April

Once again, in 2011 the Berkley Conservation Institute will be bestowing their Outstanding Conservation awards for the best B.A.S.S. Federation Nation conservation and angler recruitment and retention projects conducted in 2010. The Institute awards a $2,000 check for the best conservation project and $1,500 in fishing gear to the best angler recruitment/retention project.

Project submissions are being solicited by B.A.S.S. Conservation Director, Noreen Clough, and will be judged by a team from Berkley and B.A.S.S. Project submissions should be submitted electronically to Clough by no later than August 1, 2011. Awards will be made by Berkley Conservation Director, Jim Martin, at the 2011 B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Championship presented by Yamaha and Skeeter boats, tentatively scheduled for the first week of November this year.

“This program represents our partnership to celebrate those who work each year to give back to the resource that supports our wonderful sport and to those who work to recruit the next generation of passionate anglers,” said Martin. “Many do not realize that Berkley is more than just line and bait and that B.A.S.S. is so much more than just fishing tournaments. We want to thank you, to celebrate your project, to contribute support to your organization and to inspire others to follow your lead.”

“B.A.S.S. is extremely proud of our partnership with Berkley Conservation Institute and especially of the relationship that recognizes the outstanding conservation and angler recruitment opportunities provided by the B.A.S.S. Federation Nation volunteers – a dedicated group of folks committed to the future of fishing,” Clough said.

Winners from recent years have used this money to build their next great project. Some winners have been from individual chapters while others have been combined projects by a whole state. Judging criteria will be similar to that used over the last several years. Submissions should include the size/scope of the project (how significant…local or more broad?), the level of partnerships (was the DNR and other community organizations involved?), creativity (is this something new that could be duplicated elsewhere?), and timing/duration (is the impact short or longer term?).

“Receiving the Berkley Conservation Award in 2010 was significant for the Indiana B.A.S.S. Federation Nation (BFN) and our state’s conservation efforts,” said Jill Snyder, Indiana BFN Conservation Director. “Our conservation focus is youth angler education, including teaching the catch-and-release philosophy, and improving our relationship with the Indiana DNR to ensure availability of fishing venues in the state for our members. The Berkley Award enabled us to secure a large amount of youth fishing equipment that we gave away at the Indiana DNR’s 2nd annual Hoosier Outdoor Experience. There were over 18,000 visitors at the 2010 Hoosier Outdoor Experience, and over 800 visitors to the bank fishing experience, in which the Indiana BFN provided the fishing volunteers for a day. The equipment giveaway was a huge hit with the kids and enabled many of them to leave the event with the knowledge, and the tools, to continue fishing! The balance of the award was used to help the Junior Indiana BFN program throughout the year. “

Questions regarding the Berkley Conservation awards program should be directed to B.A.S.S. Conservation Director Noreen Clough at noreen.k.clough@bassmaster.com

New Initiative to Outline Creation of More Jobs in United States

(April 30, 2010) – Today, United States Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, will stand on the floor of the assembly line of one of the oldest, most noted fishing manufacturing facilities in the U.S., PENN Fishing Tackle, to discuss the National Export Initiative. Commerce Secretary Locke will deliver the initiative between 3:30 and 4:30 EST. PENN® is marketed by Pure Fishing, Inc., (a subsidiary of the Jarden Corporation). Attending the event will be Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell, Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter and U.S. Senator Bob Casey Jr. and Congressman Chaka Fattah.

The Executive Order will enhance and coordinate Federal efforts to facilitate the creation of jobs in the United States through the promotion of exports, and to ensure the effective use of Federal resources in support of these goals.

The National Export Initiative (NEI) is an Administrative initiative to improve conditions that directly affect the private sector’s ability to export. The NEI meets President Barack Obama’s Administration’s goal of doubling exports over the next 5 years by working to remove trade barriers abroad.

PENN was chosen to host the event for its longstanding dedication to producing and exporting innovative, high-quality American made products. Representing PENN at this event will be John Doerr, President and CEO of Pure Fishing, Inc., and Bill Sterback, Vice President of Manufacturing.

“PENN currently exports approximately 20 percent of the products produced at our plant in Philadelphia,” said Mr. Doerr. “The National Export Initiative will help strengthen the ability for organizations like ours to export globally. We believe American made products are some of the finest in the world. We continue to invest in our Philadelphia manufacturing facility to improve our products and manufacturing practices to stay competitive in the global marketplace.

Founded in 1932 by Otto Henze, PENN produces fishing equipment trusted by millions of avid, experienced anglers worldwide.

