Kevin VanDam to Host Television Coverage of PAA Corporate Cup Presented by OPTIMA® Batteries

Benton, Ky. – As the Professional Anglers Association’s Corporate Cup presented by OPTIMA® Batteries draws near, bass fishing fans can look forward to having the insights of the World’s best bass angler, Kevin VanDam as an on camera color commentator of the three day event.

The Kalamazoo, Mich. Pro said that he will draw on past examples of professional anglers who have taken turns as color commentators in the past. “I remember when Tommy Martin, Ken Cook and Shaw Grigsby took turns doing this at Bassmaster Classics in years past,” VanDam recalled. “Their insights and expertise made viewing those tournaments more enjoyable, and I want to do the same thing for the Corporate Cup.”

VanDam, the 2008 Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year and a PAA Board Member will bring viewers his unique perspective to the tournament, as only he can. No stranger to being in front of the camera, the position will give VanDam a new opportunity to experience a different kind of broadcast experience; one that he’s excited about.

“I’ve been on front of the camera my whole career, on tournaments and fishing shows” said the four-time Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year. “However, being a part of helping the viewer understand what is unfolding on front of them will be new to me, and I’m looking forward to it.”

Aside from being a part of the first event that pairs tour level professionals and corporate partners in a high stakes professional bass fishing event, VanDam said that being a part of helping to bring the Corporate Cup presented by OPTIMA® Batteries to the PAA’s television broadcast on WFN (World Fishing Network) while working with Auten Interactive adds to the excitement.

“This event is the first of its kind, and I’m looking forward to trying to convey the message of the event, and bring it to the viewers,” said the two time Bassmaster Classic Champion. “Along with the nature of the event, I’m looking forward to working with Mike Auten of Commonwealth Productions; Mike is a talented guy who brings a lot of skill to the production.”

PAA President Tim Horton said that he and the rest of the Board of Directors are really excited about having VanDam bring the action to the viewers. “As we thought about the television coverage of the Corporate Cup we wanted to create something that educated our fans and gave them the best understanding about the decisions the anglers will be making.” Horton said about the television broadcast on WFN. “With the best angler in the world breaking down those strategies I believe we will be able to do that.”

The premier of the PAA Corporate Cup presented by OPTIMA® Batteries special one hour television show will air on WFN to more than 20 million households throughout North America starting Thursday November 13th, 2008 at 8:00 PM EST, followed by re-airings on Friday, November 14th and Sunday, November 16th.

About the Corporate Cup presented by OPTIMA® Batteries

The PAA Corporate Cup presented by OPTIMA® Batteries will be held October 9 – 11, 2008 on Alabama’s Pickwick Lake in conjunction with Florence – Lauderdale Tourism. The event will feature a unique format utilizing PAA Tour level members paired with corporate partners sharing the thrill of professional competition. Presented in conjunction with Florence-Lauderdale Tourism, The PAA Corporate Cup will be unlike other Pro-am styled events in that all contestants will be competing for a share of a sizeable purse.

PAA Corporate Cup Sponsor Information:

The PAA Corporate Cup presented by OPTIMA® Batteries is sponsored by OPTIMA® Batteries, T-H Marine ATLAS jack plate, Alabama Mountain Lakes and Florence-Lauderdale Tourism Board.

OPTIMA® BlueTop™, YellowTop™ and RedTop™ batteries are now available through leading battery distributors throughout the globe. Consumers should look for the unique colored top and six-pack design that OPTIMA® is known for throughout the world. OPTIMA® has more than 10,000 dealers nationwide and global distribution; for the nearest retailer, consumers can also call 1-888-8-OPTIMA (1-888-867-8462) or visit www.optimabatteries.com.

T-H Marine Supplies, Inc. has been serving the marine industry since 1975. They are a family owned and operated marine supply manufacturer that takes pride in every product that leaves their factory. They are boaters and fishermen who design products for boaters and fishermen. Find them on the web at: www.thmarine.com

For more on visiting Florence – Lauderdale, Alabama, visit: www.visitflorenceal.com and for Alabama Mountain Lakes click: www.alabamamountainlakes.org.

For more information about the Professional anglers Association or The PAA Corporate Cup presented by OPTIMA® Batteries, visit: www.fishpaa.com.