The Archery Trade Association Board of Directors voted unanimously to add Tom Gallagher of Cabela's and Dean Snelson of Bass Pro Shops to two new board seats created for the association's “multi-channel retailer” members.
Gallagher is Cabela's senior director of merchandising and Snelson is Bass Pro's divisional merchandise director. Their additions boost the size of the ATA Board to 18 members. The board also includes 12 manufacturing members, three pro-shop retailing members and one sales representative member.
“Multi-channel” retailers are companies that do mass retailing and marketing through chain stores and online operations. Some are also involved in manufacturing and marketing branded products.
“We're very pleased our Board members voted to appoint Cabela's and Bass Pro Shops to the ATA Board,” says Jay McAninch, ATA CEO/president. “Both companies are longstanding great names in the outdoor industry. They both are respected, family-owned businesses with consistent traditions that mesh well with the archery industry.”
Greg Easton, ATA Board chair and president of Jas. D. Easton Inc., said the Board expanded its size to include multi-channel retailers because of its commitment to represent the entire archery industry. In welcoming Gallagher and Snelson to the Board, Easton said he looks forward to working with all board members to grow archery participation.
“Multi-channel retailers represent a significant portion of the archery and bowhunting markets,” says Easton. “In addition, with the ATA's emphasis on growing participation and embracing the 'new archery consumer,' our multi-channel retailers play significant roles in supporting those efforts. They reach many people, and can help the ATA raise archery to the next level while adding new perspectives to ATA Board discussions.”
Snelson said Bass Pro Shops feels honored to join the ATA Board, and has long been active in shooting and conservation efforts that are vital to the industry.
“This allows us to work more directly to create more archery and bowhunting opportunities for the nearly 19 million people already enjoying these activities,” says Snelson. “We've long recognized ATA's important contributions, and we look forward to working alongside everyone to keep the entire archery industry robust and profitable.”
“We've always been engaged in growing the archery sports and ensuring their long-term future, because archery has long been a big category for Cabela's,” said Gallagher. “This appointment is a tremendous one. We're no longer on the outside looking in. We view this from the perspective of a student, not as a teacher. Now we can learn even more about the archery industry, understand its issues and challenges, and share the work that will keep everyone growing.”
As with all ATA Board seats, individuals serve on the Board and represent their company, but the company itself is the Board member. If the indi
