More than 500 people attended the ICAST 2009 Industry Breakfast, which officially starts the show. ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman; ASA Board of Directors Chairman and ZEBCO Brands President Jeff Pontius; Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation President and CEO Frank Peterson; and former Michigan Governor John Engler, current president of the National Association of Manufacturers, outlined the state of the industry.

“I’m happy to say that the American Sportfishing Association is here to support you,” said Pontius during his remarks. “After all, this is your show. Enough of you decided to attend that we have a sold out show floor. And there are as many buyers and media attendees here to see your offerings as we had in Las Vegas last year. The number one ‘ask’ from our membership to ASA is delivering the best show possible. And in spite of the economic times, they have delivered.”

Nussman told the breakfast attendees, “Despite the sluggish economy and tough unemployment numbers, a strong show floor and solid attendance from buyers and media indicates that sportfishing remains a solid industry not just in Florida but across the United States. Particularly this year, people have to be smart about where and how they do business; and you’re telling us that ICAST is the right place to be. Everyone here made a conscious choice to attend ICAST and we appreciate it!”

Peterson, whose organization’s mission is to engage more people in recreational fishing and boating, said, “The future still holds many challenges. We must ensure that everyone who wants to fish and boat has access to the water. We also need to reach out to youth ages six through 21 which is a larger segment of the population than the baby boomers. And we must reach out to more diverse audiences. Hispanics will make up 25%of the U.S. population by 2050. Finally, we must leverage new technologies to reach these new audiences -- communicate and make a difference with them. Know this – RBFF will continue to lead in these endeavors.”

John Engler, former Michigan Governor and current president of the National Association of Manufacturers gave the keynote address in which he addressed the myriad of issues facing manufacturers and all segments of our economy.

ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman gives his state of the industry address during the Industry Breakfast. More than 500 people attended the ICAST 2009 Industry Breakfast, held just before the opening of ICAST. Frank Peterson, president and CEO of the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation, discusses participation at the Industry Breakfast. John Engler, former three term governor of Michigan and current president of the National Association of Manufacturers, addresses the sold out Industry Breakfast. Jeff Pontius, president, ZEBCO Brands and ASA’s Board of Directors chairman, opened the Industry Breakfast with welcoming remarks