Pittsburgh, PA (October 17, 2018) – The National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW), the association representing shooting sports wholesalers, manufacturers, and their trade partners, announced the winners of their annual Leadership and Caliber Awards last night at the NASGW Expo Awards Dinner.
"The Annual NASGW Appreciation & Awards Dinner is an event we look forward to all year," said Kenyon Gleason, NASGW President. "It's a pleasure to recognize our Leadership Award winners who exemplify a commitment to two-step distribution. And in their second year, the NASGW-POMA Caliber Awards are gaining more notoriety within the shooting sports industry. "
The Annual Awards Dinner is one of the premier events at the NASGW Expo, which brings together wholesalers and manufacturers within the shooting sports industry to plan sales for the upcoming year.
Winners for the NASGW Leadership Awards are:
Firearm Manufacturer of the Year
- Ruger
Optics Manufacturer of the Year
- Leupold
Ammunition Manufacturer of the Year
- Hornady
Accessory Manufacturer of the Year
- Birchwood Casey
Importer of the Year
- Aguila
Innovator of the Year
- SIG SAUER & Ruger
In addition to this year's Leadership Awards, NASGW partnered with the Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA), to select the best new products in six categories as well as an overall best new product. "It is an honor to once again partner with NASGW for the 2nd Annual Caliber Awards, which recognizes the innovations within the shooting sports industry," said Kevin Orthman, the Executive Director with POMA. "The NASGW Awards Dinner is always one of the premier events for the year and it was a pleasure to recognize such amazing new products. Thank you once again to NASGW for the opportunity to partner on the Caliber Awards. "
To qualify for the Caliber Awards, manufacturers must be a NASGW member in good standing, the product must have launched within the last year, and products needed to be submitted through the NASGW Expo website.
Winners for the NASGW-POMA Caliber Awards are:
Best New Accessory
- Mantix X2
Best New Optic
- SIG SAUER BDX
Best New Ammunition
- Vista Outdoor/Federal Premium Valkyrie 224
Best New Handgun
- FN 509 Tactical
Best New Rifle
- Bergara Premium Series HRM Pro
Best New Shotgun
- Mossberg 590 Mag Fed
Best New Overall Product
- SIG SAUER P365 9MM Micro Carry
About NASGW
The National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers is comprised of wholesalers, manufacturers, independent sales reps, media and service providers - both national and international - all of whom are primarily focused on shooting sports equipment and accessories. As a trade association representing the business interests of its members, NASGW’s mission is to bring shooting sports buyers and sellers together. For more information about the NASGW, visit the association’s website at www.nasgw.org.
About POMA
POMA continues to uphold its tradition of promoting excellence in communications at all levels. This includes connecting the companies and organizations whose focus is the outdoor industry with the content creators who can help tell their stories and promote their products.
For More Information Please Contact Us At:
Gregg Alexander
National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers
galexander@nasgw.org