South Carolina Boating and Fishing Alliance

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  • SCBFA Announces Launch of Online Careers Initiative Site

    SCBFA Announces Launch of Online Careers Initiative Site

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    SCBFA Announces Launch of Online Careers Initiative Site

    Boating, fishing tackle manufacturers see a historic surge in demand for products

    Falcon Boats in Newberry, S.C. is one of nearly 15 boat manufacturers currently hiring. Photo Courtesy of Falcon Bass Boats

    COLUMBIA, S.C. — September 8, 2021 — South Carolina-based companies that make boats and fishing tackle are experiencing an unprecedented surge in demand and virtually all of them are looking for workers.

    As a result, the South Carolina Boating & Fishing Alliance (SCBFA) announced today the addition of an industry-wide manufacturing careers page to the organization’s website.

    “The boating and fishing community has seen an unprecedented increase in demand for products since the coronavirus pandemic began,” said SCBFA CEO Gettys Brannon, citing data from the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) that shows boat purchases reaching a 13-year high in 2020. “This demand sheds light on the need for more skilled workers, and the Alliance is committed to helping develop a workforce that will meet the industry’s needs.”

    Visitors to the website can learn about job opportunities at various boating and fishing manufacturers across the state, which contribute to the industry’s $5 billion economic impact. These companies offer a wide range of jobs, from engineering to skilled labor positions, such as welding and fiberglass and gel coat operating, with competitive pay and benefits in a unique work environment. 

    “Boating and fishing are the most popular recreational activities in South Carolina, and there are great opportunities to match passion with careers,” said SCBFA Chairman Chris Butler. “With the addition of this digital resource, jobseekers can find outdoor industry job opportunities on one page and a click away.”

    Meeting the growing demand of specialized workforce needs for this industry in South Carolina is one of SCBFA’s paramount initiatives.

    SCBFA is devoted to investing in the industry’s future through education and workforce development programs to ensure companies have a skilled workforce to meet the growing demands.

    The careers page is the latest addition to the SCBFA website, after adding a certified dealer database to its boating and fishing toolkit page last month.

    Protecting and Expanding Boating and Fishing in South Carolina

    ©2021 South Carolina Boating and Fishing Alliance. All Rights Reserved.

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    Protecting and Expanding Boating and Fishing in South Carolina

    ©2021 South Carolina Boating and Fishing Alliance. All Rights Reserved.

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  • Catching Hope: Hite helps fathers become better dads

    Catching Hope: Hite helps fathers become better dads

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    Catching Hope: Hite helps fathers become better dads

    By Matthew Goins:

    In 1970, the world of a five-year-old boy in Ninety-Six, South Carolina was shaken when his parents were one of nearly 6,000 couples in the state getting a divorce.

    As he grew up and grappled with a new normal, Davy Hite and his father spent an extensive amount of time fishing.  

    “There’s so much more to fishing for a child and a father than catching a fish,” said Hite, an SCBFA Founding Board Member.

    Much like the 1972 Steely Dan hit, the father and son were “reelin’ in the years” and “stowin’ away the time.”

    The time on the water allowed Hite to develop a deeper relationship with his father and build his angling skills that would later make Hite an outdoor legend.

    The memories of fishing with his father led him to work with the South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families, where he has been a member of the Board of Trustees since 2017.

    Upon his appointment, Hite worked with the Center to develop the “Reel Connection” campaign.

    The initiative, which debuted in 2018, raises awareness of broken father-child relationships.

    One lucky father and child are selected to experience a memorable fishing trip led by Hite, a Bassmaster champion and Bassmaster Hall of Fame member.

    “I made my living fishing, but even as a child, to fish first and foremost with my dad was some of our greatest times,” said Hite

    The Center works to “remove obstacles and create opportunities” by “educating fathers, advocating for support, cultivating success, investing in futures, and consulting communities.”

    “I’ve heard heartfelt testimonies from fathers that the center has helped,” said Hite. “I’ve seen tears come out of grown men’s eyes about what a difference it makes and how it has helped them.” 

