IMBA Supporters Turn Out in Force for Annual Interbike Breakfast
For Immediate Release 10-02-09
Contact Mark Eller
IMBA Communications Director
markeller@imba.com
303-545-9011 ext. 115
A standing room-only crowd jammed into IMBA’s industry breakfast at the Interbike trade show for an annual update last Thursday morning. About 200 retailers, corporate members and media packed the third edition of event. Executive Director Mike Van Abel welcomed the guests, taking time to acknowledge IMBA’s corporate supporters in the bicycle and outdoor sports industries.
The breakfast program included a screening of Pedal Driven, a documentary video currently in production that details the balance that must be struck between federal land managers and mountain bikers seeking opportunities for challenging riding.
The film, produced by Howell at the Moon Productions, illustrates success stories in Bend, Oregon, where the local community helped develop 1,200 miles of trails on National Forest land. The video also investigates IMBA’s work in Oakridge, Oregon, a former logging town that recently secured $400,000 in federal funding for the development of an IMBA Ride Center.
“There’s no reason this has to be unique to Oakridge. This can happen in your community,” said Anna Laxague, IMBA’s Pacific regional director, told the crowd. Laxague is one of five regional directors IMBA hired this year to guide trail projects in territories across the U.S. The additional professional staff members represents a transition away from the days when volunteer advocates worked alone in the field.
Retailers Recognized
The breakfast celebration continued with IMBA Membership Manager Rod Judd recognizing the contributions of several retail shops for their long-standing financial contributions to IMBA. Judd outlined an invigorated IMBA retailer membership program which will help retailers promote their stores as stewards of mountain biking in their respective markets. "IMBA is stepping up its efforts to help bike shops and other retailers connect with our members and grassroots club network," he said.
The IMBA dealer program features listings in IMBA's website and other media, placement on an interactive map on imba.com, merchandising materials and discounts to help retailers promote their stores. "These are tangible marketing tools and we encourage retailers to partner with their local IMBA clubs to maximize their impact," said Judd.
Andy Clarke, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists, closed the breakfast, announcing the recipients for the League's Bicycle Friendly Business (BFB) program. The BFB awards recognize employers’ efforts to encourage a more bicycle-friendly atmosphere for employees and customers. The program provides technical assistance and information to help companies and organizations become even better for bicyclists.
More About IMBA at Interbike
The 2009 Interbike gathering was incredibly successful — IMBA signed up more than 200 new members, handed out great prizes donated by our generous sponsors and earned money for trails with fun events:
- Pat Mahoney of Cincinnati, OH, won a Kona Cadabra bike.
- Vince Almodeo of Vienna, VA, won a Niner R.I.P. 9 frame.
- IMBA earned 179 individual memberships -- with a great deal on a CamelBak pack helping drive our effort!
- We added or renewed 18 retailer memberships.
- Generated nearly $1,400 with the Ales $4 Trails party — thank you New Belgium Brewery — and the Cannondale/GT/Mongoose dunk tank.
- Raised over $15,000 to support IMBA's trail advocacy through events at the show.
Hearty thanks to IMBA's sponsors who supported our Interbike effort: Camelbak, Cannondale/GT/Mongoose, Kona Bicycles, Thomson, VAS & Freedom Riders, Niner, New Belgium Brewing, WTB and Interbike.
