Press Release - Get Hooked Award (05/29/03)

Parkland County business recognized with Edmonton’s top tourism award

The evening of May 12, 2003 marked a proud occasion for Parkland County. Keith Rae, Owner and Operator of Get Hooked Fishing Adventures in Parkland County, was presented with the “Award of the Year” at Edmonton Tourism’s Your Welcome Awards. The event is a nationally recognized gala that acknowledges people in the Edmonton area for their outstanding service and contributions to tourism.

The Award of the Year for 2003 acknowledged Get Hooked Fishing Adventures for making significant contributions to the greater Edmonton tourism industry. According to the awards committee Get Hooked displays "outstanding vision and commitment to the growth, improvement and success of our regional tourism industry through his activities and efforts. The commitment and vision is one that emphasizes cooperation, not competition". The award was also presented to Owner, Keith Rae, in recognition for the difference he has made in the community through his volunteer action, committee work and sharing of best practices.

"For Get Hooked Fishing Adventures to be awarded among a group of very prominent tourism-based companies in the Edmonton area is truly outstanding", says Luke Pantin, Economic Development and Tourism Coordinator for Parkland County, "Keith has always been an ambassador for Parkland County and we are proud that he has been recognized with such a prestigious award".

"This award means a lot to me because it was voted on by my peers", explains Keith Rae, "I feel the award brings added credibility to the County’s tourism industry, and it shows that a small company in a rural municipality can stand out and shine even among the big players in Edmonton," he adds.

In addition to receiving the Award of the Year, Get Hooked Fishing Adventures has drawn the attention of a national / international fishing TV show. The Dimestore Fishermen will visit Parkland County in the middle of June to film for three days. Get Hooked, along with West Edmonton Mall, Fantasyland Hotel and Edmonton Tourism have joined together to bring the Dimestore crew to Edmonton to showcase both the rural and urban side of the Edmonton area. The program will air in August or September and will be shown across Canada and the United States over the next six months.

As the Edmonton area’s only full time, all-inclusive guided fishing service, Get Hooked Fishing Adventures has been a steady and significant fixture in Parkland County’s tourism industry. Over the past ten years, the company has grown from a one-man operation to a company of experienced guides that can accommodate 15 to 25 people. Companies such as EPCOR, Labatt’s and Select Foods have used the services of Get Hooked as team building exercises, sales promotions and entertaining clients from out of town.

"Get Hooked Fishing Adventures is conveniently located only one hour west of Edmonton, and provides a unique and cost effective service that allows people to enjoy a great day of fishing", says Keith Rae.

Those interested in learning more about Get Hooked Fishing Adventures are encourage to visit their website at www.gethookedfishing.com