PBMA March Newsletter

We're a Year Old
A recap of what we've accomplished and the reasons to join now
We never for a second thought we would have an industry organization so strong a year ago when this all began. We had an idea, it's developed into a focused and functional industry organization that is affecting positive change.
We launched a membership program at Interbike, we successfully assisted in hosting The Interbike Mechanics Challenge; we pushed the needle by talking about certification. Here we are now a year later and what do we have to show for it some ask?
In case you've never started a non-profit from scratch, it's not necessarily an easy road. We have tens of thousands of volunteer hours. We have a Facebook following of somewhere north of 8,000 people. Our social media reach is vast and wide when you combine Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Email. Some say how does that measure in success... we say people willing to listen equal people interested in the topic of professionalism and mechanics equal winning. We're continually building membership benefits and by September we'll be glad to say that the benefit of being a member dollar for dollar will be far more impactful than any other organization for mechanics or shops. Presently as a member you gain access to some discounts which already outweigh the cost of joining. By September by combining those discounts with access to training and certification you'll realize somewhere around triple the value.
Speaking of certification you'll want to tune in next month for an important reveal regarding the certification project. The PBMA isn't here to put out information that has no meaning or only to grab a spotlight. We're here to change our future... change the future for mechanics, IBD's and the cycling industry with regards to getting consumers to shops for service and expertise. The Internet has changed everyones life so let's use that to our advantage. Certification is a piece of it all and some will gripe and argue... we can assure you the focus and goal aren't to complicate lives, the goals are simply to create something consumers can understand the value of. ASE isn't perfect but it works, so lets find something that works for our industry inside and outside and use that to affect our future.
By the numbers:
The PBMA has around 500 paid members, this is a mix of companies, shops and individuals. We'd like to see 1,000 or more individual members by years end and we'd like to see more shops join so their technicians can join at a reduced rate, that shop membership fee is meant to simply offset the cost of individual membership. We'd like to call on the industry to have your organization join. Voices and insight must come from within to shape the future of what we do, we do not simply want to dictate how it should be, this is a community of cycling and industry and we aren't asking for much when it comes to corporate dollars.
We're taking a portion of every dollar incoming to the PBMA to build scholarship funds for those seeking help, we're taking a portion and applying to a hardship fund to help our fellow mechanics who are in trouble. We take a portion and direct it to the World Bicycle Relief program Mechanics for Mechanics. We anticipate publishing full details on these programs by June of this year.
The PBMA since inception has focused on attending industry events. We want to be present to answer your questions and hear your concerns. We aren't a threat to any environment or business model, to the contrary we want to ensure there are avenues for mechanics to grow and to be employed. In 2017 we're focused on being accessible and available to our members, to those who are curious. We have no ivory tower - we are mechanics, just like you.
So why join?
Discounts on products mechanics need and use
A growing forum which we hope manufacturers will begin to utilize as a place to answer tech questions
Streamlined access to Certification (once available members will have advanced access)
Discounts on regional training (PBMA mechanic members will not only have first access to register but also discounted fees)
An all inclusive directory connecting consumers to the best mechanics and shops (coming soon)
Insurance (products specific for our members as well as potential discounts and more coming soon)
Private member only events at select industry events
Service is the future - have your place in ensuring your success by being a member.
- James Stanfill, President
A recap of what we've accomplished and the reasons to join now
We never for a second thought we would have an industry organization so strong a year ago when this all began. We had an idea, it's developed into a focused and functional industry organization that is affecting positive change.
We launched a membership program at Interbike, we successfully assisted in hosting The Interbike Mechanics Challenge; we pushed the needle by talking about certification. Here we are now a year later and what do we have to show for it some ask?
In case you've never started a non-profit from scratch, it's not necessarily an easy road. We have tens of thousands of volunteer hours. We have a Facebook following of somewhere north of 8,000 people. Our social media reach is vast and wide when you combine Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Email. Some say how does that measure in success... we say people willing to listen equal people interested in the topic of professionalism and mechanics equal winning. We're continually building membership benefits and by September we'll be glad to say that the benefit of being a member dollar for dollar will be far more impactful than any other organization for mechanics or shops. Presently as a member you gain access to some discounts which already outweigh the cost of joining. By September by combining those discounts with access to training and certification you'll realize somewhere around triple the value.
Speaking of certification you'll want to tune in next month for an important reveal regarding the certification project. The PBMA isn't here to put out information that has no meaning or only to grab a spotlight. We're here to change our future... change the future for mechanics, IBD's and the cycling industry with regards to getting consumers to shops for service and expertise. The Internet has changed everyones life so let's use that to our advantage. Certification is a piece of it all and some will gripe and argue... we can assure you the focus and goal aren't to complicate lives, the goals are simply to create something consumers can understand the value of. ASE isn't perfect but it works, so lets find something that works for our industry inside and outside and use that to affect our future.
By the numbers:
The PBMA has around 500 paid members, this is a mix of companies, shops and individuals. We'd like to see 1,000 or more individual members by years end and we'd like to see more shops join so their technicians can join at a reduced rate, that shop membership fee is meant to simply offset the cost of individual membership. We'd like to call on the industry to have your organization join. Voices and insight must come from within to shape the future of what we do, we do not simply want to dictate how it should be, this is a community of cycling and industry and we aren't asking for much when it comes to corporate dollars.
We're taking a portion of every dollar incoming to the PBMA to build scholarship funds for those seeking help, we're taking a portion and applying to a hardship fund to help our fellow mechanics who are in trouble. We take a portion and direct it to the World Bicycle Relief program Mechanics for Mechanics. We anticipate publishing full details on these programs by June of this year.
The PBMA since inception has focused on attending industry events. We want to be present to answer your questions and hear your concerns. We aren't a threat to any environment or business model, to the contrary we want to ensure there are avenues for mechanics to grow and to be employed. In 2017 we're focused on being accessible and available to our members, to those who are curious. We have no ivory tower - we are mechanics, just like you.
So why join?
Discounts on products mechanics need and use
A growing forum which we hope manufacturers will begin to utilize as a place to answer tech questions
Streamlined access to Certification (once available members will have advanced access)
Discounts on regional training (PBMA mechanic members will not only have first access to register but also discounted fees)
An all inclusive directory connecting consumers to the best mechanics and shops (coming soon)
Insurance (products specific for our members as well as potential discounts and more coming soon)
Private member only events at select industry events
Service is the future - have your place in ensuring your success by being a member.
- James Stanfill, President
THE PROFESSIONAL BICYCLE MECHANICS ASSOCIATION'S MISSION IS TO PROMOTE, DEVELOP, AND ADVOCATE FOR THE PROFESSIONAL BICYCLE MECHANIC.