February 19, 2006

Hello Fellow B.A.S.S Anglers of Illinois,

The new Illinois B.A.S.S. Federation Nation has been incorporated and is ready for the 2006 season. It is now time to put all the controversy behind us and move forward. Warmer weather and limits of bass are just around the corner.

Let’s get started. We will try to answer most of your questions in this message.

• An interim Board of Directors has been formed;
• A new web site has been built;
• Our State Charter has been filed and approved by B.A.S.S;
• Revised By-Laws are in process; and,
• Our State Qualifier has been planned.

The new Illinois B.A.S.S Federation Nation is ready to register you and your clubs.

The registration process is simple. Complete the registration form on the new web site and send the form with your check to our Secretary, Frank Labanowski. The 2006 annual dues remain unchanged at $20 per angler. See the Federation Info for more details.

If you have not already done so, you will need to request, in writing, a refund for the dues paid to the old organization. You need to do this by March 10.

As mentioned above, By-Laws are in the revision process. The new By-Laws will include the provision for free elections by the members/clubs for Board Directors. It will also include fixed terms of office. In other words, all members will have a say in the composition of the Board.

The State Qualifier will be held on May 6-7 at Lake Shelbyville. The winners will advance to the 12-Man State Team and represent Illinois in the North Divisional Tournament, and then on to the Bassmaster Classic. The cost remains the same at $630 per team. Make sure that you complete the form on the web site and send the form with your check to our Secretary by April 15. All existing clubs and newly formed clubs are eligible in 2006 to send 1 or 2 State Qualifier Teams. If you have paid the old organization already, request a refund immediately.

We will also participate in the new B.A.S.S Federation Nation Bass Club World Championship which is new for 2007. Details on this will be forthcoming in the months ahead.

We are pleased to announce that Conservation and Youth programs will move ahead without interruption. In fact, you will see more activity in 2006 and beyond as a result of the new B.A.S.S organization in Illinois.

Sponsors are being contacted to help support all of our programs. You will start to see them announced in the months to come. If anyone  knows of a lead or a contact for possible sponsorship for the Illinois B.A.S.S. Federation Nation get that information to Bob Bobich and he will pursue the sponsor contact and negotiate with them.

The interim Board has a lot of work to do but we are up to the task. Visit the new web site for the list of Board members. Volunteer to assist them. The site is still under construction; however, the Message Board is fully ready. You will need to register again since it is a new Message Board. Get those rosters in first so that we can verify your membership. Let’s talk Fishing!!!

In closing, we would like to extend our appreciation to all the anglers that helped in the formation of our new organization and to you for your loyal support of B.A.S.S. The tradition continues.

Good Luck and Good Fishing. See you on the Water,

Fred Iantorno        Bob Bobich        Frank Labanowski   
Milt Waltermire      Jim Nelson         Rick Rasmussen

Illinois B.A.S.S Federation Nation - Board of Directors