Wikipedia, the popular online encyclopedia, defines public relations as "a field concerned with maintaining a public image for businesses, non-profit organizations or high-profile people, such as celebrities or politicians."
To that end, public relations (PR) professionals are continually searching for new and inventive ways to present products, organizations or causes to the public in a positive light. In PR (and baseball) vernacular, doing so successfully can often result in a "home run."
Which brings us to the recent marketing move from Hoppe's, a company that has made and sold gun-cleaning solvents and supplies since 1903.
This week, the company announced it has partnered with the non-profit organization America 4R Marines to supply more than 5,000 of its BoreSnake gun cleaning kits to troops currently serving in Afghanistan and Iraq.
And with one savvy PR decision, Hoppe's hammered one out of the park.
According to its website, America 4R Marines supports U.S. Marines and Sailors with basic human-need and comfort items, as well as providing tactical products that can help military personnel better maintain their equipment and remain safe in combat zones.
"Unlike other Military nonprofit organizations, (that) typically send care packages to serving individuals, America 4R Marines sends products we know are needed and appreciated to entire battalions or units currently deployed," the organization's website explains. "We communicate directly with the Command Elements of the battalions and units we support, including those in the most remote AOs (Area of Operations)."
Since it was founded in 2005, America 4R Marines has proudly remained fully staffed with only volunteers, and claims 98.6-percent of every dollar donated goes directly to the Marines and Sailors it supports.
The small and lightweight BoreSnake Soft-Sided Gun Cleaning Kit allows soldiers to quickly clean the bore of their weapon and get it back into service, according to the Hoppe's news release.
"We're honored to partner with America 4R Marines and provide much needed supplies to the troops serving our country," said Phil Gyori, vice president of marketing for Bushnell Outdoor Products, Hoppe's parent company. "It's a privilege to have an opportunity to support the units and battalions who protect our freedom each and every day."
Semper Fi, Hoppe's.
