Press Releases
ALEXANDRIA, VA (July 8, 2009) – The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) today announced the organization will exhibit at this year’s International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades show (ICAST) and Marine Aftermarket Accessories Tradeshow (MAATS), both taking place July 15 – 17, 2009 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. RBFF staff will be available to discuss exciting opportunities for getting involved with the award-winning Take Me Fishing™ campaign and the Anglers’ Legacy™ program. During the annual ICAST Industry Breakfast on Wed. July 15, Peterson will highlight the recent successes of RBFF’s efforts to increase participation and reveal the organization’s latest boating and fishing research.
“Over the past year we’ve made big strides to advance Take Me Fishing and Anglers’ Legacy, and we are excited to further engage our partners in these brands,” said RBFF President & CEO Frank Peterson. “We are always looking for new and innovative ways to help partners leverage our programs and working together we know we will increase participation in the sport. By increasing fishing tackle, boating accessories and fishing license sales, we will contribute to important fish and wildlife management efforts.”
The centerpiece of the Take Me Fishing campaign is TakeMeFishing.org – the premier destination Web site for boaters and anglers to learn, plan and equip for a day on the water. TakeMeFishing.org currently has three million active visitors and provides several opportunities for manufacturers and retailers to promote their businesses and events and reach new customers. The site earned national recognition with a 2009 Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Bronze Anvil Award.
TakeMeFishing.org also hosts the social network “Fishington” - The Fishing and Boating Capital of the Internet. RBFF stakeholders can use Fishington to create profiles and connect with other local businesses, clubs and individuals for their own promotional efforts. Fishington was recognized as a 2009 Webby Award Honoree for excellence on the Internet.
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 150,000 Ambassadors nationwide.
According to a 2008 survey of Ambassadors, most take more than four people a year fishing and also generate an initial $140 in fishing tackle and equipment sales, $153 in boating supplies and accessories and purchase 3.1 fishing licenses.
RBFF representatives will be located at Booth #1956 during show hours to discuss program updates. On-site media contacts: RBFF Communications Director Heather Sieber, (703) 216-8938 and RBFF Communications Manager Helena Basche, (609) 226-7577.
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™.
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