ICYMI: Industry News From Nov. 8–12, 2021
NSSF President and CEO Joe Bartozzi addresses Albuquerque leaders during a
press event to mark the yearlong "Project ChildSafe Albuquerque" effort.
NSSF, Leaders Launch “Project ChildSafe Albuquerque” Initiative
Nov. 10, NSSF, Albuquerque City Councilors Brook Bassan and Klarissa Peña, representatives from Albuquerque Public Schools, the New Mexico State Police, the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish and the Albuquerque Police Department — together with local firearm retailers and training organizations — launched “Project ChildSafe Albuquerque” city-wide to help prevent firearm accidents and aid in suicide prevention efforts.
“We’re launching Project ChildSafe Albuquerque with the goal of helping reduce child gun accidents, thefts, suicides and misuse of firearms,” said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF president and CEO and chairman of the Project ChildSafe Foundation. “Central to all of this is a goal to encourage gun owners to store their firearms responsibly. We know safe and responsible gun storage works, and helps save lives.”
NSSF and its local partners are making hundreds of free gun locks, along with a library of educational materials on firearm safety in the home, available to the community. NSSF will emphasize firearm safety messaging and remind Albuquerque gun owners that a hidden gun is not a safely-stored gun through an ongoing digital advertising campaign.
The citywide initiative will also focus on suicide prevention by offering residents a free Parents Resource guide, developed by NSSF in consultation with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The free guide can help parents recognize signs their kids may be struggling with mental health issues and offers advice on how to talk to kids about suicide, and make their homes safer for those who may be at-risk.
“We want to equip parents with resources and tips to have a conversation about mental health with their children and take steps to secure firearms and other potential lethal means,” Councilor Bassan said. “Secure gun storage is one important way to provide a vital ‘pause’ that can save a life.”
For more info: projectchildsafe.org, nssf.org.
Celerant Stages First Annual Cumulus Client Conference
In early November, FFL dealers attended CumulusClientCon21, a virtual two-day event hosted by Celerant Technology. The theme of CumulusClientCon21 was “Post Pandemic Success,” which focused on technology and strategies to help dealers pivot and emerge stronger than ever before. The event offered more than 20 technical sessions, workshops and keynote speakers on topics ranging from new in store technology, range management, ATF compliance, digital commerce, and distributor integrations; and featured Celerant’s partners, including NSSF, FastBound, Gun StoreMaster, Fortis (formerly BLUEDOG) and several top firearm distributors.
“As the firearm retail industry shifted, it became important for our dealers to be agile and stay ahead of the competition,” stated Michele Salerno, Celerant director of marketing. “To ensure our dealers have the technology they need to strengthen their gun shop and online business, Celerant implemented many new features and integrated with many new industry partners this past year — all of which were introduced at the conference. After hosting a client conference for our Stratus Enterprise dealers for over 15 years, it only seemed natural to bring that same benefit to our Cumulus dealers.”
“I really enjoyed the flexibility of the different sessions and tracks offered at the conference,” added Owen Cumiskey, Owner of OCC Firearms in St. Augustine, Fla. “It had a firearms exclusive track, which had lots of valuable information of current available add-ons and lots of information on new features and how to improve your back office and how to run things in your gun shop more efficiently — which is always a plus!”
NSSF attended Celerant’s conference to provide a sneak peek of the new partnership with Celerant and Project ChildSafe. Celerant demonstrated how dealers can now easily participate in Project ChildSafe through their Cumulus Retail software, both in store and online.
“Our new partnership with Celerant and dealers make customer donations in support of the Project ChildSafe gun safety program possible,” said Bill Brassard, NSSF senior director, communications.
For more info: celerant.com/cumulus-conference-firearms.
Smith & Wesson M&P15T II Engraved Limited Edition Rifle
S&W Commemorates Tennessee Move With Limited Edition Rifle
Smith & Wesson broke ground on its new headquarters Nov. 5 in Maryville, Tenn. To celebrate this historic move from its long-time headquarters at 2100 Roosevelt Ave., Smith & Wesson has released 2,100 limited edition M&P15T II engraved rifles.
Engraved on the magazine well is an eagle, American flag and the text “Since 1852 Protecting the 2nd,” representing the company’s commitment to the 2nd Amendment and its customers.
The M&P 15T II Engraved rifle features a free-float 16″ barrel that features 5R rifling with a twist rate of 1:8″ and is equipped with a mid-length gas system delivering reduced recoil and efficient cycling. A forged, oversized trigger guard provides maximum clearance when wearing gloves and the rifle is equipped with a new flat face trigger for a crisp and consistent trigger pull. The M&P15T II comes standard with a Radian Raptor-LT charging handle, providing ambidextrous manipulation. Also included is a Magpul CTR carbine-length stock and a 15” aluminum M-Lok handguard topped with Magpul MBUS sights.
For more info: smith-wesson.com.
Steelhead Outdoors Wins Local Business Competition
Steelhead Outdoors was recently named the first-place winner in the Scott Country 2021 Fast-Track Challenge. Steelhead Outdoors manufactures patent-pending modular gun safes in Prior Lake, Minn. Fast-Track Challenge winners receive start-up cash and professional services. The annual competition is designed to “fast-track” start-up and first-stage businesses to success. The process includes completing an application, business plans and pitching their business to judges from local businesses and government.
Steelhead Outdoors plans to add welders, assemblers, material handlers, design engineers and sales/customer service staff to their team as they grow.
“We’re thrilled to win the Fast-Track Challenge,” said Corey Meyer, Steelhead Outdoors founder. “It reinforces our business plan is on track. We’re hoping that these additional resources will propel us forward at a faster rate.”
Founded in 2016, Steelhead Outdoors produces American-made, modular, fire-insulated gun safes. Its flagship Nomad Series is offered in three models: Nomad 26 (storage for 6–15 long guns), Nomad 32 (storage for 8–19 long guns) and Nomad 38 (storage for 10–34 long guns).
For more info: steelheadoutdoors.com.
