Press Releases
ALEXANDRIA, VA (February 18, 2009) – Shimano is kicking off a national Anglers’ Legacy Pledge drive this month, the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) announced today. In an effort that will run throughout 2009, Shimano is encouraging anglers nationwide to “Take the Pledge,” a promise to introduce at least one new person to fishing. With a goal of recruiting 10,000 new Anglers’ Legacy Ambassadors, Shimano’s Pledge drive will coinci
de with the release of the new Voltaeus rod series. Each Voltaeus rod will carry an Anglers’ Legacy hang tag – a first among major rod and reel manufacturers.
Shimano will also encourage new rod owners to take the Anglers’ Legacy Pledge as part of its Voltaeus ‘Ultimate Hook-Up’ contest. Those who enter the contest at http://www.voltaeus.com/ are eligible to win prizes including an 18 foot Skeeter boat with trailer and Yamaha outboard, 2009 Toyota Tundra truck, $250 Shimano Gift Card, $2,500 shopping spree and NASCAR race tickets. Additionally, new Ambassadors will be automatically entered into monthly drawings to receive a Shimano Voltaeus Rod/Reel combo, complete with Sufix line and a pack of TriggerX lures. The contest will be promoted nationwide through online and print advertisements, and during spring fishing events at Shimano dealers.
“Shimano’s customer base is a natural fit for the Anglers’ Legacy message and we are excited that they will be encouraging boaters and anglers to sign on,” said RBFF President & CEO Frank Peterson. “Anglers’ Legacy has signed up more than 90,000 Ambassadors nationwide. This means the program may have already generated $23 million for the boating and fishing industries and more than 150,000 new fishing licenses for states, supporting critical conservation efforts.”
“Shimano is proud to support Anglers’ Legacy,” added Shimano Marketing Manager Cody Herman. “We look forward to introducing thousands of newcomers to fishing during the coming months. The Voltaeus rod series is ideal for promoting Anglers’ Legacy since it is versatile for both the avid angler as well as a new angler being introduced to the sport.”
Anglers’ Legacy, a program aimed at increasing first-time fishing and boating experiences, has signed on more than 90,000 Ambassadors nationwide since its inception in May 2006. Based on a recent RBFF survey, Ambassadors purchase approximately $140 in fishing tackle and equipment, $153 in boating supplies and accessories, and more than three fishing licenses which support critical fish and wildlife management efforts through the Sport Fish Restoration Program.
About Shimano
Shimano American Corporation, the U.S.-based subsidiary of Shimano, Inc., is a multi-national manufacturer of bicycle components and fishing tackle with operations in Irvine, Calif., Grand Junction, Colo., Woodland, Wash., Louisville, Colo., Peterborough, Ontario, and Kirchzarten, Germany. A long-time supporter of the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation - including being named RBFF 'Manufacturer of the Year' in 2005 for its use of RBFF marketing materials in support of the industry's national outreach efforts - Shimano is known among anglers for the technology and innovation it brings to fishing tackle.
About RBFF
RBFF is a nonprofit organization established in 1998 to increase public awareness and appreciation of the need to protect, conserve and restore the nation’s aquatic natural resources. RBFF helps to increase participation in recreational angling and boating through national outreach programs including the Take Me Fishing™ campaign and Anglers’ Legacy™.
###
703-778-5160
