June 2010 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 about our Government Affairs activities called Policy Watch. These documents can be found in the Government Affairs section of ASA’s Web site.
ASA Board of Directors Election Results
Board of Directors to Meet at ICAST 2010
Questions About ICAST? Visit ICASTfishing.org
ICAST 2010 Registration and Badges
The State of the Industry Defined – Don’t Miss the ICAST 2010 Industry Breakfast
New Product Showcase and Preview Reception
Chairman’s Industry Awards Reception – Best of Show Honors
Thank You ICAST Sponsors
Beware of Unauthorized ICAST Housing Sales
Reelin’ & Dealin: A Guide to ICAST-only Specials
Post Your ICAST Press Release on ICASTfishing.org
ICAST Seminars
ICAST Exhibitors – Dues Payments Required
2010 Sportfishing Summit – Mark Your Calendar
Discounts for ASA Members at East Coast Consumer Shows
Welcome New Members!
FishAmerica Foundation Update
Message from ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman
ASA Board of Directors Election Results
Six members of the American Sportfishing Association’s (ASA) board of directors were elected or re-elected to fill three regional seats and three at-large seats. Their terms begin October 1, 2010, and they will serve two-year terms. ASA’s board members may serve three, consecutive two-year terms. Regional seats went to Tom Fote, president, Jersey Coast Anglers Association, Toms River, N.J., who will serve the Northeast Region; Kirk Immens, president, Sportco Marketing, Inc., Crystal Lake, Ill., who will serve the Great Lakes Region; and Gregg Wollner, executive vice-president, Rapala, Minnetonka, Minn., (re-elected) who will represent the Northern Plains and Inter-Mountain Region. At-Large seats went to Peter Foley, president, Boone Bait Company, Winter Park, Fla., (re-elected); Scott Frnka, vice president of Merchandizing, Cabela’s Inc., Sidney, Neb.; and Dave Pfeiffer, president, Shimano American Corporation, Irvine, Calif. For more information about the ballots or the voting process, contact Board Liaison Joyce Anderson-Logan , x233.
Board of Directors to Meet at ICAST 2010
ASA’s Board of Directors will meet Tuesday, July 13, 2010, from 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., at the Las Vegas Convention Center, prior to the opening day of ICAST. For more information, contact Joyce Anderson-Logan , x233.
Questions About ICAST? Visit ICASTfishing.org
ICAST 2010 is just two short weeks away and we’re looking forward to seeing you and hosting a successful show. ICAST truly is the epicenter of the sportfishing industry. Besides the networking and business opportunities, there are many other show events that will help you expand your knowledge of the industry and what you can do to help shape sportfishing’s future. Please visit http://www.ICASTfishing.org for all the information you need for ICAST 2010. See you in Las Vegas!
ICAST 2010 Registration and Badges
Online registration is available until 8:00 p.m. EST, Wednesday, July 7. If you have not yet registered, please register online now to avoid long lines on site. ICAST badges were mailed the week of June 28. Please note that badges for international exhibitors and attendees will not be mailed and must be picked up at the Advance Registration Desk located at the Las Vegas Convention Center. If you did not elect to have your badge mailed to you or you registered after June 10, you may pick up your badges at the Advance Registration Desk at the Las Vegas Convention Center or at the Registration Kiosks. Please see the Show Schedule for on-site registration hours. If you forget to bring your printed confirmation e-mail with barcode, please proceed to the Advance Registration Desk with a photo ID and business card to receive your badge. If you have questions, please contact ICAST registration customer service at 301-694-5243.
The State of the Industry Defined – Don’t Miss the ICAST 2010 Industry Breakfast
There is nowhere in the world like ICAST to find out what’s going on in our industry. During his State of the Industry remarks ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman will address the complex nature of the issues facing our industry – “the good, the bad and the ugly” - and what the industry is doing to address the issues. Last year, we told you about the need for an advocacy and fundraising campaign that is flexible enough to be used where access is threatened. This year, you’ll hear the details about KeepAmericaFishing™, why it’s vital to our industry’s future and how we plan to reach the nation’s millions of anglers. Tickets for this event – Wednesday, July 14, 7:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. - are going fast and are just $50. This event sells out each year so make sure you get your tickets today. You can purchase tickets when registering for the show. Already registered? You can login to ICAST registration here to be a part of this important industry event. Make plans to attend the Industry Breakfast today!
