Traverse City, MI – (December 14th, 2022) IMPACT is an “experience” like no other. IMPACT Experience, a premier event company catering to the shooting sports industry, provides events specialized in all-terrain marksmanship training in partnership with FTW Ranch. IMPACT events are designed to be a stress-free experience for all levels hunters preparing for their next adventure, or shooters simply wishing to sharpen their skills with guidance from some of the best instructors in the world.

The IMPACT Experience event is focused on making certain that participants fully understand their rifle/optic as well as how to make necessary in-field adjustments.  Part of the IMPACT Experience is an offering of premier field-tested rifles and optics that are then “fit” to the participants who are guided through FTW’s SAAM Precision class by their elite instruction staff.  This hands-on training experience will provide participants the confidence of actually “using” and adjusting their equipment while understanding ethical yardages from various shooting positions in order to “Reach New Limits”.

IMPACT Experience events are also keenly targeted on assisting companies within and outside of the hunting and shooting sports industry. Custom IMPACT “experiences” can be implemented to focus on new product launch events, staff training, team building, as well as valuable time with select key accounts and customers.

“Having spent over 30 years in the consumer goods industry, I realized that a number of manufacturers did not recognize the value of a proper product launch strategy, impactful staff training or even creative ways of getting additional face time with key accounts and partners,” said Stephen Graham, Owner and Operator of IMPACT Experience.

So, whether you need a refresher on “Building Your House” or looking to further develop your skills individually or with a group, IMPACT and FTW are prepared to help you redefine your shooting limitations.  Very few ranges in the world compare to the training in the hill country of Texas across FTW Ranch’s 12,500 acres consisting of 32 ranges and over 1400 targets where instructors will have access to create most any scenario you will likely encounter.

www.IMPACT-Experience.net

Virginia Beach, Virginia – December 1, 2022 – Freedom Outdoors the industry leading indoor shooting range and outdoor sporting goods retailer. Offering a full-service shooting range and the widest selection of guns and outdoor sporting goods. We are excited to welcome Sean Williams to Freedom Outdoors as Director of Operations.

Sean brings extensive senior leadership expertise to Freedom from U.S. Customs and Border Protection – Air & Marine Operations. He most recently served as the Director of CBP’s National Marine Training Center in St. Augustine, Florida. His successful career of progressive leadership earned roles at the CBP National Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

“Sean has tremendous depth and breadth of leadership experience with coordination of teams with complex initiatives across multiple geographic regions. In addition, Sean has direct experience with manufacturers, distributors, and defense focused organizations within our industry. His leadership experience in procurement, inventory and program management add immense value in many technical and functional areas critical to our growth initiatives. Combining Sean’s experience and acumen with our team’s passion and resources enhance our ability to deliver our growth of the Freedom experience into new markets and continuing to enhance the experience for our most important stakeholders – our community of our Freedom team, members, and guest!” said Skyler Thomas, President.

We pride ourselves on creating a premier customer experience and ensuring that people have access to quality products and services in the shooting and outdoor sporting industry. Freedom Outdoors is committed to deliver exceptional service, competitive pricing, and a comprehensive product offering to members and guests. We appreciate your business, and if you have questions, please check out our updated website at FreedomOutdoors.US. We look forward to seeing you in the store and gearing up to get outdoors! Experience True Freedom – Experience Freedom Outdoors!

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III today (Dec 1, 2023) established the Office of Strategic Capital (OSC), a Department of Defense organization that will help build an enduring technological advantage by partnering with private capital providers.

OSC will connect companies developing critical technologies vital to national security with capital. Critical technologies such as advanced materials, next-generation biotechnology, and quantum science often require long-term financing to bridge the gap between the laboratory and full-scale production, often referred to as the “Valley of Death” in industry.

“We are in a global competition for leadership in critical technologies, and the Office of Strategic Capital will help us win that competition and build enduring national security advantages,” said Secretary Austin. “By working with the private capital markets and by partnering with our federal colleagues, OSC will address investment gaps and add a new tool to the Department’s investment toolbox.”

