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Outdoor Retailer Summer Market Canceled

April 3rd, 2020

Outdoor Retailer has canceled the Summer Market due to COVID-19.

Experienced outdoorists know when the backcountry is unsafe, a trail insecure, or the season wrong for the adventure. In those times, we focus on different activities to ensure our safety while still fulfilling our connection to the outdoors.

This is one of those times. Amidst growing concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, and after having extensive conversations with many of you, we made the difficult decision to cancel Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2020, which had been scheduled for June 23-25, 2020 in Denver. Maintaining the health and safety of everyone is paramount to us.

Recent developments have made it impossible to effectively execute a June show that delivers the level of connection, discovery, and value our community expects. This is due to developments regarding COVID-19 that we are all familiar with at this point, including, but not limited to, the declaration of a National State of Emergency; various statewide states of emergency across the nation; the latest federal measures, including travel restrictions placed on foreign nationals traveling to the United States from certain EU member states and other places; the declaration by the WHO of COVID-19 as a pandemic; the accelerating pace of confirmed cases worldwide and domestically; current quarantines, containment areas, stay at home orders, and restrictions on congregating and large gatherings imposed by states and other government and public health authorities; various company-imposed travel restrictions on employees affecting attendees and participating companies; and the resulting cancellations made by several partners.

Life around the world has changed rapidly, and the way we live, interact and do business have all been radically disrupted.

While we did investigate potential alternative dates for the show, due to logistical issues, as well as clear feedback from retailers, reps and brands, we were forced to cancel and not postpone Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2020.

Despite cancelling our in-person summer show, we are committed to keeping us all connected because it’s with the help of each other that we move forward. As the largest network of outdoor businesses, we are doing everything we can to leverage that for the health of our industry.

In talking with you, we’ve been gaining a better understanding of the industry’s needs at this time. We’re now working to deliver you tools that will:

• Support go-to-market strategy for Spring/Summer 2021;

• Reinforce buyer/seller networks;

• Offer an ability to discover new brands, products and retailers, and a place to learn; and

• Provide media and marketing opportunities to tell stories and drive awareness.

We’ll keep you informed as details come together and plans become actions.

We’re going to come out of this eager to connect on a human level and anxious to celebrate everything we value as a community. We can’t wait to bring everyone together again and see you all in January. And as we’ve said before, this is when we really miss the hugs and high-fives, so make sure and take time to reach out and support each other.

Stay safe and take care of one another. A community together wins.

Marisa Nicholson

Outdoor Retailer | Senior Vice President and Show Director

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1st SFG(A) Soldiers Make Protective Masks in Fight Against COVID-19

April 3rd, 2020

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. — 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) medical professionals and logisticians stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., manufactured personal protective equipment for routine care and protection against the COVID-19 pandemic March 31, 2020.

As the threat of COVID-19 continues to permeate the region, 1st SFG (A) Soldiers adapt to develop solutions to combat the virus and protect the force within both the Special Operations and JBLM communities. The most recent adaptation is the production of personal protective equipment.

1st SFG (A), Group Support Battalion personnel used their resources and expertise to create prototypes for reusable respirator masks, face shields, and surgical masks for Madigan Army Medical Center and its regional partners.

The 1st SFG (A) riggers repurposed their sewing machines, that are typically used to repair parachutes, to assemble surgical masks.

“The Aerial Delivery Platoon will be able to produce 200 [masks] per day initially, with only five lightweight sewing machines,” said Lt. Col. Christopher S. Jones, 1st SFG (A), GSB commander.

Soldiers will continue to refine the process of producing the masks and improving them with feedback from medical employees.

“We’ll get better by week’s end and be able to produce 1,000 to 1,500 during a normal work week,” Jones added.

The masks will be beneficial immediately to personnel identified by medical professionals.

“The most likely application [of the masks] will be to have a symptomatic patient, one with a cough, sneezing, shortness of breath, wear the mask in order to reduce the amount of respiratory droplets contaminating the environment, helping reduce the likelihood that ill people expose others,” said Col. Rodd E. Marcum, 1st SFG (A) surgeon.

