• I’m hearing reports that Big Indian Paintball is going to be alive (sort of) with Zombies this weekend. LCP’s head ref Bubba Smith tells me that it’s taking more and more coffee to get Manager Bill Murray going in the morning. Not a good sign…
• Meanwhile, Valken’s Greg Muller is once again assisting with my wife’s butt, this time covering it in Valken’s pink Tron pants.
• Machine Paintball officially announces their sponsorship of the Palm Beach Vipers. Check out http://www.machinepaintball.com to see what makes the Vipers giggle!
• Planet Eclipse releases the official trailer for the ETEK 4: http://thefordreport.com/2012/05/the-planet-eclipse-etek-4/
• ANS Gear has them on pre-order, by the way.
• Named after a Norse God, the new Empire Vidar mask arrived this week, and was promptly confiscated by my stepdaughter. She has to sleep sometime, so I should be able to spirit it away this weekend to Big Indian to give it the once-over.
• Shooting Hot Magazine writer/photographer/videographer/reporter Seth “Big Boss” Manchester has released episode 2 of Shooting Hot TV: http://thefordreport.com/2012/05/shtv-episode-2/
• Ryan Sexton joins the Valken team: http://thefordreport.com/2012/05/ryan-sexton-joins-valken/
• Not to be outdone, Andy Potter kicked my door in to report this: “Valken is reminding everyone to get your teams signed up ahead of time for paint for NPPL Chicago to get the hook up ! We will be selling the good stuff : Redemption PRO!!! For more details or to sign your team up for paint for the event, please contact andy@valken.com .”
• Blue, having learned his lessons from the Death Kitties and Bo The Happy Puppy, dropped by without kicking anything in to lay this on me: “Pump Only CASTLE CONQUEST is coming to EMR on May 26th. We will also be allowing 12 gram Pistols even if they are semi-automatic. Pre-registration ends this Friday the 11th, so gets yours in now. For more information, go to www.EMRPAINTBALL.com/pumpwinter.shtml . Only $50 prepaid and includes 500 paintballs. “
• The Scottish Warriors are running a game May 20^th over in Europe: http://www.raidersbiggame.co.uk/ All proceeds from the game are going to the Help for Heroes charity, which helps soldiers and their families.
• Empire paintball has made the barrel kit that comes with the Sniper available: http://www.paintballgateway.com/emsnpugunpab.html
• Tom Cole thinks you should go to the Texas UWL event at Cousins Paintball in Dallas, TX. The event is going off June 2^nd and 3^rd, so get signed up!
• Engler did…things to Tippmann’s new FT-12: http://thefordreport.com/2012/05/engler-custom-paintball-guns-is-proud-to-announce-the-release-of-its-newest-design-tippmann-ft-12-with-folding-stock/
• Registration for the Chicago NPPL ends today…might want to get registered or Frank’s going to beat me up. Again.
• PSP affiliate league AXBL announced the winners from their most recent event.
• Coming up on the 27^th, NPPL affiliate league Pev’s will be having an event as well, and another in July.
• TechPB has a store now: http://techpb.spreadshirt.com/
• Rumor has it that Valken is gearing up for D-Day…. Potter assured me that I would have details about this year’s events very soon! I’ve dispatched Terminator Class Minions to his South Florida compound to ‘have a little talk’ with him about dispersing information.
• Over on TechPB it was announced that there’s been another price drop on the Valken V-Max.
• The NPPL has lowered entry fees for their Pump Division.
• RAP4 rolls out the MKP Jackal magazine fed paintball gun.
• They also announced that they’re going to be at Defense Services Asia 2012.
• DYE rolls out some limited edition DM12′s. Puuuuuuuuurty!
• Thanks to Billy Wing and the guys at DYE’s tech department for some information and advice this week.
• PSP Affiliate NEXL announces the winners from their most recent tournament.
• Cobie Smulders, one of the more attractive actresses in the Avengers movie recently held a private paintball party for her and some friends at Hollywood Sports in Bellflower, CA.
• No, I haven’t seen the movie yet.
• I’m happy to announce that the trip to the gun show in Valdosta this past weekend went better than expected…The Dark Child didn’t shoot the place up (much) and Ashley wasn’t forced to knife anyone, and I came away with a great deal on a Rock Island Arms CS! I call that a win-win!

