Sponsor's Spotlight

BoatU.S. Returns As Title Sponsor
www.boatUS.com and www.boatUSAngler.com

Richard Schwartz, BoatU.S. Chairman and Founder, says it best - "The Boat Owners Association of the United States is the nation's most powerful advocate for advancing the interests of boaters and the single source to meet all boaters needs."

The fact that BoatU.S. has continued to grow and introduce new programs since its beginning in 1966 serves as testament that the organization keeps a finger on the pulse of all kinds of boaters. Further proof comes in the form of BoatU.S. stepping up to become the title sponsor of the BoatU.S. National Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship (NCBFC), which is presented by Fox College Sports.

"Our emphasis has always been on the activities of boaters, whether it be cruising, racing, sailing or whatever," said Mike Pellerin, assistant vice president of the new BoatU.S. Angler program. "Nearly 60 percent of our membership lists fishing as a primary reason for being on the water, so servicing the angling market is important to us. We're certainly interested in growing the next generation of boaters and we feel the NCBFC is a good match to our intentions."

Pellerin points out that college-aged kids are at a time in their lives to soon be making decisions as what will be their leisure activities of choice for the next 40 or 50 years. He says BoatU.S. wants them to be boaters and anglers.

"The pastime options for today's young adults run the gamut, but few offer the lifetime rewards of owning a boat," he said. "We believe the NCBFC has the potential to give many a good taste of the fun, camaraderie and quality of life that come with being on the water."

The BoatU.S. executive said he was greatly impressed with just how well the participants at last year's NCBFC event on Texas' Lake Lewisville (near Dallas) represented their generation. Pellerin noted that the teams "came to fish" and that was first and foremost on their minds.

As for the BoatU.S. sponsorship, Pellerin said, "This isn't merely a financial commitment - it takes a true investment to get the most out of a sponsorship." "These kids are at an impressionable age, and the NCBFC is a great venue to reach that market. The more we can do now, the more it will help our industry down the road. We are very much involved in every level of this program, and I challenge all sponsors to do their parts to make a difference in the lives of these young adults and to the future health of our industry."