In this period of adjustment for many people, it is important to remember what the priorities are – protecting the force and their families by following medical guidelines.

“Nothing is more important as we work through this unexpected challenge than following the recommendations of public health professionals. Physical or social distancing is critical in reducing the chain of transmission,” said Marcum.

As we continue this fight, Jones expressed pride and confidence in his Soldiers and said he looks forward to witnessing the impact their hard work has on the nation as other forces join the battle against this disease.

“I believe this is a phenomenal effort to help our healthcare professionals and fellow Americans,” said Jones. “We’re collaborating with [Army Special Operations Forces] and conventional forces across the Army to make a difference. The effort in and of itself is a worthwhile exercise in how to innovate to provide solutions, especially as the U.S. military has the best capability in the world.”

Editor’s Note: At the time of publication 1st SFG (A) provided 300 surgical masks to Madigan Army Medical Center.

Story by 1st Special Forces Group Public Affairs Office

Photos by SSG Ryan Hohman, SGT Joe Parrish and SGT Adam Armstrong

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M110A1 SDMRs Inbound From H&K

April 2nd, 2020

Heckler & Koch just shared this image on social media with the caption:

The first batch of M110A1 Squad Designated Marksman Rifles (SDMR) are headed out of Columbus Georgia HQ by way of Oberndorf HQ. We could not be more proud to deliver this weapons system to the fine marksmen of the @usarmy.

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Boyds’ Hardgood Stocks Partners with Pigman

April 2nd, 2020

Mitchell, S.D. – Boyds’ Hardwood Gunstocks is excited to announce their with Brian “Pigman” Quaca of Pigman: The Series of The Sportsman Channel.

“Brian Pigman Quaca is a true-blue original and a character at the core. Pigman has been using Boyds’ Hardwood Gunstocks for many years, he was a customer first we knew he was the right fit as we looked to expand our Television and Social Media presence. Pigman entertains the masses with his unique personality and out of the box spin on traditional hunting television. Pigman is a versatile hunter and accomplished riflesmith. We are excited to see the relationship grow” says Dustin Knutson Co-Owner of Boyds’ Hardwood Gunstocks.

“As a custom gun builder for over 20 years, I relied on Boyds’ Gunstocks long before I ever had a TV show. Boyds’ quality & pricing are unmatched in the Industry, but the real reason I’m so excited about our partnership is because of the people. Dustin & his family are the real deal. They’re genuine, hardworking and understand that folks are spending their hard-earned money for the best product available. I’m proud to be a part of their marketing efforts in remaining the #1 aftermarket stock company on the planet.” said Brian Quaca.

For more information, visit Boyds’ Hardwood Gunstocks.

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Milliken Pivots Textile Manufacturing to Produce Advanced Medical PPE

April 2nd, 2020

Focused on engineering textiles into medical-grade fabrics using anti-microbial and fabric barrier coatings

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Global textile manufacturer Milliken & Company is leveraging its materials science expertise to manufacture much needed personal protective equipment (PPE) for the healthcare industry amid the current COVID-19 global pandemic. Milliken’s new advanced medical fabrics and barriers are currently available and complement Milliken’s breakthrough BioSmartTM antimicrobial technology used in scrubs, lab coats and hospital privacy curtains, harnessing the power of bleach to kill up to 99.9% of common bacteria on contact.

Milliken is manufacturing critical barrier protection fabrics to be used in gowns and headcovers for healthcare professionals. Milliken is also researching and developing materials for incorporation into N95-grade masks. These new innovations complement our existing range of products that can be used for temporary shelters in situations where it’s deemed necessary to set up transitory field hospitals.

“We have focused our development and manufacturing processes to help fight the battle against COVID-19,” said Halsey M. Cook, Milliken & Company president and CEO. “We began by engineering our existing textiles into medical-grade fabrics for PPE, and we will continue to seek critical solutions as we navigate this uncharted territory as a company, a nation and a world.”

