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A periodic information source for members of the American Sportfishing Association and partners on issues of importance to the future of fishing

August 26, 2003

Special Update on the Sportfishing Summit
October 1-3, 2003
Ocean Reef Club, Key Largo, FL

More than 100 leaders from the sportfishing community came together for our last Sportfishing Summit, with more than 90 percent of those attending ranking its overall value as "Very Good" or "Excellent." This year we're gathering at Florida's premier fishing camp and have an even better line-up of speakers, sessions, and workshops to make the industry's annual meeting a stronger networking event and more relevant to your business interests and the future of fishing. Below is a snapshot of what we've got planned.

Special Sessions:

Shining the Light on China
Our main business program begins with a discussion of China's role in the world marketplace and the associated impacts on the U.S. economy. Our feature speaker on this issue is Michael Colopy, International Commerce Consultants, Inc. Mr. Colopy's presentation was a big hit at the National Association of Manufacturers' recent annual meeting. (October 2)

Tackling a World of Opportunity
Experts from the fishing and boating industries share their vision for taking fishing to the next level. This session will feature Michael Rooney, ESPN Outdoors; Jeff Pontius, Zebco; and Randy Repass, West Marine, among others. (October 2)

Exploring Emerging Markets
From women to Gen X-ers, experts from different sectors of the industry highlight new prospects for growth and ways to take advantage of these opportunities. This session will feature Chris Dummit, Sport Fishing magazine; Jason Meninger, Hooked on the Outdoors magazine; Jay Jolly, Boater's World; and a representative of the overseas market (TBD). It will be moderated by Tammy Bristow Sapp, National Wild Turkey Federation. (October 3)

Fishing Forecast: A Report from State and Federal Managers
Government leaders responsible for managing and conserving our nation's fisheries will provide their outlook on fisheries for the coming years. This session will feature Dr. Bill Hogarth, National Marine Fisheries Service; Steve Williams, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and John Baughman, International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. It will be moderated by Rob Kramer, International Game Fish Association. (October 3)

Wallop-Breaux: Friend or Foe?
Anglers benefit from the positive results of the manufacturer's excise tax every time they fish, but Tom Niebauer of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will quantify these benefits and put these special investments into a sportfishing industry perspective. (October 1)

Business Improvement Workshops (October 2) and Other Features:

• Ins and Outs of Exporting, Kathryn Dye, Department of Commerce
• Paying the Excise Tax, June Rittscher, IRS
• Cooperative Marketing with Water Works Wonders, Randy Lemcke, Plano Molding Company
• Making the Most of Your ASA Membership, Ric Ice, Membership Director, ASA
• Oceanside Welcoming Reception (October 1); Evening Beachside Festivities (October 2)
• Flats Fishing Excursions (offered October 1, 2, and 3) and 9-Hole Golf Scramble (offered October 2)
• Nearly all of ASA's 14 committees and divisions will hold meetings open to all members and partners focused exclusively on association priorities and strategies (October 1)
• General Membership Meeting (October 3)

Last year's Sportfishing Summit attendees represented:

• American Fishing Tackle Company
• American Fly Fishing Trade Association
• American Rod & Gun
• Arizona Game and Fish Department
• B.A.S.S./ESPN
• Big Rock Sports
• Blakemore Lure Company
• Boone Bait Company
• Cabela's
• Catalyst Marketing
• Colorado Division of Wildlife
• Don Coffey Company
• eAngler
• Fishing Tackle Retailer Magazine
• Fred Hall & Associates
• Fuji-Toki California, Inc.
• G.Loomis
• Great Lakes Fishery Commission
• Group Solutions
• Harris Hoge Industries
• Hildebrandt Company
• Impact Enterprises
• Jersey Coast Anglers Association
• Kaplan Associates
• Korkers
• L.H. French Company
• Ludwikoski & Associates
• Mann's Bait Company
• Mason Tackle Company
• Matzuo America
• Maurice Sporting Goods
• National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
• National Marine Manufacturers Association
• National Shooting Sports Foundation
• New Millennium Marketing, Inc.
• Normark/Rapala Corporation
• Penn Fishing Tackle
• Performance Angler
• Plano Molding Company
• Pro-Troll
• Pure Fishing
• Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation
• Recreational Fishing Alliance
• Recreational Vehicle Industry Association
• Salt Water Sportsman Magazine
• Sampo
• Shimano American Corporation
• South Bend Sporting Goods
• Southwick Associates
• Texas A&M University
• Triple Fish
• Tru-Turn, Inc.
• United Anglers of Southern California
• USDA Forest Service
• US Fish and Wildlife Service
• Water Gremlin Company
• Western Outdoor Publications
• Wright & McGill Company
• Yakima Bait Company

ASA members and partners should have received registration and other agenda information in the mail earlier in August. You may also download forms from our Web site at Shows and Events. Registration fees are only $225. A travel tip: airline fares are much cheaper flying into Fort Lauderdale than Miami. We've also arranged for discounted rental car rates for ASA members from Hertz. You can take advantage of this special service by calling (800) 654-2210 and using promotion code 946772 and ASA member number 1459566. For more information on the Sportfishing Summit, contact Special Projects Director Forbes Darby, or call 703.519.9691 x222.

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