Toronto, ON (Sept 10, 2012) - ExpoCycle, the meeting place for the Canadian bicycle community, wrapped up its 2012 edition today - capping off a 3-day event full of new product innovation, fashion shows, demonstrations, education, parties and meetings for both bicycle retailers and consumers.

Following Day 2's early morning format, the 8:00 educational seminar IBD's & Charity Bike Rides - Maximizing your Relationship with a Charity Ride to Boost your Business opened the day. With breakfast provided, retailers in attendance learned how to implement strategies to turn charity ride participants into customers. From offering training rides, maintenance clinics, tech support at event, fitting and orientation sessions to sponsoring programs, retailers left with ideas and ways to be proactive in getting in front of these new customers.

A final day highlight of ExpoCycle 2012 was the Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the Bicycle Trade of Canada (BTAC). The AGM was open to all with lunch provided. During his President's report, Kevin Senior of Bow Cycle commented, "It's great to be back in Toronto and have such a successful Public Day." Mr. Senior also updated BTAC members that a search for a new Executive Director has concluded as the current Executive Director, Janet Bauer, made the decision to pursue other interests. It was announced BTAC has a new Executive Director under contract, however, won't officially make the introduction until next week. "Janet Bauer left behind a legacy," continued Senior. "The new person will step in where Janet left off and help drive the association forward."

The Nominating Committee announced incoming Board of Directors for 2012/2013. Mr. James Wilson, Obsession Bikes in Vancouver, BC, and Mr. Pierre Grenier, Louis Garneau Sales Director - Canada, were welcomed as new Directors.

In the Executive Director's Report, Janet Bauer noted it was her last year with the association and presented a retrospective of her 12-years with BTAC. "The association started in the Fall of 2000 and since then we've had 11 trade shows and grew from 40^th to 17^th in the top trade shows rankings in Canada," reflected Bauer. "We have also given out $100,000 in grants. This money goes directly back into our industry. Sponsoring and partnering with advocacy groups across Canada has also been a focus over the years and BTAC has led the conversation with all levels of Government. It's been an amazing 12-years. I'm taking away a lifetime of memories and a lifetime of friendships.  The bike industry has been good to me and I want to give back, I have been asked to sit on the Board of Share the Road and will be consulting with some companies."