Academy seeks nominations - Industry News

Nominations for the 2003 Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence awards are being received at a record pace, according to academy officials. However, the director of the academy, is encouraging all manufacturers to ensure they are represented in this year's nominations.

"This year's awards are shaping up to be highly competitive with a record number of potential nominations," said Randy Molde, academy director. "Because of the prestige of receiving the awards, all manufacturers should be represented. We look forward to seeing who makes the list of final nominees."

Each year, the academy recognizes excellence in design, innovation and service. The 400-plus voting members of the academy decide the final nominees and the award recipients

This year the academy will present awards in 12 categories. They are Accessory of the Year, Ammunition of the Year, Knife of the Year, Optic of the Year, High-Tech Product of the Year, Specialty Product of the Year, Handgun of the Year, Rifle of the Year, Shotgun of the Year, Distributor of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year and the Shooting Industry Award.

Academy officials stress that nominations for the Distributor of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year and the Shooting Industry Award, which goes to an individual, must include justification.

"We often get nominations with only a company's or person's name. That is not enough to place the name on the potential nominee list," said Molde. "The nominations for these awards must include justification that outlines why the company or individual should receive the award."

The deadline for submitting potential nominations for the 2003 awards is Feb. 21, 2003. Submissions may be delivered to the Firearm Marketing Group's SHOT Show booth, 5051, or sent to Academy of Excellence, 591 Camino de la Reina, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92108.

For additional information on the academy, sign onto www.shootingindustry.com.