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October 12, 2015
FMG Forms Shooting Industry Masters Association, Discontinues Shooting Event
FMG Publications announces the establishment of the Shooting Industry Masters Association, with the goal of raising money and awareness for the shooting sports. With the formation of the association, FMG is discontinuing the Masters annual industry-only shooting event.
“For 13 years, it’s been our honor to build the Shooting Industry Masters into one of the most popular events in our industry,” said Randy Molde, Masters chairman and FMG VP of business development. “We’ve been humbled by the overwhelming support and participation in our annual Family Reunion, which has attracted thousands of participants over the years and raised a lot of money for the shooting sports. Now, however, it’s time for a change.”
The continuing, rapid growth of the Masters and the often-burdensome demands placed on numerous companies that have provided generous support drove the decision to discontinue the shooting portion of the Masters.
“For the past two years, we have carefully monitored what we have asked of those who have provided hundreds of guns and hundreds of thousand of rounds of ammunition, associated equipment, hosted so many very creative side matches, and donated thousands of raffle products. We’ve been increasingly uncomfortable asking for so much, even for such a great cause,” Molde said.
The change will also impact FMG, according to Molde.
“For 13 years, we have devoted significant resources to produce the Masters. We will now direct those resources at building our core businesses, while continuing to support the industry,” Molde said.
With the formation of the Shooting Industry Masters Association, FMG will continue one of the major goals of the Masters: raising money for the shootings sports. Since 2008, the Masters raised $338,600 the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s First Shots program. Through a series of GunBroker.com auctions, the Masters Association will continue to raise money and awareness for First Shots. FMG is also contributing a generous advertising package in its publications to promote First Shots.
“As one who has participated as both a sponsor and competitor at the Shooting Industry Masters since its very beginning, I must express my sadness at seeing it ride off into the sunset,” said Steve Sanetti, NSSF president and CEO. “It was a truly great event!”
“We look forward to continued cooperation with FMG Publications as it moves into a new phase of renewed advocacy and contributions to NSSF’s First Shots program. The entire industry and new generations of recreational shooters will benefit from FMG’s unparalleled generosity, for which we sincerely thank them.”
Chris Dolnack, NSSF senior VP and CMO, has a unique perspective of the Masters, having participated in all 13 shooting events.
“It’s been truly remarkable what FMG has been able to accomplish over the years with the Masters, and its commitment to growing the shooting sports is unprecedented. Each year, the Shooting Industry Masters has fostered a spirit of camaraderie and unity within our industry, and we look forward to continuing that momentum with the Shooting Industry Masters Association,” Dolnack said.
The discontinuation of the shooting portion of the Masters will come as a disappointment for many, Molde acknowledges.
“It was a difficult decision but we’re proud of the memories and legacy the event has imprinted on the industry. We hope this evolution of the Masters Association will continue to build on the solid foundation of partnerships we’ve cultivated through the years and grow the shooting sports through First Shots beyond our wildest expectations.”
For more information on the Shooting Industry Masters Association, visit www.shootingindustry.com/masters and www.facebook.com/ShootingIndustryMasters.
The Shooting Industry Masters and Shooting Industry Masters Association are owned and operated by FMG Publications. The company publishes American Handgunner magazine, GUNS magazine, Shooting Industry magazine and a series of Special Editions.
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