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The Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence presented its prestigious 2007 awards July 27 in Ontario, Calif. More than 150 industry leaders attended the academy’s ceremony in the Hilton Hotel’s ballroom.
The academy presented awards to 13 companies and one individual, after considering 146 entries in 14 categories and selecting 42 for the final ballot.
The academy’s only individual honor was presented to Ron Coburn, chairman and CEO of Savage Arms. Smith & Wesson was honored with two awards, the Manufacturer of the Year and Handgun of the Year. Ellett Brothers also received two awards, the Distributor of the Year and the Citizenship award.
This year’s final product nominees were selected using stricter screening guidelines announced earlier this year by academy officials.
“Once the academy members cast their votes for the top 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’ as required by the academy.”
During the verification phase, one company withdrew its product from consideration because it did not meet the “in production” requirement, according to Moldé.
“It was the right thing to do. The objective is not to chastise companies, 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.”
During its 16 years, the academy has been praised for its voting process.
“Just making the final ballot is a significant achievement,” Moldé said. “When you consider all the steps a product must go through to reach the final ballot, just making it is quite a feat. There’s something special about being recognized by your peers. All of this year’s nominees should be proud of their accomplishments.”
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.
In keeping with the academy’s tradition, the results of this year’s final vote were held in secret. This awards presentation and reception were held in conjunction with the Shooting Industry Masters.
“For 15 years, we presented the awards in conjunction with the NRA’s annual convention, usually held in April or May. By moving the event to later in the year, the academy had more time to properly consider all the entries and nominees and reinforce the academy’s commitment to the highest standards,” said Russ Thurman, Shooting Industry’s editor, who joined Moldé in presenting this year’s awards |
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Honoring Excellence
Ron Coburn received the Shooting Industry award: “For his determination to transform Savage Arms from a company in bankruptcy to a leading rifle manufacturer. For his wisdom to focus on just one product and make it better than anyone else. For daring to introduce revolutionary new products such as the AccuTrigger, and the astuteness to offer products previously only available through custom gunmakers, such as right-bolt/left-port varmint rifles. For the compassion to become actively involved in such organizations as Paralyzed American Vets and 4-H.”
“Wow, what do you say? I was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland. I didn’t have the opportunities to shoot and hunt that you have in this country,” Coburn said in accepting the award. “I came to America in 1980. My first shotgun, I was 12 years old, was an old Stevens pump 16 gauge with a poly choke. I never dreamed that one day I would have the opportunity to work for that company and ultimately own that company. What a great country.
“It’s a very difficult job turning a dying business around. We — and I say we because I got a lot of help — we have a company and an industry that is second to none. I can’t think of any other industry, period, that I want to be associated with. The soul, health, wealth and opportunity it gives me and my wife, Barbara, who is with me tonight, plus a sense of family, a sense that we can do anything as an industry that we set our minds to. I just want to thank you.”
Smith & Wesson received the Manufacturer of the Year award: “For continued leadership in the industry and protection of the Second Amendment, including supporting at the highest levels the NSSF, NRA, USA Shooting and other associations and sponsorships. For the acquisition of Thompson/Center Arms and the introduction of more than 70 new products, including the M&P45 pistol, shotguns, bolt-action rifles and retro ‘Classics’ revolvers. For selection by the U.S. Government of 73,000 Sigmas and 15,000 restraints for allied forces in the Middle East.”
“This is a really important award to us,” said Mike Golden, president and CEO of Smith & Wesson Holding Co. “We have almost 1,500 employees now and this is a sign that the industry agrees with how we’re trying — make no mistake about it — we’re trying to change the industry. We’re trying to bring the best practices from other industries into the firearms industry. They’re being well received and we really appreciate it, so to the academy, thank you very much. And our employees will love to see this.”
Ellett Brothers was honored with the Distributor of the Year award: “For 73 years of supporting the shooting industry at the national and local level, including support of all National Conservation Groups and the NRA. For promoting and working with local schools and the local Chamber of Commerce, and supporting local fundraisers. For teaming with manufacturers to develop the Homeland Defender product line of tactical firearms, ammunition, chemical sprays and specialty items, which is offered strictly to shooting sports retailers.”
“This award is a tribute to the employees at Ellett Brothers and I want to personally thank the academy, the 500 voting members, for recognizing my team,” said F. Hewitt Grant, Ellett Brothers president and CEO. “Believe it or not, I’ve got the greatest team on earth. If you could see my team at work, they are out to provide the greatest service and provide it for the future of our industry. Thank you very much.”
Ellett Brothers also received the Citizenship Award: “For its leadership in demonstrating to the community how much people in the shooting business care. For raising $30,000 at its fourth consecutive silent auction for the Hunting and Shooting Sports Heritage Fund, bringing four-year donations to the fund totaling $160,000. For continuing its sponsorship of youth hunting and shooting programs in South Carolina, and for continuing its sponsorship of concealed weapons permit courses for the South Carolina senators and representatives.”
“Ellett Brothers is a company that has 218 employees and I have to say each and every one of them are committed, not only to doing a good job for our customers, representing the industry well, but also in supporting the future of our industry,” Grant said.
Smith & Wesson’s M&P45 was named Handgun of the Year.
“Thanks to the academy on behalf of Smith & Wesson. We weren’t the first in developing this type of firearm, but we did it well,” said Leland Nichols, Smith & Wesson, president and COO.
