Keeping up its commitment to the bicycle industry, Interbike is pleased to announce its advocacy and association support program for 2005, an effort that provides necessary funding, leadership, and marketing opportunities for a broad collection of bicycle advocacy groups and industry organizations.
In the coming year, Interbike will provide an estimated $300,000 in cash and over $50,000 worth of trade show support to the industrys leading organizations, advocacy groups, and educational associations – each with its own mission of creating, enhancing, and preserving opportunities to get more people on bikes more often. Vital to the success of each association, the financial assistance from Interbike allows many of the non-profit recipient groups to achieve specific goals at the national and local level.
In 2005, organizations like the League of American Bicyclists, America Bikes, National Bicycle Dealers Association, International Mountain Biking Association, Sprockids and Bikes Belong will all benefit from Interbike support. Beyond complimentary exhibit space and financial assistance, Interbike also provides various in-kind support with discounted advertising opportunities, meeting space, and complimentary guest passes to the Interbike Expo.
“Interbike has always recognized the importance of the dealer and continues to contribute to the overall impact of the NBDA,” said Fred Clements, NBDA Executive Director. “Their support allows us to take on new rebranding initiatives, improve our marketing efforts and support our research and education programs.”
Other groups and organizations that will receive support at the 2005 Interbike Expo include the Thunderhead Alliance, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association, Mountain Bike Hall of Fame, Institute for Transportation and Development, Adventure Cycling Association, Trips for Kids, Nova Youth Cycling Foundation, and the Peloton Project
“Having assumed a leadership role in bicycle advocacy, Interbike is dedicated to programs that enhance the cycling experience or help introduce potential buyers to the joys of cycling,” said Lance Camisasca, Interbike show director. “Ultimately, we are trying to support those programs that benefit the overall health and growth of the business and sport of cycling,” Camisasca added.
Already this year, Interbike sponsored the Bicycle Leadership Conference, the National Bike Summit, and the Bicycle Friendly Communities program and also looks forward to hosting and sponsoring the League of American Bicyclists' 125th Anniversary Gala at the 2005 Interbike International Bicycle Expo.
“Interbike played a critical part in helping us get more retailers to the National Bike Summit this year, and that really opened doors in Congress,” said Andy Clarke, Executive Director of the League of American Bicyclists. “To be present at the expo is truly invaluable to us and our intention with the 125th Anniversary Gala is to create an event where the leaders in cycling will celebrate the bright future of bicycling while honoring the history of the League.”
Under the supervision of its Advocacy Director, Mike Greehan, Interbike events continue to lead the way in bicycle advocacy and at last years expo, the InterBash industry party raised nearly $30,000 that benefited Bikes Belong Coalition.
“Only a few years ago, the idea of trying to integrate advocacy and business in the bike industry seemed like a huge stretch,” said Greehan. ” The collaboration among suppliers, advocacy groups and other cycling organizations has done a lot to create a paradigm shift in the industry. Today, supporting advocacy is supporting business.”