    Since its opening, more than 20,000 dads across the state have participated in the Center’s various programs.

    “I think that the vast majority of fathers want to be good dads, but for whatever reason, they may not know-how. Or they may not financially be able to do what they wish they could do,” said Hite. “These are issues that the Center tries to help fathers overcome.”

    Hite believes that fatherless homes are the root of many issues in society.

    According to him, data shows that 90% of all homeless, runaway children, 85% of the youth in prisons, and 71% of high school dropouts are from fatherless homes.

    Now retired from professional fishing and serving as a commentator on the nationally televised Bassmaster Elite fishing tournament trail, Hite continues to use his platform and love for fishing to raise awareness for men who hope to become better fathers.

    “A father-child relationship is huge,” said Hite. “I just try to reach out and make more people aware.”

    For more information about the Center and how to register for the “Reel Connection” campaign raffle, visit scfathersandfamilies.com.

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  • Legislative Update 2021

    Legislative Update 2021

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    2021 Legislative Update

    In our inaugural year, the SC Boating & Fishing Alliance demonstrated just how impactful our state’s boating and fishing enthusiasts and business leaders can be in the legislative process. We have been warmly received at the State House, both in the governor’s office and legislature.

    Stopping “30 by 30”

    The SCBFA took the wind out of “30 by 30” sails before the legislation ever gathered momentum. While supporters touted the bill’s environmental friendliness, the bill would have set the precedent of restricting use of 30% of all lands and waters across the entire state by the year 2030. As written, it would have denied boaters and anglers access to thousands of acres of our state’s lands and waterways. We have been instrumental in working toward other conservation-driven legislation for future generations, but the “30 by 30” bill was a route we could not afford to take.

    Combining Boat-Motor Titling

    Aiming to end antiquated laws that require separate titles for boats and motors, Senators Josh Kimbrell (R-Spartanburg), Chip Campsen (R-Charleston) and Brad Hutto (D-Orangeburg) worked together to push “boat-motor title” legislation through the SC Senate. Getting this bill passed by the Senate this year was critical. Next year we will focus on the House, where we have a lot of friends. If this bill passes the House next year and is signed by Governor McMaster, South Carolina boat and motor titles will be merged into a single document. Our state is one of only six states that continues the decades-old practice of separate titles.

    Reducing Wake Zone Expansion Efforts

    We were successful in containing “wake zone” legislation that would have expanded no wake zones to 300 feet for certain vessels. With input from the boating industry, SCBFA was able to keep the wake zone expansion to no more than 200 feet and only in certain waterways. The final version of the legislation is expected to come out of conference committee when the General Assembly returns in January.

    Addressing Abandoned Boats

    The SCBFA was able to work with bill sponsors Rep. Spencer Wetmore (D-Charleston) and Sen. Chip Campsen (R-Charleston) to craft legislation to help identify abandoned boats without infringing on boaters merely wanting to enjoy anchoring their vessel for a short period of time.

    Allowing Electronic Licenses & Permits

    It has become easier to present proof of hunting or fishing licenses, permits and stamps by being able to show proof electronically. No more hoping your paper license, etc. don’t get wet. Just keep your phone dry.

    Dozens of other pieces of legislation came up in Columbia this session, and with your support, the SCBFA established a common voice for boaters and anglers in South Carolina.

    A special thanks to Representatives Brian White (R-Anderson), Roger Kirby (D-Florence), Russell Ott (D-Calhoun), Davey Hiott (R-Pickens) and Senators Thomas Alexander (R-Oconee), Chip Campsen (R-Charleston), Josh Kimbrell (R-Spartanburg), Brad Hutto (D-Orangeburg) Gerald Malloy (D-Hartsville) and Wes Climer (R-York) for their active support of the SCBFA and its members.

  • Gov. Henry McMaster and State Legislators Declare S.C. Boating and Fishing Week

    Gov. Henry McMaster and State Legislators Declare S.C. Boating and Fishing Week

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    Gov. Henry McMaster and State Legislators Declare First-Ever S.C. Boating and Fishing Week

    COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA) – South Carolina is kicking off the beginning of Boating and Fishing week.

