Press Releases

CHICAGO, November 29, 2006 — The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) announced today an expanded promotional partnership with the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) to create a new feature exhibit for some of its consumer boat and sportshows. The Take Me Fishing Center is an educational and entertaining interactive information center that will promote freshwater, saltwater and fly fishing depending on the market of each show.

Take Me Fishing Centers will be unveiled at six NMMA boat and sportshows in 2007: San Diego Boat Show (January 4 – 7), Atlanta Boat Show (January 10 – 14), New Orleans Boat Show (January 10 – 14), Chicago Boat, RV & Outdoors Show (January 17 – 21), Louisville Boat, RV & Sportshow (January 27 – February 4), and the Des Moines Sportshow (February 14 – 18.)

“We’re excited to join RBFF to bring a fun and interactive experience to boat show attendees,” said Ben Wold, executive vice president for the NMMA. “What better venue to introduce families to fishing and boating, and the wonderful lifestyle it has to offer, than NMMA boat and sportshows.”

A key educational component of the Take Me Fishing Centers will be guidance and instruction from on-site fishing experts on everything from equipment and water access to tips and skills. In addition, attendees will have an opportunity to get involved in the “Anglers Legacy” program.

The Center’s display area will feature video monitors highlighting the fishing and boating lifestyle and new product information as well as interactive kiosks that will identify fish types, local activities, clubs, fishing-related opportunities, and information on aquatic stewardship.

“According to a new study RBFF plans to release in January, 55% of current boat owners say past involvement with fishing has influenced their decision to boat, so we’re thrilled to be able to introduce fishing to the thousands of visitors who will attend these six NMMA boat shows,” said Kristen Chambers, vice president of programs for RBFF.

For more information on NMMA boat and sports shows, as well as the Take Me Fishing Centers, please contact Kelly Kaylor at kkaylor@nmma.org or 312-946-6262.

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (www.NMMA.org) is the leading association representing the recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters and anglers in the United States. The association is dedicated to industry growth through programs in public policy, market research and data, product quality assurance and marketing communications.

The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (www.RBFF.org) is a nonprofit organization established in 1998 to increase participation in recreational angling and boating, thereby increasing public awareness and appreciation of the need for protecting, conserving and restoring America's aquatic natural resources. Recreational boating and fishing are America's favorite sporting activities, with more than 50 million people participating every year — that's more than play golf and tennis combined.

312-946-6262