January 27, 2004 -- Pelham, AL -- Willie Cook, founder of The Women's Bass Fishing Association announces the recent expansion of the tour's executive staff. Veteran pro angler and 2002 Texas Fishing Hall of Fame Inductee, Kathy Magers has been named President and National Spokesperson. Joining her is business entrepreneur, Michael Vander Sande, as Interim CEO and Director of Business/Partnership Development.
Magers' career highlights include guiding President George W. Bush and Regis Philbin as well as hosting several national TV shows. The Waxahachie, TX resident brings first-hand knowledge of sponsor relations and extensive press and media experience to the tour. Vander Sande owns "The Project House," a successful, Indianapolis, IN marketing firm specializing in small business start-ups.
The "New WBFA" has put exciting ideas into motion to benefit competitive lady anglers, families and communities the tour visits. Such additions include "FAST TRACK" seminars, where first generation champions help jump-start newcomer's careers by sharing business and fishing knowledge they, themselves, spent twenty years learning. Seminars cover topics from "How To Get Sponsors" to fishing techniques, boat handling / towing, etc. The tour will also seed the future of the sport by holding local youth fishing events while the lady pros compete. They are committed to being a resource and a guide to organizations and individuals who share our love of fishing and God's great outdoors.
"We are motivated by the lack of attention women's fishing in general currently receives," says Vander Sande. "We believe we are where both the LPGA and women 's tennis were some 15-20 years ago and that great things are in store for our sport, our members and our sponsors."
"With 26% of all U.S. fishing licenses being sold to women," adds Magers, "it's apparent that we represent nearly one-third of the sport's consumer base. Michael and I hope to help WBFA's founder, Willie Cook, fulfill his dream of seeing women's' pro bass fishing gain the recognition and reward it deserves." Cook and his wife Carole, who also fishes professionally, founded the tour in 1997.
The tour's next scheduled stop is the Howell Tackle Florida Invitational on the Apalachicola River near Mexico Beach, FL., February 16-20, 2004. First place is guaranteed a $25,000 fully rigged Triton Bass Boat with a Mercury engine, DEKA Marine Master Batteries and a Minn Kota trolling motor. WBFA is proud to be sponsored by Triton Boats, Mercury Marine, Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits, DEKA Marine Master Batteries, Minn Kota Trolling Motors and Eidolon Bait Company.