News
Fred Bear Namesake of new Award
By
Jan 26, 2007, 07:01
 

The Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA) and the Archery Trade Association (ATA) announced legendary communicator and archery and bowhunting proponent Fred Bear was selected as the namesake for the POMA/ATA Archery & Bowhunting Communicator of the Year Award.

The POMA/ATA Fred Bear Archery & Bowhunting Communicator of the Year Award recognizes extraordinary achievements made in communicating the archery and bowhunting stories and in support of America's archery and bowhunting heritage. It honors Bear and recognizes active journalists within the archery/ bowhunting arena who grasp the ideals, foster the commitment, and display the talent Bear showed during his storied career.

The Immortal Fred Bear.

Fred Bear was the overwhelming choice among archery industry professionals and was approved by the POMA board of directors as the icon for the award.

Everyone in the ATA and the industry is proud that the award for excellence in communication will carry Fred Bear's name," said Jay McAninch, ATA president and CEO. "In addition to promoting bowhunting to a nation of firearms hunters for 50 years, Fred introduced bowhunting to newsstands, libraries, book stores, movie theaters and radio and television stations. Our industry is forever indebted to him for his work. We hope this award will encourage active members of the media to follow Fred's example.

POMA is privileged to be the home of the POMA/ATA Fred Bear Archery & Bowhunting Communicator of the Year Award," added J. Wayne Fears, president of POMA. "Bear was a mentor and friend to many POMA members and his career and commitment to archery and bowhunting are an inspiration to every member of our organization.

"POMA was the kind of organization of which Fred Bear would have been a strong supporter, which is why the ATA looks forward to working with POMA to garner nominations for the award and select the winners each year," McAninch said.

POMA will develop and publish the award criteria and implement the selection process. Recipient nominations will be sought from all segments of the outdoor industry. Nominees are not required to be affiliated with any communications or industry organization.

POMA and ATA will present the inaugural POMA/ATA Fred Beard Archery & Bowhunting Communicator of the Year Award at the 2008 ATA Trade Show.

"No one did more to help build our sport and communicate the  truth about it in the second half of the 20th Century than did Fred Bear.

"He did this through his articles, bowhunting adventure films, videos, national and local television appearances, and corporate financial support of the Western Hemisphere professional conservation community. I am delighted that he is being honored by having this outstanding award named in his honor."

Dick Lattimer, past president/CEO of the Archery Manufacturers & Merchants Organization (AMO) and advertising/public relations director for Fred Bear and Bear Archery for 23 years.



"No one did more in the formative years of the archery industry to communicate -  in print, on film and in person - the joys of archery and bowhunting."

Bill Krenz, Editor and Publisher, Inside Archery and Bowhunt America.



"On the way to becoming archery and bowhunting's greatest promoter, Fred Bear, with the help of his ever-present field notes, almost by necessity became our sport's best communicator. Even today, Bear's timeless messages - which include the importance of focusing on the hunt, not the kill - offer wisdom and insight that span generations, and solidify his pioneering legacy."

Mark Melotik, Editor, Archery Business

About POMA
The Professional Outdoor Media Association is a group of individual communicators and Corporate Partners who believe in, defend, support and promote the heritage of hunting, fishing, shooting, trapping and traditional outdoor sports through writing, photography and other means. By doing so, members hope to educate the general public about these sports and encourage more participation in them. The organization serves the membership by helping members grow professionally, improve their skills, better their working environments and enhance their businesses.

For more information, contact:
Laurie Lee Dovey, Executive Director
lldovey@professionaloutdoormedia.org
678-210-8129

About ATA
The Archery Trade Association is a nonprofit trade association working to maintain and enhance the profitability and economic viability of the archery and bowhunting industry through legislative and policy initiatives, regulatory reform, and education, research, marketing, and promotional programs. Through its foundations, the Bowhunting Preservation Alliance and ArrowSport, ATA seeks to grow participation in all forms of archery and bowhunting.

For more information on ATA's programs and membership:
www.archerytrade.org
866-266-2776 

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