Enhancing your business through local community investments
A company’s long-term sustainable growth is largely dependent on the investment that it makes in several aspects of the business. For IGY Marinas, we strive to continually search for ways to work with the local communities daily, whether it be through training or employment opportunities, economic development initiatives or philanthropic events. The outcome of investing in this way is the flourishment of the company and the community itself.
Hiring locally
As a company whose core market is global, it is vital to be familiar with each area in which we seek to operate – it’s all about forming positive relationships and adapting to many cultures. At IGY, we have found tremendous value in hiring employees native to the area to service our marinas, as it not only creates an immediate local connection, but also builds up a destination. Our executive team seeks to learn a great deal from our local team leaders with respect to history, custom and local challenges. We want to learn from stakeholders about what is important to them and what makes their region tick. This allows us to create a better, and often safer, guest experience.
Guests truly feel like they are immersed in the local culture, contributing to the overall experience that keeps them coming back. Taking it a step further, making a point to source local vendors and resources also contributes to the economic impact of a community. It also raises awareness in the community that boaters and nautical tourists are a benefit. We have also seen our strategic partners such as National Marine Suppliers embrace similar concepts. The international company has onsite locations at two of our marinas – The Marina at Yacht Haven Grande in St. Thomas and Yacht Club at Isle de Sol in St. Maarten – both of which hire locally.
Selecting strategic locations
As a marina company that operates throughout many countries, we believe that the key to success is strategically selecting the right location for a business. While headquartered in New York, IGY Marinas has also had a presence in Fort Lauderdale for more than 10 years. Dubbed the “Yachting Capital of the World,” the destination has led to exponential growth for IGY, bringing in new strategic partners and marina clients, while also allowing us to stay on top of industry trends. When you take a careful look at your expansion plans, it’s important to analyze how you can become greater, what is going to take you to the next level. Aligning your brand with others in the maritime business and having a location that puts you in the heart of it all is crucial.
Local corporate social responsibility
When a company embraces corporate social responsibility, you begin to see a solid foundation for a strong community, long-term partnerships, industry awareness, potential career paths and more. IGY attributes its success of all of these elements through our global initiative, Inspire Giving through You, as well as our involvement in non-profit organizations such as the United States Superyacht Association. Investing in philanthropic projects and organizations brings awareness to our industry and encourages volunteers to rise up and do more. It also gives those who received the support the opportunity to be excited about the future, whether it be supporting or joining the maritime industry.
Tom Mukamal serves as CEO of IGY Marinas. For more information on IGY Marinas or its collection of marina destinations, visit www.IGYMarinas.com.