New Product Showcase and Preview Reception
The New Product Showcase Preview Reception, sponsored by Fishing Tackle Retailer, produced by ESPN Outdoor/BASS, Tuesday, July 13, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Aisle 2500, offers an exclusive sneak preview of the New Product Showcase prior to the official show opening. Exhibitors are not permitted in the Showcase during the voting period which begins at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 13 and ends at 3:00 pm. on Wednesday, July 14. Only registered buyers and Media-editorial attendees are eligible to vote in the New Product Showcase and only one ballot per buying entity or media outlet is permitted. Buyers and media representatives will evaluate each new product and vote for them based on their innovation, execution, workmanship and practicality. There are 17 categories along with the overall “Best of Show.” Just for voting, buyers and credentialed media are eligible to win one of three $500.00 cash prizes. After 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 14, the Showcase is open to all ICAST exhibitors and attendees. The New Product Showcase awards will be presented Wednesday evening during the Chairman’s Industry Awards Reception at the Las Vegas Hilton, Ballroom A.
Chairman’s Industry Awards Reception – Best of Show Honors
The Chairman’s Industry Awards Reception, sponsored by ZEBCO Brands, will be held Wednesday, July 15, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Las Vegas Hilton Ballroom A. Jeff Pontius, president, ZEBCO Brands and Chairman of ASA’s Board of Directors, hosts our annual welcome reception. During the reception, Pontius and ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman will present the New Product Showcase "Best of Show" awards. Everyone is welcome to attend the awards reception.
Thank You ICAST 2010 Sponsors
ASA would like to thank its generous members who have already signed on as ICAST sponsors. Our ICAST 2010 sponsors are: Gold - Crocodile Bay, Fishing Tackle Retailer, produced by ESPN Outdoor/BASS, Plano Molding Company, Take Me Fishing and ZEBCO Brands; Silver –In-Fisherman, Fishouflage Apparel, Gemini Sport Marketing, Northwest Sportsmanand Sebile USA; and Bronze - Classic Fishing Products, Inc., Engel USA, FishGillz Sunglass Co., Gill North America, Girls Fish Too, Green Fish, Hatcams LLC, Irish Setter, Jonathan Paul Eyewear, Maui Jim Sunglasses, Mojo Sportswear Company, NoBarb Hooks, Northwest Sportsman, Southwick Associates and Tuscaroran Pro-Lures. This list is current as of June 30. Thank you for your support!
Reelin’ & Dealin’: A Guide to ICAST-only Specials
Special product discounts—exclusive to ICAST 2010—are a popular draw for retail and wholesale buyers. The Reelin’ & Dealin’: A Guide to ICAST-only Specials provides buyers an opportunity to save money on product orders placed during the show. The guide was sent to registered buyers in mid-June. It will also be available during the show. Exhibitors that submitted their show specials form by April 1 are listed in the May/June issue of Fishing Tackle Retailer. Those who submitted their information form by April 24 are listed in printed version of the Reelin’ & Dealin’ guide. To see a list of companies offering show specials, please visit the Show Specials page on the ICAST website.
Post Your ICAST Press Release on ICASTfishing.org
As an added benefit of exhibiting at ICAST, ASA will post links to ICAST exhibitor press releases in the online Press Room to assist exhibitors in promoting their presence at the show. This online web page is a resource for both media and show attendees. Please add this opportunity to your ICAST marketing plan. Please send either a link to your press release or e-mail a Word or PDF version for posting on www.ICASTfishing.org, to Kenneth Andres, x231, and ASA Communications Associate, Ryan Colaianni, x222. Content is subject to ASA verification and approval.
