ICYMI: Industry News
From May 13–17, 2024
NSSF Real Solutions Brings Gun Safety To Times Square
NSSF is bringing the “Real Solutions. Safer Communities” message to New York City’s Times Square. Firearm safety messages will be displayed on a digital billboard throughout the summer to spread the message of proven firearm-industry programs to New York City. The three-month campaign, launched in May, will broadcast rotating video public awareness messages during the peak tourist events, including Fleet Week, Memorial Day, Independence Day, the Belmont Stakes and the U.S. Open Tennis tournament, among other Big Apple celebrations.
New York lawmakers restricted Time Square as a “gun-free zone” following the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark Bruen decision. However, it is not stopping NSSF from bringing the firearm safety message to all parts of America. Firearm safety is a universal message and NSSF’s Real Solutions. Safer Communities campaign includes award-winning programs and partnerships with law enforcement that have proven to save lives.
“Broadcasting our Real Solutions message in Times Square is a tremendous opportunity to advance true gun safety,” said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF president and CEO. “There isn’t a part of this nation that we won’t go to bring proven and effective programs that we know save lives. The Real Solutions message is that the firearm industry is invested in strategies to save lives while respecting the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens. More importantly, the messenger matters. These are proven life-saving safety initiatives and we want to get those messages to everyone on America – from Main Street, U.S.A. to Times Square.”
The Real Solutions. Safer Communities family of safety programs include: Project ChildSafe, Operation Secure Store, Don’t Lie for the Other Guy, FixNICS and Suicide Prevention.
For more info: nssf.org
Beretta Selects Topple For Digital Advertising In Europe & UK
Beretta announced a strategic collaboration with Topple Ad Network to accelerate its digital advertising growth into key markets within Europe and the United Kingdom. This partnership signifies Beretta’s proactive and first-moving approach toward expanding its digital reach and solidifying its presence in key markets. With Topple, Beretta aims to enhance its brand visibility and connect with its target audience effectively.
Founded in 2020, Topple has swiftly risen to prominence in the digital advertising realm, particularly within industries labeled as “restricted” by other major advertising platforms.
Beretta’s Head of Marketing, Alessandro Acerbis, stated, “Topple’s expertise in data-driven targeting aligns with our goals, helping us reach sports enthusiasts across Europe and the United Kingdom.”
Brian Aitken, CEO of Topple, shared, “We’ve already made significant headway in these markets and initial forecasts estimate that 5-to-8% of this year’s annual revenue will come from Europe and the United Kingdom alone.”
For more info: wearetopple.com
Pass It On - Outdoor Mentors Partners With onX Hunt
Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors has partnered with onX Hunt to equip the next generation in the outdoors and advance their mission to empower youth in the outdoors.
“We are very thankful for the support from onX Hunt,” said CEO Brittany French. “With their support, we can empower young people through outdoor experiences and mentorship. With their generosity, we will be able to provide free memberships to youth participants, volunteer mentors and landowners to help break barriers to the outdoors.”
“Outdoor mentorship has such an important impact on young hunters’ and anglers’ experience in the field,” said onX Hunt and Fish General Manager, Cliff Cancelosi. “It not only increases their success, but it helps foster a long-term love of the sport and builds the next generation of adventurers who can carry on that tradition. We’re proud to support Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors and their goal of providing outdoor opportunities for kids across the Midwest.”
For more info: outdoormentors.org
Lipsey’s Contributes $25,000 To Protect Liberty PAC
The NSSF’s Protect Liberty Political Action Committee (Protect Liberty PAC) received a $25,000 contribution from Lipsey’s that will be utilized to help identify and support the election of candidates who are dedicated to preserving and protecting liberty, freedom and the constitutional rights of all Americans, especially our Second Amendment rights.
The contribution will benefit Protect Liberty PAC’s efforts ahead of the November 2024 election to ensure voters in key battleground states and congressional districts across the country are informed about candidates who will fight for their Constitutional rights and not carry out a “woke,” progressive, far left political agenda that threatens those rights.
“With just six months to go before Election Day 2024, Lipsey’s is stepping forward and leading in a major way to ensure the firearm and ammunition industry has the resources necessary to support and defend the principles and constitutional rights we all hold dear against politicians who would dismantle them. We are extremely grateful for this generous contribution and for Lipsey’s belief in Protect Liberty PAC’s mission to elect candidates who will fight for our liberties and freedoms, including the Second Amendment,” said Lawrence G. Keane Protect Liberty PAC’s treasurer.