Ruger received the Rifle of the Year award for the Ruger M77 Hawkeye Rifle in .375 Ruger.
“The Ruger M77 Hawkeye represents the culmination of the work of a lot of people,” said Steve Sanetti, Ruger president. “I can’t tell you how happy I am that Steve Hornady won (Ammunition of the Year) for the .375 Ruger cartridge because it was part of the redesign of the Ruger M77 rifle. Steve, thank you so much, we couldn’t have done this without you. And Pat Hogue, who helped us design the stock. We took an older gun, made it current for today and I’m so glad that everyone likes it. I thank all of you for helping make it a success.”
Remington was honored with the Shotgun of the Year award for the Model 105CTi Semiauto.
“Thank you very much. On behalf of all the employees involved in this project, I am very pleased to accept the award and thank the academy for recognizing us,” said Linda Powell, Remington senior P.R. manager.
Hornady was presented the Ammunition of the Year award for the Hornady .375 Ruger.
“You know, you break the logjam, then it just starts flowing your way,” said Steve Hornady, referring to receiving the Ammunition of the Year award for the fourth straight year. “Thank you very much.”
Leupold’s VX-7 Riflescope was honored as the Optic of the Year.
BlackHawk received the Accessory of the Year award for the SERPA Level 3 Light Bearing Holster.
“This is the first time we’ve ever won anything from the academy,” said Chuck Buis, BlackHawk brand manager. “I’m very thrilled to have been one of the people who worked on this product. I really appreciate this. Thank you very much to the academy members. Wait till you see what we do next!”
Crimson Trace’s Model LG405 Lasergrips were named the High-Tech Product of the Year.
“Thank you, academy,” said Lew Danielson, Crimson Trace president. “Thank you to all of our partners who have helped us do this. Thank you especially to the team, the committed people who work at Crimson Trace. This is really an honor.”
Leatherman received the Knife of the Year award for the Charge ALX-6061-T6 Aluminum Multi-Tool.
Streamlight’s Stinger LED was honored as the Specialty Product of the Year.
“Wow. I’ve been privileged that the academy has recognized our company four times now,” said Brad Penney, Streamlight president. “I appreciate the votes of the academy members in recognizing some quality products and I thank you all very much.”
Benchmade received the Safety Product of the Year award for the 10105 ERT-1 Emergency Response Tool.
“Thank you very much to the academy. On behalf of all the employees at Benchmade, I’d just like to say thank you to our owners, Les and Roberta de Asis,” said Doug Pettis, Benchmade, director of sales and marketing.
Final Nominees
The other final nominees for the 2007 awards were:
Shooting Industry Award — Michael F. Golden, Smith & Wesson and Larry Potterfield, MidwayUSA.
Manufacturer of the Year — Hornady Manufacturing and Leupold & Stevens.
Distributor of the Year — RSR Group and Zanders Sporting Goods.
Citizenship Award — MidwayUSA and Streamlight Inc.
Handgun of the Year — Kimber: Desert Warrior .45 ACP and Springfield Armory: EMP (Enhanced Micro Pistol) 1911.
Rifle of the Year — Thompson/Center: Icon Bolt-Action and Winchester: John Wayne 100th Anniversary Model 1892.
Shotgun of the Year — Benelli USA: Cordoba 20-gauge and Smith & Wesson: Elite Gold Side-by-Side.
Ammunition of the Year — Federal Premium: .338 Federal Rifle Cartridge and Winchester Ammunition: Supreme Elite XP3 Sabot Shotgun Slug.
Optic of the Year — Bushnell Outdoor: Yardage Pro Laser Rangefinder Riflescope and Swarovski Optik: Z6 Riflescope.
Accessory of the Year — Caldwell: Lead Sled DFT Shooting Rest and Wheeler Engineering: Firearm Accurizing Torque Wrench Screwdriver.
High-Tech Product of the Year — Bushnell Outdoor Products: ONIX 200 GPS Receiver and Walker’s Game Ear: Tactical Ear III HD+Wireless Communications.
Knife of the Year — Benchmade: Model 745 Mini-DèjáVoo and Cold Steel: Natchez Bowie.
Specialty Product of the Year — Action Target: Evil Roy Portable Steel Practice Target and Birchwood Casey: Big Burst Revealing Targets.
Safety Product of the Year — BlackHawk Products Group: BlackHawk Armor |
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How Does The Academy Of Excellence Work?
“How does the Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence work? Who is the Academy? How do I enter my product for consideration? What are the ‘in production’ guidelines? What are the ‘Standards of Conduct’ we hear you talk about?”
All these questions, and more, are answered on Shooting Industry’s Web site, www.shootingindustry.com. On the home page, click on the “Awards” link near the top of the page. That will take you to the academy’s section. There you may view all of the entries for this year’s awards, all the award recipients since 1992 and download a brochure that outlines the academy’s history, nomination procedure and Standards of Conduct.
If you would like to join the 500 members of the academy to help determine who will receive the 2008 awards, you may complete and submit an online membership application. Note: membership is not automatic; it’s subject to review and approval by the academy’s administrators.
The section also includes a video, hosted by Randy Moldé, the academy’s director, and Russ Thurman, Shooting Industry’s editor, that reviews the academy’s history, entry, nomination and voting procedures, plus a review of the academy’s principles.
“The important declarations set forth more than 16 years ago remain today as the foundation of the most coveted industry honor, the Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence Award,” Moldé said. |
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