When Jim Thompson, long time competitive bass fisherman and local Branson businessman, acquired the ownership of the Central Pro-Am Tournament Association (CPAA) a few months ago he said, “I am very excited about this new opportunity and challenge that I have been blessed with.” Thompson went on to say that the number one goal of CPAAwas to meet the needs of the fishermen.
Under the leadership of Thompson, the CPAA Advisory Board and staff have revitalized the CPAA and are guiding it through an extremely successful 2009 tournament season. In striving to give its fishermen a better fishing experience the CPAA has just announced a partnership with one of the fastest growing fishing associations in the country, the Professional Anglers Association (PAA).
Scarcely able to contain his excitement Thompson said, “This is huge, for CPAA and our fishermen.” He went on to say that the PAA is the only angler driven and owned professional fishing organization in the country and the partnership that provides, except for a $50.00 general membership in the PAA, a no cost means for CPAA fisherman to progress to the next level up the tournament trail, the PAA.
In a recent letter announcing the partnership, Danny Blandford, PAA’s Business Development Manager said, “It is with great excitement that I draft this letter, as it is the start of a partnership between the Professional Anglers Association (PAA) and the Central Pro Am Association. Our new affiliation brings together two organizations with a unifying theme of tournament bass fishing, and support of our membership, the fishermen.” In the letter John Crews, President of the PAA said, “We are excited to implement partnerships such as this, as we feel it gives strength to both organizations, and as a result creates more opportunities for the anglers, which is important to the PAA.”
Thompson pointed out that the first immediate benefit to CPAA anglers is that, as a supporting partner, the PAA provides PayDay Sanctioning of the CPAA tournaments, and will reward PAA members taking first place in any CPAA with an additional $250 bonus. He said the bonus applies individually to Professional, Non Boater (Amateur) and Team division anglers for their CPAA wins. In addition, all CPAA members in good standing,who join the PAA by July 31, 2009 will be entered into a drawing to win an all expense paid trip to fish the PAA Corporate Cup on Pickwick Lake in Florence, AL September 10 – 12, 2009.
As he explained what will happen in 2010, Thompson said that 2010 Central Pro Am Angler of the Year, in both the Pro and Non Boater (Amateur) Divisions will win an expense paid “ride” to fish the entire 2011 PAA Tournament Series including paid entry fees, food, fuel and lodging allowances for the entire season.. To qualify anglers must be members of both Central Pro Am and the Professional Anglers Association before the start of the 2010 Central Pro Am season.
In his letter, PAA’s Blandford said, “This is truly a one of kind opportunity, which no other tournament organization has to offer. We at the PAA feel that a program such as this illustrates the commitment of Central Pro Am to their anglers, and this partnership.”
Thompson pointed out that the PAA schedule coupled with all the fees and expenses being paid will give CPAA anglers a viable opportunity to move to the next level of tournament competition without having to quit their current jobs. He said, “This could make a couple of our angler’s lifelong goals come true in one year.”
Further information on the CPAA and PAA is available on their respective websites.
