March 2009 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.
National Park Service Seeks to Ban Lead Use in Parks
ICAST Exhibitor and Attendee Registration
Exhibitor Promo Pak Available
Exhibitor Service Manual Available
Reserve Exhibit Space Today
Saving you Money at ICAST 2009
Thank You ICAST 2009 Sponsors
ICAST Sponsorships Available
ICAST Buyers’ Guide
MAATS is Back
ASA Board of Directors Elections
ASA Staff Attends 74th North American Conference
Jim Range National Casting Call and Family and Youth Day
2009 Sportfishing Summit – Mark Your Calendars
Government Affairs Committee to Meet in April
EFFTEX 2009
RBFF Direct Mail License Sales Program Kicks Off Year Two
Anglers’ Legacy Reaches 100,000 Pledges
Welcome New Members
Renew Your 2009 Membership Dues
Service Provider Spotlight – Southwick Associates
Save on Shipping with PartnerShip
FishAmerica Foundation Updates
Future Fisherman Foundation New Contact Information
Message from ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman
National Park Service Seeks to Ban Lead Use in Parks
On March 10, 2009, the National Park Service (NPS) announced its intention to ban fishing tackle with lead components in national parks by 2010. The announcement was made without prior consultation of the sportfishing industry or the millions of recreational anglers who fish within the national park system. In the normal course of events, the sportfishing and shooting sports industries (lead component ammunition is also included in the ban) would have been notified by the NPS about this change in policy and would have been invited to discuss this decision with NPS staff. In a letter and a subsequent press release, ASA Vice President Gordon Robertson requested that the NPS withdraw the proposal and discuss the rationale for it with the appropriate stakeholders before taking further action. During the North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference held March 16 – 20, in Arlington, Va., William Shafroth, deputy assistant secretary for Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Department of the Interior, told conference attendees that the announcement applied to NPS staff and the 2010 deadline did not apply to the general public at this time. ASA’s position remains that any change in federal policy that would affect the sportfishing industry needs to follow appropriate rule-making guidelines.
ICAST Exhibitor and Attendee Registration
ICAST exhibitor and attendee registration is now open for the world’s largest sportfishing trade show, July 15-17, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. To register for badges and housing, please visit the new ICAST Web site – www.ICASTfishing.org . The pre-registration deadline is June 12. In addition, you can now make your hotel reservations and register for ICAST at the same time. ASA has arranged special ICAST rates with over a dozen hotels in close proximity to the Orange County Convention Center. Make your one-stop reservations at www.ICASTfishing.org under Registration.
Exhibitor Promo Pak Available
One of the best resources ASA provides for its exhibitors is the Exhibitor Promo Pak, which contains many items to help exhibitors promote their booths and attract buyers to ICAST. The Promo Pak is available exclusively online for exhibitors this year. To access the Promo Pak, exhibitors should visit the 2009 Exhibitors Only section of www.ICASTfishing.org . If you haven’t received your exhibitor login information, contact Ken Andres , x231.
Exhibitor Service Manual Available
The Exhibitor Service Manual is the ultimate guide to exhibiting at ICAST. It contains all the details needed to ensure that you have a successful experience at the show. Shipping and set up information are included, as well as forms for ordering furnishings, carpet, electrical services and other necessities. Please note that the Exhibitor Service Manual is only available online in the “2009 Exhibitors Only ” section of ICASTfishing.org , and will not be available in print. In order to place your product and service order through ICAST partners listed in the Exhibitor Service Manual, you must be a confirmed exhibitor in good standing. That means that your ICAST booth fees and ASA membership dues must be paid. To pay your ASA membership dues, please contact Jill Calabria at jcalabria@asafishing.org , x234.
Reserve Exhibit Space Today
Exhibit space is still available for ICAST; however, prime spaces are going quickly. ICAST 2009 will be located in the southeastern sportfishing market, where exhibitors can gain product exposure to buyers from all levels of our industry as well as hundreds of media and manufacturers’ representatives. By becoming an ICAST exhibitor your company will gain access to the top people in the sportfishing industry. For more information or to reserve exhibit space at ICAST 2009, contact Kenneth Andres , x231.
Saving you Money at ICAST 2009
ASA has arranged special discounts for those attending ICAST 2009, including a special five percent discount off the lowest available fare from any city serviced by JetBlue Airlines with connections to Orlando, Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale. To book your airfare, go to www.jetblue.com/promo and use promotion code ICAST2009. Complimentary shuttle bus service will be provided between the Orange County Convention Center and the official ICAST hotels . Service begins on Wednesday, July 15, at 7:00 a.m. and ends Friday, July 17, at 4:00 p.m. Details will be posted at the Convention Center, hotel lobbies and in the ICAST 2009 Buyers’ Guide. When you register for ICAST you can also book housing. The official ICAST hotels offer a wide range of prices starting at $82.00 per night.
