ICYMI: Industry News From
July 5–9, 2021
NSSF Hitting Airwaves To Urge “NO” Vote On David Chipman For ATF
The NSSF is making its first-ever television commercial debut in a spot that is urging U.S. senators to oppose President Joe Biden’s nomination of David Chipman for director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
The television ad spots will appear in West Virginia and Maine.
“This is monumental for NSSF and it speaks to the importance the firearm industry places on protecting the 342,330 jobs and $63.5 billion economic impact this industry provides,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF SVP and general counsel. “David Chipman’s nomination is clearly a move to politicize the ATF. We’re now taking our opposition to the public to remind their senators that Chipman’s nomination is a threat to jobs, revenue and not the least – the ability of law-abiding citizens to exercise their God-given Second Amendment rights.”
Chipman proposed to Congress that the ATF abuse its authority by punishing gun owners with a penalizing mandatory tax, registration, fingerprints and photo submission and notification of chief law enforcement officers. He also told senators that law-abiding gun owners are criminals in waiting and advocated they be arrested for “pre-crimes.”
Chipman’s hostility for gun owners is well-documented. He’s a paid gun control lobbyist who works for Giffords gun control group and has advised antigun billionaire Michael Bloomberg’s gun control group Everytown for Gun Safety. May 26, Chipman testified before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee that he would ban the most popular-selling semiautomatic centerfire rifle in America — the AR-15 — with over 20 million already in circulation, despite his inability to define it as what he terms an “assault weapon.”
View NSSF’s ad here: https://youtu.be/-TOPivHEVJA.
For more info: nssf.org/government-relations
Streamlight Marks 13 Years Of Breast Cancer Research Support
Last year, Streamlight Inc. donated $22,000 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), a not-for-profit organization seeking to prevent and cure breast cancer.
Each year, Streamlight donates the proceeds from sales of the pink Nano Light key chain light, the pink Siege AA ultra-compact lantern, and the pink Strion LED tactical light. For each of the lights, Streamlight donates $1.00, $2.00, and $5.00, respectively.
“Our commitment to BCRF is steadfast, as we count a number of Streamlight employees among those who are breast cancer survivors,” said Michael F. Dineen, Streamlight VP, sales and marketing. “Streamlight is proud to support BCRF, which is the highest-rated breast cancer charity in the U.S.”
This marked Streamlight’s 13th year of support for the organization. In 2008, the company’s management team decided to create a line of pink flashlights and donate the proceeds to BCRF. Given the tight-knit company culture, the team wanted to contribute in some way to finding new treatments for the disease.
According to 2021 BCRF estimates, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every two minutes. More than 43,000 women and 500 men will die from the disease this year. Because of research conducted by organizations like BCRF, deaths from breast cancer have decreased by 41% since 1989.
For more info: streamlight.com, bcrf.org.
ERGO Launches “ERGO On The Go” Networking Program
“ERGO On The Go” is helping to bring one-on-one support, new product demonstrations and marketing opportunities to its family of local ERGO retailers. Xavier O’Connell, ERGO marketing rep, will head up the new program — which aims to visit ERGO resellers in New Mexico and surrounding areas starting this summer.
“The goal of the program is to bring live demonstrations and support of ERGO products right in your store. ERGO ON THE GO offers an opportunity to learn more about the latest ERGO developments and help promote your small businesses through ERGO’s social media,” the company said in a press release.
ERGO also announced this program will be featured at the NRA Annual Meeting in September (Houston), as well as the NASGW Expo in October (Columbus, Ohio).
Existing retailers who would like more information or schedule a visit should contact O’Connel at xoconnell@ergogrips.net.
For more info: ergogripsdealer.com.
Christensen Arms Partners With Artist For RMEF Fundraiser
Christensen Arms has partnered with nationally recognized artist, Dolan Geiman, to support conservation and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF).
Dolan used recycled metal materials and carbon fiber collected by employees from Christensen Arms’ manufacturing facility to create a sculpture of the Christensen Arms “Ram”, called High Country King. The sculpture was comprised of 90% carbon fiber and other mixed-media materials. Christensen Arms and Dolan auctioned off the sculpture to the highest bidder starting on June 23, 2021 and ended on June 26. The minimum bid started at $3,900 including shipping. The successful bidder was Andre Ost, of Denver.
One hundred percent the proceeds will be donated to RMEF to help support its efforts in land access and wildlife management.
“We’re very excited to have raised $10,000 from Dolan’s ‘High Country King’ Ram,” said Meredith McCaskill, Christensen Arms VP of marketing. “This project was very rewarding and we look forward to more of the same, as well as expanding upon our partnership with RMEF.”
For more info: christensenarms.com, rmef.org.
