ATA recently reached out to the Wires to share their resources they are offering by those affected by COVID-19 pandemic, which is everyone reading this. I thought this was a fantastic round-up and wanted to share what Allison Jasper, ATA’s Communications Director, sent us. For starters, everyone reading this should bookmark ArcheryTrade.Org as they are updating it regularly with resources, facts and news. Jasper shared that they are not recreating any information that they are not experts in…and they created this page “to serve as a one-stop-shop for members to access things like FET tax info, small business loans, state-by-state info, etc. I intend to update this page daily as new questions unfold, and new information becomes available.”

Additionally, her and her team are creating helpful resources such as this blog post on “9 Things Your Archery Business Can Do During the COVID-19 Pandemic” and this article on applying for a small business loan. Jasper also shared ATA is hopefully many retailers, manufacturers, and other small businesses in our industry apply for these loans.

And finally, I’m sure the ATA crew is getting flooded with questions. One that’s top of mind is definitely ensuring one’s archery-related business is marked “critical” in the event of a quarantine and/or shutdown. ATA’s official statement on that matter is below:

ATA STATEMENT ON BUSINESS RESTRICTIONS/CRITICAL DESIGNATIONS

The Archery Trade Association represents manufacturers, retailers, and partners to the archery and bowhunting industry. Its mission is to inspire growth, increase participation, and preserve the sports of archery and bowhunting.

In times of crisis, sustainable food sources are critically important. Bowhunting provides access to resources, many on public lands, which can offset supply and demand issues common during these times.

The ATA encourages all local, state, and federal authorities to protect archery and bowhunting businesses, preserving their rights to remain open, while following appropriate guidelines. Access to bowhunting equipment, expertise, and guidance can relieve traditional market pressures under challenging circumstances, while also affording people the opportunity to remain active and healthy.

Ok, what else? How is everyone doing? How can I help? How can ATA help? Both of us are here for you. -Michelle Scheuermann, editor, Archery Wire