NPAA Announces Tournament Partner Program

The National Professional Anglers Association (NPAA) is proud to announce a new program for all tournament organizations to become affiliated with the organization known for growing the sport of fishing.

NPAA Executive Director Pat Neu said, "The Tournament Partner Program allows competitive fishing organizations from stand-alone tournaments, to state circuits, to national tours, to participate and use the program to promote their events." He added that this program opens the door to all tournament organizations no matter what species they are fishing. Neu went on to say, "Those organizations will be able to use the NPAA platform and grow participation in their events at a very affordable fee."

Under this new Program, the tournament organizations can generate news releases that will be sent to NPAA members, marine and tackle industry contacts, and the media via the NPAA's e-blast system. Additionally each Tournament Partner will receive time at the NPAA Conference podium to describe and "sell" their event. As an added method of exposure a hot-link will allow NPAA website visitors to check out the Tournament Partner's websites.

After learning about the program, Jim Kalkofen, former PWT executive director, was one of the first to return a partnership contract. He runs the Minnesota Fishing Challenge, a multi-species tournament hosted by Al Lindner with Honorary Tournament director Steve Pennaz. The Gull Lake event near Brainerd, MN, generates funds for Minnesota Teen Challenge, for its drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers in the state. Kalkofen said, "Many tournament regulars are fishing "charity" events to showcase their skills and promote their sponsor's products. This program is a great way to let anglers know about this type of charity event."

Jim Coon, director of the Midwest Walleye Series, said, "The more publicity the better, especially as the MWS enters our tenth year. We have held our participation levels up the past couple years, but we want to spread the word about our four-tournament Wisconsin Circuit and Championship. We're looking forward to partnering with the NPAA as a member of this program."

Neu said, "Part of the NPAA's mission statement is to increase the professionalism of our membership; this program will help accomplish just that by giving our members more opportunities to fish quality events and in turn give them some additional platforms from which to promote their sponsors products."