January 2007 American Sportfishing Association Member Update
Member Updates are e-mailed monthly to members of the American Sportfishing Association and our partners on issues of interest to the future of fishing. For more information, contact ASA Communications, 703.519.9691.
BELOW IS A LIST OF TOPICS IN THIS UPDATE. Please scroll down for the complete document. Previous ASA Member Updates are available in the ASA Newsroom.
Each month, ASA e-mails an update on its Government Affairs activities called Policy Watch. These documents can be found in the Government Affairs section of ASA’s Web site.
Federal Agencies Support Klamath River Restoration
President Signs Magnuson-Steven Act into Law
RBFF Names New President and CEO
ICAST 2007—Exhibiting, Registration, Web site and more!
ASA Board to Meet During Long Beach Show
ASA’s Consumer Shows Gear Up For 2007
Shakespeare Fishing Tackle Acquires Penn Manufacturing Co.
ASA and Foundation Staff Updates
ASA and FishAmerica Bids Jeff Bloem Farewell
Member Services Updates
2007 Sportfishing Summit—Mark Your Calendars
December/January Issue of American Sportfishing Available
FishAmerica Foundation Updates
Future Fisherman Foundation Updates
Message from ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman
Federal Agencies Support Klamath River Restoration
The Klamath River fish populations scored a major win with the submission of fish passage prescriptions for PacifiCorp’s four lower dams on the Klamath River. The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and the Department of Commerce (DOC) jointly submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) fish passage prescriptions for the relicensing of PacifiCorp’s dams on the Klamath River. Since modifying the aging dams to allow for fish passage would cost an estimated $300 million, removing the dams may become a more plausible and economically feasible option for PacifiCorp. The Klamath once supported the third largest runs of salmon on the West Coast.
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President Signs Magnuson-Steven Act into Law
On January 12, President Bush signed the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Reauthorization of 2006 (H.R. 5946) into law. ASA and a coalition of fishery conservation groups invested two years of effort to see that the Act was passed. Substantial advancements for marine fishery management in the Act include fisheries allocations based on consideration of economic impact, standards for establishing marine protected areas, provisions for a federal registry of saltwater anglers, provisions for gear and bycatch analysis and regulation, enhancement of the Scientific and Statistical Committees of the regional Fishery Management Councils and a provision for evaluating overcapitalized fleets.
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RBFF Names New President and CEO
Frank Peterson, Jr. was named the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation’s (RBFF) new President and Chief Executive Officer. In this role, Peterson will manage all aspects of RBFF operations and assume responsibility for meeting the strategic goals set by RBFF leadership. Peterson brings to RBFF more than 20 years of leadership and business development expertise with both non-profit and for-profit organizations. Peterson succeeds Bruce Matthews, who joined RBFF in 1999 as the organization's founding President and CEO. Peterson officially assumes his new role on Wednesday, February 21, 2007.
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ICAST 2007
Exhibit Space Almost Sold Out
ICAST 2007, the 50th year of the world’s largest showcase of innovation in sportfishing gear and accessories, is well on its way to being another sold out show.
The show floor is over 90 percent sold, and remaining booth space is going quickly. Companies who want to exhibit at ICAST 2007 should submit an exhibit space contract as soon as possible to ensure their business is front and center for the nearly 2,000 buyers and more than 500 members of the media nationwide who attend the show. For more information or to reserve your exhibit space, contact Kelly Camirand, x231.
Exhibitors—Promo Pak Coming Soon!
If you are exhibiting at ICAST 2007, one of the best resources ASA provides is the Exhibitor Promo Pak. The Promo Pak contains many items to help exhibitors promote their booths and attract buyers to the show. The Promo Pak will be mailed to all confirmed exhibitors in February and will be available online shortly after.
Registration for ICAST 2007
Registration for ICAST will open in mid-February. When registering, please be sure to review the registration forms carefully, as some options have changed. Meanwhile, be sure to visit ICAST 2007 on the Web, opening early February. This is your best source for all things ICAST. Check back often. The site is constantly being updated with new and exciting information about the show.
Questions about ICAST?
