» Born: Michael Patrick Bates in Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia on June 14th, 1970
» Profession: Owner/Operator of BODYWORKS, a 26 employee Health, Fitness & Rehabilitation facility supporting 500 clients per month in Raleigh County. Mick is also the Chief Clinical Officer, Readiness Work Evaluator and Case Manager. Mick’s professional services also include:
- Work Safety/Rehabilitation Consultant
- Progressive Goal Attainment Program Instructor, WV Institute of Occupational Health and Safety
- Clinical Instructor for WV University, Wheeling Jesuit University, and
Mountain State University
» Honors: 2005 Young Guns Award, West Virginia Executive Magazine; 2007 Generation Next Honoree, West Virginia State Journal
» Professional Associations
- Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors
- WV Physical Therapy Association, Board of Directors/Reimbursement
Chairperson
- American Physical Therapy Association,
- Private Practice Physical Therapist Association,
- International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals,
- International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals,
- Occupational Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation Society,
- WV Safety Council,
- WV A Vision Shared, Educational Committee Volunteer
- Catholic Schools of West Virginia, Diocese Board Member
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Up Close & Personal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
» On Coming To WV: “Born into a two-generation mining family in Australia, I felt a sense of ‘coming home’ when I arrived in Beckley for a 3 month assignment in 1994 after working for several years in 5 midwestern states.”
» On Family: “I count my Wife, Pam (also a Physical Therapist) son, Callan (7), and daughters, Mikeal (5), Clare (4), and Allison (2), and my parents among my greatest blessings; they keep me grounded.”
» On His Business: “My desire to become a Physical Therapist grew out of wanting to be of service. After 15 years as a PT, I have a true understanding of the effect that pain and disease have on an individual, their loved ones, their employer, and their community. My employees and I want to reduce and prevent that kind of pain… and its ripple effect.”
» On Becoming A U.S. Citizen: “This wasn’t something I had to do – it’s something I wanted to do. We could live anywhere in the world and we choose to live here. I never plan on going home – I am home.”
» On Running For Office: “WV has given me so much – my wife, my business, and my community. In appreciation, I want to give something back. And, while I could give money, that’s really not enough; so I am contributing my energy and my time. I believe in WV – its people and its future. I want to help make WV an even better place.”
» Currently Working On: “In addition to growing my business, serving the community, and raising a family, I’m working on developing a network of 24 hour fitness centers in rural WV.”
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Community Leaders Pick Mick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When asked, "Why pick Mick for the House of Delegates?" community leaders can count the ways... here are their top ten.
Mick is a…
» Focused leader
He balances concern for people with concern for results. – Bob Kiss
» Skilled Communicator
He articulates a clear vision and strategy to inspire individuals and teams. – Bill Baker
» Proven Performer
Mick is a “Doer”. He gets things done. He sees a challenge… looks for solutions and resources… then puts them to work. – Susan Landis
» Successful Business Owner
As the owner of a 26-employee fitness and rehabilitation facility that supports over 500 clients/members each month, Mick appreciates the demands of managing and growing a business in West Virginia. He’s knowledgeable about regulation and taxation concerns. – Nancy Kissinger
» Health Care Professional
Being a Physical Therapist and the Chief Clinical Officer for BODYWORKS, Mick recognizes the impact disease and injury have on families, businesses, and communities. He also understands the complex issues like health care and insurance. – Brett Eckley
» Husband and Father
With four children under the age of six, Mick and Pam (his wife) are faced with decisions about health, education, balance of work and family, and planning for the future. Like many of their neighbors, he and Pam are both invested in making WV a place where their children will want to stay because they can find good work and live well. – Connie Higgins
» Community Builder
Mick actively develops and supports programs that improve community as demonstrated by his leadership with the Chamber of Commerce, his church, and professional organizations. – Pete Torrico
» Committed Citizen
Mick has a stake in the game. He owns and operates a business here and has a growing family. He wants SWV to be an even better place to live for himself, for his family, his employees, his friends, his neighbors… and for you. – Emmett Pugh
» Believer
Mick believes in West Virginia – its future and its people. He’s passionate about WV becoming a top ten state… moving from the bottom of the bad lists… and to the top of the good ones. – Tony Kelly
» New Voice of Leadership
Because he’s the 3rd generation of an Australian mining family, Mick’s right at home here. He could live anywhere, but he chooses to be here. This country and this community have given him so much… now he wants to give something back. He’s picked West Virginia and now he asks West Virginia to Pick Mick. – Karen Bowling
Please share these solid reasons to pick Mick. Email this link to your friends, family, and co-workers... call them... or encourage them to visit www.pickmick.org.
If you'd like to make a financial contribution, please click the donate button at the bottom of the page to use a credit card or make your check payable to PickMick and send it to P.O. Box 844, Beckley, WV 25801.