02-05-2006, 12:58 PM
Academy Of Excellence Selects Final Nominees
By Russ Thurman, Editor
The Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence has released the final nominations for its 2006 awards. The academy considered 164 potential nominees in 14 categories before selecting 42 for the final ballot.
Established in 1992, the academy is sponsored by FMG Publications, publisher of Shooting Industry, GUNS, American Handgunner and American COP magazines. However, no one at the publisher is permitted to vote.
The voting power is held exclusively by the academy, which includes 470 industry executives, gun dealers and outdoor writers. They vote twice for each award, first in the potential-nominee round and then to determine who will receive the awards.
In keeping with the academy’s tradition, the results of this year’s final vote will be held in secret and announced at the academy’s annual reception, this year to be held on May 19 in Milwaukee, Wis.
This year’s final ballot has a number of firsts, according to Randy Moldé, academy director.
“We have an unusually high number of companies with multiple nominees,” Moldé said. “ATK is nominated for Manufacturer of the Year and then it has three additional nominees, with Federal Ammunition and Champion. Smith & Wesson is nominated in three categories, including Rifle of the Year, which is a first for the company. SureFire is also nominated for three awards. This year, first-time nominees are Lipsey’s and Woolrich.”
Moldé also noted there were a higher than normal number of potential nominees for the Shooting Industry Award, and the Manufacturer, Distributor and Citizenship Awards.
“The academy really had a challenge in determining who would make the final ballot,” Moldé said. “It’s tough to make it this far and all the companies and individuals can be proud to have made it to the final round of voting. For academy members, their challenge continues as they consider who will receive this year’s awards.”
To view whom the academy considered in the first round of balloting, visit http://www.shootingindustry.com, click on the academy’s logo in the upper-left corner of the home page and then click on “2006 Pre-Nominees.”
The 2006 final nominees are:
Shooting Industry Award
• Frank Brownell, Brownells: For working to guarantee the future of our industry by supporting colleges with gunsmithing programs and contributing to the NSSF Heritage Fund. For funding the NRA Summer Youth Shooting Camp with $500,000 and the Law Enforcement Patrol Rifle Instructor Development Program with $253,000. And for supporting law enforcement by opening the company’s training room and range to area agencies at no charge.
• Richard Lipsey, Lipsey’s: For 45 years of continued dedication to the shooting industry through active involvement in national and local, civic and charitable activities. For guiding the NASGW as chairman of the board in offering more dealer services and industry involvement, and his tireless assistance to Hurricane Katrina and Rita victims through rescue and recovery efforts. For leading a company that was honored in 2005 for its integrity.
• Larry Potterfield, Midway USA: For continued dedication to the preservation of the rights of gun owners through the formation of NRA/ILA endowment programs. For starting the NRA Roundup program in 1992, which has raised $3 million dollars for NRA programs and the protection of the Second Amendment. Also for introducing television viewers to guns and the shooting sports through “GunTec TV.”
Frank Brownell, Brownells Richard Lipsey, Lipsey’s Larry Potterfield, Midway USA
Manufacturer of the Year
• ATK: For implementing a progressive dealer program and support system in Premium Partners; for new product innovation in the combined Shotshell Revolution technologies, Fusion rifle brand, Gunslick, Shooters Ridge and RCBS brand positioning and product introductions. And for investing in the future of hunting and shooting sports through 4-H, NSSF and multiple conservation group royalty programs.
• Savage Arms: For continuing to pioneer new, innovative products and technologies to completely reinvent and define the Savage/Stevens brand. For providing the best American-made quality at a reasonable price in an increasingly difficult market. For fostering and maintaining a workplace culture that expects every employee to be responsive to the consumer’s needs. For continuing to improve its manufacturing processes and offer revolutionary features.
• Smith & Wesson: For a continuing commitment to manufacture 100-percent, American-made firearms. For introducing 43 new products, including the M&P pistol and M&P15 tactical rifle. For responding to consumer demand with the re-introduction of the Model 29, Model 21 and Model 22. For continued support of shooting sports with programs such as NSSF’s First Shots and Step Outside, as well as many women’s and youth shooting sponsorships.
