Newsweek Names Bass Pro Shops as America’s Best Outdoor Retailer

Bass Pro Shops, along with its affiliated brand, Cabela’s, received recognition on Newsweek’s ranking of “America’s Best Retailers 2023”; it was recognized as the retail leader in the Camping & Outdoor Gear industry.

Bass Pro Shops was No. 1 and Cabela’s No. 2 in Newsweek’s rankings, an independent survey done in conjunction with global market research and consumer data firm Statista. More than 140,000 evaluations were collected, with shoppers asked to evaluate retailers in 39 product categories to determine the best retailers.

Participants were asked about the likelihood of recommending a retailer to friends and families, and how they rated it based on factors including price, selection and overall atmosphere.

“We are very excited and humbled to be recognized by Newsweek again for our dedication in taking care of our amazing customers,” said Johnny Morris, noted conservationist and Bass Pro Shops founder. “Our passionate team of Outfitters throughout North America is committed to providing genuinely friendly service, and this prestigious award speaks to their dedication. We are proud of the unique, immersive experience we offer our communities.”

This is the latest in a string of accolades earned from Newsweek in recent years, including Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s being ranked one-two in the Camping & Outdoor Gear rankings in “America’s Best Retailers 2022.”

“These businesses understand the needs and preferences of their customers, and go above and beyond to meet or exceed their expectations,” said Newsweek Global Editor in Chief Nancy Cooper. “They also have loyal and satisfied customers who trust and recommend them to others.”

The award is the latest honor in a growing list of accolades for Bass Pro Shops in recent years:

• In 2021, 2022 and 2023, Forbes named Bass Pro Shops one of America’s Best Employers.
• In 2021, Newsweek recognized Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s as the top outdoor retailer for its ranking of America’s Best Trending Online Shops.
• In 2020, Newsweek recognized Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s with America’s Best-In-State Customer Service awards in 16 states.
• Bass Pro Shops ranked as the No. 3 Most Reputable Retailer in North America in 2019 by Reputation.com.
• In 2019, Forbes named Bass Pro Shops as one of America’s Most Reputable Companies in recognition of the public’s trust in the organization.
• In 2018, the National Retail Federation named Bass Pro Shops as the No. 2 Hottest Retailer in America.

Eric Dobberfuhl Announced as ATA Sales Manager

The Archery Trade Association recently announced Eric Dobberfuhl as its new sales manager. Dobberfuhl joins the ATA with 12 years of experience managing sales teams, exceeding sales goals and driving significant revenue growth for his employers.

In his role, Dobberfuhl is responsible for sales and sponsorships connected to the ATA Show and ATA’s membership programs and services. He also helps develop the strategic plan for the annual ATA Trade Show sales plan and leads budget development for all trade show sales and sponsorship areas. Dobberfuhl will serve as the primary contact for ATA members regarding booth space, sponsorships and advertising for the ATA Show.

“Eric will be an asset to the ATA team and we're glad to have him on board,” said ATA President and CEO Jeff Poole. “He comes to us with an extensive sales background and his knowledge will be essential to advancing ATA's mission.”

Before joining the ATA, Eric was an account executive at Orion Talent, a sales manager at Gerald Printing and a project manager at Swisher International. He holds an MBA with an emphasis in project management and serves as a captain in the Army National Guard, where he is a helicopter aviator. Eric is also an avid bowhunter and enjoys the sport's many challenges and rewards.

Dobberfuhl started with the ATA on July 10 and has immersed himself in learning about ATA members and the ATA Show's inner workings. He's most excited about growing and developing the ATA Show and finding ways to help the archery and bowhunting industry expand.

ATA members can contact Dobberfuhl at (507) 233-8142 or ericdobberfuhl@archerytrade.org to discuss ATA Show sponsorship opportunities.

Jenifer Wisniewski Joins NDA as Chief Marketing Officer

The National Deer Association (NDA) recently announced Jenifer Wisniewski as its chief marketing officer. Wisniewski will be leading the marketing efforts of the NDA, and working to actively grow and promote their mission, values and goals.

“We’re excited to have Jenifer join our talented and dedicated team,” said NDA President and CEO Nick Pinizzotto. “Her experience and reputation, combined with her impeccable track record, will help us provide even more value to deer, hunters and habitat.”

Wisniewski has worked diligently to bring marketing to the forefront of state agency work. In her past position as director of marketing and special projects for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, her efforts both increased license revenue in Tennessee and decreased churn. In 2020, Tennessee had the largest percentage of hunting license increase in the country thanks, in part, to her successful marketing and communications. Wisniewski has also worked for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources as marketing and communications manager. Wisniewski is looking forward to continuing that success at NDA where she hopes to make a difference in recruiting, retaining and reactivating hunters, target shooters and anglers — in addition to keeping the work NDA does relevant to the public at large.

“With all the challenges on the horizon, I look forward to enhancing the work at NDA,” said Wisniewski. “Whether it’s helping to ensure the future of wild deer, wildlife habitat, and hunting through more innovative education and outreach, or providing more opportunities for hunters to get involved in spreading the good news of what deer hunting and deer hunters accomplish, I’m happy to assist in so many facets of our society from economic impact to scientific research. Getting an opportunity to work for the 9 million deer hunters in the United States, future deer hunters, and people who love white-tailed deer is a dream come true.”

NubAbility Holds 3rd Annual 3-D Archery Camp and Fundraiser for Limb-Different Kids

NubAbility Athletics Foundation recently announced that the organization will be holding a 3-D archery clinic for limb-different children August 12 and 13, and a 3-D archery fundraiser tournament on August 13. The clinic is for children ages 4 to 17 with congenital or traumatic limb loss; the charity tournament is open to all. Both events will be held at the Old Hickory Lake Bowmen Club, 480 Shute Lane in Hermitage, Tennessee. NubAbility is a 501(c)3 charity that helps limb-different children gain confidence and courage through instruction in 24 organized and outdoor sports.

“We are grateful to Old Hickory Lake Bowmen Club and The Archery Den for providing access to unique and beautiful private grounds to hold these events,” said NubAbility Founder and Executive Director Sam Kuhnert. “Their generosity makes it possible for limb-different kids to learn and hone their archery skills while experiencing the natural beauty of Tennessee.”

BlueCross Blue Shield of Tennessee is title sponsor for both events.

For more information or to register for the camp or tournament, visit www.nubability.org, call 618-357-1394 or email info@nubability.org.