PIA Officers Elected; Menashes to Become President/CEO Effective January 1, 2008

The Paddlesports Industry Association’s Board of Directors elected new officers for 2008 during a board meeting on November 7, 2007. The new officers include Chairman-elect Robert “Bear” Bass of Ozark Outdoors in Leasburg, Missouri; Vice Chairman-elect Jared Carr, of Osagian Canoes in Lebanon, Missouri; Secretary-elect Darren Bush of Rutabaga Paddlesports of Madison, Wisconsin; and Treasurer-elect Holly Anderson, of Vanguard Inflatables of Arvada, CO. Josh Gray of Mohican Adventures in Loudonville , Ohio was also appointed as the fifth member of the association’s Executive Committee. The new officers begin their terms on January 1, 2008.

The two chief officers have new titles reflecting changes in the association’s bylaws that were approved by the membership. In addition, Executive Director Matt Menashes will take the title of President and Chief Executive Officer effective January 1, 2008, also pursuant to the bylaws changes.

Chairman-elect Bass served as a member of the board for 14 years from 1990 to 2004. He was appointed to the board effective January 1, 2008, by current President Mike Prom , under a provision of the bylaws that allow the chief elected officer to appoint up to two board members annually with the approval of the rest of the board. Bass’ appointment was followed with a unanimous vote electing him as Chairman of the board along with the other new officers.

Bass will be working with Menashes to continue the association’s evolution as it provides increased and improved services to retailers and manufacturers, while building additional programs for the outfitting community that founded the association 30 years ago. In addition, Ozark Outdoors Riverfront Resort, owned by Bass, will host of the 2008 National School for Paddlesports Business from March 17-19, 2008.