With an emphasis on offshore saltwater angling, PENN’s legendary reputation for quality and durability is buoyed by its revered International Reel Series. Also the maker of saltwater fishing rods, downriggers and other angling essentials, PENN is synonymous with trophy fishing by offshore, inshore and surf anglers around the world.

At the forefront of modern reel design, PENN is committed to introducing new products manufactured in the USA. Later this summer, PENN will release a new line of Torque spinning reels, which are designed and manufactured in the Philadelphia manufacturing facility. The new addition to the product line will join the elite list of USA manufactured products including the legendary International V, International VSX, Baja Special and Torque conventional reels. For more information on the biggest name in fishing visit www.pennreels.com.

About Pure Fishing, Inc.
Pure Fishing, Inc. is a leading global provider of fishing tackle, lures, rods and reels with a portfolio of brands that includes Abu Garcia®, All Star®, Berkley®, Fenwick®, Gulp!®, Mitchell®, PENN®, Pflueger®, SevenStrand®, Shakespeare®, Spiderwire®, Stren®, Trilene® and Ugly Stik®. With operations in 19 countries and a dedicated workforce conversant in 28 languages, Pure Fishing, Inc. is part of Jarden Outdoor Solutions, a leader in developing outdoor and active lifestyle products and a subsidiary of Jarden Corporation. Additional information can be found at www.purefishing.com

About Jarden Corporation
Jarden Corporation is a leading provider of niche consumer products. Jarden operates in three primary business segments through a number of well recognized brands, including: Outdoor Solutions: Abu Garcia®, Berkley®, Campingaz® and Coleman®, Fenwick®, Gulp! ®, K2®, Marker®, Marmot®, Mitchell®, Penn®, Rawlings®, Shakespeare®, Stearns®, Stren®, Trilene®, Völkl ®, and Zoot®; Consumer Solutions: Bionaire®, Crock-Pot®, FoodSaver®, Health o meter®, Holmes®, Mr. Coffee®, Oster®, Patton®, Rival®, Seal-a-Meal®, Sunbeam®, VillaWare® and White Mountain®; and Branded Consumables: Ball®, Bee®, Bicycle®, Billy Boy®, Crawford®, Diamond®, Dicon®, Fiona®, First Alert®, First Essentials®, Forster®, Hoyle®, Kerr®, Lehigh®, Leslie-Locke®, Lillo®, Loew Cornell®, Mapa®, NUK®, Pine Mountain®, Spontex® and Tigex®. Headquartered in Rye, N.Y., Jarden has over 25,000 employees worldwide. For more information, please visit www.jarden.com.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Berkley Conservation Institute (BCI), is proud to partner with BoatUS for the National Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship Conservation Awards. Collegiate anglers have the opportunity to win prizes for presenting conservation ideas. The top three entries will be awarded a check for $1,000 to 1st place, $500 to 2nd place and $500 in Berkley tackle to 3rd.

“Collegiate anglers are the future of the fishing industry,” said, Andrew Marks, Director of Grass Roots for Berkley. “BCI is looking for entries that are creative and imaginative and these student anglers are so technologically advanced they can use that to their advantage. This award tests their ideas on conservation and angler recruiting efforts along with their angling talent and sportsmanship.”

Winners will be determined by a panel of judges who are not known by anyone outside of those 5 individuals. The awards presentation will take place immediately following the final weigh in at The BoatUs Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship May 24-28 at Lewisville, Texas.

Anglers are encourage to use video, PowerPoint or any creative way to present their entry. In addition to the quality of the presentation, the judges will consider how well they perform; as well as how the carry themselves and promote fishing during the championship event.

In addition to the contest awards, all eligible collegiate anglers submitting entries will be interviewed by one of the many camera teams on hand to capture the action during the championship event for airing on the television series. Also, every angler submitting a presentation will be awarded a Berkley 15# tournament scale valued at $34.99.

BCI is a division of the Pure Fishing Company, the world’s largest tackle company headquartered in Columbia, S.C. The brand names of Pure Fishing include Abu Garcia, All Star Rods, Berkley, Fenwick, Mitchell, Penn, Pflueger, Shakespeare, Spiderwire and Stren.

The Berkley Conservation Institute was developed to support conservation and angler recruitment efforts. BCI cooperates with fishing groups, conservation organizations, customers and other industry partners to protect our fishable waters. Berkley also collaborates to enhance populations of important sport fish and introduce the next generation to the delight of angling while teaching them to lead the fight for conservation.