If you have questions about ICAST 2007, or need further assistance, contact Kelly Camirand, ICAST coordinator, x231, or Maria del Valle, ICAST director, x240. We look forward to seeing you at ICAST 2007–THE show of unity for 50 years.
ASA Board to Meet During Long Beach Show
ASA’s Board of Directors, Show Committee and Nominating Committee will meet in March in Long Beach, Calif. in conjunction with the ASA/Fred Hall’s Fishing Tackle & Boat Show, March 7-11, 2007. The Show Committee meets March 8, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The Nominating Committee meets March 9, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. ASA’s Board of Directors meets March 9, from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information, contact Joyce Anderson-Logan, x233.
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ASA’s Consumer Shows Gear Up For 2007
The ASA/Fred Hall’s Fishing Tackle, Boat and Travel Shows on the west coast and ASA’s three sport shows on the east coast are just around the corner. Based on the success of ICAST 2006, there will be no shortage of new gear and accessories for all anglers. For more information on the east coast shows, contact Paul Fuller or Jonathan Sauers at (800) 227-2067. For more information on the west coast shows, contact Bart Hall, (805) 389-3339.
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Shakespeare Fishing Tackle Acquires Penn Manufacturing Co.
Shakespeare Fishing Tackle recently announced its acquisition of Penn Fishing Manufacturing Co. Both are long-time members of ASA. Shakespeare Fishing Tackle manufactures rods, reels, fishing line and accessories. Penn Fishing Manufacturing Co. manufactures saltwater trolling and spinning reels and saltwater rods. For more information, contact Mark Davis, director of Advertising and Public Relations for Shakespeare Fishing Tackle, at (803) 754-7000 x3105.
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ASA Staff Updates
Mary Beth Charles is the new ASA Policy Fellow for 2007-2008. As Policy Fellow, she will work closely with ASA’s Government Affairs staff on advocacy issues. Mary Beth’s contact information is mbcharles@asafishing.org, x230. Over the next year, Ross Tuckwiller, a recent West Virginia University graduate, will be working with ASA and other organizations to develop recommendations and guidelines that may be used to minimize impacts to coldwater fish populations in the face of energy development in the Rocky Mountain area. Ross will be based in ASA’s offices. His contact information is rtuckwiller@asafishing.org, x235.
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ASA and FishAmerica Bids Jeff Bloem Farewell
After three years as the FishAmerica Foundation’s Grants Coordinator, Jeff Bloem has accepted a position with ICF International, Inc. During his tenure, Jeff managed FishAmerica’s grants and coordinated several partnerships. He also contributed to the success of several ASA initiatives, including on-site management of the ICAST 2006 New Product Showcase. ASA and FishAmerica wish him all the best in his new career.
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Member Services Updates
For more information, contact Membership Director Brian Blank, x245 or Membership Assistant Ann Sweeney, x241.
Fiscal Year 2007 Membership Dues
Annual membership renewal invoices were sent at the end of October with a November 15 due date. Thank you to all ASA members who have renewed their memberships. If you did not receive your invoice or have questions, please contact Ann Sweeney, x241. For those companies who pay dues in installments, please remember that the second payment is due on February 15.
On the Road
In January, Membership met with Big Rock’s sales force during their Big Rock West show in Las Vegas to gain their support in recruiting new members. Membership made the same presentation to the Henry's sales force during their show in Greenville, South Carolina. Membership also met one-on-one with potential ASA members. ASA members assisting in this effort were Tim Norman, SPRO Corporation; Geoff Ratte, Water Gremlin Company; Peter Foley, Boone Bait Company; Dave Pfeiffer, Shimano American Corporation; Jeff Pontius, Zebco/WC Bradley; and Bill Shedd, AFTCO Manufacturing Co., Inc. A special thanks goes to Ed Small, Gary Zurn, Dennis Spindler and Eric Hickey of Big Rock Sports, LLC; Barry Watts and Steve Fifer of Henry’s, LLC; and Chris McBride of All Sport, LLC, for their on-going support of ASA.