For close to four years now, I have had the distinct privilege and pleasure of working with you to help grow our exciting sport. On many fronts the sport of paintball has seen an increase in participation globally and you are a significant part of this tremendous spike in play . The amount of time and money being invested in the game and the equipment is growing exponentially, and this bodes well for the future of paintball. It is with great certainty that exciting times are in store for the paintball industry and enthusiasts. As the sport continues to grow there will be other advances, but the most important thing is that we as an industry continue to expose as many people as possible to the sport. From there the possibilities are limitless!

So, at this time I wanted to take a moment to let you know that my last day with KEE Action Sports will be on May 25, 2012. I have been presented with a new and challenging opportunity that will take me out of the sports industry which I have been engrained in for over 20 years. I have enjoyed working for and with KEE and I appreciate having this fantastic opportunity to work with all of you in the media. With many of you, I have shared a unique camaraderie which I hope will continue in the years to come even though I will not be here with the company. I plan to maintain an active role in helping promote our sport when and where I can, as this sport has treated me with great respect and admiration.

In closing, attached you will find a job description for the position to be filled. Please take a moment to post this career opportunity on your website to share with our paintball community.

Again, I want to thank you for your continued support of our brands and our products, because without you, our consumers would not have the great opportunities of learning about all of the facets of our great sport.

Continued Success!

Jason A. Kreisman

Marketing Manager

KEE Action Sports, LLC.

With that said, he attached this description of the position being created by his departure: 

Empire Paintball is a leading paintball manufacturer and distributor of paintball equipment, apparel and paintballs. We are currently looking for a Marketing Manager to oversee all aspects of the Marketing including: advertising, direct mail, public relations, promotions, and consumer websites and cross promotions Empire, Empire Battle Tested, and JT Paintball.

We are currently recruiting for an experienced Marketing Manager located in the Sewell, NJ facility.  This is a salary, exempt position DOE.

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree
• 2-3 years experience in general solicitation category, with emphasis in online, print, media, and advertising
• Advanced in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Proven ability to meet deadlines and manage projects with internal and external customers
• Strong, positive attitude and work ethic desired.
• General understanding of paintball industry preferred.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Create, manage and track annual advertising and marketing operating plan budget
• Create and deliver advertising, marketing collateral, promotions and direct mail copy
• Develop and write creative briefs and provide creative direction for marketing materials and programs including: advertisements, in-store collateral, tournament and direct mail pieces
• Edit, write and assign editorial content for consumer websites, print media, product information, online media and catalog listings to ensure consistent tone, voice and message
• Direct and supervise the development and implementation of editorial calendar, media lists, convention and event calendar
• Work with organization to determine means and methods for new player acquisitions
• Maintain media relationships and oversee public relations efforts to garner additional brand awareness and product exposure
• Research, initiate and generate incremental revenue opportunities through targeted cross promotions and marketing programs
• Plan, purchase and coordinate all print, advertising, broadcast and web media

Full benefit package after 90 days of service including PPO Medical, Dental, Vision, Short Term Disability, PTO and 401k.

Human Resources

KEE Action Sports

570 Mantua Blvd, Sewell NJ  08080

Fax: (856)681-6043

Email: jobs@keeactionsports.com

*Qualified candidates will be contacted – no phone calls or Agents please*

*No company paid Relocation*

We are a drug free workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V/D

It will be an action-packed Scouting event with shows, activities, and much, much more. Jambo 2012 will include all the things Scouts from previous Jambos – patch trading, rock climbing, inflatables, camping, and a great Saturday night show featuring Kicking Daisies.

Staff from Empire and JT Paintball will be in attendance promoting the Free Rookie Pass program. The Free Rookie Pass program introduces players of all ages to the sport of paintball. During the Jambo weekend, Empire and JT staff will set up a tent to help educate the Scouts and their parents about the rules of the game, equipment necessary to play and provide them with facts about the safety of the sport. In addition, they will be setting up an obstacle course for Scouts to participate in hourly contests.  Each Scout will have an opportunity to race through the course and shoot a paintball marker while being timed. Those with the fastest times during the day will receive exciting paintball prizes. Coupons to play free paintball at local fields will be given out to anyone who stops by their tent.

“We’re very excited to have Empire and JT Paintball as part of our 2012 Minsi Trails Jambo weekend. Paintball, like Scouting promotes and develops team building, leadership skills, strategic planning, and exercise” says, Lisa Kirschner, Senior District Executive.

