01-10-2009, 12:10 PM
The National Professional Anglers Association conference was held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin last weekend, January 2-4, 2009. There were close to 100 members in attendance at the Hilton Hotel with the members and supporting members being upbeat and optimistic instead of the "gloom and doom" attitude you find everywhere in these difficult economic times. Under a banner that read, "It's Time to Make a Difference," the member anglers and marine and tackle manufacturers heard from many of the industry's experts including Hall of Fame angler and fishing industry pioneer, Al Lindner. Lindner went on to say, "Even though the economy has had a major impact on our fishing industry, there's no place in the world that has as much access to public waters with great fishing than all across the United States."
N.P.A.A. president Pat Neu said, "More people will have more time, which will translate into more fishing opportunities." Pat also ran the business meeting which resulted in a major change in the NPAA which will now offer one membership fee with all members being on an equal, voting basis. The member value of belonging to the NPAA is to protect and grow the sport, enhance professionalism, promote fishing, conduct youth events, and assist the industry via education, media relations, and sales. The updated NPAA website (npaa.net) was also reviewed with profiles and photos/videos of each member.
Despite the down economy, presenters and members discussed growth trends and pointed toward the positives throughout the conference. Neu said, NPAA memberships were up 28 % in 2008 and the supporting membership jumped 33 %. Pat set a goal of 500 members by next year with each member trying to recruit at least one new member. Supporting members who attended the conference and spoke included; Sonny Reynolds, FLW Director of Walleye Operations, Christine Houtman, Masters Walleye Circuit Director, Scott Matheson, Anglers Insight Marketing President and CEO, Jeff Brodeur, Navionics Marketing Director, Steve Lindahl, Ranger Boats, Bruce DeShano, Off Shore Tackle owner, Jake Steingraeber, Evinrude Outboards, Michelle Kilburn, Mercury Outboards, John Butts, Fin-Tech, and Scott Glorvigen of Northland Tackle. The common bond among all was to get more people fishing in the future and "weather" the present economy.
In concluding, President Pat Neu said, "We just have to go out and make it happen. Let's prove to the industry and the sport we love that we can make a difference."
Membership is open to all anglers wishing to become and affiliated and learn more about tactics, sponsorships, the industry, youth events, and to help grow fishing participation. Anglers who fish any species are welcomed to join. More NPAA news and membership rosters can be found at www.npaa.net
Media Contact
National Professional Anglers Association, www.npaa.net
N.P.A.A. president Pat Neu said, "More people will have more time, which will translate into more fishing opportunities." Pat also ran the business meeting which resulted in a major change in the NPAA which will now offer one membership fee with all members being on an equal, voting basis. The member value of belonging to the NPAA is to protect and grow the sport, enhance professionalism, promote fishing, conduct youth events, and assist the industry via education, media relations, and sales. The updated NPAA website (npaa.net) was also reviewed with profiles and photos/videos of each member.
Despite the down economy, presenters and members discussed growth trends and pointed toward the positives throughout the conference. Neu said, NPAA memberships were up 28 % in 2008 and the supporting membership jumped 33 %. Pat set a goal of 500 members by next year with each member trying to recruit at least one new member. Supporting members who attended the conference and spoke included; Sonny Reynolds, FLW Director of Walleye Operations, Christine Houtman, Masters Walleye Circuit Director, Scott Matheson, Anglers Insight Marketing President and CEO, Jeff Brodeur, Navionics Marketing Director, Steve Lindahl, Ranger Boats, Bruce DeShano, Off Shore Tackle owner, Jake Steingraeber, Evinrude Outboards, Michelle Kilburn, Mercury Outboards, John Butts, Fin-Tech, and Scott Glorvigen of Northland Tackle. The common bond among all was to get more people fishing in the future and "weather" the present economy.
In concluding, President Pat Neu said, "We just have to go out and make it happen. Let's prove to the industry and the sport we love that we can make a difference."
Membership is open to all anglers wishing to become and affiliated and learn more about tactics, sponsorships, the industry, youth events, and to help grow fishing participation. Anglers who fish any species are welcomed to join. More NPAA news and membership rosters can be found at www.npaa.net
Media Contact
National Professional Anglers Association, www.npaa.net