Distributor of the Year
• AcuSport Corp.: For continued distributor-to-dealer modernization via consultative selling and efficient, profitable retail solutions, and an unparalleled delivery service guarantee. For over 40 years of unceasing support of the shooting sports industry through the NSSF, NRA and Hunting and Shooting Sports Heritage Fund, and as premier representative in the “Give-A-Day” program.
• Ellett Brothers: For its continuous support of the firearm industry and its innovative service to gun dealers. In 2005, Ellett Brothers contributed $35,000 to the Hunting and Shooting Sports Heritage Fund, money raised during its 2005 Dealer Show. In all, Ellett Brothers has contributed more than $130,000 to the Heritage Fund.
• RSR Group: For it ongoing commitment to the preservation of the shooting sports industry by supporting the NSSF, NRA and the Hunting and Shooting Sports Heritage Fund and the Hunting Heritage Trust’s “Give-A-Day for Years to Come” program. For introducing new concepts, such as the RSR E-Show, the first-ever shooting sports industry virtual trade show and the RSR E-Vault.
Citizenship Award
• Ellett Brothers: For contributing 10 percent of its profits from September 2005 sales to Hurricane Katrina relief efforts and challenging vendors, customers and competitors to make similar donations. Also for supporting American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life program through planning committees, fundraising efforts and matching contributions.
• Galco: For the “Holsters for Heroes” program. This two-for-one donation program puts free Galco shoulder holsters in the hands of armed forces personnel deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan.
• Lipsey’s: For its extraordinary involvement and contributions to Baton Rouge, surrounding communities and the state of Louisiana. During Hurricane Katrina, Lipsey’s opened its warehouse for use as a relief staging area, donated 19 handguns to the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Department and spear-headed search and rescue operations. Following Hurricane Rita, Lipsey’s organized a relief fund for families. Throughout 2005, Lipsey’s supported fundraisers for a variety of organizations and was instrumental in establishing the Louisiana Sportsmen’s Caucus.
Handgun of the Year
• Ruger: Super Redhawk Alaskan Revolver
• Smith & Wesson: M&P .40 S&W Pistol
• Springfield: XD .45 ACP
Rifle of the Year
• Marlin: 336XLR .30/30 designed for Hornady’s LEVERevolution
• Ruger: M77 Mark II Frontier rifle
• Smith & Wesson: M&P15 .223 Semiauto Rifle
Shotgun of the Year
• Benelli: Super NOVA Pump-Action Shotgun with ComforTech
• Beretta: 3901 Target RL 12-Gauge for Youth/Smaller-Stature Shooters
• Remington: Model 1100 Competition
Ammunition of the Year
• Federal: Fusion Ammunition
• Hornady: LEVERevolution Spire-Pointed, Flex-Tip Cartridges
• Winchester: XP3 bullet
Optic of the Year
• Burris: LaserScope Laser Rangefinding Riflescope
• Leupold: VX-L Riflescope with concave objective lens
• Swarovski: Habicht PVI-2 HIGH GRID riflescope with BE 4 Digital illumination
Accessory of the Year
• Stoney Point: PoleCat Rapid Pivot Monopod Attachment
• Streamlight: TLR-1 Tactical Rail Light
• SureFire: M83 Picatinny Rail for Kalashnikov Rifles
High-Tech Product of the Year
• Crimson Trace: G-Series Lasergrips for Glock
• Federal Premium: Online Ballistics Catalog
• Swarovski: Laser Guide 8x30 Rangefinding Instrument and Monocular
Knife of the Year
• Benchmade: Model 610 Rukus Blackwood Folding Knife
• Cold Steel: Black Sable Folding Knife
• Leatherman: Model e306x Folding Knife
Specialty Product of the Year
• Champion: VisiColor High-Visibility Paper Targets
• SureFire: Kroma Flashlight Multi-level Multi-Color LED for Hunters
• Woolrich Inc.: Elite Series Tactical Wear
Safety Product of the Year
• SureFire: Fox Ears Digitally Regulated Inside-The-Ear Canal Hearing Device
• TruckVault: Extreme Series All-Weather Secure Storage System
• Walker’s Game Ear: Digital HD-2 Amplification/Hearing Protection
shootingindustry
Mvh
Kim
Jeg er ikke fejlfri,men det er så tæt på at det skræmmer mig.