According to Jason A. Taitano, VP of Marketing at Empire and JT Paintball, “we will continue to invest time, energy, and money into exposing and growing paintball.  Since 2009 we have exposed thousands of Boy Scouts to the sport of paintball and this was a perfect fit to introduce thousands more to our Free Rookie Pass program and allow us the opportunity to educate potential new players and their parents about the basics of the sport that make the sport so much fun and exciting.”

Empire and JT Paintball are brands of KEE Action Sports LLC.

To learn more or to be a part of the 2012 Minsi Trails Jambo Event visit them at: http://www.minsitrails.com/.

April may have brought showers, but it’s May now and the flowers are blooming…and getting covered in paint!

This month Dale takes on the R7/Replay gun camera system and the Deadlywind Null barrel, all while running for his life from Zombies!  Potter checks in with Valken Corner, Ashley chimes in as well, and Ace Reporter Seth “Big Boss” Manchester takes a look at Acid Tactical and interviews Sarge Morin!

TB Wright checks in this month, along with new writer Neil Chittendon talking about teams and playing in the summer heat.  All this and more at http://www.shootinghotmagazine.com !

Dye has been creating and innovating some of the best and most sought after products in our industry, including the ever popular Dye Matrix Paintball Marker Series. Founded in 1994 by legendary pro paintball player, Dave Youngblood, he continues to push the envelope with superior level products for the discerning paintball enthusiast.

Louie D’Alesio, Commissioner of the CXBL, said “We are extremely proud to have Dye on board for the new season. Dye has always been at the forefront of innovation in paintball and is a pillar of quality in products and a driving force of the successful PSP tournament series.”

The founder and CEO of the Dye family of companies, Dave Youngblood said “”DYE is very excited to be supporting the CXBL this year. It is an intense and amazing series, drawing all the best teams and talent in Canada, as well as some top ranked players from the United States. Competitive Paintball is a global phenomenon, and Canada is a giant part of the overall success of our sport. So anything DYE can do to help the CXBL thrive and grow, to help support the teams and players of the future, we absolutely must be a part of.

Dye Paintball manufactures a wide range of products from clothing, parts, goggle systems, high end markers and have ventured into cross over sports such as snowboarding. Dye equipment is available at fine paintball retailers, including PBL Action Sports. Dye has an international network of facilities and warehouses to service their customers. Dye’s website is www.dyepaintball.com and can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dyeprecisioninc.

The Canadian Xtreme Paintball League (CXBL) was formed in Montreal, Quebec, Canada in 2005. For over 7 years, the league has been considered the sole professional tournament series in Canada. Comprised of approximately 100 teams with over 1,000 players spread across Canada. You can follow the CXBL online at www.xball.com, or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/buypbl.

Everything found here was either directly observed by the staff, sent in by members of The Ford Report Mailing list, or quoted by anonymous Ford Report Minions. Keep in mind at all times… The Ford Report is for entertainment purposes only! Some of the things posted here may not be completely accurate. These posts may directly correlate to yourself, your team, or company. Use the link in this email to unsubscribe from The Ford Report if you find yourself offended by it. If you’re seeing it on the site, then feel free to click that little red ‘X’ and move on with your day.

