- TheThinkTank - lists.bikecollectives.org

Paid Staff - Where to Begin
by Sam Haraldson 04 Dec '14

04 Dec '14

> > 3. Re: Paid Staff - Where to Begin (samuelchristianjensen(a)gmail.com) > 4. Re: Paid Staff - Where to Begin (Jonathan Morrison) > 8. Re: Paid Staff - Where to Begin (sheldon mains) > Thanks for taking the time to respond to my inquiry on the ThinkTank List everyone. We have considered a paid staffer to be an eventuality for some time now and with our funding hurdle less of an issue and volunteer coordination/open-hours more of an issue this is our next priority. A paid position, if done well, is one way to alleviate this. Bullet points from all responses (on and off list): - Clear and reasonable job description - Quantifiable goals - Keeping in mind this is not an end-all-be-all solution - Outline the first employee and consider the evolution to next, and next employee to follow - A "benevolent dictator" would be well-suited - Entrepreneurial and self-supporting - Bike knowledge is less important than people and networking knowledge Our board's past discussions have bounced back and forth between defining the role as "shop manager" or "executive director". Finding someone who is good at either would more than likely suit us well but finding someone who is good at both would probably mean they're not performing 100% at either defined job. I have collated all your responses along with others received off-list am taking this for discussion at our board meeting next week. I greatly appreciate your thoughts up to now and may reach out again in a week or two for follow up. Thanks, Sam -- http://bozemanbikekitchen.org

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Looking for a volunteer server admin
by Godwin ! 04 Dec '14

04 Dec '14

Hey folks, I'm looking for someone to help configure and maintain the bikebike.org server. I've been doing this so far but I could definitely use a hand, especially if anyone out there is more experienced than I am with Nginx and SSL. If you are interested or know someone who might be, please contact me off list, and feel free to share my email address with any interested parties. It's volunteer of course but I can offer to be a good reference for anyone trying to get into an IT position. Cheers!godwin

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Paid Staff - Where to Begin
by Sam Haraldson 03 Dec '14

03 Dec '14

I am soliciting the advice of fellow cooperatives who currently employ paid staffers. Our organization has grown enough in it's 10 year history that we are prepared to bring on a part time paid staffer for the summer and fall months of next year. If there is anyone who would feel comfortable chatting with me either via a series of emailed questions or over the phone I would greatly appreciate it. Our goals with a paid staffer are primarily to alleviate the task of some of the less enticing jobs from our volunteers, to set the stage for being open more hours, and to dedicate a resource to further develop fund-generating streams like eBay and Craigslist. Feel free to reply with general commentary to the list or contact me privately to speak directly. I am open to any and all advice or criticism as our organization explores this next big step. Thanks, Sam Bozeman Bike Kitchen (Montana, USA) -- http://bozemanbikekitchen.org

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Liability Insurance for Group Rides
by Phoenix Bikes 03 Dec '14

03 Dec '14

Hi all, We are looking to add more safety and structure to our Saturday youth bike rides and wanted to know what others are doing in terms of liability insurance to cover your rides off premises and any volunteer ride leaders. Thanks in advance for your input and suggestions, Meg Phoenix Bikes Arlington, VA

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Article on How to Start a Bike Kitchen
by Mira Luna 01 Dec '14

01 Dec '14

http://www.shareable.net/blog/how-to-start-a-bike-kitchen

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Job Posting: General Manager at the Bike Kitchen in Vancouver, BC
by AMS Bike Co-op 01 Dec '14

01 Dec '14

Hi everyone, We here at the Bike Co-op/Bike Kitchen are hiring a new General Manager. Feel free to drop us a line if you have any questions, and please share the posting with anyone you think might be a good fit! Thanks, andrea ____ The Bike Kitchen is a non-profit, full service, community bike shop located on the UBC campus. Together with the AMS Bike Coop, our mission is to support and expand the cycling mode share in the UBC area. We fill many different roles in the campus community and act as the hub of cycling activity in the area. During the day we offer repair services as well as repair instruction, and in the evenings we offer a range of educational programming on mechanics and riding skills. We specialize in refurbishing and selling used bicycles, and offer new and used parts/accessories for sale. More information about the organization can be found on our website http://bikecoop.ca/about/ The Bike Kitchen is seeking to fill the position of General Manager. The role of the Bike Kitchen Manager is an all-encompassing position and is the most senior role in the shop. The Manager is in charge of managing daily operations, as well as providing business direction. The Manager is also expected to be a proficient mechanic and repair bikes daily. The Manager reports to the Bike Co-op Board of Directors, who provide only broad direction. The Manager must keep the organization's mission in mind and oversee that the Bike Kitchen continues to act as an inclusive, positive space. The Manager must act as mechanic, staff manager, and business director. Duties and Responsibilities - Manage daily shop operations including sales and mechanics - Manage staff including hiring, training, scheduling, etc - Implement and expand on the business plan - Manage finances including cashout, weekly deposits, and payroll - Repair bikes for customers and do service writing - Act as primary contact for shop communications Qualifications - Must have experience or training in business management - 3+ years experience in the bike industry - Must have proficient bike mechanic skills - Must have experience managing staff - Must have an understanding of anti-oppressive values - Excellent organizational skills - Strong, professional communication and interpersonal skills Assets - Teaching experience - Knowledge of community bike shops - Knowledge of inventory and ordering - Knowledge of UBC departments and campus Salary: $38,000 - $42,000, plus benefits, commensurate on experience. Please email your resume and cover letter to info(a)thebikekitchen.com. We'll be doing interviews on a rolling basis starting in mid-December. All applications must be submitted by 6pm PST on January 4, 2015. The selected candidate will start work in mid-January 2015. -- *AMS Bike Co-op* University of British Columbia 6138 Student Union Blvd | Vancouver, BC | V6T 1Z1 604-822-2453 | bikecoop.ca | @ubcbike

