Oak Brook, IL -(AmmoLand.com)- Over 450 members met last night at the Annual Awards Dinner & Reception to kick off the 2015 42nd Expo & Annual Meeting of the National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW).
Pete Brownell, NASGW Chairman, welcomed the members and set the stage for three days of productive meetings as distributors, manufacturers, manufacturer’s reps and media prepare for the coming sales year. Each year at this event, NASGW Awards the top optics, accessory, ammunition and firearms manufacturers who best demonstrate a commitment to the two-step distribution process, and who provide outstanding value and service.
Wholesaler members evaluate the performance of manufacturers on four key criteria; distribution policy, marketing, sales and promotion; logistics and operations and NASGW and industry support. This comprehensive assessment of manufacturer performance has been designed to provide a more balanced appraisal that truly recognizes the best of the best according to NASGW distributor members.
“We are thrilled to take this opportunity to recognize these companies for their support of both the industry and 2-step distribution,” said NASGW President, Kenyon Gleason.
This year’s Leadership Award recipients are:
2015 Optics Manufacturer of the Year:
- Leupold & Stevens, Inc.
2015 Accessories Manufacturer of the Year:
- Birchwood Casey
2015 Ammunition Manufacturer of the Year:
- Hornady Manufacturing
2015 Firearms Manufacturer of the Year:
- Sturm, Ruger and Company, Inc.
2015 Importer of the Year:
- IWI US, INC
Another category this year recognizes and individual or company that has developed a unique product, service or strategy that excels above the competition.
This award went to:
- Sturm, Ruger and Company, Inc.
NASGW Chairman, Pete Brownell presented NRA Executive Vice President and CEO of the National Rifle Association, Wayne LaPierre with the NASGW Chairman’s Award.
“Wayne’s influence in the shooting sports industry is undeniable. He has been an incredible leader, and I am honored to present the 2015 NASGW Chairman’s Award to him,” added Brownell.
In conjunction with the annual awards, a number of industry donations were made by NASGW. A donation of $25,000 was made to the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the Congressional Sportsman’s Foundation, and the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance.
Lastly, a donation of $50,000 was made to the National Rifle Association.
About NASGW:
NASGW is composed of leading wholesalers, manufacturers, and independent sales reps, media and service providers – both national and international – all of whom are primarily involved with hunting and shooting sports equipment and accessories industry.
For more information, visit www.NASGW.org.