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Independent Bike Retailers Gather in Vancouver for Successful Education and Leadership Summit

release by CIBRA
 © CIBRA
November 07, 2014 (Vancouver, BC) – The Canadian Independent Bicycle Retailers association (CIBRA) held its first ever Leadership Summit at the Pinnacle Pier Hotel in Vancouver on October 27-28. More than 100 participants gathered to hear from an impressive list of speakers and panelists

Produced by the newly established CIBRA, the Leadership Summit was created to promote leadership, share best practices and to allow IBD’s in Canada to gather together to hear from a wide range of experts.

As an IBD, I felt the past few days were not only worthwhile, they provided me with information that will allow me to be a better businessman,” said Summit Chair and Obsession: Bikes Owner James Wilson. “We put together an impressive lineup of speakers who delivered exceptional content. The buzz in the room was infectious and people left energized.”

Summit speakers included author and former IBD Donny Perry, The Running Room owner John Stanton, Wheel & Sprocket owner Chris Kegel, Vancouver-based Junction Creative advertiser Conner Galway, SmartEtailing Client Services DirectorDavid Wert, Light Electric Vehicle Association (LEVA) founder and CEO Ed Benjamin, and Rebound Cycle owner Kevin Simpson.

“I was impressed with the program before I even arrived,” said Reckless Bikes owner Paul Dragan. “This is the type of event and value we have all been calling for in Canada through our association. I can honestly say Leadership Summit 2014 delivered in every way for me. I can’t wait for the next one.”

Topics covered included forecasts for the industry and future trends in bicycle retailing, etailing/ecommerce, coaching and store leadership strategies, store metrics, social media marketing and “shop local,” and preparing for the growth of the e-bike market.

“Wow, wow, and wow again is what I have to say about the past 3 days,” said Pierre LaFerriere, Owner of Sport Olympe in Quebec.” CIBRA delivered for me a worthwhile 3 days away from the store and, as importantly, the opportunity to be inspired by many of those who participated as speakers. I was also as excited to hear from colleagues across the country who were willing to share best practices and how they operate their businesses.”

CIBRA will provide a full wrap-up of the Summit in a special edition of SPOKEn which will be available soon.

Learn more about CIBRA at www.cibra.bike.





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