Biz Bits: Vista Outdoor talks future plans

The Miami-Dade Police Department will be using Speer 9 mm Gold Dot ammunition for its duty pistols as part of a contract Vista Outdoor recently secured with that law enforcement agency.

“Our employees produce excellent products that many law enforcement agencies in the United States trust to protect and serve our communities,” said Jason Vanderbrink, CEO of Sporting Products.

Vanderbrink spoke about the agreement with the eighth-largest police department in the United States during a conference call for stock market analysts after Vista Outdoor released its results for its fiscal year 2024 second quarter.

Vista Outdoor’s net income for the three months that ended Sept. 24 was $44.4 million, compared with $93.4 million for the same time last year.

The combined net income for its first two quarters of the 2024 fiscal year is $102 million, compared with $219 million for the same time last year, according to the results.

The earnings report and conference call provided little new insight into the previously announced sale of its ammunition operations to the Czechoslovak Group anticipated to close next year.

The $1.91 billion deal includes CCI/Speer in Lewiston as well as Federal, Remington and Hevi-Shot, which together constitute the largest ammunition maker in the United States.

CCI/Speer is one of Lewiston’s largest employers with about 1,400 employees.

Vista Outdoor’s brands for outdoor recreation such as Camelbak, Camp Chef and Simms are not part of the deal and will become part of a company called Revelyst.

“Long term, this outcome jump starts our compelling vision for Revelyst, by capitalizing its balance sheet with cash to accelerate its capital allocation strategy and puts us in a position to hit the ground running as a successful independent company,” said Gary McArthur, interim CEO of Vista Outdoor.

The sale, Vanderbrink said, is a “great outcome” for stockholders, the business, employees and customers.

“A private, global strategic owner will allow us to grow the reach of our iconic American brands and expand our legacy of U.S. manufacturer support for the military and law enforcement customers and investments in conservation and our hunting and shooting heritage,” he said.

As Vista Outdoor executives prepare for the sale, they’re monitoring markets and anticipate a change in the conditions that have slowed ammunition sales.

The second quarter 2024 ammunition sales “were pressured by the market softening across categories,” said Andrew Keegan, interim vice president and chief financial officer.

“We believe that the current increased global unrest, along with the strong hunting season (in October, November and December) and the start of an election season … will result in more favorable performance,” he said.

Mohr’s Floors sold to employee/relative

A new owner of Mohr’s Floors in Lewiston learned the trade from the founder before becoming a part of his family.

Darrell and Shelly Mohr sold the business at 1036 Bryden Ave. to Jesse and Haley Grossman.

The Grossmans plan to continue to sell high-quality carpet, tile, countertops and blinds at fair prices while maintaining a team of talented craftsmen to install the products in homes and businesses, said Jesse Grossman.

“The most important thing to me is getting a job done correctly so it lasts forever,” he said.

Mohr’s Floors is open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and by appointment on Fridays.

Grossman has close to two decades of experience as an installer. He was introduced to the trade when he was 20 years old.

He and Haley were high school friends. He needed work and she put in a good word for him with her stepdad, Darrell Mohr, who hired him.

As an owner of Mohr’s Floors, Grossman said he intends to keep the business the same other than expanding its base of customers.

He is handling the day-to-day operations. Haley Grossman is a full-time teacher at McSorley Elementary School in Lewiston.

Mohr’s Floors isn’t the only independently owned Lewiston business that the Grossmans have ties to.

Jesse Grossman is a son of Jeff and Kathy Grossman, the owners of Jeffrey’s Restaurant, at 244 Thain Road, adjacent to Orchards Lanes.

Rico’s in Pullman wins Legacy on Main Award

PULLMAN — Rico’s Public House won the Legacy on Main Award for its role as an economic and cultural anchor in downtown Pullman.

The honor is given by the Washington State Main Street program that has helped more than 70 communities revitalize their downtown districts. The program is a collaboration of the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation and the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation.

The Legacy on Main Award recognizes a small business that has “stood the test of time and impacted generations of community members,” according to a news release from the Downtown Pullman Association.

Founded in 1909 as a men’s only club, Rico’s is the oldest retail business in Pullman and is owned by Tawny Szumlas, according to the news release.

It survived Prohibition and the Great Depression by selling milkshakes before obtaining Pullman’s first beer and wine license in the 1930s.

In 1947, it was acquired by Tony Talerico, whose regulars called him “Rico.” He made the business more inclusive by adding a women’s restroom and hiring the wives of international graduate students.

Szumlas’ dad, Roger Johnson, bought the business in 1980. He changed its name to Rico’s, served the first microbrews in Pullman and introduced outdoor seating after a successful lobbying effort with the city, according to the news release.

TriState Health offering new prostate treatment

TriState Health is offering a new treatment called aquablation therapy for men with enlarged prostates.

The therapy involves using ultrasound imaging to create a map of a patient’s anatomy, according to a news release from TriState Health.

After that, a heat-free waterjet removes prostate tissue “avoiding critical structures to preserve sexual function and continence,” according to the news release.

The approach is “minimally invasive” while carrying lower risk and providing equally effective outcomes compared with other surgical methods, according to the news release.

Williams may be contacted at ewilliam@lmtribune.com or (208) 848-2261.