The Bikes Belong Coalition recently elected new executive board officers during a December meeting of its board of directors. Mike Mercuri, vice president of SRAM, has moved into the role of chairman of the board, a post previously held by Chris Fortune of Saris. Fortune completed a two-year term.
Mercuri was vice-chairman of the board. Now taking that spot is Pat Cunnane, CEO and president of Advanced Sports International, who becomes vice chairman and secretary. Elysa Walk, general manager of Giant USA, will serve on the executive board and as treasurer.
Earlier this year the board also unanimously approved an increase in dues for supplier members. Dues will go up 33 percent. The new rate is $1,000 per million of a company’s U.S. bicycle equipment sales. Since 2003, dues for suppliers were $750 per million.
“For the first time in more than 10 years we’re increasing our dues. That amount was based on a recommendation and vote of the 20 board of directors. The board noted that it is a modest investment that generates a significant return,” said Tim Blumenthal, president of Bikes Belong.
The new supplier dues go into effect Jan. 1.