ICAST Seminars
This year the seminars will focus on how the entire sportfishing community can get involved in advocating for our sport through KeepAmericaFishing™. ASA is also holding a session on Friday, July 16, outlining in more detail the complex issues we’re facing as an industry. On Wednesday, July 14, a session will coverrecent legal developments of interest to manufacturers as well as cost effective steps to prevent infringing imports. We’re offering two seminars on how to incorporate social media in your business plans and how to think beyond “pink” when marketing to women and their families. Please see the seminar schedule for more information. Please note: The IRS has cancelled its seminar – A Taxing Issue: Paying the Federal Manufacturers’ excise Tax on Sportfishing Equipment - scheduled for Wednesday, July 14, at 2:00 p.m. A seminar on legal, patent and import issues for manufacturers is now scheduled for the same day and time. The seminars are free and open to all ICAST attendees. All seminars will be held in room N260.
ICAST Exhibitors – Dues Payments Required
In order to exhibit at ICAST 2010, you must be an ASA member in good standing with the current year’s membership dues paid in full. If you have not done so, please pay your annual membership dues immediately. If payment is not received prior to the show, you will not be permitted to set up your booth. For more information, please contact Membership Director Jill Calabria, x241.
2010 Sportfishing Summit – Mark Your Calendar
ASA invites its members and partners to the 2010 Sportfishing Summit scheduled for October 26–28, at the Westin Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Mark your calendar today for the Sportfishing Summit, ASA’s annual membership meeting and premier networking event. If you are interested in being a sponsor for this year’s Summit, please contact Jill Calabria, 234.
Discounts for ASA Members at East Coast Consumer Shows
Current ASA members in good standing who participate in all four of the ASA/ Eastern Fishing & Outdoor Expos will receive a 15 percent discount on standard priced booth space. Exhibitors who participate in three shows will receive a 10 percent discount off standard booth rates. No discount applies to space booked for the World Fishing & Outdoor Exposition in Suffern, N.Y. To sign up for exhibit space, contact the ASA/Eastern Fishing & Outdoor Expo staff at 603-431-4315 or e-mail info@sportshows.com for more information. Go to www.sportshows.com for show dates and other information.
Welcome New Members!
ASA welcomes these new members or members who reinstated their membership in June: Aqua Chum, Vero Beach, FL; Bass Outfitters, Nuevo, CA; Bear Solis Outdoors, Fox Lake, WI; Caliber Outdoor Products LLC, Cedar Creek, TX; Coleman Outboards, Scottsdale, AZ; Cover2Group, Huntersville, NC; Fish-N-Hunt Pro Gear, Houston, TX; Fly-Fishing-Xtreme, Simi Valley, CA; Fortune Products Inc., Marble Falls, TX; Gillz, LLC, Lakeland, FL; Glo-Crazy Lure Company, Payson, AZ; Glove Guard LP, Highlands, TX; GoSPORTn Inc., Chevy Chase, MD; Grayden Outdoor LLC, Brainerd, MN; GreenFish, San Clemente, CA; Huck Finn Sportfishing, El Granada, CA; I.C.E., Inc., Kingston, NH; Irish Setter , Red Wing, MN; JB Outdoors, LLC, Houston, TX; Kayser Lure Corp., Ursa, IL; Laguna Custom Rods, Hempstead, TX; Larry the Lizard Custom Baits/Hawg Wild Custom Bass Baits, Wathena, KS; Lifetime Products, Clearfield, UT; Luck E Strike, USA, Cassville, MO; Martin Flory Group, Gurnee, IL; NAIFC Tournament Series, Lombard, IL; Ocean LED USA, LLC, Fort Lauderdale, FL; Orion Safety Products, Blue Springs, MO; Ouzo Baits, Lake Wales, FL; Pepper Custom Baits, Grand Junction, CO; Pro Power Winder, Gardena, CA; Ram Mounting Systems, Seattle, WA; RecTec, LLC, Clinton Township, MI; The Cyr Group, Kirkland, WA and The Winning Team, Valencia, CA.
FishAmerica Foundation Update
To help FishAmerica keep our nation’s fish and waters healthy, visit FishAmerica online at www.fishamerica.org or contact Executive Director Johanna Laderman, x245 or Grants Manager Erica George, x247. Find FishAmerica on Twitter – www.twitter.com/fishamerica - and on Facebook - www.facebook.com/fishamerica.
