for the show's live remote from Binimi on Friday, January 22. Looks like the show's hosts are going to need to pack full wet suits and be ready for anything!

Once again it was an information packed show including a wrap of the Pelican Yacht Club Billfish Invitational and the Treasure Coast Sailfish Championship, opinions on the restoration of Bath Tub Beach and lots more. Thanks for listening. If you missed this week's show, download it here.

Hope you can join us this approaching Friday (January 22) at 10 a.m. for the show's live remote from Bimini Bay Resort in the Bahamas.

Get the 'inside scoop' on the Stuart Boat Show, 2nd Annual Cruiser Expo and 100 Years of Cars

Another great event attracting visitors from around the State of Florida and locals alike, is the site of this week’s remote broadcast of Talkin' Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast. That’s right, it's boat show time and the 36th Annual Stuart Boat Show and 2nd Annual Cruiser Expo rolls into town this week. Show hosts Gary Guertin and Robin Hicks-Connors will be live at the show broadcasting from the FLAHAMA/Harborage Yacht Club and Marina booth.

With the weather finally warming up, the great show put together by All Sports Productions is bound to entertain the avid boating enthusiast and everyone who is looking for a great day on the waterfront. In addition to talking with show vendors, attendees and “other special guests,” Gary and Robin will chat with Tony Parkinson, organizer of this year’s “100 Year’s of Cars” car show to benefit The Pine School. This show draws collectors from all over the country. What types of vehicles will be there? Talkin' Tourism has an insiders tip...a 1941 Packard, The Blue Hornet and cars from numerous private collections rarely seen by the public.

To get the inside scoop on the largest boat show between Stuart and Annapolis, Maryland, join Talkin' Tourism tomorrow, Friday, January 15, at 10 a.m., live from the FLAHAMA/Harborage booth. Tune your radio dial to WPSL 1590 AM or your computer browser to http://www.wpsl.com/. And, if you're in the area, stop on by the booth and say hello!

Next two shows of Talkin' Tourism “On the Road!”

An exciting couple of weeks are in store for Talkin' Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast listeners as Gary and Robin take the show “on the road” and “out to sea,"

Friday January 15, the 36th Annual Stuart Boat Show and 2nd Annual Cruiser Expo is the place to be as Talkin' Tourism broadcasts live from the FLAHAMA/Harborage Yacht Club and Marina booth. Gary and Robin with be chatting with attendees, show exhibitors and lots of special guests including members of the Bahamas Tourist Office and representatives from Abaco Beach Resort at Boat Harbour, and Bimini Bay Resort and Marina.

Bimini Bound January 22—Many Treasure Coast residents and boaters alike are no strangers to the island of Bimini. In pursuit of taking Talkin' Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast to every island in the Bahamas, Radio Man and History Lady make Bimini their first island of 2010. Literally a “short hop” (58 miles east of Miami…a 20 minute plane ride), the island of Bimini (actually two islands, North and South Bimini), is loaded with fascinating history, legendary big game fishing, as in Ernest Hemingway’s favorite fishing grounds, a location of the much sought after Fountain of Youth, fantastic diving and much more.

Bimini Factoid—The island's name “Bimini” is derived from the Taino words “Bibi” (mother) and “Mini” (waters), meaning Mother of Many Waters. Taini is a Native American language of the Caribbean Islands.

Special thanks to the staff and management of Bimini Bay Resort and Marina for making this adventure possible.

Show listeners and blog readers, stay tuned. More details to unfold!

Marine Industries and Art ready to take center-stage on the Treasure Coast

How much information can you pack into a one hour show? Apparently quite a bit if you took in Friday's show!

Kicking off the first show of the year, Mark Amaral of the Association of Marina Industries (AMI) and Rachel LaMarre, co-coordinator of the International Marina and Boatyard Conference, called in from AMI headquarters in frigid Warren, Rhode Island. Mark and Rachel provided listeners with great information about the upcoming International Marina and Boatyard Conference slated for January 27-29 in Tampa, Florida. Over 600 persons are expected to attend from around the country and from around the world! Some as far away as Australia, the United Kingdom, Dubai and Spain. Florida is still an international tourism destination! 

Ft. Lauderdale is the location for the 2011 Conference. Could Martin County be the site of the 2012 conference?

