It’s been a year of exciting growth, collective work, vision and commitment for the Paddlesports Trade Coalition! As we welcome the New Year, we want to say thank you and share a snapshot what we achieved together in 2024:
- Building upon the foundation of 25 Founding Members, PTC membership expanded to 136 spanning the paddlesports community. Today, PTC membership consists of 37% Retailers/Outfitters, 38% Brands, 13% Sales Representatives, and 13% Associates. (Our 2025 goal is 300 members! Thanks to all for helping us grow!)
- In January, PTC Members adopted the PTC Bylaws and seated our first Board of Directors. Under the leadership of Chair Stig Larsson, the Board moved forward conducting 17 full Board meetings, numerous work group meetings, and two in-person meetings throughout the year. (Note: We want to acknowledge that Board members travel and serve at their own expense. We thank both the individual board members and their companies for sharing expertise and support.)
- Initially formed with vital guidance from NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators), PTC now functions independently as a fully formed 501(c)6 national nonprofit trade organization. In July, the PTC Board hired Jeff Turner as the first Executive Director. Quite an accomplishment!
- In September, PTC welcomed over 150 individuals to the inaugural PTC Colab at Riversport OKC. This event, fully-owned and produced by PTC, included the Annual Meeting, Product Showcase, professional and educational presentations, and opportunities for industry-wide discussion, sharing, playing, and planning. Earning high marks of approval by those in attendance, plans are now underway to produce PTC Colab ’25, September 8-10 at the same venue. Mark your calendars! Details will be announced in early 2025!
- In November, the ACA (American Canoe Association) recognized PTC’s impact with theJ. Henry Rushton Award for Organizational Excellence. Thank you, ACA!! We are humbled and honored.
Looking ahead:
- The Board is finalizing the PTC ‘25 Strategic Plan, including an action timetable for member webinars and work groups to address vital issues, such as growing participation, building the overall paddlesports community, and certification and training opportunities for industry employees.
- The addition of four new Trade Member representatives to the Board will bring additional capacity and leadership to guide our work. Authorized during the Annual meeting, the Special Election for these new seats has concluded with results to be announced in January 2025. Stay tuned!
As we end the year, we send our heartfelt thanks to these individuals for service to the PTC Board in 2024:
- Retailer/Outfitters: Simon Coward (Sec/Treas), Diane Jenkins, Brad Stephens, Brian Vincent
- Brands: Jason Eccles, Stig Larsson (Chair), Jim MacAllister, Phil Walczynski, Scott Holly, Emily Jackson (Former V. Chair)
- Sales Representatives: Rob Bossen, Ted Keyes
- Associates: Kelley Woolsey, Cristin Plaice
Additional thanks go to our members, exhibitors, attendees, and others too numerous to list who made 2024 one of growth and importance to both PTC and the greater Paddlesports Industry.