More than 500,000 American employees now work at a Bicycle Friendly Business (BFB), thanks to visionary leadership in the private and public sector. On April 18, the League of American Bicyclists announced 67 new BFBs, who joined the ranks of the 412 local businesses, government agencies and Fortune 500 companies that are transforming the American workplace. Over 3,000 of those employees and 3 of the businesses are located in Michiana.
“These leaders are at the forefront of a movement to make American businesses more competitive, sustainable and attractive to the best and brightest employees,” said Andy Clarke, president of the League of American Bicyclists. “An investment in bicycling enhances employee health, increases sustainability and improves the bottom line.”
Bicycle-friendly businesses encourage a more bicycle friendly atmosphere for employees and customers. From Microsoft in Redmond, Wash., to Pepe’s Bistro in Lincoln, Neb., to Eli Lilly in Indianapolis, bicycle-friendly businesses are improving the workplace, contributing to the community and improving their overall earnings.
The Michiana award winners are:
- Memorial Hospital and Health System, South Bend, Honorable Mention, in the Medical/Health industry
- Outpost Sports, Mishawaka, Bronze status in the Sales/Retail industry
- GTA Containers, Inc., South Bend, Bronze status in the Manufacturing/Production industry.
Memorial Hospital of South Bend traces its roots back to 1894, when the Women’s Home Missionary Societies of the Methodist Churches of South Bend founded Epworth Hospital and Training School. By 1901, the hospital had grown from three patient beds in a converted house to a 50-bed “modern” hospital – complete with a maternity room and an operating room – in the first building in South Bend designed specifically as a hospital. The name officially changed in 1945 to Memorial Hospital of South Bend. Today, Memorial serves as a 526-bed regional referral center for cardiac, cancer, childbirth, emergency medicine, and rehabilitation services. Memorial has long been a financial supporter of healthful activities in the area, including cycling.
GTA Containers, Inc. manufactures a complete system of collapsible containers (drums and pillow tanks) to handle the temporary storage, transportation and delivery of drinking water, fuel, liquid food products, and fluid solids (grains, rice, etc.). The incredible mobility of their fluid delivery system makes it possible to take fluid cargo, in quantities ranging from 55 gallons to 5,000 barrels (225,000 gallons), to the most remote areas, under conditions of extreme temperatures and rugged handling. GTA has been a great supporter of cycling activities, especially Bike the Bend.
Outpost Sports is a one stop store for adventure gear. Since 1974 they have specialized in providing their customers with high quality products that will enhance their outdoor activities, and with excellent customer service. The Outpost work environment allows and requires their staff to participate in all their outdoor sports. They carry a full line of Bikes, Snowboards & Boots, Kayaks, Clothing, Footwear & Gear. Outpost Sports has been one of the workhorses in promoting cycling in Michiana.