Thank You ICAST 2009 Sponsors
ASA would like to thank its members who have already signed on as ICAST sponsors: Gold - ESPN Outdoor/BASS , Crocodile Bay and ZEBCO Brands ; Silver - In-Fisherman ; and Bronze - Classic Fishing Products, Inc. and Gill North America . Thank you for your support!
ICAST Sponsorships Available
Sponsorship opportunities are still available for ICAST 2009. An ICAST sponsorship provides you with an effective way to highlight your company’s name in front of the global sportfishing community. By becoming an ICAST sponsor, your company will benefit from stand-alone recognition for your company and/or products and also help increase sales by leveraging your exhibit space. Sign up for a sponsorship today and have your companies name in front of 7,000 industry leaders. For more information on sponsorships, please contact Kenneth Andres , x231.
ICAST Buyers’ Guide
It's been brought to ASA’s attention that a company working under the name of Expo Guide, based in Mexico, is asking ICAST exhibitors to provide information and payment for a listing in their exhibitors' guide. Please be aware that Ascend Media is the official, and only, publisher of the ICAST Buyers' Guide. If you have not received your user name and password to update your Buyers' Guide listing within two weeks of registering for the show, please contact Ascend at 913.344.1341 or listing_support@ascendmedia.com .
MAATS is Back
ICAST will once again co-locate with the Marine Aftermarket Accessories Trade Show (MAATS), produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). Your ICAST badge allows you access to both the ICAST and MAATS trade show floors.
ASA Board of Directors Elections
Ballots for ASA’s Board of Directors elections will be mailed on Friday, May 1, 2009, to members who have paid their 2009 membership dues by April 16. Members will elect six representatives to ASA's Board of Directors, with terms beginning in October 2009. Elections are open for three regional and three at-large seats. Regional seats cover the South Central, Southeast and West regions. Ballots are due on or before June 1, 2009. According to ASA’s bylaws, only members with Regular membership status may vote. Associate members are not eligible to do so. For more information about the ballots, contact Board Liaison Joyce Anderson-Logan , x233. For questions about membership status contact Membership Services Manager Jill Calabria , x241.
ASA Staff Attends 74th North American Conference
ASA and FishAmerica Foundation staff attended the 74th North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference held March 16-21, in Arlington, Va. The conference is one of the largest gatherings of fishery and wildlife officials and other fish and wildlife interest groups held each year. ASA attended a variety of committee meetings including marine fisheries; Farm Bill strategic development; legislative and federal budget appropriations; energy and wildlife policy; fish and wildlife health; public access; angler and boating participation; fisheries and water resources policy; communications, outreach and diversity and fish and wildlife trust funds. ASA Vice President Gordon Robertson made a presentation on the economic value of recreational fishing in reservoirs during a special workshop on reservoir fisheries.
Jim Range National Casting Call and Family and Youth Day
On April 26 and 27, fisheries conservation successes from across the country will be in the spotlight during the annual Family and Youth Day and Casting Call on the Potomac River. This year’s Casting Call honors the memory of Jim Range, consummate angler and outdoorsman, who inspired the first Casting Call. On Family and Youth Day, families can learn fishing basics fisheries conservation. For more information, visit the www.familyandyouthcastingcall.com or www.nationalcastingcall.com .
2009 Sportfishing Summit – Mark Your Calendars
ASA invites its members and partners to the 2009 Sportfishing Summit scheduled for October 27–29, at the Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego, Calif. To gain information on the most relevant issues facing the sportfishing industry, mark your calendar today for the Sportfishing Summit, ASA’s annual membership meeting and premier networking event.
Government Affairs Committee to Meet in April
ASA’s Government Affairs Committee will meet April 7 – 8, in Alexandria, Va. For more information, contact Policy Fellow Mike Leonard , x230.
EFFTEX 2009
The European Fishing Tackle Trade Association (EFTTA) is hosting its 2009 trade show, the European Fishing Tackle Trade Exhibition (EFTTEX), June 12–14, in Budapest, Hungary. For more information about EFTTEX 2009 or EFTTA, visit www.eftta.com .