These new advanced medical textiles and barriers are made in the USA and a result of the company applying deep knowledge in material science to modify fabrics that would meet the critical requirements for garments worn by healthcare workers fighting the COVID-19 virus.

“Our team of scientists and developers is fully engaged, uncovering solutions to address critical medical and protective needs for those fighting on the front lines of this pandemic,” stated Chad McAllister, president and EVP, Textile Division.

Categorized into Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3, Milliken’s advanced medical fabrics and barriers tested to the ANSI/AAMI PB70 Standard and suit multiple medical environments and usage situations.

• Level 1 Medical Textile, Milliken PerimeterTM: Suitable for minimal risk situations, including basic care settings and standard hospital medical units, this gown textile provides a slight barrier to small amounts of fluid penetration. Tested to the ANSI/AAMI PB70 standard.

• Level 2 Medical Textile, Milliken PerimeterTM: Designed for low risk situations, including suturing and the pathology lab, this gown textile provides a barrier to larger amounts of fluid penetration through splatter and some fluid exposure through soaking. Tested to the ANSI/AAMI PB70 standard.

• Level 3 Medical Barrier, Milliken PerimeterTM: Designed for moderate risk situations, including hospital emergency rooms and trauma care, this PPE gown textile provides a barrier against larger amounts of fluid penetration through splatter, and more fluid exposure through soaking than Level 2. Tested to the ANSI/AAMI PB70 standard.

Milliken has a storied, 150-year legacy in American textile manufacturing and is known worldwide for industry-leading performance and protective textiles, including fabrics for first responder PPE, flame-resistant workwear, military uniforms, airbags, commercial and residential interior environments, napery and more.

www.milliken.com

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New Owyhee COVID-19 Decontamination Solution

April 2nd, 2020

COVID-19 AND THE SPECTRA DF-500 DECONTAMINATION SOLUTION

(Eagle, ID – Owyhee Group Companies) Owyhee Group Companies announced it is partnering with Spectra Shield Technologies to supply Spectra DF-500 disinfectant to its customers during the current COVID-19 pandemic. The objective is to provide a solution that kills and neutralizes biological threats like COVID-19. The Spectra DF-500 formulation grew out of the licensing and commercialization of a high-level disinfectant developed by the US Government at Sandia National Laboratories under the name DF-200. “The mainstay of the disinfectant world has been bleach and other toxic, corrosive, non-biodegradable and hazardous products. Under most residential conditions, these products do what they report. However, in cases of biohazards and pandemics there is a need for a higher level of efficacy and permanency. The competitive difference of Spectra DF-500 and Spectra DF-200 is the spectrum of kill and the environmental benefits”, notes Spectra Shield Technologies CEO Thad Weist.

The development of Spectra DF-500 came out of the U.S. government recognition of a need to combat bioterrorism after a nerve agent was released on a Tokyo subway in 1995, killing 12 and injuring another 1,000. The goal was to develop a solution to neutralize a wide spectrum of chemical and biological threats such as Anthrax, MRSA and other viral threats, with low-corrosivity and reducing the harmful effects to the environment. Unlike traditional disinfectants, Spectra DF-500 chemically cleaves the spore wall and neutralizes the mycotoxin inside. It also changes the osmotic pressure around the cell, which causes an imbalance in the internal cellular pressure resulting in the total collapse of the cellular membrane. In 2004, Kansas State University did a study with the DF-200 formula against SARS-Coronavirus with 100% deactivation in 1 minute.

The disinfectant is avaliable from Owyhee Group Companies in two different products: Spectra DF-500 and Spectra DF-200. Spectra DF-500 is EPA registered as a Decontaminant, Disinfectant, Virucide, Bactericide, Fungicide, Deodorizer, Algaecide, Antibacterial, Mildewstat and Cleaner. The Spectra DF-200 is a 3 part solution, including an accelerator to kill and neutralize chemical and biological threats and is EPA registered.

