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Cannondale Joins IMBA, Bikes Belong

Published May 20, 2008

BETHEL, CT (BRAIN)—Cannondale Bicycles has committed to join IMBA and Bikes Belong at the corporate sponsor level.

This sponsorship is part of the Cannondale Sports Group's expanding advocacy plan, which includes both maintaining current efforts and further developing new partnerships.

“Bicycle advocacy is an important goal for the Cannondale Sports Group. By collaborating and supporting IMBA and Bikes Belong we will be able to help grow the cycling community on a regional and national level,” said Jeff Frehner, president and chief executive officer of Cannondale Sports Group. “During my years of employment with Quality Bicycle Products (QBP) I gained an appreciation of the real impacts a strong advocacy program can have on a business and in a community. Now more than ever, advocacy is a necessary action for all bike users and producers.”

IMBA and Bikes Belong are two organizations known for getting people on bikes with safety programs, advocacy, and creating more places to ride. Cannondale Bicycles was a member and active participant in both organizations. It showed early support as an IMBA member from 1991–2002 and was one of the original ten members of Bikes Belong with a membership from 1999-2002.

“We're thrilled to have Cannondale joining as an IMBA Corporate Member. Their level of support is fantastic and provides critical support for our nationwide advocacy efforts to build, preserve and enhance trails for all mountain bikers," said Rich Cook, IMBA's development director.

“Cannondale was one of the visionary companies that launched Bikes Belong back in 1999,” said Tim Blumenthal, Bikes Belong executive director. “We are delighted to welcome them back now as a dues-paying corporate member to help get more people riding bicycles more often.”

With the support of CSG, Cannondale will renew memberships in both organizations and once again provide the commitment and dedication it showed in years past. “We are extremely excited to be part of a passionate group of brands that believe in the bicycle having a greater purpose,” said Scott Struve, Cannondale global director of marketing. “Our mission includes both active and financial involvement with both Bikes Belong and IMBA. We look forward to seeing the population of cyclists grow as a result.”

Topics associated with this article: Advocacy/Non-profits