Simms Fishing Products takes eight IFTD awards
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Simms Fishing Products leaves this week’s International Fly Tackle Dealer (IFTD) show laden with eight New Product Showcase awards, including the overall best in show accolade.
And in addition to the product awards, Simms Vice President of Community and Culture, Diane Bristol, was awarded the Lefty Kreh Industry Leadership Award, created after Kreh passed away in 2018.
The show, produced by the American Fly Fishing Trade Association (AFFTA), resumed in Salt Lake City, Utah, after a two-year hiatus, with Thursday’s awards a much-anticipated highlight.
Simms winning line-up looked like this:
Men’s Waders: G3 Guide Stockingfoot Wader
Women’s Waders: W’s G3 Guide Stockingfoot Wader
M’s Wading Boots: Flyweight Access Boot
M’s Outerwear: G3 Guide Jacket
W’s Outerwear: W’s Freestone Jacket
W’s General Apparel: W’s SolarFlex® Cooling Hoody
Vests/Chest Packs: Dry Creek® Z Sling Pack
Eco Friendly: Fall Run Insulated Hoody
Best In Show: Men’s G3 Guide™ Stockingfoot Wader
“It certainly does feel good to win awards, but more than that, I’m personally thrilled to see this team’s hard work recognised in such a meaningful way, on an industry level,” said the Montana company’s CEO, Casey Sheehan. “The honours they received are well deserved and hard-earned.
“We’ve all faced countless challenges over the past couple of years. While I’m not surprised by the dedication and commitment of our product team, I’m so impressed that they have continuously managed to rise to the occasion.”
During her 30 years at Simms, Diane Bristol has been responsible for marketing/brand operations, product development and customer service. In her current role , she manages Simms’ internal organisational growth and development. She is currently on the boards of the American Sportfishing Association, the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation and Casting for Recovery.
She has also served on the boards of AFFTA, the Warriors & Quiet Waters Foundation and International Women Fly Fishers. In 2019, Bristol was recognised by the Great Yellowstone Coalition for her role in helping to protect the Yellowstone Ecosystem with the passage of the Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act.
“I’ve owned Simms since 1993 and Diane has been alongside me, and this brand, every step of the way,” says Simms Executive Chair, K.C. Walsh. “This recognition is a direct reflection of Diane’s passion for fly fishing, dedication to Simms, commitment to sustainably progressing our industry and her determination to ensure a bright future for fishing.”
