May 2008 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 on its Government Affairs activities called Policy Watch. These documents can be found in the Government Affairs section of ASA’s Web site.
Board of Directors Election Ballots
National Fishing and Boating Week 2008
ICAST 2008 — Follow Your Instincts
Board of Directors to Meet at ICAST 2008
Welcome New Members
Exclusive ASA Member Benefits
Mark Your Calendars for the 2008 Sportfishing Summit
RBFF’s Anglers’ Legacy Program Tops 50,000 Pledges
FishAmerica Foundation Updates
Future Fisherman Foundation Updates
Message From ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman
Board of Directors Election Ballots
ASA’s Board of Directors election ballots were due on May 30, 2008. Members will be electing six representatives to ASA's Board of Directors, with terms beginning in October. Elections are open for three regional and three at-large seats. Regional seats cover the South Central, Southeast and West regions. Board Secretary Jeff Marble, Frabill, Inc., assisted with the official count on June 2. ASA will issue a press release about the Board elections when all new Board members are confirmed. For more information about the ballots or the voting process, contact Board Liaison Joyce Anderson-Logan, x233. For questions about membership status, contact Membership Director Jill Calabria, x234.
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National Fishing and Boating Week 2008
National Fishing and Boating Week (NFBW), is being held this week (June 1–8) at thousands of sites across the country. These sites are hosting events to promote fishing and boating. On Tuesday, June 3, ASA, American Fly Fishing Trade Association, National Marine Manufacturers Association, and the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation will co-host a reception on Capitol Hill for Members of Congress and their staff, federal and state agency representatives, non-governmental agency representatives and other guests in the Senate Caucus Room in the Russell Senate Office Building. At this event, Representative Norm Dicks (D-WA) will receive an award commemorating his work to protect fisheries and angling throughout his time as a legislator. On Wednesday, June 4, ASA is sponsoring a breakfast on Capitol Hill to brief attendees on marine protected areas. For more information about ASA’s NFBW activities, contact ASA Policy Fellow Mary Beth Charles, x230.
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ICAST 2008 — 7th Year for a Sold-out Show Floor!
ICAST 2008, the world’s largest showcase of innovation in sportfishing gear and accessories is, once again, a sold-out show. However, ASA is taking wait-list reservations. Don’t delay one more day. The exhibit space contract and floor plan are available on ASA’s Web site along with a current list of exhibitors and exhibitor FAQs. Companies that want to exhibit should submit an exhibit space contract as soon as possible to ensure your name is on the wait list. For more information visit ICAST on the Web or contact ICAST Associate Ken Andres, x231.
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ICAST 2008 Exhibitors—We Want to Help You!
Every Monday afternoon, ASA sends an e-mail to ICAST exhibitors with important information. Please watch your inbox for these important e-mails from ICAST Associate Ken Andres. The deadline for exhibitor pre-registration is June 16. By pre-registering, you can avoid long lines at the show and save money by taking advantage of the pre-registration discount. In addition, all important ICAST deadlines are listed on page 25 of the Exhibitor Promo Pak. Please check to make sure you aren’t missing important ICAST deadlines.
New Product Showcase Exhibitor Conference Call
The next exhibitor conference call is scheduled for Monday, June 9, at 2:00 p.m., EDT. This call is to assist exhibitors with the New Product Showcase process. During this call, ICAST staff will discuss the ins and outs of the New Product Showcase. This is your chance to ask questions and get answers about everything regarding the New Product Showcase. Please contact Ken Andres, x231, by Wednesday, June 4, to sign up for this call.
Exhibitor Service Manual—Your ultimate ICAST guide
The Exhibitor Service Manual is the ultimate guide to exhibiting at ICAST. It contains everything from shipping and set up information to forms for ordering furnishings, carpet, electrical services and other necessities. There is also a checklist of essential deadlines in the front of the Exhibitor Service Manual.
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ICAST 2008 Registration—June 16 is the Pre-registration Deadline
The deadline for pre-registration is June 16. Attendee registration brochures were mailed in April. If you did not receive a hard-copy registration brochure, please feel free to register on the Web site. It’s easy to register online with the step-by-step instructions. When registering please review the forms carefully as some options have changed. After the deadline, registration must be completed in Las Vegas and onsite registration fees will apply. For more information contact Ken Andres, x231.
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ICAST 2008 Hotel Reservations
The ICAST room block at the Las Vegas Hilton is now sold out. Rooms at the other ICAST hotels are still available, although they are filling quickly. Please don’t delay and make your hotel reservations as soon as possible. Information about the other hotels is available at ICAST 2008 on the Web.
