Interbike to donate $300,000

http://www.bikebiz.co.uk/daily-news/article.php?id=5492

Interbike to donate $300k to US bicycle advocacy projects
The US trade show has today announced its advocacy and association support
programme for 2005. "Supporting advocacy is supporting business," said the
advocacy director of the League of American Bicyclists, the US equivalent of
CTC in the UK.
In the coming year, Interbike will provide an estimated $300 000 in cash and
over $50,000 worth of trade show support to the US industry's advocacy
groups and educational associations. 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 [independent] dealer
and continues to contribute to the overall impact of the NBDA," said Fred
Clements, executive director of the US National Bicycle Dealers'
Association.

"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."

Mike Greehan, advocacy director of the League of American Bicyclists, said:

"Only a few years ago, the idea of trying to integrate advocacy and business
in the bike industry seemed like a huge stretch. 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."



Interbike International Bicycle Expo, Las Vegas, September 28-30, 2005

http://www.interbike.com/

***
Interesting little article. I had heard of interbike before, but never of
them making donations this large.

Ken


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