Moving from conferences to fine arts and crafts, Jensen Beach Chamber of Commerce volunteer Carla Stiles talked up the 4th Annual Jensen Beach Fine Arts and Crafts Show coming up January 16-17, which kicks off the 2010 Cultural Arts Season.

Next up was Capt.’s Chris and Alyse Caldwell pumping up the 36th Annual Stuart Boat Show and the 2nd Annual Cruiser Expo. Nearly 50 boats will be staying at Harborage Yacht Club and Marina. The boating community is certainly doing its part to boost marine tourism!

The sailfish bite in the 30th Annual Pelican Yacht Club Billfish Invitational, which ended the Treasure Coast Sailfish Championship for this season, was phenomenal! As of Wednesday, just after two days of fishing the 29 boats competing were zeroing in on the all time record of 386 releases set in 2004. The amazing thing is that in  2004, 53 boats were competing compared to 29 this year. Speaking of records, Talkin' Tourism co-host Robin Hicks-Connors shared the date of what year over 1,000 sailfish were caught in one week!

Thanks for tuning in. The next Talkin' Tourism on Florida's Treasure Coast will broadcast live from the Stuart Boat Show. Stop by the Flahama booth between 10 a.m. and 11 a..m. on Friday (January 15) to meet show hosts Gary Guertin and Robin Hicks-Connors, and perhaps to say a few words on the air.

If you missed this week's show, you can download or listen to it here.

Boat Shows, Cruiser Expos, Tournament News, and Arts 'Season' is Upon Us

Happy 2010 to all our loyal listeners and fans from Martin County, the Treasure Coast, around the State, the Islands of the Bahamas and around the world!

As the show did in 2009, “Radio Man” (aka Gary Guertin) and “History Lady” (aka Robin Hicks-Connors) promise to bring you the best in tourism infomation, news, trends, events and sometimes even provocative topics.

So, we off and running with our first show of the new year, batteries charged, mike levels set and a great lineup of guests. Joining us this week is Captain’s Chris and Alyse Caldwell of Captain Chris Yacht Service, coordinators of the 2nd Annual Cruiser Expo, which is an integral part of the 36 Annual Stuart Boat Show that begins next Friday, January 15. This husband-wife team will describe what’s new and exciting this year, and give their predictions for attendance numbers, as well as their read on the current state of the boating industry.

This week, the Pelican Yacht Club Billfish Invitational Tournament wraps up sailfish tournament season and the Treasure Coast Sailfish Championship. Expect an update on standings.

The arts and craft show season starts in earnest this month. Guest Carla Siles will tell us what's happening and where.

Last, but not least, Rachel Lamarra and Mark Amaral of the Association of Marina Industries will be calling in to talk about the International Marina and Boatyard Conference being held in Tampa, January 27th through the 29th, 2010.

As you have come to expect, History Lady will have her “This Week in Martin County History” and "What’s Happening in Martin County," and maybe even a few surprises.

Tune in tomorrow (Friday, January 8) at 10 a.m., either on your radio dial--WPSL 1590 AM--or on your computer--www.wpsl.com. And as always, if you miss the live show, the audio will be posted here on the blog in a day or two.

Inaugural Show!

LIVE from the Captain's Lounge of the Harborage Yacht Club and Marina, this week's guests included Tom Colucci, executive director of the Treasure Coast Sports Commission, and Alyse Caldwell, co-owner of Captain Chris Yacht Services and also co-producer of the 2009 Stuart Boat Show Trawler Expo.

Special thanks to cohost Robin Hicks-Connors, president and chief executive officer of the Martin County Historical Society, who'll be onboard as cohost for the next several weeks.

Tom Colucci commended Martin County on the asset of Halpatiokee Regional Park and suggested a Florida-Bahamas golf challenge introduced a few years ago needs to be revived. Let's find the trophy!

Alyse reported that boat show and Trawler Expo attendees came from as far away as Novia Scotia, Maine and Alabama. Seminars this year ranged from provisioning, how to protect your skin from the sun, to hands-on demonstrations on how to dock a boat. A great beginning for this inaugural segment to the Stuart Boat Show.

Listen to 'Talkin' Tourism' every Friday on WPSL 1590 AM in the 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. timeslot. Send your comments, suggestions and tourism news to talkintourism@gmail.com.