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Thank You ICAST Sponsors
Sponsors help make ICAST the best show in the sportfishing industry. ASA would like to thank this year’s sponsors. Gold Sponsors: Fishing Tackle Retailer, New Product Showcase, Crocodile Bay Resort, Buyer Raffle Grand Prize, Plano Molding Company, Chairman’s Industry Awards Reception, Townsend and Townsend and Crew, Industry Breakfast and VERSUS Country, Cybercafe. Silver Sponsors: In-Fisherman, Convention Lanyards, FLW Outdoors, Convention Bags, Fishing and Hunting News, Magazine Distribution Sponsorand Gemini Sport Marketing, Press Room Sponsor. Bronze Sponsors: Duncan McIntosh Company/FishRap, Saltwater Sportsman, Alphatan International Inc, Pelagic, Inc., Classic Fishing Products, Inc., Native Sun Sports-Get Reel…Get Fish!, The Habanna Co., Glacier Glove, Glowspek, First Light Net and Fishworks, Inc.
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ICAST 2008 Sponsorships Still Available
One of the most frequently asked questions we receive is: “How can my company make a good impression during ICAST?” Becoming an ICAST sponsor is a great way to put your company in the spotlight among the more than 400 companies that will be exhibiting at ICAST 2008. Can’t exhibit at ICAST this year? If your company is an ASA member, you can still be an ICAST sponsor. ICAST sponsorship opportunities are available for exhibitors and all ASA members. For more information, please contact Ken Andres, x231.
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ICAST 2008 on the Web
We regularly update the ICAST section of ASA’s Web site with new information to ensure that exhibitors and attendees alike have a top-notch experience at ICAST. Please check the Web site for the latest information. If you have other questions or need further assistance, contact Ken Andres, ICAST Associate, x231, or Maria del Valle, ICAST director, x240.
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ASA Welcomes ICAST Intern
Melissa Woolley, a senior at Virginia Tech, joined the ICAST team in May as an intern. Melissa will assist ICAST staff with pre-show preparations and on-site management of the ICAST 2008 trade show. Her contact information is mwoolley@asafishing.org, x232.
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Reelin’ & Dealin’: A Guide to ICAST-only Specials
Special product discounts—exclusive to ICAST 2008—are a popular draw for retail and wholesale buyers. The Reelin’ & Dealin’: A Guide to ICAST-only Specials gives buyers a better opportunity to save money on product orders placed during the show. The guide will be distributed to registered buyers in June. It will also be available during the show. Exhibitors who submitted their show specials are listed in the current May/June issue of Fishing Tackle Retailer.
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Board of Directors to Meet at ICAST 2008
ASA’s Board of Directors will meet Tuesday, July 15, 2008, 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.
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ASA New and Returning Members
ASA welcomes the following members who joined ASA or renewed their memberships in May: Airrus Fishing Products, Inc., Montgomery, TX; Andrea Sachs, Forest Hill, CA; Azuma, LLC, Sarasota, FL; Boomerang Tool Company, Los Altos, CA; DAMIKI, Los Angeles, CA, Fins and Grins, LLC, Wildwood, NJ; Gill North America, Buford, GA; GT Alliance, LLC, Sarasota, FL; I.C.E., Inc., Kingston, NH; Instaboat, Montmagny, QC Canada; Island Hopper Outboards, St. Petersburg, FL; MyOutdoorTV.com, Franklin, TN; Norton Lures, Inc., Rockport, TX; Powerpak Industries, San Diego, FL; Sierra Club, Washington, DC; Southeastern Fishing—The Liquidators, Tampa, FL; Standoff Studios, Lincolnton, GA; Xiamen Senyang Co., Ltd., Xiamen, Fujian, China; and ZeeBaas LLC, Stratford, CT.
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Exclusive ASA Member Benefits
To obtain the ASA Member logo or a copy of Today’s Angler, contact Membership Director Jill Calabria, x234.
Show your support with the ASA Member Logo
ASA members are invited to place the ASA member logo with hyperlink on their Web site. While we hope that you proudly display the ASA logo, we understand this may be difficult for some companies to do so. ASA’s goal is to help its members illustrate to their customers that they support efforts to ensure that the industry will remain strong and prosperous and also safeguard and promote the economic and conservation values of sportfishing in America.
Obtain a copy of the Today’s Angler report
Featuring more than 100 pages of data on angler demographics, expenditures, and target species, Today’s Angler provides critical market information relevant to manufacturers, retailers and media. The report includes special regional breakdowns and information on avid anglers as well. The report is based on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s 2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Outdoor-Related Activities.
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Mark Your Calendars for the 2008 Sportfishing Summit
ASA invites its members and partners to the 2008 Sportfishing Summit, October 29–31, at the San Luis Resort on Galveston Island, Texas. Make sure you attend the sportfishing industries largest networking event. For more information contact Communications Director Mary Jane Williamson, x227.
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RBFF’s Anglers’ Legacy Program Tops 50,000 Pledges
In less than two years, the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF) has surpassed its goal of 50,000 Anglers’ Legacy pledges. The program asks avid anglers to pledge to introduce fishing and boating to at least one other person. Over the course of the next year, RBFF hopes to sign up an additional 85,000 to the program. According to a 2007 survey, avid anglers who took the pledge take more than four people per year fishing, resulting in $120 in initial fishing tackle and equipment purchases and $166 in initial boating supply purchases. Using these numbers, the 50,000 pledges will have resulted in $12 million in revenue for fishing and boating and 88,000 new fishing licenses. For more information, contact RBFF at 703-519-0013.
