The American Knife & Tool Institute (www.AKTI.org) announces that it is preparing to publish and distribute the "AKTI State of the Industry" report. A similar document was circulated in 2007 and proved to be instrumental in explaining the impact the industry has on American jobs and the economy.
Las Vegas, NV- Preparing for new legislative initiatives to remove restrictive knife laws, the American Knife & Tool Institute (www.AKTI.org) has taken up the task of publishing a new comprehensive "AKTI State of Industry" report. The announcement and call for industry participation took place January 17, at the 2012 SHOT Show at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV.
The 2007 AKTI State Industry provided an in-depth statistical snapshot of the industry which was crucial data when it came to state legislative initiatives. It was invaluable in 2009 in discussions with federal legislators and U.S. Customs regarding assisted-opening knives. The nonprofit organization believes the new information being gathered will be even more effective in presenting the importance of the knife and tool industry to decision-makers.
"AKTI gathered industry-wide information which was compiled into a document that was one of the most important tools we had when talking to legislators," said AKTI President Bill Raczkowski. "Legislators found the information contained in that report very important in understanding our industry when making decisions regarding proposed knife legislation or supporting removing restrictive laws."
"AKTI has hired the accounting firm of McGladrey & Pullen to gather the data and compile it in a way that will be useful when we need such information again to protect our rights to make, sell, own, carry and use knives and edged tools," Raczkowski said, adding that the information would be gathered "independently and confidentially" to maintain the integrity of the data.
According to Jan Billeb, AKTI's Executive Director, McGladrey & Pullen is providing a survey to participants with "questions that will be instrumental in explaining to decision-makers the impact our industry has on the economy and jobs."
Raczkowski and Billeb emphasized that: "AKTI represents every segment of the knife community, from individual knife owners to distributors to retailers to manufacturers and importers," adding that "Every knife manufacturing and import/distribution company is a valued contributor to jobs, taxes and economic viability in its city, county, state and region."
They also point out that there is a further impact because of outside suppliers to knife and tool companies, which include steel companies, machine shops and laser cutters, heat-treaters, handle suppliers, sheath suppliers, chemical and dye suppliers, package suppliers, printers, shippers (including FedEx, UPS, USPS), courier services, publishers, website service providers, independent sales representatives, as well as medical and dental providers.
"Our members understand how crucial knowing the total impact of the industry is to how effectively we can advocate on their behalf, and that their participation is important to the success of the report." added Billeb.
For more information, call (307) 587-8296 or visit the American Knife & Tool Institute website at www.AKTI.org. The mailing address is 22 Vista View Lane, Cody, WY 82414-9606. Or follow AKTI at: http://Twitter.com/SaveOurKnives http://www.Facebook.com/SaveOurKnives.
The American Knife & Tool Institute (AKTI) has been the advocacy voice of the entire knife community since 1998, ensuring that Americans will always be able to make, buy, sell, own, carry and use knives and edged tools. AKTI is recognized worldwide as a respected, credible and accurate source of knife legislation information, legislative input, and industry information with a successful, proven record of accomplishments in making effective changes to restrictive knife laws and promoting reasonable and responsible laws and enforcement.
