Custom Tournament Trailer
Spring 2019 will see TBFNH take ownership of a new
custom tournament trailer that was manufactured in New
Hampshire. It’s complete with a concession-style door,
60-inch flat-screen TV to display a live leaderboard, cus-
tom vinyl wrap designed by a TBF member and more.
The new equipment will not only elevate the chapter as
an organization, but, says Kilroy, is a testament to the
chapter’s growth and the dedicated members of TBFNH
who worked hard two years in a row to sell raffle tickets
and willingly increased dues by $5 a year to fund the cap-
ital improvement.
Maine Partnership
Another new fun event grew out of the TBF National
Semi-Finals and TBFNH’s relationship with partner state
Maine. New Hampshire and Maine chapters have teamed
up to co-host the Lobster Open. Historically, Maine has
conducted a tournament with a lobster bake as its annual
fundraiser. The two TBF state chapters teamed up to grow
the tournament and provide both states’ memberships with
an additional opportunity to strengthen friendships and
make new ones. It’ll also set the stage for the highly com-
petitive District 17 TBF National Semi-Finals, which is the
more serious fishing side of the partnership. The National
Semi-Finals event determines who advances to the TBF
National Championship and which state wins bragging
rights.
The goal is to have some fun and focus on member-
ship to drive participation, which has been the founda-
tion for New Hampshire’s growth.
Evaluating Growth
One year into the enhancement plan, the TBFNH
eBoard conducted an anonymous membership survey
that covered dues, bodies of water to fish and more, plus
an open feedback section. The results were powerful.
TBFNH was on course, but it was clear there were several
areas for improvement, which became the catalyst for the
new recent activities.
To anyone interested in growing their own chapters at
the state level, TBFNH officers suggest that you continu-
ally look to improve processes and find ways to measure
the results to create value for the organization. And, most
of all, people want to have some fun, so get out of the
“old habits” and try something bold and new. It’s work-
ing in New Hampshire, and it can work for any state.
For information about the New Hampshire Bass
Federation, or to keep up with all that they are doing, go
to nhbassfederation.com.
New Hampshire Bass Federation Treasurer
Killian Kilroy says the key to chapter growth
has been focusing on increasing fun activities
and engaging members in more projects.
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