Page 2 - Sep 2022 Market Edge Final_Neat

MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD OF

DIRECTORS

Hello Everyone,

The Florida Outdoor Writers Association has been in existence for over 76 years. That’s approaching the
century mark. During that time, the organization accomplished many wonderful things while overcoming
numerous challenges. But these are unprecedented times that we face.

We all know that time brings change. There’s no denying the communications industry has advanced
dramatically over the past decade, mostly due to the innovation and the diversity of today’s media. These
advancements have challenged FOWA more than it ever has in the past.

We are currently experiencing shortfalls with membership attrition and retainment, board member
recruitment, and looming financial losses. As already mentioned, we have had issues in the past, but none
have culminated into the perfect storm that we are presently faced with.

So it is with a heavy heart that we deliver this unfortunate news to you all.

During the FOWA General Membership meeting at this year’s conference, the board of directors
announced its recent decision to dissolve the organization by December 31, 2022. This was not a decision
taken lightly. The board met no less than four times over the past two months to discuss FOWA’s future.
After examining the facts, the decision was clear…FOWA simply cannot continue onward. Information on
how this decision was reached was presented during the meeting and unfortunately, there were only a
handful of members present to hear it. Sadly, this year’s conference may have very well had the lowest
attendance in decades.

As a matter of complete transparency, we will be sharing all of the facts that were presented at the
General Membership meeting with those of you that could not attend. The November edition of Market
Edge will contain more information about the organization’s dissolution. In the meantime, feel free to send
your questions to board@fowa.org and if we have not already answered them in the information being
posted, we will include them.

And yes, for those of you that took advantage of the 3-yr Membership Dues, those unused funds will be
refunded.

On a happier note, thanks to some incredible donations, FOWA was able to present four scholarships this
year to deserving students totaling $9000. Two of the recipients were able to travel and be with us at the
Excellence in Craft Banquet to receive their scholarships.

Although the organization is dissolving, the people and relationships will continue.

Sincerely,
The FOWA Board of Directors