Remarks from AFFTA Chairman, Alan Gnann

August 06, 2010

Chairman’s Remarks

On behalf of the AFFTA board of directors I would like to take this opportunity to address the membership regarding some of the Association’s past accomplishments, some remaining challenges, and reasons for optimism going forward.

I first joined the board in 2002 and was elected to two additional 3 year terms. During the past 8 years, I was the Chairman of our Government Affairs Committee for three years, Vice Chairman for three years, and have been elected by the board to three consecutive one year terms as Chairman. In September, as I leave the board I will be term limited.

Eight years of experience has provided me with an opportunity to work with various groups of highly dedicated board and committee members. Our board members serve selflessly providing AFFTA with their time and financial resources while receiving nothing in return other than the knowledge that they have done their part to improve our industry. I wish to thank the current and past board members, pro bono legal advisors and our legislative advocates with whom I have served for their support and counsel. Some of the more noteworthy past accomplishments of the board include:

A critical reduction in the federal excise tax on rods either made in or imported to the US. This tax reduction saves the manufacturers, importers, dealers, and consumers millions of dollars each year while making US companies more competitive in the marketplace.
Duty reductions. Several duty reductions have been accomplished in the past on products of importance to the industry, and the association is currently working on a significant reduction on the duty for wading boots aimed at stemming invasive species.
Growing the National Casting Call into the largest and most important annual angling industry event in Washington. This event has been attended by hundreds of members of congress and at least 5 cabinet members over the past decade since its inception. It is events like this that make the previous accomplishments possible.
Obtaining an agreement with all stakeholders of important industry standards to include:
- Reel foot standard on all fly reels made in the US or elsewhere. This standard has eliminated problems previously encountered by manufacturers of reels, rods, components, dealers, and most importantly, the consumer.
- Fly line weight standards for single and double handed rod lines. These standards make it easier for line and rod manufacturers to ensure that the line weight specified will perform to the consumer’s expectations.

Obtaining the right to own and operate the IFTD show at no cost to the membership. Until December 2009, the annual show was owned by Nielsen, Inc. or its predecessor companies for the past 13 years. In December, the association obtained full rights to the show at no cost, renamed it the International Fly Tackle Dealer Show, and established a staff to operate it for the full benefit of the industry without a profit motivation. After meeting our financial obligations related to the event, all proceeds from the 2010 show and beyond will be devoted to the enhancement of “Discover Fly Fishing” and promoting our industry.
Professional Staff Development. The AFFTA staff to include Mischa Jones, Gary Berlin, and our President Randi Swisher, have served the association exceptionally well for a combined 6 years and bring a wealth of experience, dedication, and talent to their positions. Without them, the notion of owning and operating the show would have been out of the question.
Fiscal restraint and financial performance. Each board member (and any member on request) receives a monthly financial statement. The association, in spite of severing its ties with Nielsen is in excellent financial condition, has a large cash balance (over $250K), and stands to gain in the future from owing its own show.
Information and Transparency. In 2008, AFFTA invested effort to improve its web site and has published and sent a zero-cost, internally generated monthly newsletter without fail for the past 2 years. Our website provides much information of value to members to include all current board member bios, our bylaws, member services, etc. We encourage you to take advantage of this information at www.affta.com and if you are not receiving “AFFTA Connects” please write Mischa at mischa@affta.com.

The industry does and always will face a number of challenges to its members, however, by working together constructively we can meet and mitigate these challenges. Some of the more noteworthy challenges that the board has identified to address in the near term include:

Greater participation in our sport to include youth, women, lapsed anglers, and the recruitment of traditional anglers to fly fishing.
Legislation blocking public access to important waters.
The effect of invasive species on fly fishing waters.
A more productive trade show which meets the needs of all segments of our industry throughout various regions.

I am optimistic for our industry going forward for a number of reasons:

AFFTA’s dedicated and experienced staff.
AFFTA now owns and operates it own trade show which will allow the association to deliver a better show going forward. This year we have sold over 230 booths to date representing approximately 115 different companies and we continue to receive contracts to include three today (8/5). The numbers reported above represent actual paid booths, not merely verbal commitments. Furthermore, the Hyatt Regency contract requiring AFFTA to fill a large number of rooms to obtain the $99 rate was fulfilled in April and now stands considerably oversold. I am certain that as the staff gains experience the show will improve each year into the future.
A dedicated and experienced board.
An industry that delivered over 30 volunteer candidates this year to fill board seats vacated by retiring or term limited members. The open election process developed by our Nominating Committee last year created the opportunity for all AFFTA members to serve on the board and this year’s show of industry support and individual enthusiasm is extremely positive. The election process ends tomorrow (8/6) and on Monday (8/9) the candidates will be informed of the results thus identifying the new board.
Lastly, I am very optimistic regarding the new slate of officers recently elected by the board for the upcoming year beginning September 8^th. I am certain the board and our industry will benefit from working with our new Executive Committee to include its Chairman - Jim Klug, Vice Chairman – Gary Jennings, Treasurer – Scott Harkins, and Secretary – Jim Lepage.

Respectfully yours,

Alan Gnann

Chairman