BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — The PeopleForBikes Coalition and the National Bicycle Dealers Association were joined by independent bicycle retailer representatives last week on the second PeopleForBikes Executive Fly-In in partnership with the NBDA.
Todd Grant, the NBDA's president, Brandee Lepak of Arizona's Global Bikes, Greg Thielmeyer of Ohio's Team Cycling and Fitness, Jeff Selzer of California's Palo Alto Bicycles, and Hill Abell of Texas' Bicycle Sport Shop took part. The delegation also included PeopleForBikes staff. The group focused discussions with lawmakers on the Marketplace Fairness Act. Attendees asked Congress to support legislation that will allow states to collect sales taxes from online purchases.
"The NBDA will continue to work with PeopleForBikes and push hard for the passage of smart e-fairness legislation," said Grant. "Tax parity is critical to the success of the small businesses represented by NBDA. In today's competitive pricing market, the advantages realized by online retailers not collecting taxes could continue to cripple the independent bicycle retailer."
Lepak, an NBDA board member said the Marketplace Fairness Act, and increased federal funding for bike projects was "critically important" for her business.
PeopleForBikes' next Fly-In takes place Sept. 7-8. Those who are interested in attending should contact Kristy Kibler at kristy@peopleforbikes.org.
