announcing Commuter awards.
Back in January, River City Bicycles announced a contest to find Portland’s “Commuter of the Year”.
Owner David Guettler asked for nominations through ads in local weekly newspapers and according to the shop’s Event Manager Jason Bietz, over 60 people responded to the challenge, “They sent in everything from home videos, a 37-day string of hand-made postcards, and a hardbound book!”
The entries were judged for creativity and content. At stake was a $500 gift certificate to River City Bicycles as well as a chance to create your very own 1/4 page ad in the Willamette Week to inspire other commuters.
Bietz says they received so many great entries that Guettler decided to choose three winners.
Southeast Portlander Jack Bouba received a $500 Gift Certificate and the rights to the Willamette Week ad for his creative entry that included daily postcards of himself in action with his beloved and trusted steed.
Breakfast on the Bridges.
Another $500 Gift Certificate was awarded to Sherry Schwenderlauf for the “most nominated.” Sherry was nominated by at least seven people who witnessed her cycling not only to work, but whenever possible, day-in and day-out, rain or shine. Sherry also organized a Bike Commute Challenge for her office and was a personal “Bike Buddy” to her co-workers at a local CPA firm. For her dedication, Sherry also received a “Commuter of the Year” trophy designed by Matt Cartwright (the trophy is on display at River City Bicycles).
A random drawing was held for the last winner and the award went to the McNamee Family from southeast Portland.
According to Bietz, Guettler will run a series of special congratulatory ads for all the entrants and the Willamette Week has increased the size of Jack Bouba’s personal ad to a 1/2 page in full color. Watch for the ads in upcoming issues.
Congratulations to all the winners, and to River City Bicycles for creating yet another fun incentive to ride.