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Risch Recognizes Idaho Company During Small Business Week

Nightforce Optics in Orofino Spotlighted

June 21, 2013

Washington, D.C. - In recognition of National Small Business Week, U.S. Senator Jim Risch has named Nightforce Optics as the Idaho Small Business of the Day.  The company will be recognized in the Congressional Record of the United States Senate.

“I am pleased to recognize Nightforce Optics as an outstanding small business.  This company started with a vision by one person that brought him from Australia to Orofino, Idaho,” said Risch. “Dr. Ray Dennis believed he had a superior riflescope, and starting with four employees, he built the company. Today, Nightforce riflescopes are known and purchased worldwide and the company employs more than 100 people.  I congratulate Dr. Dennis and his employees for their great work and success.”

Dr. Dennis began his quest for a riflescope of unprecedented quality and performance in 1992.  As an avid Australian hunter and shooter he looked for a place in the United States to begin his enterprise.  Drawn by Orofino’s natural beauty, friendly business climate and strong labor base, a small manufacturing facility was established with four employees.

Over the years, the quality of Nightforce Optics riflescopes has become well-known among hunters and shooters worldwide.  More long-range shooting world records have been set by competition shooters using Nightforce than any other brand.

Today, Nightforce employs more than 100 local people who build riflescopes in their 35,000 square-foot facility.  Their products are in high demand by hunters, shooters, police and military users around the world and they continue to develop new and innovative products, all from an Australian who pursued his business dreams in America—in Idaho.

Senator Risch is the highest ranking Republican on the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.  The committee oversees proposed legislation on matters relating to entrepreneurship and provides oversight of the Small Business Administration.  They also research, investigate and report all problems relating to American’s small businesses to the full Senate.

This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the National Small Business Week.

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