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UBR T-Shirts Now Available
by Matt VanSlyke 29 Nov '14

29 Nov '14

Hello, I just want to let you know - in case you haven't seen them yet - that our new UBR t-shirts are now available to order on our website: http://uticabikerescue.org/shop.php. There are men's, women's and kids' styles and a bunch of cool colors (sample images attached). The first batch of these shirts will be handed out to those who've ordered them at our open house on 12/8 <http://uticabikerescue.org/upcoming-events.php>. We'll ship out-of-town orders and any shirts that don't get picked up the following day. Design credit goes to local artist Hannah Barley and printing is done by Utica Custom T-Shirt Company. Adult shirts are $15, kids shirts are $10 and all proceeds go directly back into our outreach programs <http://uticabikerescue.org/programs.php>. We're also looking for local outlets to sell shirts "off the rack". If you're interested, please Contact Us <http://uticabikerescue.org/contact-us.php>. Take a look and please spread the word by forwarding this message or this link: http://uticabikerescue.org/shop.php *Thanks for your support!* *Matt VanSlyke* *Utica Bike Rescue* *714 Washington Street, Utica, NY 13502* *315.525.9554* *matt(a)uticabikerescue.org <matt(a)uticabikerescue.org>* *www.uticabikerescue.org <http://www.uticabikerescue.org/>* *www.facebook.com/uticabikerescue <http://www.facebook.com/uticabikerescue>* *Learn. Earn. Ride.* *“A citizen on a $30 bicycle is as important as one in a $30,000 car.”* * - Enrique Penalosa on building protected bikeways in cities, Sept 2013*

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We did a winter commuter workshop, video is up for those interested.
by David Eyer Davis 27 Nov '14

27 Nov '14

Hi All, If you're not so lucky as to live in perpetual summer, we held a workshop in Salt Lake discussing winter tactics with a bias toward solutions that didn't rely on bike-specific purchases. We tried to strike a balance between the things one should invest in to stay comfortable and safe on a bike in winter, and the things that one could make or re-purpose. Feel free to share the video with the wet-weather curious! Topics covered: Winter bike maintenance Inversion tactics Fenders and rain protection, DIY vs. bought Snow and cold weather clothing, eyewear, gloves, and respirators Fat bikes (briefly) and bikes in the snow Long rides, baggage solutions, staying presentable https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X24zXp25HeI Thanks, Davey -- David Eyer Davis Executive Director Bicycle Collective c: 801-230-6308 www.bicyclecollective.org The mission of the Bicycle Collective is to promote cycling as an effective and sustainable form of transportation and as a cornerstone of a cleaner, healthier, and safer society. The Collective provides refurbished bicycles and educational programs to the community, focusing on children and lower income households.

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The Bridge City Bicycle Co-op needs your help to win $50, 000! - JUST $1 HELPS!
by Adam Worobec 25 Nov '14

25 Nov '14

Dear Bike Shop/Co-op friends around the world, The BCBC has gained an incredible amount of momentum this past year, which has recently led to becoming a finalist in the Business for Good Social Venture Challenge <https://www.affinitycu.ca/Community/Funding/Business%20for%20Good%20Social%…>, hosted by Affinity Credit Union. *It's on like Donkey Kong!* - We’re looking for as many people as possible to donate to our crowdfunding campaign (Check out our proposal here <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiSLBPCTd78>!), which is open *NOW* until *December 8th, 2014.* *TSN TURNING POINT!* - Based on the number of investors and amount raised, we could receive a one-time investment of $50,000 to turn our aspirations into a reality. Seriously, our board is so excited right now - we don’t even know what to do with ourselves. This is a HUGE opportunity, and we need your help! *Here’s what you can do to help:* - *DONATE* to our campaign. EVEN $1 HELPS, because it's not just about total dollars raised, it's about # of investors. - *SPREAD THE WORLD* to others, even to request a simple $1 donation. Every single dollar and investor counts. - *SHARE - *blow this thing up on social media using the hashtags #b4gBCBC & #yxe. Thanks in advance for your support! With gratitude, The BCBC. VOTE HERE: https://www.affinitycu.ca/Community/Funding/Business%20for%20Good%20Social%…

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Income Statement and Cash Flow for bike co-ops
by tenaya goldsmith 24 Nov '14

24 Nov '14

I'm trying to start up a bike co-op where I live and I would like to know what the average amount of income is for a bike co-op and what the financials typically look like. I want to make sure that when I start this that I am financially ok so that it all doesn't crumble beneath me. ~ Tenaya Goldsmith

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