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Why Join the
Maine Professional Guides Association?
You may ask yourself, "Why should I join the Maine Professional Guides Association?" You probably don't have time to bother. Our lives are hectic enough. And then there is the membership dues.
In reality, time spent bettering and protecting your business is time well spent, and membership dues is but a drop in the proverbial bucket.
The Key is Networking
The key to association membership is networking with your peers. Not only does it provide the opportunity to meet others who share a common interest; it can also spark the beginning of new business relationships. After all, you can never have too many contacts.
Neither can MPGA. Our networking activities strengthen coalitions and gathers supporters to help protect guides' interests. This networking is the foundation of our grassroots advocacy program that raised $1.8 million to successfully fight an anti-hunting referendum on bear hunting in 2004.
MPGA works closely with other non profit associations, small and large landowners, and environmental organizations. MPGA founded the Sportsman/Forest Landowner Alliance in 1992, and recently was a founding member of the Natural Resource Network that consists of organizations that support the sustainable use of Maine's natural resources for forestry, farming, commercial fishing and recreation.
Representation
The Maine Professional Guides Association's (MPGA) overall mission is to protect and enhance the profession and outdoor heritage of Maine guides.
MPGA fights and wins victories for members and the guiding industry through its lobbying efforts and advocacy programs. MPGA is the voice of the guiding industry at the state legislature, at the Department of Inland Fish & Wildlife, other branches of state government and with other statewide associations and interests. By becoming a member of MPGA you are helping support these efforts and giving us strength in numbers.
Some of the specific ways MPGA fights for guides are:
- We keep watch on the issues, so you can keep watch on your own business - MPGA has a full time legislative representative working to keep an eye on hot legislative and regulatory issues, land conservation and wildlife management developments. We take our case directly to the Legislature, state agencies, and to our partner associations.
- We fight for pro-guide & pro-sportsman agendas - MPGA organizes grassroots activists made up of guides, sportsmen and supporting businesses to protect and maintain Maine's outdoor and guiding heritage.
- We support pro-guide candidates - Our endorsement packs a powerful punch, and MPGA's support is sought by candidates for state and federal office. We work with these candidates to assure that they understand and support our concerns.
- We fight anti-guide proposals - Maine is now confronted with a constant barrage of anti-this, anti-that, initiatives from radical activists who would like nothing better than to stop hunting, trapping, boating and even fishing, or to "preserve" land and wildlife in ways that would prevent guides and sportsmen from pursuing their activities. MPGA is instrumental in fighting these interests, and has been successful in opposing efforts to restrict bear hunting, trapping, land access, forestry practices and fishery management.
- We maintain close relationships with major landowners - MPGA founded the Sportsman/Forest Landowner Alliance in 1992 and maintains a very active role in working with small and large landowners on forestry practices, recreational access, habitat management, land conservation and management, and common business and economic issues. It is vital that landowners know what guides need for their business activities, and that guides respect the land-owners' rights and understand their business needs.
- We hold a Banquet where Maine's leaders meet - You can join over 200 members and guests at our Annual Banquet. Guests include legislators, agency experts and landowners. In 2008, our banquet was attended by the Department heads of Inland Fish & Wildlife, Conservation, and the Secretary of State, along with leaders from other partners like the Sportsman's Alliance of Maine, the Maine Bowhunters' Association, the Maine Trappers Association. Our guest speaker was the President of the National Shooting Sports Foundation.
Regulatory Wins
One of MPGA's primary activities is to engage in legislative and rule-making activities. This includes actively participating in writing, sponsoring and supporting legislation or regulation at the state and federal levels to promote or enhance the interests of professional Maine Guides, and to conserve the natural resources that are essential to the future of the guiding profession.
MPGA's legislative and advocacy efforts have resulted in wins for all categories of guides and all sporting interests. Recent wins have included:
- Protecting the Grand Lakes Stream salmon and bass fishery.
- Preventing unnecessary saltwater fishing license requirements from being enacted.
- Protecting bear hunting by opposing a referendum financed by animal rights organizations from Washington, DC and other states.
- Protecting trapping throughout northern Maine by opposing a lawsuit filed by an animal rights organization from California.
- Convincing the state to review the scientific basis for creating ecological preserves.
- Preventing overly restrictive license renewal regulations involving additional background checks and even license loss due to speeding tickets.
- Changing the rules so guides may use Type 3 life vests when on fresh water instead of cumbersome Type 1 vests.
- Adding an experience requirement to the Master Guide license so it is more meaningful to customers.
Access to Information
Information is power. Without it you can not protect your interests. By joining MPGA you support our efforts to keep a watchful eye and alert you to threats and opportunities.
- Involvement - The association is involved with the legislature, state agencies, and other associations so guides interests may be protected. This keeps us informed about goings on that might affect guides.
- Newsletter provides Useful Information - A quarterly newsletter and frequent email newsletters contain priceless information touching on all the topics that affect guides � analysis of industry news and trends, legal updates, rules & regulations, government activities, environmental, wildlife and legal issues. You can find breaking news on legislative decisions, upcoming meetings, new standards, business opportunities and industry trends.