RBFF Direct Mail License Sales Program Kicks Off Year Two
The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) is kicking off year two of the State Direct Mail Marketing Program , a nationwide effort designed to identify and target lapsed anglers and increase fishing license sales. Thirty-two states will launch their programs over the coming weeks with two separate mailings, aiming to bring lapsed anglers back to the sport. The mailings are enhanced by radio advertising and public relations support. First year program results reported by 29 of the 30 participating states show that more than 223,000 additional fishing licenses and permits were sold as a result of the direct mail campaign. Based on these results, the program is contributing to fish and wildlife management efforts with more than $4 million in gross revenue to date. RBFF's Direct Mail Marketing Program is a three-year initiative to recruit and retain lapsed anglers and generate awareness of the connection between fishing license sales and conservation efforts. A full list of participating states is available online .
Anglers’ Legacy Reaches 100,000 Pledges
Approaching its three-year anniversary mark, the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation’s Anglers’ Legacy program reached 100,000 pledges. Launched in May 2006, Anglers’ Legacy asks outdoor enthusiasts to pledge to preserve the legacies of boating and fishing by introducing at least one newcomer to the sport. An RBFF survey conducted in October 2008 revealed that Ambassadors purchase approximately $140 in fishing tackle and equipment, $153 in boating supplies and accessories generating $25.6 million for the sportfishing and boating industries. Visit www.anglerslegacy.org for more information.
RBFF Board of Directors Update
Ken Hammond, chairman and CEO of the Hammond Group, is the new Board of Directors Chairman for the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation. Hammond has been on RBFF's board of directors since 2003 and has more than 30 years of sales and marketing experience in the fishing and marine products industry.He has served on several industry boards including the American Fishing Tackle Manufacturers Association (AFTMA), the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) and the Sport Fishing Institute (SFI). Hammond succeeds National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) President Thom Dammrich. RBFF also announced new members who were appointed to the board of directors for a three-year term: Roger Fuhrman, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife: Marc Johnson, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife; Christopher Berg, BRP US (Outdoor Engine Division); Stan Lippelman, Bass Pro Shops; Lenora Clark, BoatU.S. National Advisory Council; and Wendy Larimer, Association of Marina Industries. Retiring from the board were John Hoagland, Mercury Marine; Jay Jolly, Boater's World; Carl Richardson, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission; and Lydia Saldaña, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman is a board member and sits on the Executive and Finance committees. A full list of RBFF board members is available at RBFF.org .
Welcome New Members!
ASA welcomes these new members or members who reinstated their membership in March: Alabama Deep Sea Sportfishing - Distraction Charters, Lillian, AL; Angler's Fish-n-Mate, Henderson, NC; Cablz Inc., Birmingham, AL; Castaway Fishing Products, Inc., Montgomery, TX; HighRoller Fishing Lure Company, LLC, Gainesville, FL; Samal Fishing in the Future, Inc., Northport, FL; SportCreation, Two Rivers, WI; Star Fishing Tackle, LLC, Morehead City, NC and Waxman & Associates, Bethany Beach, DE.
Renew Your 2009 Membership Dues
If you have already renewed your 2009 ASA dues, we thank you for your continued commitment to ASA. If you have yet to renew and wish to do so using a credit card or have questions about membership, please call Membership Director Jill Calabria, x234. Also, in an effort to ensure you and your staff are receiving ASA’s member benefits such as Policy Watch, Member Update and American Sportfishing, ASA’s electronic newsletter, please send your staff roster to Jill Calabria.
Service Provider Spotlight – Southwick Associates
ASA members receive a 15 percent discount on market data from Southwick Associates, Inc. Based on its AnglerSurvey.com system, Southwick Associates provides data on species pursued, tackle items purchased, brands and market share, sales by retail channel (including online sales), price point info, and more. Scientific, in-house techniques are used to ensure results reflect all anglers, not just online anglers. Monthly reports are provided to subscribers. For more information or a sample copy of the monthly report, contact Rob Southwick, (904)-277-9765.
Save on Shipping with PartnerShip
ASA understands the importance of spending money wisely. Through a free ASA member benefit, PartnerShip offers ASA members discounts on shipping with FedEx and UPS Freight. PartnerShip has several suggestions to help ASA members save money on shipping costs: 1) Consolidate your shipments if you have several individual boxes going to the same location. 2) Check your shipping zones and transit times to avoid paying for express service, when ground service will have your shipment delivered in the same amount of time. 3) Audit your shipping invoices to ensure you are receiving discounts on all inbound shipments from your vendors. To enroll or to receive more information about this free ASA Member benefit, go to www.partnetship.com/29ASA, or call PartnerShip at (800)-599-2902.
FishAmerica Foundation Updates
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.
