Dave Pfeiffer, Chairman of the Board
American Sportfishing Association
ICAST Industry Breakfast
July 20, 2005; 7:30 a.m.–8:45 a.m.
Las Vegas Convention Center

Good morning everyone, it is a real privilege to welcome all of you to ICAST 2005. This is the biggest show we’ve had in recent years, with registration topping 6,000 already, including more than 1,500 buyers. This is a 20 percent increase over last year’s show.

There’s no business like show business, so I know that’s good news for all of us. Our collective success in rebuilding our trade show over the last few years is a testament to how influential we can be when we promote our shared interests together.

That’s what our trade association helps us do every day. Before I served on the Board of Directors, I didn’t realize just how vital it was for our industry to have a strong trade association looking out for us and protecting our interests. It’s been enlightening and rewarding to learn more about the variety of programs that promote and enhance the fishing industry.

It’s been particularly impressive to see the methods by which ASA is creating greater awareness of the values of fishing and the economic contributions of our industry. This is so important in the high-stakes environs of Washington, DC, where policy-making can make or break us on any given day.

Last month I attended the events during National Fishing and Boating Week in Washington. We had a great celebration at the Capitol and met with several leaders in the Halls of Congress on issues that affect all of us and our businesses. The big fishing week kickoff event even made the front page of the Washington Post.

That level of exposure and access gives us tremendous leverage on matters such as the recent reinterpretations of the excise tax provisions. Because of our collective clout and the representation of our trade organization, we were able to rally effectively in response to potential actions from the IRS that could have really hurt our businesses. While some final outcomes remain to be seen, without ASA’s attention to this issue, we wouldn’t even have been able to participate in the process.

The more I’ve become involved with the organization, the more it’s opened my eyes as to how critical active membership is to ASA’s success. There are lots of ways to make a difference, and one of the most important goals for the Board is to grow our retailer membership. That’s something you all can help with right here at ICAST. Please encourage retailers you speak with to join ASA and help us build a stronger voice.

We’re already off to a good start. ASA’s membership now exceeds 650, and the number of retailer members has doubled so far this year. But imagine how much stronger we could be if we recruited hundreds more retailers to our membership. We would not only have a lot more rallying power, we’d also find ourselves with a direct conduit to the very people who can generate grassroots efforts to grow the sport.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said that “Nothing great was ever created without enthusiasm.” ASA definitely needs enthusiastic support from our membership to help create a strong trade organization and a great industry well armed to face the challenges of the future.

On that note, I’d like to introduce Mike Nussman, who will share some thought-provoking insights on proactively growing the sport of fishing.