These technology companies also suffer from a limited supply of longtime-horizon “patient capital,” which results in an inability to transition technology into military capabilities – even for technologies developed with the help of federal research grants or contracts. Moreover, many of these technologies are essential for future defense capabilities but are not purchased directly by the DoD, meaning existing procurement programs are unable to support the relevant companies’ immediate capital needs. 

“America’s strategic competitors are working to influence U.S. technological innovation to their advantage,” said Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Heidi Shyu. “OSC is part of a broader administration-wide effort to ‘crowd-in’ private capital in areas where our efforts can boost our future security and prosperity. Our hope is that OSC will be able to strike its first deals by early next year.”

As an office overseen by the Secretary of Defense, the OSC will have an advisory council that includes the Under Secretaries of Defense. The OSC will work across policy, acquisition, and research efforts to increase the amount of capital available to critical technology companies. OSC will also help counter non-market actions by strategic competitors that use U.S. capital markets to advance their own technology goals.

In support of the Under Secretary Defense for Research and Engineering, OSC will complement the innovation organizations already executing programs to support critical technology developers. OSC aims to scale investments between science and technology-focused organizations, such as the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, and commercially-oriented organizations, such as the Defense Innovation Unit, by increasing the capital available to critical technology companies to help them reach scaled production. 

While existing offices rely on grants and contracts to deploy capital, OSC is investigating the use of non-acquisition-based tools, such as loans and loan guarantees. Many other federal agencies use credit programs to participate in capital markets through loans, loan guarantees, development funds, and other tools. 

These types of federal investments have been vital in helping companies such as Apple, Cray Research, and Sun Microsystems early in their development. The OSC is unique within DoD by seeking to use proven credit programs, making strategic public-private investments in supply chains, and supporting critical technology companies from early-stage to full production.

Read more about the OSC at: www.cto.mil/osc

With over 50 years of firearms innovation, from the Bushmaster series to the multi-caliber modular Hydra pistol and rifle, the newly renamed Hydra Weaponry company has hired Laura Burgess Marketing (LBM) to communicate product innovation and company news to the industry media. A new website reflects the company’s commitment to its current and new customers.

Hermon, Maine (November 2022) – Hydra Weaponry, formerly MGI-Military, headquartered in Maine, has launched a revamped website at www.hydraweaponry.com to reflect the company’s commitment to developing firearms for civilians, law enforcement, and military professionals. As part of revamping the business, Mack Gwinn, CEO of Hydra Weaponry and son of Mack Gwinn, Jr, designer of the Bushmaster pistol, rifle, and submachine gun, along with other firearms innovations, is increasing manufacturing capabilities at the Maine facility to accommodate orders. In step with adding new CNC machines to produce parts and products in-house, Hydra Weaponry has hired Laura Burgess Marketing (LBM) to facilitate communications in the industry media.

“We are delighted to be partnering with Mack Gwinn and Hydra Weaponry,” Laura Burgess, president of LBM, said. “The Hydra system is a unique weapon system that allows the user the advantage of changing out calibers quickly to meet the mission on hand. For civilians, as well as, law enforcement agencies, this concept not only makes owning several caliber guns more affordable, but training on one system enhances shooter performance, and that is especially important for the tactical operator.”

“Hydra Weaponry is the new home for all Hydra rifles and pistols, including MARCK-15 Hydra Vipera pistols,” Gwinn added. “We have been investing in the company to increase capacity and effectively grow the brand. Hiring Laura Burgess Marketing is the first step in creating that link between our company, the media, and our customers. We are excited to get going.”

Hydra Weaponry manufactures the MARCK-15 Hydra® Modular Weapon System. With the Hydra, or base system, the user can build upon and use an ever-growing system of caliber conversion kits and various magwells. Change out is as simple as changing the barrel, bolt, and magazine well to the desired caliber. To change out some calibers, it is as simple as changing the barrel and bolt. The Hydra’s caliber conversions include .223 (.556), .22LR, .300 Blackout, .450 Thumper, and for the heavy hitters, .50 Beowulf®.

For more information on Hydra Weaponry, visit the new website at www.hydraweaponry.com.