2008 Academy of Excellence Award Nominees Announced


The Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence has announced the final nominations for its 2008 awards. The academy considered 150 entries in 14 categories before selecting 43 for the final ballot.

The academy is now considering the nominees for the prestigious awards, which will be announced July 25 at the Marriott Hartford/Windsor in Windsor, Conn.
This year’s final nominees were selected using stricter screening guidelines first introduced last year by academy officials.

“Once the academy members selected the top three entries in each category, manufacturers had 10 days to submit their products for verification to ensure that the items actually exist,” said Randy Moldé, academy director. “This new requirement validates that the products making the final ballot really are ‘in production’.”

“The objective is not to burden companies with another requirement, but to reinforce the already strong integrity of the academy,” Moldé said. “We are dedicated to ensuring the awards are held in the highest esteem.”

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 500 industry executives, gun dealers and outdoor writers. They vote twice for each award, first to consider all entries in the 14 categories and then to determine who will receive the awards.

This year’s awards presentation and reception will be held in conjunction with the Shooting Industry Masters.

“The teaming of two important industry events turned out to be a very popular move. The academy has more time to properly consider all the entries and nominees, and this reinforces the academy’s commitment to the highest standards,” said Russ Thurman, Shooting Industry’s editor, who will join Moldé in presenting the awards.

Academy membership is limited to two individuals per industry-related company. If you’d like to help select the 2008 awards click here to go to the membership application page. Advertising or public relations agents and their employees are not eligible to join the academy.

Accessory of the Year
Firearm related products:
cases, cleaning products, holsters, fixed sights, frames, mounts,
reloading equipment and tools.

High-Tech Product of the Year
Radios, rangefinders, software, etc.

Specialty Product of the Year
Non-firearm related products:
Air guns, archery equipment, clothing, outdoor equipment.

Safety Product of the Year
Safes, safety devices, eye and ear protection.

Optic of the Year
Scopes, binoculars and laser sights.

Handgun of the Year
Innovative model, caliber or design characteristics.

Rifle of the Year
Innovative model, caliber or design characteristics.

Shotgun of the Year
Innovative model, gauge or design characteristics.

Knife of the Year
Including knives and specialty pocket tools.

Ammunition of the Year
Bullets, cartridges, shot shells, powders.

*Citizenship Award
A company or dealership that most exemplifies the traits of service to the community through contributions, donations or volunteer hours.

*Distributor of the Year
For outstanding contribution to the industry through customer service,
product knowledge and sales support.

*Manufacturer of the Year
For outstanding contribution to the industry through product design, sales
and customer support.

*Shooting Industry Award
Individuals who have made valuable contributions to the shooting industry
through product design, industry representation or marketing expertise.

*Nominations for these awards must include detailed justification as to why
the individual or company deserves to be recognized by the academy.

>> Download History and Entry Guidelines <<
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>> Download Entry Form <<
(.pdf file Acrobat Reader required)

Publishers’ Development Corp. in conjunction with Shooting Industry Magazine owns all rights to the Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence name, award and contest.