By Jeff Poole

I often meet ATA members in their shops or manufacturing facilities and ask, “How can ATA help your business?” I find that many don’t know what the ATA does beyond the ATA Show.

For starters, did you know 100% of the money ATA receives from membership dues and Trade Show capital goes back into programs that support members, protect their businesses and promote participation in archery and bowhunting across the world? It’s true! Here are five other initiatives that ATA members should know about.

1. The ATA is leading the charge to close a loophole that lets foreign companies sell archery products in the U.S. without paying the Federal Excise Tax. This not only leaves U.S. manufacturers at a pricing (and profit) disadvantage, but it also denies state fish and wildlife agencies funding from FET dollars they depend on to provide access to facilities and opportunities for hunters.

2. The ATA Certified Bow Technician program has quickly become the standard for bow techs with over 160 enrolled in the course in the first 16 months. The course appeals to new and less experienced bow techs, as well as veterans looking to benefit from certification. The program also adds new, competent bow techs to the workforce.

3. Our Quarterly Retail Trend Tracker Survey provides timely data for retailers and manufacturers on product sales trends, inventories and customer demographics, as well as projection data on retailer confidence, at the national and regional level.

4. The ATA initiated a study to examine the complexity and inconsistencies of state bowhunting equipment regulations. Our goal is to work with all 50 states to identify irregularities and improve consistent application of the regulations. This important work not only helps eliminate confusion of varying regulations, but has also led to the expansion of allowable equipment in some states creating new market opportunities for manufacturers of items such as lighted nocks, expandable broadheads and tracking devices.

5. The ATA is constantly monitoring markets with bowhunting and target archery participation research. ATA recently released 2022 bowhunting active participation numbers of 3.7 million which was validated with the release of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service research that estimated 3.9 million bowhunters in the field in 2022.

If you haven’t visited ATA’s website lately, click here to access the members area and exclusive access to business support services, technical guides, retailer services, educational materials and the most updated information on the ATA Show in Indianapolis, Jan. 8-10, 2025.