Industry leaders, advocates, and Northwest Sportfishing Industry Association supporters came together Saturday to show their support for Washington’s thriving sportfishing industry and raise money to support more fish and better fishing in 2016.
More than 150 of Washington’s most dedicated sportfishing industry professionals joined NSIA at the Twin Lakes Golf and Country Club in Federal Way for an evening of great food and exciting auctions. Event attendees raised more than $45,000 that goes directly to NSIA’s mission of supporting industry and increasing quality fishing opportunities for Northwest anglers.
The funds will be an enormous asset in the coming year as NSIA advocates for policies that benefit the sport angling industry, and none of this would have been possible without the support of the banquet’s title sponsors Sportco, The Outdoor Emporium, and Cabela’s.
Check out the WA Banquet Photo Album
NSIA is proud to have recognized Josh Hughes of Morton and Associates with the Buzz Ramsey Foot Soldier Award. Over the years Josh has proven to be one of the most eager and enthusiastic angling industry professionals, and he has worked tirelessly to organize events and raise funds that are vital to promoting policies that create a healthy environment for the sportfishing industry to succeed. NSIA is glad to honor Josh with the Foot Soldier Award, and advocates can rest easier knowing that the future of the sportfishing industry has up and coming leaders like Josh.
Attendees also had the opportunity to bid on more than 100 silent auction prizes and nearly 20 big ticket live auction prizes, including custom-made sculptures from local artists, VIP sports packages, and exciting guided fishing trips. Professional auctioneer and Washington duck hunting guide, Clint White, ran the auction and Seattle area ESPN radio star, Tom Nelson was the emcee.
Proceeds from the banquet benefit the Northwest Sportfishing Industry Association, an organization founded in 1993 by sportfishing industry leaders who understood the need for a strong voice in local, state, and federal governments. NSIA is dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and improvement of sport fisheries and the businesses dependent upon them.
The NSIA Oregon Banquet is set for December 5th at the Holiday Inn at the Portland Airport Hotel. For tickets, contact NSIA at 503-631-8859.