Enterprise Holdings Inc., the parent company of rental car companies Enterprise, Alamo and National, announced late Thursday that it was discontinuing its NRA member offers within weeks.
“All three of our brands have ended the discount for NRA members,” the company said in a tweet. ” This change will be effective March 26. Thank you again for reaching out.”
The change comes due to pressure by left-wing extremists hoping to hurt the National Rifle Association, a massively popular firearm rights and education organization. The #boycottNRA hashtag is similar to other failed efforts by the far-left to force boycotts of companies, groups and personalities with whom they disagree. Last year, a similar effort was taken against Fox News’ Sean Hannity. While some companies at first decided to pull advertising from his show, the realization that the vocal minority wasn’t their customer base and that engaging in political theater was bad for business, most returned within days. Most well-known was USAA who made an almost immediate turn-around once they realized that their customers were largely military families and largely conservative.
Enterprise relies on business travelers for a significant portion of their revenues. Business owners and entrepreneurs are 46% Republican and only 19% Democrat according to a 2016 survey. 77% of NRA members are also Republicans. The crossover population does not bode well for the rental car agency after this ill-thought move. Even forgetting demographics, Enterprise should consider that 5 million possible car renters will no longer consider any of these three companies when they need a car.
Enterprise’s decision comes just after the First Bank of Omaha ended their NRA-branded visa card, bowing to Think Progress extremists’ pressure. Some groups in the state are already considering other financial institutions for their banking needs.
The Nebraska Firearms Owners Association will “be giving strong consideration to moving their accounts to a bank that hasn’t bowed to political pressure,” according to Rod Moeller, director of government affairs for the group.
If you support the second amendment and hold an Enterprise Plus membership or use them regularly, it may be time to let them know how you feel or just consider other options for your transportation needs.