National Professional Anglers Association
Published January 15, 2008

Valley City, ND, January 10, 2008: The National Professional Angler Association (NPAA), a non-profit organization focused on growing the sport of fishing and increasing the professionalism of its members, is extremely proud to honor with a plaque, Kristine Houtman, Tournament Director of the Masters Walleye Circuit (MWC). This special award was given to Kristine for her outstanding promotion and dedicated support of the NPAA.

Houtman, who has helped direct the Masters Walleye Circuit since it was purchased by North American Media Group (NAMG) in 2001, has been instrumental in the successful growth of the MWC. 'The MWC has tripled its monetary impact and doubled the number of tournaments since 2001' says Houtman. Through successful sponsor and angler relations, the NAMG has grown the MWC into the fastest growing 'team format' walleye circuit in the world.

As a supporting member of the NPAA, Houtman has played an integral role in recruiting new members, advising anglers, and contributing time and resources to MWC/NPAA youth activities across the country.

Residing in Minnetonka, MN, Houtman and her husband Jim of 27 years, have three grown children, Katie Jo 25, Skyler 21, and Justine 19. When asked what she likes most about working with tournament anglers, Houtman says, 'It is nice to see good friends, fathers and sons, husbands and wives, compete in a fair, ethical, organized, high quality tournament circuit.'

Kristine Houtman will join the ranks of Bob Propst, Sr., Larry Porter, Al Lindner, Ron Lindner, Jim Kalkofen, Stan Fagerstrom, and Sonny Reynolds as NPAA Lifetime Honorary Members.

To learn more about the NPAA and its members go to www.npaa.net



1130