Sportfishing Industry Partners with Professional Outdoor Media Association On Sportfishing Communicator Award

Sportfishing Industry Partners with Professional Outdoor Media Association On Sportfishing Communicator Award

Award to recognize outdoor journalist with extraordinary commitment to recreational fishing

Alexandria, VA – March 1, 2010 - The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) and the Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA) today announced a new partnership to present the POMA/ASA Homer Circle Fishing Communicator Award.

The POMA/ASA Homer Circle Fishing Communicator Award recognizes outdoor journalists who exemplify the spirit, dedication to sportfishing, extraordinary talent and commitment to mentoring the next generation of sportfishing communicators displayed by Homer Circle during his storied career.

“Partnering with ASA on this prestigious award is only fitting,” said Chris Chaffin, POMA Board of Directors chairman and President of Chaffin Communications. “ASA not only represents the interests of the sportfishing industry but those of the broader sportfishing community.”

Chaffin further said, “POMA’s members set high standards for outdoor journalists. We want to recognize individuals who honestly and fairly report on recreational fishing and the industry. Together, POMA and ASA will honor communicators who are dedicated to their craft and equally committed to the sport, the future of sportfishing and mentoring up-and-coming communicators.”

“The media plays an important role in supporting our industry from attending ICAST, the industry’s trade show, to encouraging participation in recreational fishing to informing anglers about the challenges facing the sport,” said ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman. “Recognizing those efforts is important to everyone.”

Chaffin concluded, “Being recognized in the name of Homer Circle and as a journalist who has achieved the standards Homer set for sportfishing communications and involvement, is the highest honor that we can bestow upon an outdoor journalist.”

The POMA/ASA Homer Circle Fishing Communicator Award will be presented at the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST) during the New Product Showcase Preview Reception, sponsored by ESPN Outdoors/BASS, on July 13, 2010. ICAST 2010 is scheduled for July 14-16, 2010, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nev.

Nominations and Selection Process

Nominations for the Homer Circle Fishing Communicator Award are accepted from fishing industry professionals, corporate and media, and the recipient is selected by the joint POMA/ASA Homer Circle Award Committee. Nominees are not required to be affiliated with any fishing industry or communicator’s organization.

Make a nomination on the POMA Web site (www.professionaloutdoormedia.org). Nominations for 2010 will be accepted through March 31, 2010. Nominations are accepted from sportfishing industry professionals. Nominees are not required to have an affiliation with any organization or group. Make a nomination online through the POMA Web site, www.professionaloutdoormedia.org. Nominations for 2010 will be accepted through March 31, 2010. (Nomination URL: http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e2mf7nfgg1mnu5hb/start )

This is not an annual award. Honorees are selected by a joint POMA/ASA Committee of past award recipients, journalists, and POMA and ASA representatives, as deemed appropriate by the committee.