By Russ Thurman, Editor
The Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence has released the final nominations for its 2006 awards. The academy considered 164 potential nominees in 14 categories before selecting 42 for the final ballot.
Established in 1992, the academy is sponsored by FMG Publications, publisher of Shooting Industry, GUNS, American Handgunner and American COP magazines. However, no one at the publisher is permitted to vote.
The voting power is held exclusively by the academy, which includes 470 industry executives, gun dealers and outdoor writers. They vote twice for each award, first in the potential-nominee round and then to determine who will receive the awards.
In keeping with the academy’s tradition, the results of this year’s final vote will be held in secret and announced at the academy’s annual reception, this year to be held on May 19 in Milwaukee, Wis.
This year’s final ballot has a number of firsts, according to Randy Moldé, academy director.
“We have an unusually high number of companies with multiple nominees,” Moldé said. “ATK is nominated for Manufacturer of the Year and then it has three additional nominees, with Federal Ammunition and Champion. Smith & Wesson is nominated in three categories, including Rifle of the Year, which is a first for the company. SureFire is also nominated for three awards. This year, first-time nominees are Lipsey’s and Woolrich.”
Moldé also noted there were a higher than normal number of potential nominees for the Shooting Industry Award, and the Manufacturer, Distributor and Citizenship Awards.
“The academy really had a challenge in determining who would make the final ballot,” Moldé said. “It’s tough to make it this far and all the companies and individuals can be proud to have made it to the final round of voting. For academy members, their challenge continues as they consider who will receive this year’s awards.”
To view whom the academy considered in the first round of balloting, visit http://www.shootingindustry.com, click on the academy’s logo in the upper-left corner of the home page and then click on “2006 Pre-Nominees.”
The 2006 final nominees are:
Shooting Industry Award
• Frank Brownell, Brownells: For working to guarantee the future of our industry by supporting colleges with gunsmithing programs and contributing to the NSSF Heritage Fund. For funding the NRA Summer Youth Shooting Camp with $500,000 and the Law Enforcement Patrol Rifle Instructor Development Program with $253,000. And for supporting law enforcement by opening the company’s training room and range to area agencies at no charge.
• Richard Lipsey, Lipsey’s: For 45 years of continued dedication to the shooting industry through active involvement in national and local, civic and charitable activities. For guiding the NASGW as chairman of the board in offering more dealer services and industry involvement, and his tireless assistance to Hurricane Katrina and Rita victims through rescue and recovery efforts. For leading a company that was honored in 2005 for its integrity.
• Larry Potterfield, Midway USA: For continued dedication to the preservation of the rights of gun owners through the formation of NRA/ILA endowment programs. For starting the NRA Roundup program in 1992, which has raised $3 million dollars for NRA programs and the protection of the Second Amendment. Also for introducing television viewers to guns and the shooting sports through “GunTec TV.”
Frank Brownell, Brownells Richard Lipsey, Lipsey’s Larry Potterfield, Midway USA
Manufacturer of the Year
• ATK: For implementing a progressive dealer program and support system in Premium Partners; for new product innovation in the combined Shotshell Revolution technologies, Fusion rifle brand, Gunslick, Shooters Ridge and RCBS brand positioning and product introductions. And for investing in the future of hunting and shooting sports through 4-H, NSSF and multiple conservation group royalty programs.
• Savage Arms: For continuing to pioneer new, innovative products and technologies to completely reinvent and define the Savage/Stevens brand. For providing the best American-made quality at a reasonable price in an increasingly difficult market. For fostering and maintaining a workplace culture that expects every employee to be responsive to the consumer’s needs. For continuing to improve its manufacturing processes and offer revolutionary features.
• Smith & Wesson: For a continuing commitment to manufacture 100-percent, American-made firearms. For introducing 43 new products, including the M&P pistol and M&P15 tactical rifle. For responding to consumer demand with the re-introduction of the Model 29, Model 21 and Model 22. For continued support of shooting sports with programs such as NSSF’s First Shots and Step Outside, as well as many women’s and youth shooting sponsorships.