Growing your Business
You need customers to stay in business. Customers need guides. Very often they will learn of MPGA first, and will then look for services from our members. You need to be listed with a highly respected association like MPGA.
- Promoting your Services by Website - Being listed on the association's website directory can be beneficial in more ways than one. Not only does it promote your services to fellow members within the association, it is visited regularly by many potential customers looking for guide services. Your listing will include a link to your own website, and this makes it easier for interested customers to learn of your services as well as providing you a link that will guarantee inclusion by all the major search engines.
- Free Publicity - Publicity can be very powerful in attracting customers and employers alike. It's publicity that you are trying to achieve by displaying your business name on your vehicle, boats and equipment. This tactic is great for getting your name out there. The only problem is that most of the people seeing your name are not always the ones you need to see it paying customers looking for guide services. Being a member of a large association helps get your name recognized.
- Credentials & Credibility - Customers look at your activities and interests to see if you are a skilled and professional guide. It is about creating credibility. Customers gain the confidence to hire you when they see that you stand for the level of professionalism which MPGA promotes. They will also see that you invest in protecting their own recreational activities.
Special Events Offer Many Benefits
MPGA has frequent meetings to discuss topics of concern. Meetings are one of our many events, which also include our Annual Banquet, sportsman shows and sporting events. Information, promotion and networking takes place during each of these activities.
MPGA is also active in sponsoring demonstrations and lectures at sportsman shows and local events. Members who participate in these events will gain exposure that improves their own stature and marketing potential while helping to show the public what guides and MPGA represent.
Committee Involvement
MPGA is operated by a Board of Directors, but it is our Committees that provide the brains and brawn that allow us to stay on top of the issues.
Involvement in a Committee can give you in-depth knowledge of issues, direct contact with various state agency leaders, and contacts with other guides and organizations � all that while helping to protect guiding.
Several Committees that members might become involved in are:
- Meetings & Coalitions Committee - Only member involvement can provide the full coverage for various meetings and hearings, and to provide valuable local input. These meetings include various Task Forces, LURC, Public Lands management planning, wildlife working groups, tourism initiatives, and several advisory councils.
- Fundraising Committee - Help is needed to identify opportunities for major donations from individuals, corporations and foundations.
- Membership Committee - The Membership Committee is vital to MPGA's existence. It develops member recruitment and retention plans, and meets with prospective members and groups.
- Super Raffle Committee - The annual Super Raffle is our major fundraiser that involves all members. Members pledge to donate trips for prizes, and members sell tickets. Those selling a large amount of tickets are rewarded with incentive prizes. Help is needed to recruit trip pledges, sponsors, and to motivate members to sell tickets.
- Events Committee - Formed in 2008, the Events Committee is recruiting a team of members who could be made available at various retail and show events to perform demonstrations and give talks. The Committee will also work with various event organizers to make MPGA one of the headlining co-sponsors of the event. The events are to increase our communications with the public about vital issues, and to help raise funds.
- Banquet Committee - MPGA's annual banquet is held in April. Over 200 members and guests attend every year. Help is needed to organizing the event, contact sponsors and obtain items for a fundraising auction.
- Show Committee - We currently place a booth at four sport shows in Maine. These weekend events are an opportunity to influence the public, recruit members, and raise funds. Help is always needed to staff the booth and to transport and set up the booth.
- Bear Hunting Committee - The Bear Hunting Committee reviews issues that affect bear hunting, especially rule changes, game management and landowner relations.
- Fishing Committee - The Fishing Committee consists of guides from the far reaching corners of the state. Regional coordinators work with other local guides and regional Fisheries biologists to improve fishing opportunities.
- Conservation & Easement Committee - Access to land for hunting, fishing, wildlife watching and camping are potentially at risk due to some conservation land purchases and easements. This committee works to track and understand the details of each unique acquisition, and to advise the MPGA board in its support or opposition.
- Allagash Committee - The "AWW" Committee maintains involvement in how the Allagash in being managed and attempts to resolve user differences so opportunities for multiple uses are maintained.
Cost Saving Discount Program
MPGA offers a special purchasing discount program for members called the "ProPlan". Manufacturers, retailers and suppliers interested in doing business with guides and in supporting MPGA have made this program possible.
The list of possible discounts is large and we are continually working to make it even better. Several participants where one purchase can more than pay your membership dues include:
- L.L.Bean - Typically 33% discount at the Freeport retail store and by mail order. A special brochure and info is available on MPGA�s website.
- Old Town Canoe - Special pricing on new boats and 8% off regular blemished prices.
- Burris Scopes - 60% discount on scopes and binoculars.
- Lincoln Motor Company - 10% discount on boats and outboards.
Check out the ProPlan webpage for further info on available discounts.
MPGA's Mission
Click here for Membership Application
Click here for Policy on Website Listings and Email
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