From AFFTA:
The American Fly Fishing Trade Association (AFFTA) recently said goodbye to a long-time board member, Brian Westover of WestWater Products. The entire AFFTA board and staff thanks Brian for his years of service, and are immensely grateful for his devotion, knowledge and leadership Brian brought to the AFFTA board on behalf of the industry he is passionate about.
The Executive Committee voted to fill Brian’s seat with Mark Harbaugh, a current Ex Officio AFFTA board member and Global Sales Manager of Fish for Patagonia. Mark has over 35 years of experience in the outdoor and fishing industries, as both a sales representative and more recently sales manager at Patagonia. Additionally, Mark and his wife run a goat and insectary ranch in Idaho focused on alternative, environmentally friendly methods of weed control.
AFFTA board chairman Tucker Ladd stated, “I’m delighted to have Mark on board in a full board member capacity. He is incredibly seasoned in our industry and will bring immense insight and leadership to the AFFTA board. Welcome aboard, Mark!”
AFFTA president Ben Bulis remarked, “With Mark joining our board, we have excellent representation from the biggest manufacturers in the industry. This is a huge win for AFFTA and our industry and we are poised to accomplish lofty goals with the board we currently have in place.”
The AFFTA board of directors convenes four times annually; the next board meeting will be in Bozeman, Montana on April 8-10, 2015. Sitting board members include: Tucker Ladd (Trout’s Flyfishing), Larry Barrett (Far Bank – Sage/Redington/RIO), Tom Sadler (Outdoor Writer’s Association of America), Chris Hunt (Trout Unlimited), Jim Klug (Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures), Jennifer Lavigne (Waterworks-Lamson), Ben Kurtz (Fishpond), Dustin Carlson (Fishwest), Riley Cotter (Umpqua Feather Merchants), Michael White (Blue Ribbon Reps) and Colby Trow (Mossy Creek Flyfishing). There is also one Ex-Officio board member: David S. Heller (Outdoor Industry Business Consultant).
AFFTA advocates for and promotes the sustained growth of the fly fishing industry. By igniting consumer demand for products and services, providing businesses the tools to be successful, and advocating for access, protection and restoration of fishing waters, we will continue to enhance the passion and profitability of the sport of fly fishing.
