Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Eye On Boise

Otter to gun, ammo makers: Come to Idaho

Idaho Gov. Butch Otter today proclaimed May to be “2nd Amendment Protection Month” and is inviting arms and ammunition manufacturers to consider relocating to the Gem State. “The National Rifle Association ranks Idaho as a gun-friendly state whose laws are among the least restrictive in the nation,” Otter said in his official proclamation. “The state of Idaho openly embraces companies in the arms and ammunition manufacturing sector to expand or relocate to the state.”

The governor also sent letters to industry leaders to press his invitation, writing, “In Idaho, we know what ‘business friendly’ means.”

His proclamation and efforts were touted in a press release from the state’s Department of Commerce, which quoted Fred Newcome, vice president of sales for PNW Arms, which recently relocated to Potlatch, Idaho, saying, “Idaho offered us an opportunity to relocate somewhere where we could be in a more comfortable environment.”

The department said in its release, “Idaho already is home to a robust, thriving arms and ammunition industry with over 180 companies that manufacture custom arms, aftermarket parts and specialized ammunition. The state embraces this industry sector and has a number of statutes in place restricting lawsuits against firearms or ammunition manufactures and limiting product liability.” Click here for a link to the governor's full proclamation; click below for the full Commerce announcement. You can read my full story here at spokesman.com.

PRESS RELEASE

Contact: Megan Ronk

Idaho Commerce

Governor Otter Declares 2nd Amendment Protection Month in Idaho

Boise, Idaho—Monday, May 6, 2013— Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter signed a proclamation today declaring May 2013 as Idaho 2nd Amendment Protection Month, and encouraging arms and ammunition manufacturers nationwide to consider Idaho for potential expansion and relocation.

“In Idaho, we know what ‘business friendly’ means. We cherish and defend freedom – those principles are the fiber of who we are as Idahoans and represent all aspects of the way we conduct our business – from removing undue government regulations and restrictions to supporting gun ownership as a constitutional right,” Governor Otter wrote to industry leaders.

The proclamation affirms Idaho’s history as a state that vigorously defends and protects the right to keep and bear arms, and highlights efforts by both the Executive and Legislative branches of government – including during the recent 2013 legislative session – to strengthen and expand Idaho’s reputation as a gun-friendly state whose laws are among America’s least restrictive.

The proclamation advances Idaho’s efforts to attract arms and ammunition manufacturers to the state in light of recent legislative changes in other states that have been viewed as negative toward the industry. Governor Otter recently sent letters to arms and ammunition CEOs highlighting Idaho’s proven ability to improve their speed to market and reduce business costs.

Idaho already is home to a robust, thriving arms and ammunition industry with over 180 companies that manufacture custom arms, aftermarket parts and specialized ammunition. The state embraces this industry sector and has a number of statutes in place restricting lawsuits against firearms or ammunition manufacturers and limiting product liability.

A number of companies have already relocated to Idaho, including PNW Arms’ recent move to Potlatch. “Idaho offered us an opportunity to relocate somewhere where we could be in a more comfortable environment,” Fred Newcome, PNW Arms’ vice president of sales. “In Idaho, they understand that what we’re doing is of vital importance to our national interest, and citizens take that to heart.”

To learn more about the business momentum that companies are experiencing in Idaho visit Idaho Commerce or contact us at 1.800.842.5858.

###



Betsy Z. Russell
Betsy Z. Russell joined The Spokesman-Review in 1991. She currently is a reporter in the Boise Bureau covering Idaho state government and politics, and other news from Idaho's state capital.

Follow Betsy online: