Jack Welsh workshop

[Jim Madden]

I spent all day at a huge outdoor show with factory rep booths and big name seminars at a Notre Dame convention center. A couple of lure collectors and I set up the only booth of antique tackle. I took three cases of reels, and I think the other guys had a total of 7 cases of lures. I wore my ORCA shirt and set out some Reel News issues as well as the membership flyers. The reel questions were referred to me, and I returned the favor to my lure buddies. A lot of visitors took the ORCA flyer including a gentleman who was a relative of Jack Welsh. He's been in his shop and was familiar with a lot of the history of the reel maker. I think I have him talked into contacting Phil to do a guest article with his experiences. I was amazed at the interest in the tackle in general, and at times I think some of the reps were a bit jealous of the crowds at our booth (when they weren't over there themselves). I was only there one day out of the four-day show, but it was productive. If you ever have a chance to do something like this, jump to it. You won't be disappointed, and it will help the club. I handed out about 75 cards that may result in some reels too. I've included a pic of one end of the booth.

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[Jim Schottenham]

Good work Jim!
I agree that the type of sports show that you did goes a long way toward getting ORCA out there to the public. I've been fortunate to have had a booth at the Albany sports show for the past two years, and proudly hung the ORCA banner out with a small display, and it also generated alot of interest, not just from the paying crowd, but the bass clubs, outfitters, factory reps, etc. I handed out lots of membership flyers just as you did. I'd encourage any member of ORCA to do the same. As the Col. said, it's up to us to help the organization grow and this is a great way to do it!
I even got a call 2 weeks ago, from someone that took my card 2 years ago at the show!
My hats off to you Jim, good job!

[Fred Rigdon]

Hi jim, could you please send me an e-mail?...I tried to send you one but could not for some reason...I have an early South Bend reel I need some help on. My e-mail address is
thanks,
Fred