The liquids are combined at the time of application and are good for appoximately 8 hours. Unopened, DF-500 and DF-200 can be stored for 6 to 8 years, under controlled conditions. Each can be applied as a foam or as a liquid. An application device is not included in the delivery set. In a proper application, one gallon of fluid can cover 2,500 square feet. While biodegradable, neither product should be used directly on food. Both Spectra DF-500 and DF-200 have proven to be highly effective in destroying bio-films of select microorgansim in food processing facilities. Application of either product on food contact surface requires a potable water rinse.

The products are for sale at https://owyheegroup.com in 4 gallon kits that will cover approximately 10,000 square feet. The product is also available in 300 gallon totes for larger applications.

Interested parties can call Owyhee Group at 208.938.6086 or email sales@owyheegroup.com for quotations. The company has provided a special feature page covering the products at owyheegroup.com/product/decontamination.

Posted in Advertiser, CBRNE, COVID-19 Pandemic, Medical, Press Release | Comments Off on New Owyhee COVID-19 Decontamination Solution

Brownells Boredom Buster Challenge Gives Chance For $10K Shopping Spree

April 2nd, 2020

GRINNELL, Iowa (April 2, 2020) –Brownells is calling on its fans to beat those bored-in-the-house, social-distancing blues and earn a chance to win a $10,000 Brownells shopping spree by competing in the Brownells Boredom Buster $10K Challenge.

Contestants can enter by creating funny, entertaining or otherwise extraordinary 2nd-Amendment-related videos and posting them on their personal Instagram accounts between April 2, 2020, and April 16, 2020.

To qualify for a chance to win, videos must meet the following criteria:

• No more than 60 seconds long

• Must show safe practices

• Must be tagged @Brownellsinc

• Must use hashtag #BBB10K

After April 16, Brownells will choose the five best videos and allow followers and fans to vote for the winner, who will travel to Brownells for a $10,000 shopping spree.

“We know there are a lot of smart, creative people in the 2A community,” said Brownells Director of Content and Communications Ryan Repp. “We thought this would be a good way to give them a way to overcome boredom and show how much fun and how awesome the Second Amendment lifestyle can be.”

www.instagram.com/brownellsinc

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Medical Professionals Now Eligible for First Responder Discount at TNVC!

April 2nd, 2020

Redlands, CA – As a Veteran-Owned company, TNVC has always been devoted to serving those who serve. From hiring veterans to providing the best in products, services, training, and support to our military, law enforcement, and first responders, we have always had a special place in our hearts for those willing place themselves in harm’s way in the service of others, because most of us have been there before.

TNVC has long since had a First Responder Discount in place for individual purchases for military, law enforcement, fire, EMS, and other first responders who hold the line every day (and night) between order and chaos, risking their lives to help complete strangers and asking little in return.

In the face of an unusual threat, however, today’s medical professionals, doctors, nurses, and technicians are manning the “front lines” all across the nation and the globe, in many cases at great personal risk to themselves and their own lives to protect the lives of others, of strangers, like any other first responder.

For this reason, we have decided to expand eligibility for our First Responder Discount to ALL medical providers and professionals, not just EMS/EMTs.

DoD Photo

“We’ve always supported First Responders, and our medical professionals are at the forefront of this fight, risking their lives every day to treat others. While others may have the option to shelter-in-place in the comfort of their homes, our medical professionals are working around the clock, in many cases isolated from their families. They deserve our respect and our gratitude for their bravery and dedication, and they are truly the first line of defense in these difficult times.”

– Victor DiCosola, President & CEO

Please e-mail sales@tnvc.com with a copy of your credentials to receive the First Responder Discount or with any other inquiries.

Posted in Advertiser, COVID-19 Pandemic, Optics, Press Release | Comments Off on Medical Professionals Now Eligible for First Responder Discount at TNVC!