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CROSMAN CORPORATION NAMES ROY STEFANKO VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING

7/12/11

Rochester, New York, (July 12, 2011) - Crosman Corporation, international designer, manufacturer, and marketer of products for the shooting sports, today announced the appointment of Roy Stefanko, a Crosman veteran,  as its new vice president of marketing. He succeeds retiring Bob Hampton, who has served as Crosman’s marketing chief for seven years ending a successful, lifelong career as a marketing professional. In his new role, Stefanko will be responsible for all aspects of marketing, strategic planning and will interface with all departments. He will report directly to Crosman president and CEO, Ken D’Arcy. 

According D’Arcy, Stefanko has been groomed for this position, having served as national sales manager and director of new product development. “Roy has some big shoes to fill. Bob Hampton has helped successfully navigate our company through some tough years to its current level of success. In taking his place, Roy’s leadership and experience with our company has prepared him well to step seamlessly into this new role. With his knowledge of both the company and the category, I anticipate he will make the marketing function an even more effective contributor to our company’s growth,” D’Arcy said.

“For any manager to be successful, he or she must have the ability to work closely with cross-functional teams and sift wheat from chaff when it comes to executing the big ideas that bring products to market. Roy has demonstrated real flair for energizing sales, while recognizing that marketing is but a part of the entire equation. We’re at an important juncture in Crosman’s growth curve and Roy Stefanko will be an important member of our decision-making team. I look forward to his continuing as a real contributor,” said D’Arcy.

Prior to his success in several sales management and product development positions at Crosman, Stefanko distinguished himself as an accomplished marketing manager with a leading sporting goods company. Adds D’Arcy, “That experience afforded him a unique view of the interdisciplinary requirements that modern corporations demand. This newest opportunity to fine-tune his skills should provide Crosman with the ideal successor to our retiring marketing vice president.”

Federal Premium® Remembers Noted Conservationist and 4-H Shooting Sports Pioneer Bill Stevens

7/8/11

ANOKA, Minn. - Retired Federal Premium Ammunition Conservation Manager Bill Stevens passed away at the age of 72 on July 3, 2011. He was monumental in helping shape conservation efforts and policies for both Federal Premium and the industry, and was responsible for launching the 4-H Shooting Sports Program. Stevens' battle with cancer ended peacefully in the loving company of son Andrew and wife Nila. His legacy, and the fruits of his efforts, will live on for generations.

Reaching Thousands
Bill Stevens was known by thousands and thousands as a man who never stopped promoting his true passions-hunting, shooting, youth, family and conservation. Stevens earned countless awards for his efforts, but the outgoing and compassionate hunter dedicated himself for the simple reason that he cared. He worked tirelessly and traveled all over the country. He was a regular attendee at industry meetings, youth events and was Federal's ear to the industry when some of the biggest issues and regulations were being decided.

Stevens was intricately involved in our industry's transition to steel shot for waterfowl hunting. He worked hard to educate hunters and the outdoor media on the importance of this change-and how to get the best performance from steel shot.

From 1984-1986 Stevens also served on the Citizens Commission to Promote Hunting and Fishing in Minnesota, a group appointed by Governor Perpich. The main outcome from the commission was the Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM) program, a kind of state-funded CRP and wildlife area acquisition fund. The critical habitat license plates now available in Minnesota are part of the RIM program.

After his retirement from Federal in 2007, Stevens continued to be heavily involved in 4-H, conservation and education programs. He attended several events on the company's behalf even after a career that spanned more than four decades, and his true passion never wavered.

In fact, just last month Federal Premium Announced the first ever Bill Stevens 4-H Leadership Award winner. The award in his name highlights 4-H support and increasing development of youth conservation efforts. National 4-H Committee Member and extension educator Conrad Arnold was crowned with this honor. Arnold accepted the award Monday, June 20 at the 4-H National Shooting Sports Invitational in San Antonio, Texas.

Responsible for Royalty
Over the years, Federal Premium has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to organizations through on-box royalty programs. These programs were born and supported because of Stevens. He was instrumental in starting and growing royalty programs for the National Wild Turkey Federation, Pheasants Forever, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Safari Club International. These programs include organization logos on select Federal Premium® packaging and give dollars directly back to habitat. Stevens was also very active with the Ruffed Grouse Society and was involved in many projects involving land acquisition and development.

Remembering a Friend
Stevens had a unique ability to make connections with many different people from all types of backgrounds. He was known by everyone from industry leaders, to esteemed outdoor writers, to local youth leaders-and everyone in between. He was legendary for his cooking, recipes and uncanny memory for great restaurants in every part of the country-from huge cities to the smallest towns.

Those lucky enough to work with Bill on a daily basis, and share an office with him, will never forget the way he was every day. Even in retirement Bill would visit the Federal plant frequently. He was as warm and genuine a person as there ever was. He was a straight shooter with a great sense of humor and an unending wealth of stories, recollections and knowledge.

