Though Corbin Motors, Inc. recently filed for bankruptcy,
officials from Corbin and the Hollister Independence Rally
Committee said the company’s financial situation will have no
effect on the city’s annual motorcycle rally.
Though Corbin Motors, Inc. recently filed for bankruptcy, officials from Corbin and the Hollister Independence Rally Committee said the company’s financial situation will have no effect on the city’s annual motorcycle rally.
Corbin Pacific, Inc., has been the rally’s primary sponsor since 1999, but the two corporations are separate entities, despite both being owned by the father-son duo of Mike and Tom Corbin.
“We’re gung ho behind this event… This will have no effect whatsoever with the rally,” said Paul Gomez, business development director for Corbin.
Although Corbin Motors filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy March 28, Corbin Pacific – which manufactures motorcycle seats and accessories – is still running strong and this week confirmed its sponsorship for the July rally, according to HIRC officials.
After hearing rumors throughout the community last week regarding Corbin’s sponsorship, HIRC officials contacted Gomez about the upcoming rally.
“There was talk going around town, and it just isn’t a problem,” said Bob Beals, interim director of the Hollister Independence Rally Committee.
HIRC President Michael Chappelear said, “It’s been business as usual. Our sponsorship comes from the seat company.”
Corbin Motors was incorporated in 2000 and had 15 employees before the bankruptcy filing. The company produces the AC Sparrow and Merlin Roadster, three-wheeled electric vehicles that have received national publicity for their unique designs and energy-saving function.
Corbin Pacific, which has produced motorcycle seats for 35 years, has 220 employees and also manufactures also produces motorcycle body components and novelty furniture.
Of the current 14 to 17 sponsors, Corbin plans to be the title sponsor for the third consecutive year. The company would again receive prime exposure, including its logo on rally insignia and a large display in a “premium location,” Beals said.
“That gives them a bit more recognition than anyone else,” Chappelear said.
Beals and Chappelear both said they expect to attract more sponsors before the event that runs throughout the July 4 weekend.
According to Chappelear, the “various range of sponsorships” includes Corbin’s level of contribution – all the way to $250 for less exposure. Officials would not release the amount Corbin will pay this year.
If Corbin Pacific had backed out of the Hollister Independence Rally sponsorship, both Chappelear and Beals said rally officials would have regrouped and found a new primary sponsor.
“It wouldn’t kill the rally,” Chappelear said.
Though Beals added, “It definitely would be a concern for us.”
Gomez, however, reiterated Corbin’s commitment to the 2003 rally. The company, he said, is “looking forward to many, many more years being a part of this community.”
“We’re looking forward to another banner year,” Gomez said.
Despite Corbin Motors’ financial woes, Gomez said Corbin Pacific is still a leader in the motorcycle industry, and the company has “maintained a positive outlook.”
“We’ve maintained our regular posture with regard to Corbin Pacific,” he said.
Beals said some residents have also expressed concern about the rally’s raffle, which awards a Harley Davidson motorcycle. The raffle will not be affected by the bankruptcy, he said, and HIRC has already purchased the motorcycle.
Each year, HIRC donates its proceeds to nonprofit organizations, mostly those benefiting children. Last year, HIRC gave checks to 27 benefactors. To date, rally promoters have donated more than $140,000 to area organizations.
“The more money we can generate from this rally, the more we can give back to the community,” Chappelear said.
