IPMBA Involves the Industry
The 16th Annual IPMBA Conference was
attended by police, EMS, and security personnel from 34 states and six countries.
They came to Dayton in order to gain essential information and skills and
improve themselves as public safety cyclists. One of their favorite activities
is browsing in the exhibit hall, meeting the people behind the products they
already use and learning about new and emerging technologies. The vendors
who attend the IPMBA conference are not just there to sell product; they
are there to educate their customers and in turn be educated by them. They
gain valuable insight into how their products perform in the field, which
helps them continue to improve their products.
This year the conference featured something new - a
Product Purchase Program (PPP) Showcase
& Silent Auction. Many of the participants in IPMBA's members-only
discount contributed items for the Showcase & Auction. These items were
displayed in the registration area throughout the pre-conference and conference.
Attendees were thereby afforded the opportunity to familiarize themselves
with many of the products available through the PPP. They could also bid
on the items in hopes of going home with some new "toys." The Showcase &
Auction was a great success, raising awareness about the PPP and generating
more than $3000 to support IPMBA's programs. Many thanks to the contributors
and the bidders for their support. Special thanks to Ron Burkitt and
Ruth Bowell, who transformed the Showcase & Auction from an idea
into reality. Plans are already in place to repeat the event as part of the
2007 IPMBA Conference. PPP participants are
indicated in the list of
supporters.
We were pleased to welcome a few new
exhibitors to the floor -
ALLTUFF Products,
David's Uniforms,
Essex PB&R, Eye
Safety Systems, Jones &
Bartlett, Kuji Sports,
Lin Manufacturing, and
Timex. ALL-Tuff offers a wide array of bags,
cases, packs, and gear for emergency personnel. They now offer panniers designed
with the help of Anthony Mowery of TRAA/AMR of Fort Wayne. David's Uniforms,
owned by the always-cheerful David Duberstein, distributes uniforms and related
equipment, including product from Mocean and United. Essex PB&R, also
known as The Respiratory Group, offers ultra-light protective breathing hoods
and compact (bike-sized!), reusable oxygen tanks. It was exciting to have
an eyewear supplier in the house, as Willy Breen from Eye Safety Systems
brought a selection of eyewear designed for military, LE, and fire/rescue
professionals. Jones & Bartlett, the publishers of the second edition
of the Complete Guide, currently under development, were on-hand to gain
insight into the nature of this niche market. Spenco Ironman Gloves rep Bill
Paine recruited two new vendors - Kuji Helmets, maker of the Reflectek
helmet, and Timex (do they still "take a licking and keep on ticking"?) Both
Kuji and Timex have recently enrolled in the IPMBA Product Purchase Program.
Last but not least, Lin Manufacturing was on-site with the famous "Got Donuts?"
socks, cleverly disguised as ordinary black Police cycling socks. The final
vendor on this list is not new but has been absent these past few years -
IPMBA welcomes the return of Fuji Bikes.
Bratwear, Mocean, and
United Uniform teamed up to make this a
"best-dressed" conference. Sally Swanson outfitted the host with red
shirts yet again (rumor has it that the color tradition will soon be
broken…), while Bill Levitt supplied eye-popping high-viz-over-black
instructor shirts. Not to be outdone, Kami Zinati and Bill Doyle
provided their new zip-off trousers to all instructors, garnering excellent
reviews. Mocean and United partnered to sponsor a lively reception on Thursday
evening - a good time was had by all!
Mocean also awarded $3000 in grants to enable attendees from Taneytown, Md.,
Madison, Wi., Lancaster, Penn., Ocean City, Md., Quakertown, Penn., and
Cincinnati, OH, to attend the festivities.
Finally, many thanks to Finish Line USA
for keeping the bikes in the Maintenance Officers
Course and workshops clean and running smoothly; to
R&B Fabrications for donating safety
vests for the competition workers, and to Jelly
Belly for contributing both bags and the popular Jelly Belly Sport
Beans.
IPMBA appreciates the participation of industry members at every level -
Product Purchase Program participant, advertiser, conference vendor, or sponsor.
They are an important part of the IPMBA community. When you have the opportunity
to buy something for personal or duty use, consider the companies who support
IPMBA first. They're working every day to serve you.
Visit Industry & Resources to read product
reviews and see a listing of Corporate
Members and other suppliers.
More Stories from the 2006
IPMBA Conference...
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