ASA Welcomes New Members
ASA welcomes these new members or members who have reinstated their membership in January: Add-A-Spin, San Diego, California; Alutecnos, Key Biscayne, Florida; Anhui Jinquan Fishing Tools Co., Ltd., Anhui, China; Bait-Buster Company, LLC, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada; H & W Enterprises, LLC, Miramar, Florida; Lianqiu Leisure Products Co., Ltd., Zhejiang, China; OceanGirl Custom Fishing Products, Gloucester City, New Jersey; Rockhill Products, Inc., Barberton, Ohio; Anhui Wilma Fishing Tools Co., Ltd., Anhui, China; Carr Specialty Baits, Inc., St. Augustine, Florida; Fishing Butler, Ontario, Canada; J & K Specialist, Flemington, New Jersey; Ningbo Hi-Tech Park Whale Fishinghook Factory, Zhejiang, China; RJB International, Ltd., York, Pennsylvania; Vertical Lures, Pickens, South Carolina.
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2007 Sportfishing Summit—Mark Your Calendars
ASA invites its members and partners to the 2007 Sportfishing Summit scheduled for October 10–12, at Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa in sunny Florida. ASA’s staff and Board of Directors met immediately after the 2006 Summit to jump-start the planning process for 2007. ASA plans to have a program in place and information distributed before ICAST 2007. For more information, contact Mary Jane Williamson, x227 or Leslie Boatman, x222.
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December/January Issue of American Sportfishing Available
Keep an eye out for the December/January issue of American Sportfishing, ASA’s newsletter, in your mailbox. The December/January issue is also available in PDF format on ASA’s Web site along with issues dating back to winter 2002. If you have not been receiving American Sportfishing, contact Leslie Boatman, x222, and ask to be added to the list.
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FishAmerica Foundation Updates
To help FishAmerica keep our nation’s fish and waters healthy, contact Director Johanna Laderman, x245. Donate to FishAmerica online!
American Premier joins FishAmerica Family
In November, Michael Wu, president of American Premier Corp., signed a cause-related marketing agreement with FishAmerica to provide a portion of the proceeds from the sale of its FAX Series Rods, a new graphite offshore saltwater fishing rod. FAX Graphite Offshore Series Rods will hit the shelves in 2007. FishAmerica thanks American Premier Corp. for their support!
Cause-related Marketing Partnerships
American Premier Corp. is FishAmerica’s newest cause-related marketing partnership. FishAmerica also has partnerships with Pro Line Manufacturing and its Pro Gear waders and with Stonehedge Winery and its Cool Fish wines. These partnerships support FishAmerica-funded projects such as restoring fish habitat and improving water quality throughout the United States and Canada.
Cool Fish Wines Makes First Donation
In January, Cool Fish Wines made its first donation of more than $14,000 to the FishAmerica Foundation as part of a cause-related marketing agreement. FishAmerica receives a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the wines and wine products. The funds will be used to restore habitat for marine and anadromous fish species through community-based efforts.
Skyhorse Publishing Supports Foundations
Skyhorse Publishing has announced that proceeds from two of its soon-to-be released titles will support the FishAmerica Foundation and the Future Fisherman Foundation. The “Gigantic Book of Fishing Stories” and “Take Me Fishing” will be available in stores in May 2007, just in time for Father’s Day. Pre-order your copies now at Barnes and Noble. Both publications are designating all royalties for conservation and education.
Grants Available for Sportfish Habitat Restoration in 2007
Up to $800,000 in grant monies are available for marine and anadromous sportfish habitat restoration projects across the coastal United States and the Great Lakes basin. Grants will be awarded to community-based, on-the-ground projects to restore marine, estuarine and riparian habitats important to marine and anadromous fish species. Proposals are due February 5, 2007, and grants up to $50,000 each will be awarded in June 2007. The announcement and full grant package are available at www.fishamerica.org.
ASA Member Contributions
We would like to thank the following ASA members for their recent donations to the FishAmerica Foundation: Angler's Choice/Suncoast of America, LLC; Emmrod Fishing Gear; Frank & Fran's Fisherman's Friend, Inc.; Kanji International, Inc.; Navionics, Inc.; Oceangirl Custom Fishing Product; Pacific Products; Reel E Good Products, Inc.; and Rockhill Products, Inc. As of October 1, 2006, 20 ASA Members have donated more than $17,000 to FishAmerica through direct donations, FishAmerica Gulf Fund donations, licensed-product sales, tournament partnerships and endowment donations.
