Future Fisherman Foundation’s Cause-related Marketing Partnerships Benefit the Future of Fishing

Future Fisherman Foundation’s Cause-related Marketing Partnerships Benefit the Future of Fishing
by Mike Bolinder

July 24, 2007—Alexandria, VA—In support of its mission to teach young people to fish, the Future Fisherman Foundation received more than $8,000 in cause-related marketing contributions from members of the sportfishing industry. The funds were presented during ICAST50, the 50th year of the world’s largest sportfishing trade show, held July 11-13, 2007, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The show is produced by the American Sportfishing Association.

Plano Molding Company, manufacturer of a wide variety of tackle boxes and other injected molding materials, donates a portion of the sales of its 5000-series “Take Me Fishing™” tackle box to the Future Fisherman Foundation and has generated nearly $10,000 dollars to benefit youth fishing education nationwide since partnering with the Foundation in 2006.

“Plano Molding Company is happy to support the Foundation’s outstanding efforts to bring fishing to young people nationwide,” said Jesse Simpkins, Marketing director, Plano Molding Company. “Our cause-related marketing agreement adds to the success of our company, while simultaneously helping the industry through increasing participation.” Simpkins attributes much of the retail success of the “Take Me Fishing” tackle box to the packaging which informs the buyer that their purchase will benefit youth fishing education through a donation to the Future Fisherman Foundation. “Take Me Fishing” is supported by the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation.

Pacific Bay International, a supplier of rod components for the sportfishing industry for more than 25 years, donates a portion of sales of its popular Rainforest II rod blank to the Foundation. Over the last five years, Pacific Bay International has made nearly $15,000 in contributions to the Foundation.

“Pacific Bay International is proud to be a part of a program that actively promotes the positive values of sportfishing to our youth,” said Charlie Comstock, Marketing manager, Pacific Bay International. “We encourage all members of ASA to consider some form of activity addressing the sharing of the wisdom we have gained with our future generations."

A new cause-related partner for 2007, Nor’East Media, publishers of Nor’east Saltwater Magazine and Noreast.com, donated a portion of registration fees for the 2007 Nor’East Media Grand Slam Tournament Series to help increase youth fishing education in the northeast United States.

For more information on the Future Fisherman Foundation’s cause-related marketing program and to become a partner, please contact Executive Director Mike Bolinder.

The Future Fisherman Foundation is the fishing recruitment and education arm of the American Sportfishing Association, the sportfishing industry’s trade association. The Future Fisherman Foundation unites the sportfishing industry with a nationwide network of state outdoor educators, national conservation groups, and youth organizations, offering a variety of fishing and boating programs, equipment, and services to community groups and schools across the country. These efforts help people of all ages have safe and enjoyable fishing experiences that foster conservation ethics.