Big Bear, Ca May 11, 2011 8:00 am – Big Bear Choppers has been building a worldwide reputation since 1998. Beginning as a small repair shop, Kevin and Mona Alsop worked to build their brand and manufacture motorcycles they are proud of. According to the bigbearchoppers.com website, the local company is “dedicated to the design, engineering and crafting of America’s most respected motorcycles.” During the recent economic downturn, Big Bear Choppers sought help from the San Bernardino Workforce Investment Board to avoid planned layoffs. With technical assistance from California Manufacturing Technology Consulting, a plan to make the company’s production process more efficient was developed and funding to make the changes was provided by the WIB. The potential for growth was seen as so strong, the Big Bear Lake Improvement Agency recently approved a $100,000 direct loan to provide capital under the City’s Small Business Loan Program. “We’re thankful we had the opportunity to address the issues that critically impact our profitability,” says Big Bear Choppers owner, Kevin Asop. More information about the small business loan program is available by calling the City’s Redevelopment Director, Lyle Haynes at (909) 866-5831, extension 141.