Distributor of the Year
• AcuSport Corp.: For continued distributor-to-dealer modernization via consultative selling and efficient, profitable retail solutions, and an unparalleled delivery service guarantee. For over 40 years of unceasing support of the shooting sports industry through the NSSF, NRA and Hunting and Shooting Sports Heritage Fund, and as premier representative in the “Give-A-Day” program.
• Ellett Brothers: For its continuous support of the firearm industry and its innovative service to gun dealers. In 2005, Ellett Brothers contributed $35,000 to the Hunting and Shooting Sports Heritage Fund, money raised during its 2005 Dealer Show. In all, Ellett Brothers has contributed more than $130,000 to the Heritage Fund.
• RSR Group: For it ongoing commitment to the preservation of the shooting sports industry by supporting the NSSF, NRA and the Hunting and Shooting Sports Heritage Fund and the Hunting Heritage Trust’s “Give-A-Day for Years to Come” program. For introducing new concepts, such as the RSR E-Show, the first-ever shooting sports industry virtual trade show and the RSR E-Vault.
Citizenship Award
• Ellett Brothers: For contributing 10 percent of its profits from September 2005 sales to Hurricane Katrina relief efforts and challenging vendors, customers and competitors to make similar donations. Also for supporting American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life program through planning committees, fundraising efforts and matching contributions.
• Galco: For the “Holsters for Heroes” program. This two-for-one donation program puts free Galco shoulder holsters in the hands of armed forces personnel deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan.
• Lipsey’s: For its extraordinary involvement and contributions to Baton Rouge, surrounding communities and the state of Louisiana. During Hurricane Katrina, Lipsey’s opened its warehouse for use as a relief staging area, donated 19 handguns to the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Department and spear-headed search and rescue operations. Following Hurricane Rita, Lipsey’s organized a relief fund for families. Throughout 2005, Lipsey’s supported fundraisers for a variety of organizations and was instrumental in establishing the Louisiana Sportsmen’s Caucus.
Handgun of the Year
• Ruger: Super Redhawk Alaskan Revolver
• Smith & Wesson: M&P .40 S&W Pistol
• Springfield: XD .45 ACP
Rifle of the Year
• Marlin: 336XLR .30/30 designed for Hornady’s LEVERevolution
• Ruger: M77 Mark II Frontier rifle
• Smith & Wesson: M&P15 .223 Semiauto Rifle
Shotgun of the Year
• Benelli: Super NOVA Pump-Action Shotgun with ComforTech
• Beretta: 3901 Target RL 12-Gauge for Youth/Smaller-Stature Shooters
• Remington: Model 1100 Competition
Ammunition of the Year
• Federal: Fusion Ammunition
• Hornady: LEVERevolution Spire-Pointed, Flex-Tip Cartridges
• Winchester: XP3 bullet
Optic of the Year
• Burris: LaserScope Laser Rangefinding Riflescope
• Leupold: VX-L Riflescope with concave objective lens
• Swarovski: Habicht PVI-2 HIGH GRID riflescope with BE 4 Digital illumination
Accessory of the Year
• Stoney Point: PoleCat Rapid Pivot Monopod Attachment
• Streamlight: TLR-1 Tactical Rail Light
• SureFire: M83 Picatinny Rail for Kalashnikov Rifles
High-Tech Product of the Year
• Crimson Trace: G-Series Lasergrips for Glock
• Federal Premium: Online Ballistics Catalog
• Swarovski: Laser Guide 8x30 Rangefinding Instrument and Monocular
Knife of the Year
• Benchmade: Model 610 Rukus Blackwood Folding Knife
• Cold Steel: Black Sable Folding Knife
• Leatherman: Model e306x Folding Knife
Specialty Product of the Year
• Champion: VisiColor High-Visibility Paper Targets
• SureFire: Kroma Flashlight Multi-level Multi-Color LED for Hunters
• Woolrich Inc.: Elite Series Tactical Wear
Safety Product of the Year
• SureFire: Fox Ears Digitally Regulated Inside-The-Ear Canal Hearing Device
• TruckVault: Extreme Series All-Weather Secure Storage System
• Walker’s Game Ear: Digital HD-2 Amplification/Hearing Protection
shootingindustry
Mvh
Kim
Jeg er ikke fejlfri,men det er så tæt på at det skræmmer mig.