Thanks everyone for your input. I've been into fish in and around this area since I was 9 (now 28). I never really posted much on the different forums or attend some of the meetings (so I do partially blame myself for not doing a better job at supporting the local scene when I was a bit younger). Now seeing all the other regions in our country have such booming scenes, I just wanted to get a conversation going to see if we can identify and maybe reverse this pattern we have been seeing.
I also a completely agree that there have been many positive steps taken in this area. And forums like this one are the reason why.
So what do you think we can actively start to do to grow this awesome hobby? I know we all can't collectively own a fish store (though that would be cool, huh?).
I might just be out of the loop, but do we have a monthly or every other month meetup? Or a tank tour where different members go to different user's house and check out their tank's and talk about the hobby?
I know it shows that I am a novice poster on here, but I have been pretty successful for some time in fresh and saltwater. If anyone has an ideas on how I can personally help, I would be all for it! I have came to realize I want to be more active in our scene.
Honestly, thanks again for all your feedback. Seeing the feedback this has gotten in the last 24 hours brings hope in itself!
Mick