After a two-year hiatus, the International Fly Tackle Dealer Show (IFTD) resumed in Salt Lake City, Utah last week. Simms Fishing Products returned to the trade show floor with a major presence and pulled back the curtain on two incredible product lines designed and developed for performance driven anglers. After Thursday’s New Product Showcase Awards Ceremony, Bozeman based Simms will return to Montana decorated with multiple best in category awards as well as the coveted Best in Show honor with their M’s G3 Guide Stockingfoot Wader.
In addition to Best in Show, Simms claimed top honors in eight categories for Best New Product:
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
“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 and they have never once taken their eye off the ball,” says Simms CEO, Casey Sheahan. “It certainly does feel good to win awards, but more than that, I’m personally thrilled to see this team’s hard work recognized in such a meaningful way, on an industry level. The honors they received this evening are well deserved and hard-earned.”
In addition to product awards, Simms Vice President of Community and Culture, Diane Bristol, was awarded the Lefty Kreh Industry Leadership Award. The American Fly Fishing Trade Association (AFFTA) created this prestigious award in 2018 after the legendary angler passed away. Recipients are chosen based on exemplary efforts in promoting sustainable growth of the fly fishing industry. During her 30-year tenure at Simms, Bristol has managed Simms’ Marketing/Brand, Product Development, and Customer Service. In her current role, she’s focused on Simms’ internal team – organizational growth and development, and externally partnering with non-profit organizations on local, regional, and national initiatives. She currently serves on the Board of Trustees for Casting for Recovery, is a board member for the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation, as well as the American Sportfishing Association. Bristol is a past Vice Chair on the Warriors & Quiet Waters Foundation Board of Directors. She also served on the board for the American Fly Fishing Trade Association and the International Women Fly Fishers. In 2019, Bristol was appointed to the Get Outdoors Montana Advisory Council for a 2-year term. Also in 2019, Bristol, along with Simms, was recognized by the Greater Yellowstone Coalition for her role in helping to protect the Yellowstone Ecosystem with the successful 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 of fishing.”
The awarded products are available in specialty retailers around the world and also at simmsfishing.com.
