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SHIMANO VICE PRESIDENT PHIL MORLOCK ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

IRVINE, CA -- Shimano North America Holding Inc. announced today Phil Morlock will retire at the end of June 2020 as Vice President of Government Affairs / Advocacy for the U.S. and Canada. “At this juncture in my life I believe it is time to change gears and spend more time on personal initiatives and new projects,” Morlock said.

From the beginning of his 29-year tenure at Shimano, Morlock recognized the potential for corporate leadership in environmental conservation, scientific research, and government policy as critical for the future of fishing and mountain biking. “In the decades since Tom Brooke at Shimano Canada first proposed the concept to me, I am tremendously proud of what we have accomplished across North America through our Shimano sport fisheries and cycling initiatives,” Morlock added. Thanking those who have supported him throughout his career, in particular his family and the Shimano family, Morlock went on to encourage his friends and colleagues to stand with him in his ongoing efforts to keep access to our great outdoors open to all.

“Over the past 29 years, Phil has embodied Shimano’s mission statement -‘to promote health and happiness through the enjoyment of nature and the world around us.’ His unwavering passion and genuine relationships with key leaders at the federal, state, and provincial levels in the U.S. and Canada have helped protect places we fish and ride” said Jim LaFrance, Executive Vice President, Shimano North America Holding, Inc. “We are grateful for Phil’s efforts and dedication and know the result of his work will continue to be enjoyed by anglers and cyclists for many years to come.”

Morlock has led Shimano corporate efforts in fish habitat improvement, scientific research to improve catch and release fish handling methods, youth conservation initiatives, academic scholarships for fish & wildlife studies and improving mountain bike trail planning and access. “We always felt it was important to put something back into the natural resources from which we earn a living.” he added.

Jeff Crane, President of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation said, “Phil’s dedication to sportsmen and women, not just in Canada but across the United States, has been critical in helping protect and advance policies allowing anglers and outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy their favorite pastimes. He is a tried and true sportsman who is passionate about our time-honored traditions and we are grateful for his support.”

Based on the success of the bipartisan Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus and with the assistance of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation in Washington, D.C., Morlock helped to create the all-party Parliamentary Outdoor Caucus in Ottawa. As recreational access to public land and waters continues to be challenged, the importance of non-partisan initiatives by elected representatives has become increasingly significant for anglers. Former Member of Parliament Garry Breitkreuz (1993-2015) was the founding member of the Outdoor Caucus.

Breitkreuz said, “Phil Morlock has done more to preserve sport fishing than anyone else in Canada. His knowledge of the industry – both scientific and experiential – have made him an indispensable resource.” He added, “Further he was the person most responsible for establishing the Outdoor Caucus on Parliament Hill. This non-partisan organization of Senators and M.P.’s is a legacy that will remain long after he and I are no longer involved with it.”

Bob Zimmer, Member of Parliament and Co-Chair of the Outdoor Caucus commented, “I have known Phil for several years and he has always been a tireless advocate for Canada’s recreational fishing community, as well as the science-based conservation of our marine and freshwater resources. It was my honor to present Phil with the first Honorary Membership to the Parliamentary Outdoor Caucus in 2017. Canadians owe Phil a debt of gratitude for what he has done to preserve our outdoor heritage.”

Morlock has served as chair and as a member of a wide variety of fishing and bike industry committees and boards including the American Sportfishing Association, People for Bikes, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, and the Canadian Sportfishing Industry Association.

Organization President Kim Rhodes said, “Phil has been the Government Affairs Chair of the Canadian Sportfishing Industry Association for over 15 years. During his tenure, his contributions to the CSIA have been invaluable. There is no doubt that Phil is one of Canada’s most valuable players in the advocacy branch for recreational fishing and Canada’s natural resources.