DECEMBER 2007

Spotlight of the Month

North Carolina United
Biker's Association

After spending the first three years establishing its processes and structure, the newly elected executive board and members of NCUBA are now ready to increase their focus on recruiting. With a presence of over 40+ motorcycle clubs, NCUBA has grown to be a well-recognized organization in the state of North Carolina and beyond. Using his corporate experience as the foundation for his new role in leading NCUBA as President, J. Purty, has plans to take the organization to a new level. It's by no coincidence that the organization's name was chosen as a "united bikers association".  Its foundation and concepts are such that it could be built upon in other states. With a national effort, the unity could expand such that organizations could get together and share ideas and be more proactive on issues within the motorcycle community.

The mission of NCUBA's is to promote unity amongst the member clubs, educate clubs on how to operate effectively and to give back to the community. Additionally, the Government Relations committee is helping to change laws on a national level. Recent NC legislation changes, including the new "Left Turn on Red" bill, were written by NCUBA members. There was also significant work on a bill to amend the learner's permit process that would have otherwise raised the cost and shortened the amount of time a person needed to get one. Other factors influenced by NCUBA include fighting to keep insurance rates down. Members of NCUBA serve as the voice for the motorcycle community, particularly sportbike riders when visiting larger motorcycle related conferences and conventions. One recent example had two NCUBA members somewhat representing the entire urban sportbike community at the national "Meeting of the Minds" Motorcycle Rights Organization (MRO) conference. They were able to provide a fresh perspective on sportbike riding that had manufacturers and legislators alike stand up and take notice.

With so much partying going on within the motorcycle community, NCUBA strives to focus on the business side of things. NCUBA currently has total support from the North Carolina Highway Patrol and numerous state senators. They work together to ensure that the motorcycle community has a voice in statewide campaigns and efforts that affect their fellow riders. In addition to each club's charitable efforts, each region also sponsors charity events that garner support from all member clubs. One region recently hosted a breast cancer charity ride while another sponsored a back to school drive. Within all communities, NCUBA pushes everyone to exercise their rights by holding voter registration drives. In preparation for the country's next primary election, NCUBA is asking all clubs hosting events in the coming year to consider offering a voter registration booth for NCUBA reps to get people registered. Also, a
charity committee will be developed in 2008 to better coordinate charitable efforts on a state level.

If your club is interested in learning more about the benefits of NCUBA membership, please contact President, J. Purty at j.purty@2forlife-mc.com. An NCUBA representative would be more than happy to visit your club's next meeting and tell you more about the organization.