Today, more than 30 representatives of South Carolina fishing and nautical companies are meeting in the state capital in Columbia to present the newly formed South Carolina Boating and Fishing Alliance, with Governor Henry McMaster topping the list of speakers.
“Our state is rich in opportunities for sailing and fishing,” says McMaster, “and the birth of SCBFA with the mission to protect and develop these great outdoor activities will certainly have an important and positive impact on our future. We welcome the SCBFA. “
More than 30 boat and fishing companies based in South Carolina make up the SCBFA. Founding members include boat builders, fishing equipment manufacturers, dealers, suppliers, marinas and equipment retailers.
Alan Lang, director of sales and marketing for Scout Boats and board member of SCBFA, puts it this way: “As a boat manufacturer in South Carolina, we are very excited about the opportunity to have our voices heard by lawmakers and regulators to help to ensure our future success in creating jobs and building boats that can be used on the many waterways that we have been blessed with here in South Carolina. This is an exciting day for our industry. “
It may be a little-known fact, but South Carolina has more than 30 iconic brands of boats and fishing equipment that represent 3.1% of the state’s GDP. Fishing licenses alone contribute $ 6.7 million to the state’s economy. And it occupies the seventh place per capita in the country in registered boats, surpassing the mark of half a million. (One in 10 residents has a registered boat.)
“In any measure, time in the water – fresh and salt – is the main recreational activity in our state,” says Chris Butler, president of SCBFA and owner of Butler Marine. He also serves on the Center for Sportfishing Policy Board. “This organization will focus on connecting the outdoor lifestyle with economic growth policies, while being a positive influence for the protection and advancement of the industry through defense, education and administration. It makes sense to give our sector and consumers a unified voice ”.
The new organization has four objectives:
1. protect and expand the shipping and fishing industries
2. connect the outdoor lifestyle to government economic development policies
3. promote workforce readiness
4. advanced environmental management
Without wasting time in action, SCBFA is already dealing with workforce problems. Noting that while many industries suffered during the Covid-19 pandemic, South Carolina’s boat and fishing manufacturers are growing and are actively seeking skilled workers. SCBFA has already formed a Workforce Development Committee, led by Lisa Waller of Falcon Boats.
“Most outdoor enthusiasts in South Carolina colleges and colleges are unaware of the professional opportunities that this sector offers,” says Waller. “We want South Carolina students to know that there are opportunities to work and thrive in our industry and we want to provide industry-specific training and education opportunities recognized by our state.”
In addition to McMaster, speakers earlier today include Senator Thomas Alexander, chairman of the Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry; and deputy Brian White, president of the National Assembly of Sportsmen Caucuses. In addition, anchor Bassmaster and famer Davy Hite’s fishing hall will address the meeting, while Robert Boyles, director of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, will lead the participation of several members of the Sportsmen’s Caucus.
“We are home to major brands known worldwide in boating and fishing,” said Gettys Brannon, CEO of SCBFA. “South Carolina has the most exclusive economic combination of shipping and fishing businesses in the United States. We want to have a recognized voice in policy making, not only for our member companies, but also for the millions of Southern Carolinians who spend time in the water. “
Brannon’s passion for boating and fishing is obvious. He touts the economic impact in South Carolina as large and growing. For example, boating and fishing represent a combined total of $ 5.1 billion in annual economic impact for South Carolina and support 23,000 jobs. Brannon is a former national university fishing champion and twice College Fishing All-American and FLW Cup Qualifier. In addition, his experience in the outdoor industry includes a four-year term in various media and consulting functions for BASS
The SCBFA’s founding committee includes:
• President: Chris Butler, Butler’s Marine
• Vice-president: Patrick Stamps, Local Boy Outfitters;
• Ken Eubanks, Lew’s / Strike King
• Hampton Anderson, hunting boats at sea
• John O’Keefe, Yamaha
• Lisa Waller, Falcon boats
• Kelsey Dick, Shimano NA
• Alan Lang, Scout boats
• David Winters, Rusty Hook Tackle Shop
• Caroline Dillon, Pure Fishing
• Roger Metz, Woods & Waters SC Radio
• Neil Paul, Visit Anderson
• Advisory Member: Ross Self, SCDNR