• The Machine Paintball Vapor demo went very well last weekend at Carnage Paintball in Woodstock, GA. Ashley and I took away a lot of data from the trip, and everyone who saw and held the gun fell in love with it!
• And it turns out that Ledbetter is a fan of Scentsy!
• There’s fighting in Hawaii: “Dale Check out Epower’s night game being held at HEP. Event is on 5/4/12 from 5pm-10pm sign up at Epower Phone 808-848-5126. Spots are limited here is the FB link: http://www.facebook.com/events/310819058986320/ “
• Meanwhile closer to home, LCP Scenarios’ “Georgia” Joe Hamilton dropped in with this: “I sit here tonight working on the Game with a Renewed sense of how amazing our sport is. After numerous phone calls and coordination between the two Generals, they have agreed on a rather unusual way to add to the game. They asked that I allow them the head shot kill rule for Generals. On first thought I believed them to be insane. After further consideration I think it should be a challenge to take out the General. I mean, the General is the most important player on the field for both sides. So I wish to announce that what they want is what they get. As a further note I must say that things are coming along well. I visited Big Indian last Sunday and finalized the details for setting up the Game. I was assured all preparations will be complete in time for the date of the battle that is to come. Upon further inspection of the field I believe that this is going to be a fun game for all.” Head over to http://www.lcpscenariogames.com to get signed up!
• Registration for the #3 RPL event ends on the 8^th. Might want to get signed up if you’re going!
• Valken’s Greg Muller dropped in in his Ninja suit to let me know that Valken has opened another distribution center, this time in the Northwest: http://thefordreport.com/2012/05/valken-expands-distribution-newest-distribution-hub-in-portland-or/
• I got an unexpected call from Empire’s Jason Kreisman wanting to get my new address so that he could send along a new Empire Vidar mask for me to take a look at. For 50 bucks retail, it seems like a win-win: http://empirepaintball.com/empire-vidar-goggle-system
• Meanwhile, Bussler is in love…with the new Crossover from Tippmann. He’s sharing the love by sending along a review piece for me to look at. When told of this, OP4′s Mike Castleman immediately started giggling like the proverbial Japanese Schoolgirl.
• Speaking of Mike, his wife has compared my body hair to bubble wrap. I’m flabbergasted. Struck speechless, even!
• RPL Event #2 photos can be seen here: http://fxfphotos.com/rpl.htm
• As far as Andrew and Mike Spurlock are concerned, I’m now reduced to being tool boy for my wife.
• Which is fine, because my wife isn’t allowed to do anything to her new backup, a purple and black Ego 11.
• Sonny Lopez is doing a couple of clinics in the near future: “One is this Friday at Supergame 43. I am doing the clinic with Kat Secor from Team Destiny. We also have made the clinic Free for all the ladies who are registered to the Supergame! Guys got to pay $35 and email Dan Bonebrake to get on the list. dan@supergame.tv On June 23rd I will be doing a clinic at Canadian Carnage. This is the first time I am doing a clinic in the Cold land of Canada!!!! Very excited! This will be an epic event with Wolf and Mike from TechPB getting a massive paint fight on!
• Rob from Ninja Paintball and I swapped a few emails this week…he was extremely helpful.
• The Maltese Militia are staying busy: http://thefordreport.com/2012/04/the-maltese-militia-paintball-team-has-given-away-the-first-prize-package-of-the-2012-season/
• The NPPL has 36 spots left open for their Chicago event…time’s a wastin’!
• ProPaintball.Com is theorizing on a new loader from G.I. Sportz: http://propaintball.com/2012/04/new-paintball-loader-from-gi-sports/
• Canadian Minions have been mobilized to Stork’s house.
• Who turns 45 today…happy birthday Eric!
• RAP4 rolls out a new air through stock for Tippmann guns as well as a new “Quick Flip” Optic site.
• G.I. Sportz teams swept the Phoenix PSP.
• Reports coming in from people who were there noted that the (dry) heat took out a lot of players both on and off field. Having been struck with Heat Exhaustion while I was in the Army all those years ago, I can sympathize for those who had to endure that miserable experience.
• Speaking of the PSP, they’ve reached a deal with the Windgate by Wyndam to give PSP competitors a great rate on a room for the Chicago event.
• This weekend Ashley, The Dark Child and I get a bit of a rest, with only a gun show in Valdosta being on our list of things to do. However, next weekend we’ll be at Big Indian Paintball in Perry, GA to get our shoot on for the next chapter in the Zombie Apocalypse series of games, and then I believe the weekend after that we’ll be killing for John Navarro at General’s Cup in FL. Tee Hee.

“I am extremely excited to join the team at Valken.  They are taking the industry by storm.  Working with a company that truly understands the industry and uses a personal “old school” approach is refreshing.  Grass -roots is what I do, and to see reps at five events last weekend is getting back to where paintball needs to be.  I can’t wait to get involved with the Valken Corps and help turn it into the GO-TO place for teams and individual woodsball and scenario players”, said Sexton.

Valken V.P. Joe Colonese stated, “Ryan’s vast knowledge of regional sales, product and brand development will truly be an asset to the company. We welcome him to the team “.

Valken Sports is a sales, service, manufacturer and distribution company dedicated to serving specific sports communities that has coupled exceptional service with competitive, quality sporting goods. Valken Sports was created to break the stranglehold that mainstream companies had on their dealers. To join the expanding family of fields that have already made the switch to Valken products, email Debbie@valken.com. For more information on how to become a part of the Valken Network, and have access to over 50 brands of paintball and hundreds of airsoft products or for SLY product ordering or questions, current and new customers should contact their Sales Representative, call Valken at 1 866-97VALKEN or visit www.valken.com