FEATURE

Industry Updating

Late news yesterday afternoon that a pair of Congressmen have decided to apply the nuclear option - restrictive amendments to their budgets, to let the Department of Homeland Security know they don't like the proposed Customs and Border Patrol measure designed to change the definition of a switchblade knife. The new CBP definition, if adopted, would basically cut the modern knife industry to the quick as approximately eighty percent of knives currently in production would fall into the definition of switchblade because of their assisted-opening feature.

Representatives Bob Latta (R-Ohio) and Walt Minnick (D-Idaho) have co-sponsored an amendment to the Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill to restrict funds to the proposed CBP rule on switchblades.

With a Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus letter with 80 signatures protesting the proposal to Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, it may be that the CBP has figured out that unlike most of their decisions, this one has gotten out into the public eye- and no one likes what they're seeing.

That story continues to develop rapidly, but Knife Rights head Doug Ritter says he'll keep everyone up to date as the story develops....

....From the Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA) news that journalist's organization will sign on and support a First Amendment amicus curiae brief in U.S. v. Stevens, a case scheduled to be heard by the Supreme Court this fall.

Robert Stevens, of Virginia, was convicted of felony charges and sentenced to three years in federal prison for selling two documentary films and one hunting film he had crafted about pit bull dogs. His conviction was overturned by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals as unconstitutional based on the First Amendment.

POMA, which has taken a lead role in alerting and rallying other concerned organizations, will formally add its name to the brief after reviewing the final document, to ensure it represents the best interests of POMA's members. The amicus brief is being written by attorneys Beth Heifetz and David Cooper of the Jones Day law firm in Washington, D.C.

"POMA is dedicated to the defense of the First Amendment and the Constitutional rights of journalists, hunters and anglers - all Americans. In addition, the culture of traditional outdoor activities was central to the formation and foundation of POMA," said POMA President Chris Chaffin.

Mark Thomas joins NSSF. (NSSF Photo)

....Finally, word from the National Shooting Sports Foundation that Mark E. Thomas has been appointed managing director, marketing communications there. Thomas comes to NSSF after serving seven years as director of marketing for Invisible Fence Brand in Knoxville, Tennessee. He has more than two decades of sporting goods experience in a variety of marketing roles with Remington Firearms, Stren Fishing Lines, Brunswick Corp., Outboard Marine Corp. and Volvo Penta.

The 51-year old Missouri native, Thomas will direct the in-house communications staff while reporting to Chris Dolnack, NSSF senior vice president. "Mark brings a wealth of multi-industry communication strategic planning and implementation skills," said Dolnack. "He has an expert knowledge of traditional and new media communications, disciplines that will serve NSSF and its member partners extremely well."

No word on whether NSSF head Steve Sanetti has ordered invisible fence collars for the staff - or members.

But we'll keep you posted.

--Jim Shepherd

Jul 4	California Free Fishing Day Statewide
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Jul 15-17	ICAST Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida

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