Pat Neu Talks NPAA Business: ‘Stronger Than Ever; The Future is Bright’
Jan 14th, 2011 by OutdoorsFIRST
Modified Jan 14th, 2011 at 12:00 AM
A record number of National Professional Anglers Association members attended the annual conference Jan. 7-9, and heard Executive Director Pat Neu say, “Our base is stronger than ever, the industry is embracing us and the future is bright.” Supporting Partners increased to 37 from 21 in 2010, a 76 percent increase. Individual membership increased more than 20 percent to 433 members, and nearly half attended the conference.
“For 2011, we will place significant emphasis on bringing in more members, especially guides and anglers of all species. I would really like each person at the conference to help sign up one new member this year,” Neu said. The theme of the conference was, “It’s All About the Sport.” He said NPAA members are stewards of the sport, they need to promote it, protect it and to help grow it.
Another key ingredient is that the NPAA members do everything possible to strengthen the industry. “Roll up your sleeves and help, make a difference, support companies that support this organization, be a positive opinion leader, and get involved with NPAA youth events,” Neu said.
Last year NPAA members conducted many youth teaching events, gave away rods, reels, tackle and shirts, and influenced the future generation of anglers. Members Johnnie Candle headed up youth efforts at MWC events; Marianne Huskey handled AIM tournaments; and Rick Zachowski was in charge at FLW tournaments. Members Greg Karch worked independent youth and military family events in Minnesota and Jim Kloth did the same in Wisconsin.
Zachowski said, “Individual members and sponsors worked hard at these events, and kept the kids excited.” Huskey said, “We may have set a record at the Brimley, Michigan AIM tournament with 250 kids who got rods and reels and we took many of them fishing.” Candle said, “The donation of product from new Supporting Partners and members was very gratifying.” President John Butts said, “It starts with kids.” To bolster the efforts of the past year Neu said “The NPAA will be establishing a 501C3 non-profit foundation in the first quarter of this year to focus on growing participation in the sport.”
NPAA vice-president and long-time board member Tommy Skarlis stepped down, and Robert Blosser, pro angler from Wisconsin was elected to the board. Cody Roswick was re-elected to the board and will serve with Johnnie Candle, Tony Puccio, John Butts, and Robert Blosser.
Neu reported on the financial status of NPAA, and said, “Based on the budget figures, we’re poised for a successful future.” The NPAA added to their reserve capital in 2010 at the highest rate in the past three years, following losses in 2006 and 2007. “Our reserve capital at the end of this year is the highest in the past five years,” he said. The NPAA will be able to tackle more marketing initiatives which will help continue Member and Supporting Partner growth, he said.
“We’ve done something many people said couldn’t be done in this economy,” Neu said. Additional news from the 2011 annual NPAA conference will be covered in future stories and can be found on npaa.net.
The NPAA is a non-profit organization focused on growing the sport of fishing and increasing the professionalism of its members. Its Supporting Partners include: Northland Fishing Tackle, Navionics, Mercury Marine, Evinrude Outboards, Yamaha, Lund Boats, Ranger Boats, Oahe Wings and Walleyes Guide Service, Outdoor First Media, The NextBite, Advanced Tex Screen Printing, Worldwide Marine Underwriters, ProStaffGear.com, FLW Outdoors, AIM, North American Media Group, Frabill, John Butts Outdoors, Prairie Pillow Sportsman’s Lodge, J.J. Keller Fishing Team, The Reel Shot, U.S. Forest Service, Great Lakes Sea Grant Network, Off-Shore Tackle, Fin-Tech Tackle, Berkley, Liddle Marketing, FPS Financial Planning Services, Do-it Corp., Optima Batteries, Pasha Lake Cabins, National Fleet Graphics, G2 Gemini, and Fish n Kids Books. More NPAA Member and Association news can be viewed at: www.npaa.net.
Contact the NPAA with questions: Patrick Neu, NPAA Executive Director @ (920)856-6151