L.J.Miller - VELTEC SPORTS, INC.

What does VELTEC SPORTS, INC. do?

VELTEC SPORTS, INC. is a distributor for the states........ we deal with high-end cycling enthusiasts products....... we distribute SIDI, LOOK, VREDESTEIN, EASTON and CICLOSPORT...... it's basically five companies under one banner.

How long has VELTEC SPORTS, INC. been coming to Interbike?

Six to seven years.

What is your focus for the show this year?

Basically new product awareness....... update dealers..... let them get a sense for what's new. We feel that we have a lot of touch, feel products with our carbon forks, lightweight frames, shoes........ obviously a lot of dealers can come in and touch and feel the product........ you know....... see how heavy it is....... how does this work....... it's not like we're selling books where it doesn't really matter where they come from......... It's a good place for us to communicate with dealers....... keep an open channel......... just really take care of them........ see what their needs are and get some feedback as to how to run a better company such as our dealer program....... things of that nature.

This is the largest gathering of cycling industry representatives from all over the world. What is your take on the general attitude for 2002?

It's pretty good....... I was at a meeting last night and several people spoke about the demeanor of the people that come into the booth and how upbeat it is considering everything that has happened in the last few weeks. I think it's great..... it's really good...... it's positive. I think the number of shops perhaps are down compared to last year but I think the number of buyers are up so that the people that you speak to are either owners or buyers. Personally all of the people that I have spoken to have all been buyers........ whereas last year I dealt with some buyers, some part-timers, some people that didn't really have a lot to do with the decision making........ but they did work with the shop. This year I dealt with people that pretty much deal with all of the decision making.......... that was the difference for us.

Will the Sept. 11th attacks on America and its effect on the economy change any of your business plans for 2002?

Business plans........ no....... we'll keep things aggressive....... we're going to set up a fund to donate to one of the funds in New York......... for every SIDI shoe sold from now to January we're donating a dollar to a fund in New York........ that was helpful for us....... I think it's going to go to a scholarship fund for the children who lost a parent....... we're pretty excited about that. As far as a change in our planning and forecast....... I don't think so........ we did experience some delays in flights out of Europe...... obviously we deal with a lot of European countries with our products...... so we experienced some of that but it doesn't change anything for us....... we'll still ramp up and be aggressive.

Are you happy with this year's show?

Yes, we've got a pretty good booth...... it's kind of crowded but it flows well from brand to brand. We have a bunch of new stuff here so........ it's a good place to be......... it is what you make it....... and we have pretty good opportunities here to be better and I think we're trying to do that so........ we're content.