Relationships

Reprinted from February 2009 "Hoosier Motorcyclist" magazine
By Jay Jackson, ABATE of Indiana Executive Director

I suspect that we all understand the value of relationships. When you break down 107 miles from home on a Sunday afternoon, it sure is nice to be able to call a buddy with a truck and trailer to come bail you out. Speaking of bailing you out, it’s nice to have a buddy that will do that, too.

We at ABATE of Indiana, and in the motorcyclists’ movement, have many relationships that are each very important to us. In the following paragraphs, we will barely scratch the surface.

In our Motorcycle Safety Division, the relationships that we enjoy with our hosting sites are critical to our ability to conduct motorcycle rider courses. Without a place, we simply could not offer training. We also have a wonderful rapport with dealers and shops around the state that support motorcycle safety by providing equipment, parts and service, as well as referring students. Some dealers also serve as hosts.

The success of our philanthropic activity relies greatly on the generosity of the countless sponsors that contribute money, facilities, food and the many components necessary to produce these heart warming, fundraising, charity events.
We have a number of professional partners that assist us in conducting the business of ABATE. These include attorneys, accountants, bankers, insurance specialists and a host of others. Additionally, we have many vendors and suppliers that insure we get the best services and products in the most cost efficient manner possible. Our printer and screen printer provide us with exceptional service and an incredible value.

We find ourselves rubbing elbows with world-wide icons such as the Indianapolis Colts and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

We have developed an extraordinary reputation in working with the media, electronic as well as print.

Our colleagues in local, state and federal governmental agencies have advanced our efforts in the legislative and public sectors. The partnerships we have forged with the Department of Education, Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Indiana Criminal Justice Institute and the Department of Natural Resources (just to name a few) have opened many doors for Indiana motorcyclists.

We have worked closely with law enforcement, as well as some prosecutors and judges, to help educate and inform them with regard to motorcycle related issues.

We coordinate many activities with other motorcycling entities such as the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, the American Motorcyclist Association and the National Association of State Motorcycle Safety Administrators and maintain a dialogue with virtually every motorcycle group, organization or club in the state.

We depend heavily upon each and every one of these relationships. Each one serves a very special role and a great void would be created if we were to lose any one.

While it should go without saying, I must point out our most valuable assets… our people. All of our people, whether they are staff, volunteers, officers and of course, our members, are the most important part of everything we do. Without you, we don’t operate and we don’t even exist.

So remember that we’re counting on you. We need you to help us develop and maintain these relationships. Sign up a new member, recruit a sponsor or convince someone to enroll in a rider course. Communicate with the state office. Help solve problems rather than create them. Set a good example by riding responsibly. Make certain that we have our facts straight before we go off half cocked and alienate someone unnecessarily. Always think before you just say something to make certain that we all represent ABATE of Indiana as the respected, dedicated, professional organization that it is.

P.S. Don’t forget to join us with our friends the Renfros at the Indiana Motorcycle Exposition at the Indiana State Fairgrounds February 26th through March 1st.