New Partnership with Outdoor Industry Association Offers Free Resources to Qualified Brands
In recognition of the growing interest in U.S. manufacturing, Interbike, the largest bicycle industry trade show in North America, announced a new featured showcase area and dedicated neighborhood on the show floor of the upcoming event to help raise the profile of domestic manufacturers.
Attendees will be able to learn more about selected U.S. made products in a professionally merchandised showcase prominently located at the front of Hall C. The products profiled will have been reviewed and met Interbike’s “Made in America” criteria. The review process that will be used is based specifically on the Federal Trade Commission’s Made in USA standard. In addition to the showcase area, Interbike is creating a new community area of Made in America brands on the show floor. To participate in this area companies must also submit an application and must be able to demonstrate that more than 65% of their products are made domestically.
“We really want to shine a light on companies that make products in the U.S.”, said Pat Hus, Vice President of Interbike. “There are so many great companies and brands in our industry that proudly manufacture stateside, and our goal with these new initiatives is to help educate retailers, exhibitors and media about their ongoing efforts within the cycling community.”
To compliment the new show initiatives and to truly add value to participating brands, Interbike has partnered with the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) to bring added resources and a community forum to the cycling industry. Previously available only to the outdoor community, the OIA invites suppliers from the bicycle industry to join their Made in America Working Group for free. OIA’s program, launched in 2012, is a collaborative network of domestic manufacturers that share common challenges, and together search for common solutions. The like-minded group also shares their successes and comes together to speak with one voice to Washington D.C. policymakers on the need to do more to support the revival of U.S. manufacturing.
“The OIA can offer guidance and resources to brands in the cycling industry that are invaluable,” said Hus. “We’re proud to formalize this partnership, and hope our tandem efforts give qualified brands the help they need to thrive globally.