Laurie Aronson, Lipsey’s chairwoman and CEO, shared, “We have hundreds of thousands of hardworking Americans in our businesses and towns who show up every day to help provide for the exercise of the Second Amendment by law-abiding citizens. Protect Liberty PAC is a much-needed effort to help elect politicians who stand up for our Second Amendment rights and ensure they exist for future generations.”
For more info: protectlibertypac.com
Shoot United’s “Straight Shooter” Profile Introduces National African American Gun Assoc.
Shoot United launched its latest “Straight Shooter” profile introducing Phillip Smith, founder and president of the National African American Gun Association (NAAGA).
Phillip Smith started NAAGA in 2015 to create a community and provide a network for all African American firearm owners, gun clubs and outdoor enthusiasts. The goal of the NAAGA is to educate and train their community on the rich legacy of gun ownership of African Americans, offering education, training, support, safety standards and cultural inspiration. In less than a decade, NAAGA has grown to 45,000 national members and more than 100 chapters across the U.S.
“The community Phillip Smith and the National African American Gun Association have created promotes education and excitement in responsible firearm ownership and training,” said Jason Gilbertson, director of marketing for Shoot United. “Through the power of community, NAAGA is sharing the positivity of shooting with people of all walks of life throughout the country.”
The “Straight Shooter” video series, presented by Shoot United, explores the human element of the shooting sports. Millions of firearm owners have been positively impacted by the shooting sports and Shoot United serves as a resource to share those stories.
For more info: shootunited.com
Colt CZ Group SE Closes Acquisition Of Sellier & Bellot
Colt CZ Group SE announced it has successfully closed on its acquisition of 100% interest in Sellier & Bellot a.s.
Colt CZ acquired 100% of the shares of Sellier & Bellot for the combination of the cash consideration in the amount of $350 million and a new issue of 13,476,440 of Colt CZ common shares. The total acquisition price equals to $703 million in total, excluding net debt of Sellier & Bellot.
The selling company CBC Europe S.à r.l. (“CBC”) therefore gained a 27.71% stake in the share capital of Colt CZ Group. New shares were issued on May 16, 2024, and Sellier & Bellot entered into the Group’s consolidation on May 16, 2024.
The acquisition was financed through a combination of Colt CZ Group’s existing cash resources and debt financing via bank loans maturing in 2029.
The company expects the CBC representative to take a seat on the Colt CZ Supervisory Board after the co-optation and subsequent election by the General Meeting of shareholders. Radek Musil, CEO of Sellier & Bellot will be elected as a member of the board of directors of Colt CZ with responsibility for the ammunition segment. No further changes in the management of Sellier & Bellot are currently planned.
For more info: coltczgroup.com
Celerant & Sezzle Open "Buy Now, Pay Later" Integration For Sportsman Retailers At POS
Celerant Technology announced additional integration functionalities with Sezzle, a “Certified B Corp” BNPL solution that empowers shoppers to shop and options to split payments over set periods of time. Already available for Celerant’s eCommerce platform, the expanded option allows retailers to offer customers “buy now, pay later” options when checking out at the point of sale, in-store.
Paul Paradis, co-founder and chief revenue officer at Sezzle said, “Expanding into both online and in-store environments aligns with our mission to provide flexible payment options that enhance the shopping experience for consumers.”
Tactical retailers using Celerant’s eCommerce solutions can already offer customers options for “pay-in-2” and “pay-in-4.” Now, Celerant has added a direct API integration facilitating the same “buy now, pay later” options in-store. There is no additional fee for retailers who want to implement the integration at their point of sale inside the store; it simply needs to be activated by contacting Celerant and Sezzle.
For more info: celerant.com/sezzle
AG Composites Now ISO 9001 Certified
AG Composites, manufacturer of composite rifle stocks, has achieved ISO 9001 certification, further solidifying its commitment to delivering top-quality products to its customers.
ISO 9001 certification is a prestigious credential that recognizes a company’s adherence to stringent quality process standards set by the International Standards Organization (ISO).
“Customer satisfaction has always been at the forefront of our business philosophy,” said Matt Tandy, AG Composites owner. “By obtaining ISO 9001 certification, we are reinforcing our commitment to providing our customers with the highest level of quality and service. This certification also sets a high standard for our employees, who play a crucial role in our ongoing success.”
AG Composites, founded in 2014, initially focused on manufacturing composite rifle stocks. Over the years, the company expanded its product line to include bottom metals, rails, accessories and world-class fiberglass stocks.
For more info: agcomposites.com
