2006 Sportfishing Summit Highlights
More than 160 leaders of the sportfishing industry representing over 70 companies
and organizations gathered to attend committee meetings, sessions and networking
events as part of ASA’s 2006 Sportfishing Summit. The Summit was held
October 18-20, at Paradise Point Resort & Spa in San Diego, Calif. Throughout
the Summit, attendees enjoyed the hospitality suite, a great place to relax
and mingle, sponsored by The Outdoor Channel.
Highlights of the 2006 Sportfishing Summit
Wednesday, October 18
Wednesday was dedicated to meetings of ASA’s Committees, where committee
members and guests gathered to discuss a variety of topics and make recommendations
for consideration by ASA’s Board of Directors.
Wednesday’s Networking Lunch, sponsored by the Recreational Boating & Fishing
Foundation, featured Matt Bradvica, managing director, Tax Services, RSM McGladrey,
who provided highlights of a recent study of manufacturing in the United States.
A Welcome Reception, sponsored by ZEBCO/WC Bradley, was held Wednesday night,
featuring a wine tasting by Shahin Shahabi, president of Stonehedge Winery
in Napa, Calif. Stonehedge Winery is the maker of Cool Fish Wines and supports
the FishAmerica Foundation through cause-related marketing.
Thursday, October 19
Thursday began with a welcoming session with remarks by L. Ryan Broddrick,
director, California Department of Fish & Game, and ASA Chairman of the
Board Randy Lemcke, vice president, Plano Molding Company. Thursday’s
signature morning session featured Larry Steinmetz, Ph.D., president, High
Yield Management, Inc., who gave attendees a lot to think about when it comes
to pricing and profits.
Attendees had the opportunity to network with colleagues during Thursday’s
luncheon, sponsored by BASS/ESPN Outdoors.
After lunch, a panel of influential West Coast outdoor journalists provided
insight into issues surrounding California’s Marine Protected Areas,
and how the existing and potential no-fishing zones may effect the rest of
the country. The members of the panel were David Bacon, captain, Wavewalker
Charters; Rich Holland, associate editor, Western Outdoor News; Pat
McDonell, editor, Western Outdoor News; and Ed Zieralski, outdoor
writer, San Diego Union Tribune. The panel was moderated by Bill Shedd,
president, AFTCO.
Members and guests dined and danced at Thursday night’s Member Reception & Dinner,
sponsored by Bass Pro Shops.
Friday, October 20
Ted Fishman, author of China, Inc.: How the Rise of the Next Superpower
Challenges America and the World, spoke Friday morning about the rise
of China and how it affects the way we do business across the globe. Fishman’s
remarks were punctuated by a member panel that discussed doing business in
a global economy from the sportfishing industry’s perspective. The panelists
were Dave Pfeiffer, president, Shimano American Corporation; Paul Schluter,
president, St. Croix Rod Company; and Ken Sarber, senior tackle buyer, Dick’s
Sporting Goods.
The Summit concluded Friday with the General Membership Meeting. At the meeting,
activities of the Committees and ASA’s Board of Directors were reviewed
for the benefit of the membership.
