The National Shooting Sports Foundation showed Sen. Dean Heller (R-Nevada) around the SHOT Show today. Heller also spoke at last night’s industry political action committee (PAC) reception. At the show, NSSF briefed him on key industry issues.
Heller was appointed to the U.S. Senate last year by Gov. Brian Sandoval (R) and will seek election to a full term this November. He previously served three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“Senator Heller is a rock-solid supporter of our industry and our Second Amendment rights,” said Lawrence G. Keane, senior vice president and general counsel for NSSF. “His participation is an excellent opportunity to again bring our elected officials front and center with industry executives and discuss how best to grow the industry and participation in the shooting sports.”
Heller’s attendance at the SHOT Show underscores the continued importance of the firearms and ammunition industry to the U.S. economy. Despite the continued recession and high unemployment, demand for industry products has reached unprecedented levels. Strong growth of firearm and ammunition sales has fueled job growth and tax payments that support communities and also conservation programs through the Pittman-Robertson Fund.
Nationally, the firearms and ammunition industry accounts for more than 180,000 jobs and $28 billion in economic activity. The SHOT Show is one of the largest trade shows in North America, attracting approximately 58,000 industry professionals and providing $60 million in economic activity for Las Vegas.
Heller currently serves on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee; the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee; and the Special Committee on Aging.
Political leaders are no strangers to SHOT show. Former Massachusetts governor and 2012 presidential candidate Mitt Romney (R) attended a previous show.