The Archery Range and Retailers Organization found an alternative way to support the Archery Trade Association and the industry in lieu of its in-person ARRO Hot Show. ARRO invested nearly $18,000 in renewing ATA 2020-21 memberships for its 133 qualifying members. Retailer members simply needed to be a former ATA member to qualify for the membership compensation.

ARRO is a national organization of professional full-time archery ranges and pro shops and a member and stockholder cooperative buying group. By working and buying together, ARRO member retailers have an advantage in today’s competitive marketplace.

At the yearly ARRO Hot Show, participating manufacturers share the benefits of their products with retailers, and retailers can save on top-selling archery equipment. The 2021 ARRO Hot Show, typically held in conjunction with the annual ATA Trade Show, was canceled due to the pandemic. ARRO, like many other organizations held its event virtually. 

ARRO Executive Secretary Deb Colgrove says the decision to renew ATA memberships for ARRO members was “in appreciation for everything that ATA does for ARRO and this industry.”

“By showing support and renewing active memberships for ARRO member owners, it was also a give-back to them for what was in many cases a very stressful, crazy 2020!” Colgrove said. “ARRO wants to see that ATA succeeds, and the relationships with the manufacturers in our industry are first and foremost. We are hoping that 2022 will bring us back to an in-person show, as our industry is built on relationships.”

Matt Kormann, ATA president and CEO, in turn shared his appreciation for ARRO.

“We’re grateful to ARRO for its longstanding partnership with ATA,” Kormann said. “Like all buying groups, it provides an important service to a segment of our retail members. Recognizing the challenging year that is hopefully now behind us, ARRO identified an opportunity to give back to its longtime members while helping to ensure ATA’s strength heading into 2022. I speak for everyone at ATA when I say I can’t wait to thank ARRO’s board of directors and members in person when we gather in Louisville for ATA 2022.”

Mark Copeland, chairman of the ATA board, reflected on how ARRO continues to support the industry.

"I applaud ARRO for taking the bold step in renewing its active membership dues with our association,” Copeland said. “By renewing ATA dues in a difficult year, they are sending a message to the industry. ARRO recognizes the benefit of a heathy ATA, not only in the relationships between manufacturers and retailers attending the Show, but also in the impact of programs, services and benefits. I look forward to the Show in Louisville and a 2022 in-person event. Thank you, ARRO board of directors, for your forward thinking!”

Retailers and manufacturers interested in information about the benefits of ARRO can contact Deb Colgrove, deb@archeryretailers.com.