FishAmerica Staff Visits Fish Passage Project in California
In March Johanna Laderman and Cachuma Conservation Release Board staff visited the site of a recently completed stream restoration project in Lompoc, Calif., one hour northwest of Santa Barbara. The project, funded through FishAmerica’s partnership with the NOAA Restoration Center, restored passage to more than four miles of high quality spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead along El Jaro Creek. The project was critical to restoring steelhead to the Santa Ynez River watershed – one of the largest rivers along the south central coast of California. The nearly $50,000 grant was leveraged with an additional $379,000 in funds – a more than 13 to one match on FishAmerica dollars.
Federal Employees Donate more than $21,000 to FishAmerica
During 2007/2008, FishAmerica’s first year as a Combined Federal Campaign-eligible non-profit, federal employees donated more than $21,000 to the foundation to support our mission to keep our nation’s fish and waters healthy.FishAmerica’s CFC Code is 12295.FishAmerica has just begun to receive notification of pledges for the 2008/2009 season and so far, FishAmerica has received nearly $9,000 in pledges. FishAmerica is expecting that amount to double through the 2008/2009 campaign.
FishAmerica Thanks ASA Members
FishAmerica would like to thank the following ASA members for their donations to the foundation. These members have invested more than $49,000 in FishAmerica’s efforts since October 1st to keep our fish and waters healthy through direct donations, FishAmerica Gulf Fund donations, licensed-product sales, tournament partnerships and endowment donations. BLS Consultants; Carrera-Werner Sales Company; Citti Sales; Corporate Products, LLC (CORPRO); Daiwa Corporation; Do-It Corporation/Component Systems Paint; Evolution Products, Inc.; Expositions, Inc.; Fiber Consulting Services; FishGillz Sunglass Company; FLW Outdoors; Frank & Fran's Fisherman's Friend, Inc.; Jeff Robles & Associates; Jones & Company; Lamiglas, Inc.; Magic Products, Inc.; McClain Sales Company; Pro Line Manufacturing; Surf or Sound Realty; Yakima Bait Company; and ZEBCO Brands.
Future Fisherman Foundation New Contact Information
The Future Fisherman Foundation has new contact information. The foundation’s new mailing address is Future Fisherman Foundation, P.O. Box 711140, Oak Hill, VA 20171. For more information about the foundation, contact Executive Director Anne Danielski, 703-402-3623, or Manager of Education, Teresa Rodriguez, 703-402-0004.
Message from ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman
Between the economy and continuing bad weather across the country, spring has been a long time coming this year. But here in Washington, we're getting enough days of temperatures in the 50s to remind us that fishing season in many parts of the country is about to take off.Of course for the sportfishing industry to thrive, there have to be anglers. Along with access, participation is one of the most critical issues facing the industry today and it is one of our top priorities. From one of our earliest major undertakings in the 1930s promoting a casting game for kids to taking the lead in establishing the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation in 1999, with our members’ business in mind, the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) has helped introduce people to fishing.
As you may know, last month the Future Fisherman Foundation’s Board of Directors voted to continue the foundation’s operations. Despite the economic challenges, the foundation will continue to seek funding to provide youth angling education programs for children and their families. The Future Fisherman Foundation, established in 1986 by Berkley & Company, became associated with the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) in 1996. However, with the economic challenges facing our industry and the elimination of one of the foundation’s two grant funding sources, in October 2008, ASA’s board of directors made the decision that effective March 31, 2009, ASA could no longer provide the foundation’s core support. We wish the foundation’s board of directors and its staff all the best as they work to find new ways to introduce young people to fishing.
Through the federal manufacturers excise tax on tackle, the industry’s investment in the Recreational Fishing & Boating Foundation (RBFF) is starting to show dividends. “Take me fishing” is a loud and clear call to action, and leaves no doubt as to what we are asking the American public to do. With “take me fishing” as the message and the brand, RBFF has developed a myriad of programs to get more people fishing. RBFF is now kicking off year two of a nationwide effort to entice lapsed anglers to get back on the water. With RBFF’s support, 32 state agencies will launch their campaigns over the coming weeks with targeted mailings enhanced by radio advertising. In year one, more than 223,000 additional licenses were sold. That’s the kind of results we like to see.
Another RBFF program, Anglers’ Legacy, is approaching its three-year anniversary mark. Last month RBFF announced that 100,000 people, the Anglers’ Legacy Ambassadors, have pledged to introduce someone new to fishing. An RBFF survey conducted last fall revealed that on average Ambassadors purchase approximately $140 in fishing tackle and equipment sales and $153 in boating supplies and accessories generating $25.6 million for the sportfishing and boating industries.
In the end, ASA is a steward of our industry and it's all about making the most judicious use of our resources, whether its members’ dues or investments using the federal manufacturers excise tax on fishing tackle. We are here to look out for you.
