NBDA Bicycle Retailer Excellence Award Updates –People’s Choice Voting Starts June 1st, Over $12,000 in Scholarships Available
The National Bicycle Dealers Association (NBDA) announced earlier this year the rebrand of the Americas Best Bike Shop Program. The Bicycle Retailer Excellence Awards (BREA) focuses on inclusivity while celebrating the diversity in the bicycle industry. The application period opened April 15th and continues forward until May 31st.
“We have received tremendous response to the updates to the program,” says NBDA President Heather Mason. “With hundreds of shops participating, we have been able to learn from the diversity in retailer excellence and celebrate this along the way with a BREA program webinar and networking events. We are looking forward to the outcome of the next part of the program; the People’s Choice Awards.”
Beginning June 1st and lasting until the end of the month, retailers who are participating in the BREA program will have a chance to get their customers and community involved by urging them to vote for their shop to take home a special award in the People’s Choice category. The top 3 shops in each category will receive a custom award plaque, special recognition, blog feature, and an invitation to become a guest on the popular Bicycle Retail Radio Podcast.
The voting survey and resources will be available on the NBDA website beginning June 1st. Promotional graphics and website add on’s will be available for retailers to share on their social feeds and website special thanks to program sponsor, SmartEtailing.
In addition to the People’s Choice Awards, participants in the BREA program will have an opportunity to win 1 of several scholarships available to retailers. Program sponsors SmartEtailing and HLC have generously offered opportunities for retailers to take their business to the next level and will be selecting scholarship winners based on application and excellence.
“We’re excited to offer an emerging bike shop the opportunity to level up their marketing and e-commerce to better serve their local customers and grow their business. Our bike shop experts will ensure the website is configured according to best practices, is properly maintained, and regularly updated with seasonal marketing content. The success of bike shops like yours is our only business” says Suzie Livingston, Communications & Marketing Manager at SmartEtailing.
SmartEtailing is offering an e com scholarship package worth $9,500. Complete with NBDA membership, the package includes a one-year subscription to SmartEtailing professional package website, free personalized website build, a one-year subscription to a website maintenance package, and more.
Distributor HLC will be awarding multiple retailers in the U.S. and Canada an annual membership with the NBDA to strengthen their business practices and opportunities.
Retailers interested in taking part in the People’s Choice Awards or applying to win a scholarship must submit an application for the BREA program. The 2021 BREA application does not require payment or NBDA membership and the deadline to apply is May 31st, 2021. There will be an awards ceremony held for the Award winners at the Big Gear Show in August.
The Bicycle Retailer Excellence Award is one of many programs spearheaded by the NBDA in the pursuit of strengthening the specialty bicycle retailer and leading bicycle retail to excellence. The 2021 Bicycle Retailer Excellence Award program is made possible by generous support from sponsors Specialized Bicycle Components, PeopleforBikes Ride Spot, Quality Bicycle Products, SmartEtailing, Marsh & McLennan Insurance, Locally and Outdoor Industry Jobs. Bicycle Retailer & Industry News is the official media partner of the 2021 Bicycle Retailer Excellence Awards. For more information on sponsoring the program please contact the NBDA here.
For access to additional information on the event, or to join the NBDA or renew your membership online, visit NBDA.com. There are many free resources available to everyone, including the educational podcast, Bicycle Retail Radio.
To learn more about Heather Mason or request an interview, contact her directly at heather@nbda.com.
Questions about joining the NBDA? Contact Rachelle Schouten, Development Director, at Rachelle@NBDA.com.
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The NBDA has been here since 1946, representing and empowering specialty bicycle dealers in the United States through education, communications, research, advocacy, member discount programs, and promotional opportunities. As shops are facing never-before-seen circumstances, these resources offer a lifeline. Together, we will weather this. We at the NBDA will not waver in our commitment to serving our members even during this challenging time—but we need your support.
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