ICYMI: Industry News
From July 15–19, 2024
Image: USA High School Clay Target League
2024 USAHSCTL National Champions Crowned
Athletes and teams representing 456 high schools from across the nation participated in the 2024 USA High School Clay Target League National Championship on July 13 and 14. The event was held at the Michigan Trapshooting Association in Mason, Mich., and featured 3,000 athletes participating in team and individual qualifying events, culminating in a final Championship Round that awarded the top 10 male and female athletes and the top five teams in the country.
Brody Lenington of Cedar Vale-Dexter High School (Kansas) won the crown in the final round on Sunday, July 14. He edged out a field of over 1,800 registered other high school students vying for the title of National Champion.
Madelyn Coats of Franklin-Waverly High School (Illinois) claimed the title of the top female clay target shooter in the nation.
Oregon’s Yamhill-Carlton High School won the team title in the event, coming out ahead of 259 other high school clay target teams.
The National Championship was presented by SCHEELS. Additional sponsors included the U.S. Army, Lansing Sports Commission, Ducks Unlimited, Bass Pro/Cabela’s Outdoor Fund, Walker’s, Do-All Outdoors, Mark Zauhar, Friends of NRA, Sportsman’s Guide, GUNS.com, Spandau Arms, Strike Visuals and Winchester.
For more info: highschool.usaclaytarget.com/usahsctl-national-championship/
NSSF & NASGW Analyze Handgun Shipping And Average Shipping Price
NSSF and NASGW announced a partnership to analyze handgun shipping and average shipping price between 2019 and 2024.
Their review found that the “surge” impacted handgun shipping and average shipping prices. Increased demand and manufacturing constraints caused fluctuation in ship quantities and amounts.
The report, containing yearly and quarterly breakdowns, is available for download.
Winchester, White Flyer Celebrate 25 Years Supporting Kids & Clays
Winchester and White Flyer are celebrating 25 years of supporting the Kids & Clays Foundations and their efforts to raise money for participating Ronald McDonald House Charities Chapters (RMHC) through shooting sports.
Each year, Winchester and White Flyer donate thousands of dollars of ammunition and merchandise to support nearly 50 Kids & Clays events, with the local RMHC keeping 100% of the net proceeds from each event.
What started as tens of thousands of dollars annually in fundraising has grown exponentially, with 2023 setting a record high of nearly $3.6 million to help critically ill children from coast to coast.
“Our long-standing commitment — 25 years — as a major ammunition supporter to Kids & Clays is extremely important,” said Brett Flaugher, president of Winchester Ammunition. “We are proud that our brand of more than 150 years is associated with organizations like Kids & Clays and that we can help further their mission.”
Since their first event in 1999, the Kids & Clays Foundation has generated more than $36 million through sporting clays, trap and skeet events. More importantly, participation in the events hosted and facilitated by Kids & Clays has raised awareness for Ronald McDonald House Charity Chapters among tens of thousands of shooters, while assisting hundreds of thousands of families served by Ronald McDonald Houses.
Robert Crow, White Flyer sales director, said, “Kids & Clays has formed a unique bond with our industry, introducing non-shooters and new shooters to shooting sports participation to raise funds for charity. Their mission is easily supported by all at White Flyer, and we can’t think of a better place to dedicate our efforts.”
For more info: winchester.com, whiteflyer.com, kidsandclays.com, rmhc.org
Blue Payment Agency Launches Knife-Friendly Payment Gateways For Shopify Websites
Blue Payment Agency Inc. has launched specialized knife-friendly payment gateways for Shopify websites. This new program provides seamless and secure payment processing solutions for Shopify merchants selling knives, collectible swords and other bladed weapons.
“Feedback from clients over the past year has been clear,” said Alex Roy, president of Blue Payment Agency. “There is a significant need for knife-friendly credit card processing, particularly for Shopify merchants. Our new blade-focused Authorize.Net merchant accounts for Shopify are underwritten specifically for knives and other bladed weapons like swords, ensuring a stable and reliable payment processing experience.”
Blue Payment Agency, established in 2014, has built its reputation on expertise in high-risk payment processing, particularly in regulated categories. The company utilizes high-risk merchant accounts explicitly approved for selling knives and other bladed weapons, paired with the easily integrated Authorize.Net payment gateway. This combination allows knife and blade merchants to enjoy straightforward, low-stress online payment acceptance using the native Shopify shopping cart.
Blue Payment Agency offers one-on-one application, setup and integration assistance at no additional charge.
“Although our clients can apply, upload documents and integrate their payment processing online themselves, we also offer personalized support to ensure everything is set up correctly,” added Roy. “Our team is available by phone and email throughout the process, and we even offer screen-sharing sessions to assist with our Shopify and Authorize.Net integrations. This comprehensive support helps reduce errors and eliminates stress for our clients.”
For more info: bluepaymentagency.com/shopify-payment-gateways-for-knives-and-blades
SAAMI Auction Supports USA Shooting & ChildSafe
The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI) announced its recent silent auction raised $29,175 for the USA Shooting Team and Project ChildSafe. The auction began on June 13th and featured a highly sought-after Infinity 100 Thermal Monocular donated by X-Vision Optics.
X-Vision Optics’ contribution of the Infinity 100 Thermal Monocular, known for its advanced imaging capabilities and durable design, was a standout item in the auction, drawing significant interest and competitive bids. The success of this auction underscores the community’s commitment to supporting shooting sports and firearm safety.
“We are proud to support such important initiatives through our donation,” said Mari Bodensteiner, director of marketing at X-Vision Optics. “The Infinity 100 Thermal Monocular is designed for excellence, and we are delighted to see it help raise funds for the USA Shooting Team and Project ChildSafe.”
For more info: saami.org
