Another Successful Heartland STEAM in the Books!
Last weekend, ABATE of Illinois hosted the 32nd Annual Heartland STEAM Convention in Springfield, Illinois. Riders from Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin gathered to share information about how state motorcycle rights organizations are tackling issues facing the motorcycle community. Heartland STEAM also serves as an important annual fundraising event for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation.
Originally ABATE of Illinois was scheduled to host STEAM in 2020, however, as with most things in 2020, things didn’t go according to plan! Nevertheless, ABATE of Illinois put on an excellent event this year. The weekend was a great opportunity for riders from different states to share their personal experiences working on motorcyclist issues at the state level. Topics included working with clubs, using modern media to activate your members and the history of the MRF. However, as we all know, more was learned after hours in the hospitality suite as riders shared their personal experiences, strengthening and building personal relationship, rider to rider.
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The guest speaker at the Saturday evening banquet was Representative Darrin LaHood of Illinois. Rep. LaHood is a longtime friend of the ABATE of Illinois and a champion for biker rights in D.C. At the dinner, Rep. LaHood was presented with the MRF Legislative Champion of the year vest.
Just three days after Heartland STEAM ended, ABATE of Illinois got some more great news. Thanks to the efforts of ABATE of Illinois and their legislative team, the Illinois General Assembly advanced legislation bringing motorcycles to the forefront of the electric vehicle push in Illinois. To read the press release on the victory for ABATE of Illinois click here. Congratulations on a hard fought victory for the bikers in the Land of Lincoln.
Thank you again to all the Heartland STEAM attendees and thanks to ABATE of Illinois for hosting a great event. We can’t wait to be at STEAM 2023 in North Dakota!
