2007 Sportfishing Summit
October 2007 General Membership Committee
Meetings Report
ASA’s committees met during the 2007 Sportfishing Summit to discuss issues relevant to the sportfishing industry and the business of the association. A number of members and guests joined committee members to discuss a myriad of important topics.
The following are highlights of the committees’ discussions as reported during the General Membership Meeting on Friday, October 13, 2007.
Communications Committee
The Communications Committee submitted for information to the Board a number of items relevant to ICAST, including better processes for media attendees at ICAST such as verification, access to media by exhibitors, co-locating with the National Marine Manufacturers Association's Marine Aftermarket Accessories Trade Show (MAATS) and how to improve the New Product Showcase press conference. The Committee also discussed the potential for the MultiView Consumer Buyers Guide On-Line being added to ASA's Web site. The Communications Committee will continue to support ASA's consumer shows on the east and west coasts.
Consumer Show Committee
The Consumer Show Committee agreed to hold a conference call 30 days after the last show of the season to discuss the shows. The ASA/Fred Hall’s Fishing Tackle, Boat & Travel Shows increased their gate and booth prices for 2008. The Hall shows and ASA’s Eastern Fishing and Outdoor Exhibitions will prepare a sponsorship proposal for manufacturers related to marquee personalities appearing at the shows.
Data and Statistics Committee
The Board approved funding to create and distribute to ASA members free of charge, the updated version of Today’s Angler, a detailed report geared toward the sportfishing industry culled from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services’ 2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation.
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee approved the ASA Fiscal Year 2008 Budget.
Government Affairs Committee
In response to the association’s active involvement in California’s Marine Life Protection Act Initiative, the Board adopted an official position on marine protected areas (MPAs).
The Government Affairs Committee submitted for information to the Board several items including:
- ASA, with other fish conservation groups, will meet with the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) and discuss what the RFA strategy is to seek changes in the Magnuson-Stevens Act to revise over fishing;
- ASA will seek action from the Department of Interior concerning the Negotiated Rule-making Committee appointments for the Cape Hatteras National Seashore off-road vehicle rule-making process;
- ASA will submit comments on the Everglades National Park management plan seeking maximum angler access;
- ASA will investigate whether or not it should file an amicus brief concerning the Louisiana Mississippi River trespassing case that could impact angler access in five southeastern states;
- Working with the Show Committee, the Trade and Commerce Committee will develop a policy for product counterfeiting, especially as it relates to ICAST exhibitors; and
- ASA staff will continue to investigate the 2007 federal excise tax deposit to the Sport Fish and Boating Trust Fund.
Membership Committee
The Membership Committee discussed new member recruitment strategies, particularly for mass-market retailers and discussed fundraising opportunities for advocacy.
Manufacturers and Manufacturers’ Reps Divisions
The Committees discussed how manufacturers’ reps can assist with angler and boater recruitment through the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation. ASA’s Government Affairs staff explained the importance of ASA’s activities in California and the importance of industry participation and support.
Show Committee
The Board approved the change in show hours for ICAST 2008 to Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., to coincide with the hours of MAATS, which will co-locate with ICAST in 2008. The Board also approved the addition of a registration category for first-time, non-exhibiting manufacturers at a fee of $75 per badge for the new category.
