Today, as is more the norm than the exception, I'm back on the road. And as I'm traveling, I'm also using the time in the car to help clear up some of the items we've left hanging over the past few weeks. In other words, today's the day I clean up the "To-Do" list.
First on that list is the brouhaha regarding Bank of America's much-reported desire not to do business with the firearms industry. We reported on the fact that at least one gun company (McMillan Firearms Group/McMillian Group International) had been told -point-blank (if you don't mind the bad pun) that BOA really didn't want to do business with them since their focus had shifted from manufacturing firearms components to selling full-on firearms.
Since that little furor, the National Shooting Sports' Larry Keane has been back-and-forth with BOA to try and get a little clarity and a whole lot of closure on that matter. Today, I want to tell readers that, according to Keane, Bank of America is not exactly calling those reports false - or even inaccurate-but the Bank of America's Ann G. Pace has written Keane in response to the question.
Her response?
A semi-qualified categorical denial. I say semi-qualified because she used the confidentiality of clients explanation to prevent listing firearms industry companies who enjoy BOA banking relationships. Personally, I can't imagine any banking experience today being enjoyable, but that's probably just me. You can read Ms. Pace's letter for yourself at http://www.nssf.org/share/PDF/BOA_ltr_to_NSSF_050212.pdf. After you read it, you're welcome to draw your own conclusions- in fact, we'd always prefer your doing that. We're not trying to shape your opinion when it comes to how you conduct your business, banking or personal lives.
We're told, however, that Kelly McMillian has had "twenty or so" other banks contact him to chase their business. Last week, I spoke with our banker and asked his opinion. His response? He gave me his business card and asked that I pass it on to McMillian. "BOA," he said, "is nuts to turn away any healthy company's business today."
The firearms industry, in case you've not been paying attention, is one of the few industry categories outside of government services doing well.
And speaking of housekeeping- here are some news items from our own internal workings:
We're preparing to announce two new wire services, three special editions, and a host of other "stuff" relating to The Outdoor Wire's reporting of the news. As always, we're listening to our readers when it comes to what areas we are either over-covering or ignoring. We never ignore anything, but we are still a growing organization with a lot of turf to cover on a daily basis.
We're not quite ready to announce the new services -or give away the titles of the special editions - but they're in areas where readers have told us they want "more". Of course, we'll let you know what, where, and when so you can get onboard from the very beginning.
And speaking of onboard, I'm out doing one of my annual checks of advances in the marine industry. Today, I'm touring a manufacturing facility that turns out one of the critical items for any boat-propellers. As was brought to my attention today, without a prop you're going nowhere-and you're going nowhere fast.
The right prop, however, enables an engine to perform many different roles. Speed, efficiency, power, whatever - is all dependent on the prop. I'm hoping to gain some valuable insight on the process of manufacturing- and the results of a combination of high-tech manufacturing and old-school knowledge. Computer designs paired with molten metal and experienced workers swinging hammers can give some pretty impressive results.
We'll keep you posted.
--Jim Shepherd
