ATA Names Jeff Poole its New President and CEO

The ATA’s board of directors recently voted Jeff Poole as its president and CEO. With the hire, the association will gain Poole’s leadership experience gained from over 29 years with the NRA. 

According to a release from the ATA, Poole looks forward to using stakeholder feedback and opinions when making industry decisions. He wants to ensure a bright future and believes the industry is set up to emerge from challenges brought on by the pandemic.

“I’m honored and humbled to be selected to lead the ATA,” Poole says. “The archery industry is healthy, vibrant and continues to evolve. The ATA’s membership and board is passionate about attracting new archers, expanding opportunities within the industry, and advancing archery and bowhunting.”

The ATA began its CEO search on in late August and have been sorting through over 100 applicants since before voting in Poole during the Jan. 6, meeting at the 2022 show.

“I look forward to working with industry leaders to make sure the ATA continues to deliver programs and services that are impactful and beneficial to both our retailers and manufacturers,” Poole says.  “The ATA’s future is bright. I’m excited to be a part of it.” Poole’s experience and achievements with the NRA were part of the reason he was chosen. In his time there, he developed membership programs for retailers, manufacturers, instructors and clubs. He helped start numerous consumer shows and played a vital role in acquiring the Great American Outdoor Show. Among many other accomplishments, Poole also helped in the substantial growth of the NRA Annual Meeting & Exhibits.

Poole will be attending the 2022 ATA Trade Show to make connections and introduce himself to member companies. He will begin his role as the ATA president and CEO on Jan. 24.

SOG Knives Acquired by GSM Outdoors 

GSM Outdoors recently announced their procurement of SOG Specialty Knives.

GSM is a multi-brand manufacturer and technology innovator of specialized hunting and shooting sport accessories and they are excited to add the SOG name to their lineup of quality products.

“Since 1986, SOG has been synonymous with austere-duty knives intended to meet the needs of defense professionals,” says Eddie Castro, CEO of GSM Outdoors. “Our acquisition of SOG represents an important expansion of the GSM family of brands, and we look forward to taking the brand to that next level of consumer support and product innovation.”

SOG is known for combat-inspired fixed-blade knives, but also has an expanded line of other knives and specialty tools to include folders, multi-tools, and gear intended for professional use, outdoor recreation, and everyday carry.

“We are understandably excited to add SOG to our portfolio of knife and utility tool companies, including Cold Steel,” says Zach Henderson, vice president of sales for GSM. “We look forward to working with our industry partners to further expand the SOG brand across the professional and outdoor consumer segments.”

The Great American Outdoor Show Returns

The NRA’s Great American Outdoor Show is once again scheduled for the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, Penn. from February 5-13, 2022.

Restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic led to a brief hiatus for the show, but the NRA is happy to host the event once again. “The National Rifle Association membership is made up of millions of hunters and outdoor enthusiasts, and no group does more to support, defend and promote our cherished outdoor traditions than the NRA,” says Joe DeBergalis, the NRA’s executive director of general operations. “Next month, the nation’s best outfitters, outdoor experts and retailers will gather in Harrisburg for a show you will not want to miss.”

A 650,000-square-foot exhibit space will host nearly 1,100 including shooting sports manufacturers, boat and RV dealers, hunting and fishing retailers, and hundreds of outfitters and boat captains from all over the world. Exhibitors will provide a variety of gear on display, informational seminars and numerous family activities like archery challenges, fishing lessons from pro anglers and high-flying Dock Dogs.