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Future Fisherman Foundation Update
For more information on Future Fisherman activities, contact Executive Director Mike Bolinder, x238, National Program Coordinator Anne Danielski, x254 or Grants Coordinator Jesse Graytock, x224.
Physh Ed Accepting Applications
The Future Fisherman Foundation is accepting applications for the Physh Ed National Fishing and Boating Grant Initiative for the 2007/2008 school year. Kindergarten through twelfth grade physical education teachers in accredited public, private or charter schools are encouraged to apply for up to $5,000 in grants to teach fishing and boating as part of their physical education curriculum. Applications are due on Friday, March 2, 2007, for the 2007/2008 school year. The Future Fisherman Foundation and ASA ask that members help spread the word to their local schools about this valuable program. The Foundation is also working with a variety of organizations to distribute information about the grants program.
F3 Announces Boys and Girls Club Partners
The Future Fisherman Foundation has partnered with the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Law Enforcement and Youth Partnerships for Crime Prevention. As part of this program, the Foundation will train Boys and Girls Clubs’ staff through the Hooked On Fishing, Not On DrugsÒ (HOFNOD) program. This training will focus on the fundamentals of fishing, which can then be passed on to young people involved in the Boys and Girls Clubs. The first training workshop is scheduled for March 4-7, 2007, in San Pedro, Calif.
The clubs selected as part of the Foundation’s grant program for 2007 are: Boys & Girls Clubs of the South Bay, Harbor City, CA; Boys & Girls Club of Pomona Valley, Pomona, CA; East Los Angeles Boys & Girls Club, Los Angeles, CA; Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington, Silver Spring, MD; Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities, St. Paul, MN; Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Mississippi, Jackson, MS; Boys & Girls Clubs of Sanford Lee Co., Sanford, NC; Boys & Girls Clubs of the Three Affiliated Tribes, New Town, ND; Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV; and Boys & Girls Clubs of Green Country, Pryor, OK.
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Message from ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman
When you analyze a tradeshow, it’s easy to just look at the numbers as a barometer of success—number of attendees, number of booths sold, growth in square footage, number of new products on display—but the numbers don’t capture the real essence of a successful show. Despite e-mail, fax and the Internet, business still revolves around face-to-face meetings. In fact, buyers tell us that their three most important reasons for attending ICAST are to discover new products, take advantage of show specials and discounts and develop personal relationships with their suppliers.
ICAST 2007 is the 50th anniversary of our industry tradeshow and with over 90 percent of the show floor already sold, we’re going to have another sell-out show. This year, we’re pulling out all the stops to bring buyers to the show scheduled for July 11-13 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
To meet the needs of both our buyers and exhibitors, we’ve expanded the New Product Showcase floor space and further refined the “Best of Show” categories to harness the excitement and innovation that you’ve come to expect at ICAST. We’re asking our exhibitors to tailor their show specials around “50” to really help buyers maximize their time and savings. Independent retailers will have the opportunity to attend a first-ever seminar to help them maximize profits through innovative merchandizing and display techniques. We’re upping the number of cash prizes for buyers both as an incentive to write orders at the show and for voting in the New Product Showcase. This year, to sweeten the deal, we’re planning a special incentive just for buyers simply for attending the show. After all, this is Las Vegas and you have to play to win.
There will be increased publicity in dealer publications to encourage their attendance as well as extensive mailings by a number of major distributors to thousands of dealers encouraging them to attend. Last year, we had over 500 media representatives attend ICAST. Savvy exhibitors should take heed of this and plan ahead of time to ensure your target media visit your booth.
Even though we’re celebrating 50 years of ICAST and our rich history as an industry, there will also be plenty of discussion about both the current state of the sportfishing industry and our future. No one can accurately predict what will happen over the next year, let alone the next 50, but I know we are up to the challenge.
Some great things are in store at ICAST 2007 and I’m looking forward to seeing you in Las Vegas!
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