Press Kit

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 10, 2010

CONTACT:  Marti Mayne, 207-846-6331, info@maynelymarketing.com

MWVCC RECOGNIZED AS BICYCLE FRIENDLY BUSINESS BY LEAGUE OF AMERCIAN BICYCLISTS

North Conway, NH -- The League of American Bicyclists recently announced the Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce received an Honorable Mention in the League's Bicycle Friendly Business (BFB) Program.  Additionally, chamber members including Pearl Izumi Factory Store, Importech and Eastern Mountain Sports also received Honorable Mention. Based upon an extensive review of the chamber's programs and cyclist initiatives, a panel of judges and reviewers determined that Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce fit the criteria for its program. The League of American Bicyclists made the the Winter 2010 BFB official announcement at the National Bike Summit hosted in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, March 10. 

The Bicycle Friendly Business program recognizes businesses efforts to encourage and facilitate a more bicycle friendly atmosphere for both employees and customers. The program honors innovative bike-friendly efforts and provides assistance to companies and organizations to help encourage cycling in their community.

Businesses interested in qualifying for the BFB program must submit an extensive description of their cycling programs and initiatives.  The League of American Bicyclists reviews applications thoroughly.  In 2009, only four companies received the Honorable Mention nod from the League. 

"These Bicycle Friendly Businesses, are clearly making a difference for employees, customers, and communities," said Bill Nesper, Director of the Bicycle Friendly America Program. In honoring the Bike Friendly Businesses, a League press release stated, "There are a lot of very simple, effective and creative ways that companies are finding to get people back on their bikes, and the League is proud to recognize the efforts of working America to make our nation a more bike-friendly place."

"We're delighted to learn that the League of American Bicyclists has granted an Honorable Mention status in recognition of the work the chamber and its dedicated cycling committee have made toward establishing the Mt Washington Valley as a bicycle friendly community," said Janice Crawford, Executive Director of the Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce.  "The work we've done toward establishing the Mt Washington Valley Bike Path and other cycling programs in the Valley helped to harness this award," finished Crawford.

The vision of the Mt Washington Valley Bike Path Committee is to create a permanent bicycle-pedestrian corridor within the Mount Washington Valley that will, with its popular use, promote healthy lifestyles, reduce traffic congestion and our collective carbon footprint, and inspire the appreciation and enjoyment of the natural beauty that surrounds us.   All interested cyclists are encouraged to participate in this effort through the MWVCC cycling committee.  

For more information on cycling in Mt Washington Valley, visit http://www.mtwashingtonvalley.org/.  Enter the cycling contest or the mountain biking contest to win cool gear from Mt Washington Valley businesses.  For more information about cycling getaways to Mt Washington Valley, call 1-800-DO-SEE-NH (800-367-3364).

The League of American Bicyclists promotes bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation, and works through advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly America. The League represents the interests of America's 57 million bicyclists, including its 300,000 members and affiliates. For more information or to support the League, visit www.bikeleague.org.