Press Releases
ALEXANDRIA, VA (July 10, 2008) – The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) today announced the organization will debut two new tools to help industry partners promote boating and fishing during this year’s International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades show (ICAST) and Marine Aftermarket Accessories Tradeshow (MAATS), both taking place July 16 – 18, 2008 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
The new Anglers’ Legacy™ Pledge Drive Kit, which independent retailers can use to host their own Pledge drives and recruit new customers, and information about the new Take Me Fishing™ Marketing Guide to help stakeholders promote boating and fishing outreach initiatives and leverage the national consumer campaign, will be available at the ICAST Industry Resource Center (IRC). RBFF, the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) and the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) are joining forces to host the IRC. Located next to the ICAST New Product Showcase in Lounge 2446, all three groups will be available at the IRC during show hours to answer questions about the industry.
“We’re pleased to be in Las Vegas for both shows, where industry leaders are uniting to cross promote their products and services,” said RBFF President and CEO Frank Peterson. “We hope manufacturers and retailers will continue to support Anglers’ Legacy, while also embracing the newly revamped Take Me Fishing campaign and materials. Working together, we can have a greater impact on participation, which leads to more fishing tackle, boating accessories and fishing license sales. This, in turn, will fund important conservation projects and the preservation of our waterways.”
RBFF will also award four organizations with the Anglers’ Legacy Leadership Award at ICAST. During Thursday morning’s Media Breakfast, being held from 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. in room N250 of the Las Vegas Convention Center, the award winners will be recognized for exceptional achievement in encouraging anglers to “Take the Pledge” and outstanding promotion of Anglers’ Legacy.
Launched in May 2006, Anglers’ Legacy asks avid anglers to share their passion for boating and fishing and to visit AnglersLegacy.org where they're asked to "Take the Pledge" – promising to take at least one new person fishing each year. To date, the Anglers’ Legacy program has signed on 58,000 Ambassadors nationwide.
According to a 2007 survey of Ambassadors, most take more than four people a year fishing and also generate an initial $120 in fishing tackle and equipment sales, $166 in boating supplies and accessories and purchase 3.2 fishing licenses.
“At 58,000 Pledges, this means the program may have already generated $14.5 million for the boating and fishing industries and more than 100,000 new fishing licenses for states,” said Peterson.
The Take Me Fishing campaign was re-launched in April 2008 with a new look and feel and stronger call to action. The centerpiece of the new campaign is TakeMeFishing.org – the most comprehensive boating and fishing Web site available nationwide.
RBFF representatives will be located at the IRC during show hours to discuss RBFF programs and provide updates. On-site media contacts: RBFF Communications Director Heather Sieber, (703) 216-8938 and RBFF Senior Communications Manager Stephanie West, (703) 585-1072.
About RBFF
RBFF is a nonprofit organization established in 1998 to increase participation in recreational angling and boating. RBFF helps people discover, share and protect the legacy of boating and fishing through national outreach programs including the Take Me Fishing campaign and Anglers' Legacy.
703-216-8938
