While doing business was the main agenda during the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show in Las Vegas, two officials from Montana were in town working to entice firearm industry-related businesses to move their operations to the Big Sky Country, where the business climate and gun politics is far more friendly than lower New England.
Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte and Attorney General Austin Knudsen met with several industry leaders.
In a telephone conversation with TGM, Knudsen indicated the trip was successful, with some businesses looking for a new home. He has been at previous SHOT Shows, and his familiarity with the event was helpful.
While Gov. Gianforte came for one day, to participate in a panel of governors organized by the National Shooting Sports Foundation and host a small reception for members of the industry, Knudsen spent three days making the rounds.
“We were definitely ginning up some interest,” he said, “from companies in ‘blue’ states.”
Gianforte’ background in business is a plus, because he understands the challenges faced by businesses, Knudsen observed. Before entering politics, the governor founded and grew a private business with his wife.
“He can talk to business people peer-to-peer,” Knudsen said. “He understands workforce issues and supply chain issues.”
In addition, he’s a “very active outdoorsman,” Knudsen remarked.
Knudsen said he’s been able to help get business people in touch with the various Chambers of Commerce, where they find out about local commercial real estate availability and business opportunities.
“Blue states are continuing to pile on and pile on (more gun laws),” Knudsen noted, “and at what point do businesses say, ‘We’ve got to get out of here’?”
“We’d love to have those businesses,” he continued. “That’s my sales pitch to them. ‘Hey, the legal climate out here is gun friendly; the legislature here is very pro-Second Amendment.”
Meanwhile, in places such as Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York, politics has taken a decidedly different course where gun manufacturers are concerned.
“You’re seeing a lot of those companies leave,” Knudsen said.
The message to those companies from Montana is “The welcome mat is out.”
