KISSIMMEE, Fla.— During B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Championship week, the chapter presidents spent several days in meetings. Below is a quick update of the developments.
Don Corkran, B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Director, said, "I feel that this organization is stronger and more vibrant than ever." He applauded the continued growth the organization has seen in two years and encouraged the presidents to continue recruiting efforts and to welcome back former members.
"Emphasize the unique aspects of our programs — youth and community involvement, conservation of aquatic resources, and levels of tournament competition that should appeal to all bass anglers."
B.A.S.S. Federation Nation sponsors for 2008 made presentations to the group. The Alliance team of Triton Boats, Mercury Outboards, MotorGuide Trolling Motors and Lowrance Electronics provided information on enhancements to their sponsorship package. Other presenters included Mustang Survival Gear, Evan Williams Bourbon, Purolator Automotive Products, Ramada Inn Worldwide and Longhorn Tobacco Products. Additional
B.A.S.S. Federation Nation sponsors include Toyota Tundra, Berkley and Advance Auto Parts.
Schedules, procedures and rule changes for next year's divisionals and the championship, the Junior Bassmaster World Championship and the BASS Club World Championship team tournaments were discussed. Most of the 2008 dates and locations are set, but anglers are encouraged to contact their chapter presidents to confirm those schedules.
To facilitate faster and more efficient communication between the BASS staff and the BFN leadership and members, there will be a greater emphasis on using the pages of www.bassmaster.com. Continued improvements to the Online Roster Management System were discussed as an example. Presidents were encouraged to remind clubs that the annual membership renewal period has begun.
Discussion of the rapid growth of college bass fishing also was on the agenda. BASS is studying how it can best support this segment of competitive fishing, and chapters are encouraged to contact local college teams and invite them to affiliate with the BFN.
Other BFN member incentive programs were discussed, such as the Toyota/Triton Drive the Nation membership campaign. Corkran said he was working hard with these and other sponsors and hoped to have more information for the presidents at their February meeting during the Bassmaster Classic.
To find out more about BFN programs and benefits, please contact your chapter president. Names and contact information can be found on www.bassmaster.com under the Federation Nation tab.
