Manufacturers task force.

[Xtreme]

Folks there is an article in The News Enterprise today about tourism and the financial trouble the Parks and Recreation Depts. are in since 9/11 and our current Stock Market dilemna.

There are 11 southern states to include Ky. that count Tourism as one of their top 3 cash cows. Auxier Flats is a prime example of what we have to face in this as well as upcomeing battles I'm sure.

Folks it equates to MONEY!....Now, I am forming a task force to help bring to light just how much money hunters and fishermen spend in this state.

I would like the VP Multi if possible as well as any members who are interested to start getting in touch with outdoor sports manufacturers. I would like to see a "speed dial" list of supporters that we can contact and get their support as well as political voice.

I'm sure that no manufacturer wants to see KY. lose a place to hunt or fish. If they can help us shed some light on how much money we really do bring to the table it will help.

I would like to see manufacturers recruited as "corporate members". That way they are informed of issues affecting them and we get the clout of for example... "on behalf of our members to include Remington, Winchester, Matthews bows etc. we oppose the loss of this WMA or other matter".....you all get the picture I'm sure.

I have a few friends out there in manufacturer land my self and I'll work on it as I have time. as well.

Any way folks...we have to bring all cards to the table. Since I have been president of this organization my eyes have been opened to a lot of things. To be quite frank, I'm amazed we have it as good as we do because there is definately some obstacles out there as to what we love and believe in.

Lets here it folks....what do you all think?

[Multidigits]

I'll work on trying to find some figures. I should be able to get an amount of P-R mony and Dingle money coming into the Dept. This would give an estimate on what's spent in Kentucky on hunting and fishing related gear, but not what we send at other places in the process of coming and going hunting or fishing.

I'll be thinking on developing a plan on the rest of what you want. what's my expense account look like???I might have to take a trip to alaska or Idaho to get some of this information.

[Birdman]

Rick get in touch with Roy I want to think he has an update on just what you want.$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ spent in Ky.

[mossyhorns]

The problem is caused by greed but in a different way. KY and most other states can't make a dime on their state parks. Their primary purpose is for political patronage -- a place to put buddies and political supporters to work as a reward. The officials involved in the Auxier Flats deal simply want to be able to award contracts to buddies with state money, and to staff the place with politicos. To think that they care one squat about helping the tourism industry is ludicrous.