    Governor Henry McMaster, legislators, Pure Fishing CEO Harlan Kent, SCDNR Director Robert Boyles, and the South Carolina Boating and Fishing Alliance will hold a news conference Monday, June 7, to kick off the first South Carolina Boating and Fishing Week.

    For more info: https://www.wspa.com/news/gov-mcmaster-kicks-off-sc-boating-and-fishing-week/

     
  • Back Your Water

    Back Your Water

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    BACK YOUR WATER

    Nonprofits Launch Clean Water, Habitat Protection Campaign

    COLUMBIA, S.C. — Two South Carolina nonprofits are teaming up to help promote and protect some of the state’s most famous waterways.

    Outdoor enthusiasts have the opportunity to get some brag swag sun shirts featuring their favorite waterways with the added bonus of conserving and protecting the state’s world-famous waterways.

    A partnership between the South Carolina Boating and Fishing Alliance (SCBFA) and Global Eco Adventures (GEA) has launched the “Back Your Water” campaign with the waterway shirts. A donation from the sale of each shirt will be made to much-needed clean water, habitat enhancement, and floodwater monitoring programs. The price of the shirts is $40.

    The sun shirts, made by Local Boy Outfitters of Columbia, will feature four of the state’s most premier waterways: Lake Hartwell and Lake Wylie in the Upstate; Murray in the Midlands; and Santee Cooper Lakes in the Lowcountry. The Charleston Harbor and other popular waterways will be featured on the shirts in the near future.

    “South Carolinians love their waterways,” said Gettys Brannon, CEO of the SCBFA. “We are excited for South Carolinians to be able to wear their water and contribute money directly back to the waterways we all enjoy.”

    South Carolina is the twenty-third most populous state but ranks seventh in the U.S. in registered boats per capita and sales over 725,000 fishing licenses per year.

    The Back Your Water campaign is in conjunction with the first South Carolina Boating and Fishing Week that the General Assembly has set for the week of June 7th.

    “Boating and fishing are South Carolina’s most popular outdoor recreational activities, and we all are responsible for protecting our natural resources for future generations,” said Brannon. “Global Eco Adventures for years has been dedicated to this effort. Every penny donated will go directly to their conservation efforts.”

    “We are proud to stand with the South Carolina Boating and Fishing Alliance (SCBFA) as part of the “Back Your Water” campaign,” said Tom Mullikin, Chairman of the Board of GEA. “SCBFA is an important voice protecting our state’s waterways, and every dollar contributed to GEA will go directly to our programs for floodwater monitors, habitat restoration, and water cleanups,” said Mullikin.

    Both Brannon and Mullikin expressed appreciation to the S. C. Department of Natural Resources for its advice and support.

    “We are excited to see the SCBFA partnering on a program with GEA to raise monies for these important resource issues,” said Ross Self, SCDNR Chief of Freshwater Fisheries. “I am particularly excited to see the inclusion of habitat enhancement as a priority.  Habitat has become an increasingly critical issue as the state’s reservoirs age, and the timber and woody debris that existed when the waterways were impounded have broken down over time.  Enhancement of larger reservoir habitat is a huge effort and will require innovative thinking and partnerships to really move the needle.”

    To purchase the shirts, please visit: https://cap-clothing.com/clients/south-carolina-boating-fishing-alliance

  • Post and Courier: New SC boating, fishing, tackle and access lobby group launches as industry advocate

    Post and Courier: New SC boating, fishing, tackle and access lobby group launches as industry advocate

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    By Jessica Holdman jholdman@postandcourier.com

     Updated 

    COLUMBIA — South Carolina’s boat and fishing tackle makers and dealers, seeking a hand in shaping the laws and regulations that affect their industry, have formed a professional trade group to advocate with a unified voice. To Read More: https://www.postandcourier.com/columbia/business/new-sc-boating-fishing-tackle-and-access-lobby-group-launches-as-industry-advocate/article_6a8b8b3e-6d7c-11eb-9296-9bf95e087c7c.html