The Archery Trade Association recently recognized two individuals and three organizations in its second annual Impact Awards program, which debuted at the 2020 ATA Show. This announcement was made during the ATA 2021 Online Show. The ATA wanted to recognize those who continually work to grow archery and bowhunting, even in the midst of a global pandemic.
“Impact” means having a strong effect on someone or something. Those who use their voice or platform to inspire others to participate in archery and bowhunting were eligible, and anyone could nominate a business or individual for an award. A nominee’s impact could be driven by creativity, service, technology, engagement, longevity, sustainability, and overcoming adversity and/or awareness.
The ATA Impact Award recognizes individuals and companies who have bettered the archery industry through charitable works and by inspiring others to participate in archery and bowhunting. Here’s a quick summary of the 2021 winners.
Individuals: Randy Phillips and Suzetta Wise
Randy Phillips has served on ATA’s Board of Directors for more than 20 years and also sits on the Board for NABA and on ATA’s Retail Council representing retailer’s interests. Randy was also instrumental in the creation of ATA’s Retail Growth Initiative helping other retailers start “Archery Academies” to earn profits utilizing their ranges in new and more creative ways.
Suzetta Wise dedicates her life to children as a schoolteacher, and as an archery coach. She instructs kids in archery, but also teaches them about competition. She mentors them into winners. Suzetta also works with Shoot Like a Girl, helping newcomers to the sport find the right fitting bow and shoot successfully. After clients spend time with her, historically 36% of them commit to purchasing a bow.
Non-Profit: HHA USA Chris Hamm
Through a passion to see veterans honored for their incredible sacrifice to our country, Chris Hamm spearheaded the creation of HHA USA, in an effort to build an avenue for veterans and archers alike to get into the sport of archery, while raising money to fund much needed nonprofits like the Never Forgotten Honor Flight, E3 Ranch Foundation, Kniestedt Foundation and Wounded Warrior in Action. He has used not only his business, HHA Sports, but also his personal platform, as well as the HHA USA organization, to increase the amount of people getting in to the sport, but more importantly raising the awareness of veteran's needs, and providing financial backing to these incredible organizations. This year alone, through a series of nine 3D shoots in Wisconsin, continual social media interactions, podcast interviews and many key partnerships, he was able to raise a significant amount of money, as well as a huge awareness of the sport of archery, to groups of people who had not been previously involved in this area.
Retailer: La Crosse Archery; Anthony Schmidt and Laura Rosenthal
La Crosse Archery strives to give back to the community that continuously supports their small business. They are an annual donor and activity sponsor to the Kicking Bear Foundation La Crosse chapter, 4H Shooting Sports location sponsor, and play an active role with the local rotary club. Being compassionate about their customers, La Crosse hosts a variety of benefits and food competitions throughout the year with proceeds going back to those in need. They worked through making tough decisions to keep the La Crosse Archery staff afloat and in good spirits through unprecedented times, and they put the La Crosse Archery staff and customers first before anything else.
Manufacturer: Bear Archery
It would be hard to miss the impact that Fred Bear and Bear Archery has had to the sport of bowhunting. Fred Bear’s clout as a target archery champion helped him champion Michigan’s first bowhunting season in 1937, which prompted many other states to do the same. In addition, Bear archery is committed to ensure that there is a bow for everyone no matter the age, size or gender of the shooter. Bear archery makes bows that are beginner and budget friendly. Fred Bear started this company and the Bear legacy by fighting to make archery accessible to any one and every one that has even the most remote bit of interest in the sport. That remains a top priority and key pillar of the Bear Archery family of brands today. It is important to us to promote 'The Fred Bear Way', where it's not always about the trophy; it's about the experience.
Watch the video below to hear each recipient talk about their work in the archery and bowhunting industry.
