Clay Shooting event targets friendships and business relationships.

By Jack Pagano
jack@thetampapost.com

Clay Shooting event targets friendships and business relationships.

“The clay shooting was good but the relationships were terrific…” Those words echoed throughout Metro Tampa’s event at Tampa Bay Sporting Clays 10514 Ehren Cutoff, Land O’ Lakes, FL 34639

Tampa Bay Sporting Clays Clay Shoot and luncheon with Coast Manufacturers’ Association.   (photos by Anthony Kocovic)

The Natural Coast Manufacturers’ Association of Florida https://naturecoastmfg.com put on a clay shooting event for novices to the professionals.  A chance to learn how to use a firearm safely and perfect hand, eye, and

quickness coordination.  The event challenged the shooters including a newcomer to the sport Kelsey Jarman.  Kelsy could be considered a super novice. She had no training in shooting clay Ever.  It was her very first time holding a shotgun.  “I never shot a shotgun before and what an experience trying to hit clay on the fly.”  She mentioned the all-day event gave her a wonderful opportunity to network with fellow manufacturers and enjoy Florida’s great springtime weather.   Kelsy was not alone in gripping, securing, and shooting the shotgun.

Erin Clark from Ped-Stuart corporation, www.ped-stuart.com was a first-time shooter and he experienced the “full metal” experience of shooting a shotgun.  He says the clay shooting gave his manufacturing company a day out in the field to show off Ped Stuart’s marketing capabilities.   “We make baseball caps, apparel, and shirts for local companies in the Metro Tampa area.”    The soft plastics company is all about team building and the clay shooting is just good business.”  Company president

Erik Walasek came out to cheer on his company.  “I know how important it is to show my employees we are one team.”  Clay shooting provides a keen way to use the shotgun safely and create business avenues and opportunities.   “

This day was all about creating business opportunities and friendships with other local entrepreneurs.”

AME, www.ameintl.net  a company that manufactures tire-changing tools came to the shooting with a “bull’s eye” philosophy in “telling their story.”     Brett Waggner shot clay and brought customers to the outing.  AME sells to 35 countries worldwide.  Other companies from Metro Tampa set their sights on shooting clay.

CMEX’s Shane Young brought three customers to the shoot.  “My customers learned a lot about shooting and safety.”

Morris Porton, Membership Director of the Natural Coast Manufacturers Association said, “Clay shooting is just one of the many events the association coordinates and sponsors throughout the year.  The association is a ‘Voice in Tallahassee.’ Morris continues talking confidently about the association and its main goal: help local manufacturing companies succeed.  Porton says proudly, “

The association supports manufacturers with educational opportunities with its local educational partners,  Porton believes the manufacturers association is all about answering questions and solving problems.

Metro Tampa area relator Anthony Kocovic sums it up.  “The clay shooting event builds local business relationships and friendships that create valuable ROI.  It’s all about return on investment.”

Jack Pagano is a retired Army field grade officer with many decades of Information Operations experience and currently working remotely in the USA as COO/Strategist for one of Afghanistan’s biggest Radio/TV networks.  His current mission is getting out Afghan journalists he trained, and mentored who are stuck, stranded under the Sharia-driven Taliban.