A periodic information source for members of the American Sportfishing Association and partners on issues of importance to the future of fishing.
November 20, 2003
What You Said About ICAST 2003
The results of consultant Bob Delfay’s extensive survey of ICAST exhibitors, buyers, media, and other attendees is now available. While the survey shows the industry as a whole perceives a positive turnaround for the show, it's given us very valuable suggestions for improvements related to attracting more buyers, promoting show specials, and appealing to independent dealers to attend. Introducing new products was the number one reason for exhibiting at the show, and 97 percent of buyers said discovering new products was their main reason for attending. View the full report, or contact us if you'd like a copy mailed to you. For more information, contact ICAST Director Maria del Valle, 703.519.9691 x240.
Let Us Know What YOU Think
Just a heads-up: next month we'll be sending all our members a brief membership satisfaction survey covering all of ASA's programs and services. Feedback from our last similar survey in October 2001 was a big help in aligning our programs and strategies for the maximum benefit of our members. Speaking of surveys, the Sportfishing Summit evaluations came back with 100 percent of attendees rating the event either "good" or "excellent." We'll use specific feedback from the evaluation to make next year's summit even better. Thanks to all for sharing your thoughts and suggestions.
ASA / Fred Hall Shows
The West's most popular sportfishing consumer shows, the ASA/Fred Hall Fishing Tackle, Travel and Boat Shows, are just around the corner. Now including the January 21-25 San Francisco Sport, Boat and Fishing Show to kick off the four-show series. The Long Beach, CA show will be held March 3-7, the Del Mar show will be March 17-21, and the Ventura show will be April 15-18. As co-owner of these shows, ASA benefits from show revenues that support advocacy and member services. For more information, contact Bart Hall, 805.389.3339.
Dues Deadline Extended
Over the last few months, we've been implementing a new accounting and
database management system to streamline our financial management and
office operations. The long-term gain cost us some time in the short
run, so membership dues invoices for 2004 are arriving to you later than
usual. Normally payments are due by November 15, but we've sent out your
invoices with a December 15 due date this year. If you have any questions,
contact Membership Director Ric Ice, 703.519.9691 x234.
Opportunity to Influence Ocean Policy
The U.S. Oceans Commission, a Congressionally appointed blue ribbon panel,
is expected to announce a comprehensive review and proposed recommendations
on ocean policy next month. Because the draft will be sent to all governors,
we as an industry, and anglers themselves, have an opportunity to give
input on the draft to ensure recreational fishing interests are well
represented in the final report to Congress. This month we've also had
several meetings with key players from environmental groups and Commerce
Department leaders to find common ground on marine issues and show the
benefits of engaging the sportfishing community. For more information,
contact Special Projects Director Forbes Darby, 703.519.9691 x222.
Outreach for Tomorrow's Anglers
The Future Fisherman Foundation developed hundreds of new leads for
partnering with fishing instructors at a recent National Recreation and
Parks Association Convention in St. Louis. We made a good showing to
promote Hooked On Fishing--Not On Drugs, the 4-H Sportfishing curriculum,
and the availability of discounted fishing gear through the industry-supported
Tackle Box program. We also started up a new partnership with the National
Shooting Sports Foundation's Step Outside program to provide funding
support for events that bring in more participants for Hooked On Fishing,
4-H Sportfishing programs, and the National Physical Education Grants
Initiative. Speaking of the latter, we'll be announcing in January the
availability of $200,000 in additional grants for schools who build fishing
into their phys ed programs. Special thanks to the Recreational Boating
and Fishing Foundation for providing the means to continue this exciting
effort. For more information, contact Future Fisherman Foundation Executive
Director Anne Glick, 703.519.9691 x238.
Industry's Long-Term Investments Pay
We've recently received several installments from companies that made five-year pledges to the FishAmerica Foundation Endowment Campaign. A portion of the interest from the endowments provides critical funding for conservation and research projects such as dam removals, habitat restoration, and economic studies. Special thanks to this year's endowment donors: Grady-White Boats, Mercury Marine, Northeast Tackle and Gun Reps (NETGRA), Outdoor Cap, Plano Molding Company, Dave Porthouse Foundation, Pure Fishing, Top Line Manufacturing Company, and Wal-Mart Stores. FishAmerica's Research Committee recently agreed to extend the tenure for the Everett Hames Policy Fellow, a position that especially supports ASA's Government Affairs program. The fellowship will now be a two-year position concurrent with each Congress. Our current Policy Fellow, Deanna Wood, will be with us until February 2005, covering assignments that strengthen our advocacy and relations-building with partners, federal agencies, and Congress. For more information, contact FishAmerica Managing Director Johanna Laderman, 703-519-9691 x245.
Industry Mourns Omura
We regret to report on the passing on November 2 of Mr. Ryuichi Omura, who was a chairman of the Japanese Association of Fishing Tackle Manufacturers Association (JAFTMA). Mr. Omura was CEO of Fuji Kogyo Company, Ltd. and was known and respected by sportfishing companies around the world. ASA members had the privilege of working with Mr. Omura earlier this year during a group visit to Japan for information-sharing between the American and Japanese industries. Mr. Omura's memorial service will be held December 8 in Japan. For more information, contact Mr. Masashi Sano, 01181-54-285-2251 or fax 01181-54-283-0050.
President's Corner
I'm tapping in from the road today, traveling in California to represent the recreational fishing community on a Marine Protected Area Advisory Committee and visiting with the management team at Fred Hall Associates, our partners who produce the Fred Hall consumer shows. Both meetings have reminded me how important it is for the industry to have a strong presence in such a popular sportfishing state.
The MPA Advisory Committee meeting earlier this week showed me again why we need to be at the table during the government decision-making process, even though that means considerable investments of time, thought, and energy. It's really the only way we can make sure our interests are considered along with the array of others influencing policies that affect outdoor recreation. In my mind, there's a link between my efforts to represent sportfishing interests on the committee and ASA's partnership with Bart Hall and his team.
The ASA/Fred Hall shows in California attract hundreds of thousands of avid anglers, and Bart likes to say these events are like "sports shows on steroids." They give ASA a vital revenue stream we can use to boost our efforts to protect your interests and help your business succeed. That's why we all have a stake in their success. But the shows don't just give us a good source of funds. They also give the industry visibility and opportunities for outreach in strategic venues.
