Landmark "Conservation Partnership" Links Hodgman And Trout Unlimited

Landmark "Conservation Partnership" Links Hodgman And Trout Unlimited

Leading Manufacturer Pledges $240,000 Over Three Years

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9/15/1999 --  --  Trout Unlimited, the nation's largest trout and salmon conservation organization today welcomed Hodgman, Inc., the leading manufacturer of waders and high-quality angling apparel as a "Conservation Partner." The agreement announced today includes a $240,000, three-year commitment from Hodgman to support TU's coldwater fisheries conservation work nationwide. In addition, the Montgomery, Illinois-based company and TU will collaborate on conservation-related promotional and educational opportunities.

"It just makes sense for us to support TU," said Ron Foster, Hodgman's president and CEO. "We feel very strongly that everyone who enjoys the resource should be putting something back into it. We like to think of this partnership as setting a good example for our fellow anglers. We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship between Hodgman and Trout Unlimited."

"We are delighted to have Hodgman as our partners in conserving America's trout and salmon resources," said Charles Gauvin, President and CEO of Trout Unlimited. "TU values its relationship with the fishing tackle industry, and especially with Hodgman, which has made a remarkable commitment to conserving and protecting the fisheries on which quality angling depends."

Founded in 1959 in Grayling, Michigan, Trout Unlimited is America's leading coldwater fisheries conservation organization. TU's 100,000 members in 500 chapters nationwide are dedicated to the conservation, protection, and restoration of North America's trout and salmon and their watersheds.

Hodgman, one of the oldest names in the sporting goods industry, and the first U.S. company to develop and market fishing waders, is a worldwide leader in the manufacturing and marketing of waders, wading shoes, jackets, underwear, vests and accessories. Hodgman's trademarks include Wadewell, Wadelite, Lakestream, Brighton, Rod & Reel, and Wadewear.

Date: 9/15/1999