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Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence
2006 AWARDS
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An Industry Salute
To The Mettle
Behind The Industry
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Each year an innovative few set new standards of excellence through product design and service to the industry. This marks the 15th year that these outstanding achievements have been formally recognized by industry leaders who, together, form the Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence.
The 2006 award recipients were announced
Friday, May 19, 2006 • At the Hilton, Milwaukee, Wis.
"In 1992 the idea was conceived that maybe we should have an award that’s based upon merit decided by hundreds of individuals in the industry, not decided by an editorial board and not influenced by advertising," commented Shooting Industry magazine editor, Russ Thurman. "The Academy of Excellence awards have taken on significant importance. Integrity surrounds the awards and the voting process."
Honoring Outstanding Achievement
Since 1992
FMG Presents Founder’s Award to a “Warrior’s Warrior,” Wayne LaPierre
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2006 Accessory of the Year
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Also Nominated:
Stoney Point
PoleCat Rapid Pivot
Monopod Attachment
SureFire
M83 Picatinny rail for Kalashnikov rifles
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2006 Specialty Product of the Year
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SureFire: Kroma Flashlight Multi-level/Multi-color
LED for hunters
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2006 High-Tech Product of the Year
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2006 Optic of the Year
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2006 Knife of the Year
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2006 Ammunition of the Year
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2006 Handgun of the Year
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2006 Rifle of the Year
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2006 Shotgun of the Year
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Benelli: SuperNOVA pump action shotgun
with ComforTech
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2006 Safety Product of the Year
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SureFire: Fox Ears digitally regulated
inside the ear canal hearing device
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2006 Citizenship Award
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Lipsey’s
For their extraordinary involvement and contributions to
Baton Rouge, surrounding communities and the state
of Louisiana. During Hurricane Katrina, Lipsey’s opened
its warehouse for use as a relief staging area, donated
19 handguns to the Sheriff’s Department and
spear-headed search and rescue operations.
Following Hurricane Rita, Lipsey’s organized a relief
fund for families. Throughout 2005, Lipsey’s
supported fundraisers for a variety of organizations
and was instrumental in establishing the
Louisiana Sportsmen’s Caucus.
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2006 Distributor of the Year
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Ellett Brothers
For its continuous support of the firearm industry and
its innovative service to gun dealers. In 2005, Ellett
Brothers contributed $35,000 to the Hunting and
Shooting Sports Heritage Fund, money raised during
its 2005 Dealer Show. In all, Ellett Brothers has
contributed more than $130,000 to the Heritage Fund.
For development of the Ellett Link, an enhanced
Web-based program that streamlines dealer ordering
and ser vice, and for providing competitive pricing,
excellent customer service and a knowledgeable sales
staff, resulting in a 20-percent growth in 2005.
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2006 Manufacturer of the Year
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Smith & Wesson
For a continuing commitment to manufacture
100-percent, American-made firearms. For introducing
43 new products, including the M&P pistol series and
M&P15 tactical rifle. For responding to consumer
demand with the re-introduction of the Model 29 50th Anniversary special, Model 21 and Model 22. For
continued support of shooting sports with programs
such as NSSF’s First Shots and Step Outside,
International Hunter Education Association initiatives,
as well as many women’s and youth shooting
sponsorships. For numerous innovative initiatives
such as the M&P pistol DVD and the “Shooting for
Hawaii” dealer incentive. For dramatic expansion of a
direct sales team to support dealers and distributors.
And for playing an integral role in the protection of
Second Amendment rights and the enactment of
the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act.
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2006 Shooting Industry Award
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Frank Brownell, Brownells
For taking personalized customer service and
business integrity to the highest level with the
company’s unconditional, 100-percent satisfaction
guarantee. For working to guarantee the future of our
industry by supporting colleges with gunsmithing
programs and contributing to the NSSF Heritage Fund.
For funding the NRA Summer Youth Shooting Camp
with $500,000 and the Law Enforcement Patrol
Rifle Instructor Development Program with $253,000.
And for supporting law enforcement by opening
the company’s in-plant AV-equipped training room
and Big Springs Range, at no charge, to area
agencies for training use.
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Also Nominated:
Richard Lipsey, Lipsey's
Larry Potterfield,
MidwayUSA
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