"Anyone who ever met Bill knows how much he will be missed," said Marketing and Communications Vice President Kyle Tengwall. "Bill's accolades and accomplishments speak for themselves. He was a true pioneer of the shooting sports and youth and education programs. Above all that, he brought a contagious enthusiasm and passion for work, family, the industry and the outdoors. Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of such a great friend, but our smiles as we remember Bill-and who he was and what he did-help ease the pain."

A funeral service will be held in Fridley, MN Friday, July 8. Bill is survived by loving wife, Nila; son, Andrew; brother, John (Agnes); many other relatives and friends.

In the coming weeks, please look to www.FederalPremium.com as we continue to pay tribute to Bill.


About Federal® Cartridge Company
Headquartered in Anoka, Minnesota, Federal Cartridge Company has been providing hunters and shooters with high-quality rimfire, centerfire and shotshell ammunition since 1922. It pioneered the Premium category of ammunition and is part of the world's leading ammunition manufacturer, ATK Security and Sporting. For more information on Federal, visit www.FederalPremium.com.

Federal Premium Announces Bill Stevens 4-H Leadership Award Winner

7/5/11

ANOKA, Minnesota - Federal Premium® Ammunition announces the inaugural Bill Stevens 4-H Leadership Award winner. Conrad Arnold, from Cambridge, MD is first the recipient of the award. He was honored and received the award Monday evening June 20th during the 2011 National 4-H Invitational Shooting Sports Invitational in San Antonio, Texas.

New Award Signifies Conservation Efforts in Youth Bill Stevens retired in 2007 after more than 40 years working as Federal Premium Ammunition's Conservation Manager. He increased Federal's support of the 4-H program and also helped launch the 4-H Shooting Sports Program-now reaching nearly 200,000 total participants each year. Bill was also instrumental in recruiting other members of the firearms industry to support the 4-H family, the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance and other successful programs.

This year marks 32 consecutive years of support from Federal for the 4-H Shooting Sports Program. Federal also sponsors numerous 4-H youth shooting camps that teach safe hunting, shooting and wildlife management techniques. The company has been supporting the conservation efforts of 4-H since 1934.

2011 Award Winner Conrad Arnold is an extension educator with the University of Maryland based in Cambridge, MD, and is the first ever Bill Stevens 4-H Leadership Award winner. His support and advancement of the 4-H Shooting Sports Program has been hugely successful. In the last few years, Conrad has assembled and managed 4-H leader training programs across the country. These programs help certify more than 5,000 adult coaches and 200,000 participants nationwide.

Conrad is also a National 4-H Committee Member. His leadership has been a crucial part of the 4-H Shooting Sports program's development-and has helped increase its membership and coverage. Last year was Illinois' first year of having a Shooting Sports Program. That program certified 188 instructors who went on and taught more than 800 youth. Thanks to individuals like Conrad, youth program enrollment is expected to increase across the country.

"Conrad has been a huge asset to 4-H these last few years," said Federal Premium Conservation Manager Ryan Bronson. "His involvement, dedication and leadership has helped further 4-H's mission and introduced countless more youth to hunting and shooting with the 4-H Shooting Sports Program. He has led by example and we're proud to honor Bill Stevens' values and legacy by presenting Conrad with this award."

Federal supports numerous conservation organizations, participates in many ammunition royalty programs, and provides many shooting sports educational materials. To learn more about Federal's support, please visit http://www.federalpremium.com/hunters_education/programs.aspx.

About Federal® Cartridge Company Headquartered in Anoka, Minnesota, Federal Cartridge Company has been providing hunters and shooters with high-quality rimfire, centerfire and shotshell ammunition since 1922. It pioneered the Premium category of ammunition and is part of the world's leading ammunition manufacturer, ATK Security and Sporting. For more information on Federal, visit www.federalpremium.com.

About ATK Security and Sporting ATK Security and Sporting, headquartered in Anoka, MN, is a leading technology developer and supplier of ammunition for law enforcement, military and sporting applications; a manufacturer of optics, reloading gear and sport shooting accessories; and a leading producer of tactical accessories. The company serves sport shooting enthusiasts, law enforcement professionals, military and tactical markets worldwide. The group's products include some of the most widely known and respected brands in the industry, including Federal Premium, CCI, Speer, RCBS, Alliant Powder, Champion, Weaver, Eagle Industries, and BLACKHAWK!.

About ATK ATK is a global aerospace and defense company with operations in 24 states, Puerto Rico and internationally, and revenues in excess of $4.8 billion. News and information can be found on the Internet at www.atk.com. Contact: Tim Brandt, Federal Premium Ammunition (800) 322-2342 (ext. 3833) or pressroom@atk.com