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FishAmerica Foundation Updates
FishAmerica Foundation Updates
To help FishAmerica keep our nation’s fish and waters healthy, visit FishAmerica or contact Executive Director, Johanna Laderman, x245.
FishAmerica Welcomes Kathy Keyvani to the Team
It is with great pleasure that the FishAmerica Foundation welcomes its third team member, Kathy Keyvani as its new Program Assistant. Welcome Kathy! Kathy can be reached at kkeyvani@asafishing.org.
ASA Member Contributions
FishAmerica thanks the following ASA members for their recent donations to the foundation: Instaboat; Kondak Associates, LLC; and Southeastern Fishing Tackle Liquidators. Since October, 39 ASA Members have donated more than $47,000 to FishAmerica through their ASA member dues, memorial donations, licensed-product sales, tournament partnerships and endowment donations.
FishAmerica’s Semi-Annual Joint Committee Meeting
On June 4, 2008, FishAmerica will hold its semi-annual Joint Committee Meeting. The meeting will be held via conference call. For more information, please contact Johanna Laderman, x245.
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Future Fisherman Foundation Updates
For more information on Future Fisherman activities, contact Executive Director Anne Danielski, x254, or Education Manager Teresa Rodriguez, x224.
Sponsor a Physh Ed Teacher
The Future Fisherman Foundation is giving ASA members the opportunity to help ensure the future of fishing by helping sponsor a teacher to attend the national Physh Ed training program in Traverse City, Mich., July 6-10. The Physh Ed program provides funding to educators to teach fishing and boating as part of their curriculum. The 2008 and 2009 grant awards were given to 78 schools serving nearly 80,000 youth. With programs in 38 states, ASA members may even be able to support a school in their local community. For more information about this opportunity, contact Anne Danielski, x254.
Equipment Needed for Boys & Girls Club Fishing Tournament
As part of the Department of Justice’s Boys & Girls Club Hooked On Fishing, Not On Drugs Initiative, two youth from each of the 20 participating clubs will have the opportunity to participate in a youth fishing tournament. The tournament will be held in conjunction with the Bassmaster Elite Series’ Empire Chase in Buffalo, N.Y., July 31- August 3. The Foundation is in need of fishing items including rod and reel combos, hats, sunglasses, tackle and tackle boxes. If you are interested in donating equipment or have an interest in supporting the youth involved in this initiative in other ways, contact Anne Danielski, x254.
Future Fisherman welcomes New Board Member
The Future Fisherman Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Adams to its board of directors. Mark is the Vice President of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Sportshows division.
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Message from ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman
In the coming weeks, the staff here at ASA will be working feverishly to prepare for ICAST 2008, July 16-18 in Las Vegas. For the next few days ASA staff will also be working hard at a variety of National Fishing and Boating Week events.
This week, June 1–8, ASA staff will be hosts to industry leaders and partners who travel to Washington, D.C. for two annual Capitol Hill events—the Fishing and Boating Week Reception and a breakfast, in conjunction with the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, for Members of Congress and staff. Those events are to key Members of Congress, their staff and federal agency leaders. This year, the top issue is the establishment of marine protected areas and how to maximize the conservation benefit to the marine environment while minimizing unwarranted closures of coastal waters to sportfishing.
National Fishing and Boating Week is also an opportunity for the association and its members to say “thank you” to Members of Congress, staff and policy makers who, by their actions, have shown exemplary support of the sportfishing industry.
Representative Norman Dicks (D-WA), will be honored at the reception on Capitol Hill as part of National Fishing and Boating Week on Tuesday. Rep. Dicks has been a tireless supporter of anglers throughout his time as a Member of Congress and leading the way on fishery restoration not only in the upper northwest but throughout the country. He led the way to help obtain $150 million for the 1999 US/Canada Salmon Treaty and is playing a similar role in the 2008 treaty to help continue to achieve salmon recovery in the Northwest. On behalf of the Board of Directors, our members, partners and staff, I extend my sincere congratulations and thanks to Representative Dicks.
As we all know, ICAST is less than two months away. I hope you will join us for what, I believe, will be an outstanding show. The show floor is sold out and registration is up sharply compared to this point last year. Exhibitors continue to submit their show specials and items for the New Product Showcase are coming in at a fast and furious pace. I want to thank our members and our partners for your continued support of our efforts. I would be very remiss if I also didn’t thank the ASA staff for all the hard work they are putting into producing this event. Putting on a show like ICAST requires team work and the entire ASA team—members and staff alike—pull together to create our industry’s trade show.
If you haven’t already made your plans for ICAST 2008, please do so now. We’ve got a great show in store for you.
See you in Las Vegas!
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