SPOTLIGHT > by Karen Torres
VOL. X X VI, NO. 7 JULY 2013
Blue Ocean Strategy Center
Manufacturer & Business Association Board of Governors
Roar on the Shore®: A Greater Purpose The Roar on the Shore® bike rally was created in 2007 for a greater purpose — to serve as a major fundraising event in Erie, Pennsylvania. Now entering its seventh year in 2013, Roar® has quickly become one of the fastest-growing free bike rallies in the United States. Here, the Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA) explains more about why it founded — and continues to host — the rally each year, with the ultimate goal of impacting area businesses and the northwest Pennsylvania region. Why did the MBA Board of Governors approve the idea of a bike rally? As an employers’ association, our mission is to provide our members with information and services that support their business and community interests. Roar on the Shore® was created as a unique community event that would impact not only the local economy, but raise significant funds for a different worthwhile cause each year. We researched different types of events, but landed on a bike rally because it appealed across all demographics, was unique to our area and showed a great potential for growth. To date, the Manufacturer & Business Association, through Roar®, has contributed more than $585,000 to charity — and we estimate the annual economic impact of the rally to be more than $20 million. Let’s focus on the small businesses that benefit from the rally. What impact have they seen? The direct impact on the regional business community is almost incalculable. In the weeks leading up to the rally, Roar®, along with many local businesses, hires contractors and additional employees to prepare for and handle the influx of visitors to our area. During the rally, hotels and motels within a 50-mile radius are booked solid. The Hub in Perry Square houses more than 80 local and national vendors — and within the surrounding 14-block area, more than 56 bars, taverns and restaurants are ringing the cash registers. Even our escorted rides showcase local wineries, breweries and motorcycle dealerships. How critical are the sponsors to the rally? Simply put, Roar® doesn’t exist without them. These employers and organizations, which we consider to be our partners, see the value and importance of the rally as well as the vision behind it. By investing in this three-day event, they are helping to spur economic growth and visibility for our community in the long term. The true return on investment is immeasurable. How has Roar® been able to promote the region? At Roar®, bikers are able to experience the best of the Great Lakes region. From Erie’s spectacular bayfront and Presque Isle State Park, to Geneva on the Lake and Pymatuning State Park, on to North East’s award-winning wine country and Meadville’s specialty microbreweries, riders will see some of the most beautiful scenery this part of the country has to offer. People who’ve never been to the area are amazed at what treasures they discover here — and are particularly impressed by the people because they’re made to feel so welcomed and appreciated. How has expanding the number of motorcycle rides and events been key to the rally’s success? The real key to success in any endeavor is the people — and we’ve been fortunate that our mayor, elected officials and community have been behind this event since day one. This year, we are expecting more than 100,000 bike enthusiasts from across the country to descend upon the shores of Lake Erie for three days of scenic rides, bands, stunt shows, vendors and bikes, bikes, bikes. When you combine powerhouse entertainment with a warm welcome, the growth comes naturally. It’s why the Roar® has grown so big, so fast – and why bikers from near and far are making Erie their summer vacation destination. What’s new and exciting about this year’s rally? A lot. In addition to this year’s Grand Marshal — racing legend Kyle Petty — this year’s lineup of headline acts is fantastic — Firehouse on Thursday, July 18; Jackyl on Friday, July 19; and Queensrÿche on Saturday, July 20. Additionally, this year’s rally boasts eight different scenic rides, including two new ones – Roar Through History and the Roar to the Microbrews Dice Run. These new events provide even more opportunities for riders to see our beautiful lakefront community, tour local landmarks and businesses, and have a chance at winning cash prizes. Of course, the best part is that proceeds from Roar® 2013 will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Erie. What is the best way to learn more about Roar®? Visit our website at roarontheshore.com or, better yet, come and experience it for yourself.
Editor in Chief Executive Editor
Joel Berdine John Cline Dale Deist Bill Hilbert Jr. Mark Hanaway Donald Hester Timothy Hunter Paul Kenny J. Gordon Naughton Dennis Prischak Sue Sutto Ralph Pontillo rpontillo@mbausa.org John Krahe jkrahe@mbausa.org
Managing Editor & Senior Writer
Karen Torres ktorres@mbausa.org
Contributing Writers
Tim Cline Dianne Cunningham John A. Lauer
Photography
Ron Stephens La Mirage Studio 814/835-1041 The Boys & Girls Club of Erie
Advertising Sales
Design, Production & Printing
Patty Welther 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660 pwelther@mbausa.org Printing Concepts Inc. printcon@erie.net
ON THE COVER: When the Manufacturer & Business Association Board of Governors created the Roar on the Shore® motorcycle rally in 2007, the idea was to benefit a broad base of businesses while helping to raise money for a worthwhile cause. Now, the three-day, American Motorcyclist Associationsanctioned event has done that and more — fostering Erie’s image as a summer vacation destination while injecting more than $20 million into the local economy. For full story, see page 12. Mission Statement The Manufacturer & Business Association is dedicated to providing information and services to its members that will assist them in the pursuit of their business and community interests. – Board of Governors Manufacturer & Business Association 2171 West 38th Street Erie, Pa. 16508 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660 www.mbausa.org © Copyright 2013 by the Manufacturer & Business Association. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial, pictorial or advertisements created for use in the Business Magazine, in any manner, without written permission from the publisher, is prohibited. Unsolicited manuscripts cannot be returned unless accompanied by a properly addressed envelope bearing sufficient postage. The magazine accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or artwork. The Business Magazine and Manufacturer & Business Association do not specifically endorse any of the products or practices described in the magazine. The Business Magazine is published monthly by the Manufacturer & Business Association, 2171 West 38th Street, Erie, Pa. 16508. Phone: 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660.
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