World Fishing Network (WFN) Airs 24-Hour Fundraiser to Benefit FishAmerica Gulf Fund
On June 30, WFN: The World Fishing Network, North America's only 24-hour fishing lifestyle network, dedicated an entire day of programming and commercial airtime to help support recreational anglers affected by the Gulf of Mexico oil spill disaster. The on-air campaign provided in-depth coverage of the impact of the spill on recreational and commercial fishing along the Gulf to raise awareness of the catastrophic impact this spill is having on the entire fishing industry, and raised money for the FishAmerica Foundation's Gulf Fund in support of Gulf Coast restoration efforts, and the Venice Charter Boat and Guide Association.
FishAmerica Gulf Fund – Preparing for Restoration
FishAmerica is continuing to raise funds for its recently expanded Gulf Fund to include fisheries and their habitats that are being impacted by the continuing oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. The Gulf Fund was established in 2005 to provide funding for restoring fisheries habitat and recreational fishing facilities devastated by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
To ensure the future of sportfish populations in the Gulf, it is imperative that we ensure the continuing existence of available fish habitat. Funding from the FishAmerica Gulf Fund will be used to support the expansion of existing healthy fisheries habitat and the creation of new fisheries habitat in areas not directly affected by the oil spill. These areas will provide the much needed refuge, spawning and rearing habitat to ensure the survival of sportfish in the Gulf. Make a donation now at www.fishamerica.org/gulfund.
FishAmerica Receives $3.4 Million in Requests for Habitat Restoration
The FishAmerica Foundation received 63 proposals requesting $3.4 million for community-based habitat restoration projects across coastal America, the Great Lakes region, and U.S. Territories of the Caribbean under the FishAmerica and NOAA Restoration Center partnership. FishAmerica has just under $1 million available in funding for these projects through its partnership with the NOAA Restoration Center. FishAmerica and NOAA will review proposals this summer and award grant in October 2010. To make a contribution to FishAmerica, please go to http://www.fishamerica.org/store/.
Message from ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman
July is always an exciting time for the industry and the ASA staff as we “gear up” for the trade show. I’m looking forward to seeing you at the Las Vegas Convention Center. A lot of what we do at the association is geared towards producing a top-notch trade show, but it isn’t all that we do as your trade association.
We are often asked by new and prospective members how membership in the American Sportfishing Association would help their business. It’s a good question. I thought it would use useful to share my answer to remind our long term members about the association’s activities as well as inform our new members about the programs and activities we undertake on your behalf.
Succinctly put, bringing value to our members guides everything we do at ASA. As the trade association for the sportfishing industry, our efforts are geared to assisting the sportfishing industry to expand sales and participation by representing the interests of the entire sportfishing community. Our members include the sportfishing and boating industries, state and federal natural resource agencies, conservation organizations, angler advocacy groups and outdoor journalists. As a voting member, ASA membership gives you a voice in the future of our industry.
ASA is the producer of ICAST, the world’s largest sportfishing trade show, which annually draws 7,000 people from across the nation and around the globe. Our 2010 pre-registration numbers have been trending up compared to last year’s record breaking show in Orlando. We expect this year’s show to meet or exceed our exhibitors and attendees expectations.
However, ASA’s activities go far beyond ICAST. While you’re busy taking care of your business, we’re advocating for you by speaking out when emerging laws and policies could significantly affect sportfishing business or sportfishing itself. The Gulf of Mexico oil disaster is on everybody’s minds and we are doing everything we can to ensure that recreational fishing-dependent businesses receive financial assistance and are represented in other economic and conservation recovery efforts. However, the most important issues facing our industry continue to revolve around access and participation and I assure you that we are doing everything we can to address them. You’ll be hearing more about this in the months to come leading up to the 2010 Sportfishing Summit in October.
We also work to ensure there are healthy and sustainable fisheries resources and increase participation in sportfishing through promotion, education and access. There are 60 million anglers in the United States, from children just learning to fish to life long anglers. ASA is going to tap into their passion to ensure recreational fishing’s rightful place in our culture and our economy through KeepAmericaFishing™. You’ll be hearing a lot more about this new angler advocacy campaign during ICAST and the months to come.
I want to thank the Board of Directors, the Show Committee, our members and the ASA staff for all the hard work they put into producing ICAST. Putting on a show like ICAST requires team work and the entire ASA team—members and staff alike—pull together to produce the industry’s premier business and networking event.
See you next month in Las Vegas!
Learn More
