AFIRM/SGMA Supports Federal Bill Which Will Encourage Fitness in the Workplace

SILVER SPRING, MD – October 4, 2011 -- AFIRM and SGMA is 100% behind the Workforce Health Improvement Program (WHIP) Act. The bill was introduced earlier today by Senator John Cornyn (R-TX). This legislation is a major step in helping to promote healthy lifestyles and will provide American businesses and their employees with an opportunity to upgrade their commitment to fitness, focus on healthy lifestyles, and improve productivity in the workplace.

If it becomes law, the WHIP Act would represent a significant step forward in overcoming hurdles to getting wellness established in the workplace. Under current tax law, businesses are allowed to deduct the cost of on-site exercise facilities and employees are not taxed on the benefit. However, if an employer provides this same benefit at an off-site facility, employees who take advantage of the benefit must pay income tax on the value of the subsidy—a requirement in direct contradiction to the goal of promoting healthful activity in the workplace. The WHIP Act would eliminate this inequity, reaffirming employers’ right to deduct the cost of providing off-site health club or gym benefits and preventing this wellness benefit from being considered additional income for employees... More

Department of Education Announces New PEP Awards

SILVER SPRING, MD – September 29, 2011 -- The U.S. Department of Education has announced the recipients of more than $35 million in Carol M. White Physical Education Program (PEP) grants. New PEP grants will be distributed to 76 school districts and community based organizations across the country. The balance, approximately $44 million, will be used to fund 2nd and 3rd years of PEP grants awarded in 2009 and 2010. The average new PEP grant should be around $441,000. PEP funds are used to purchase fitness and sports equipment and to train PE teachers in innovative methods of physical education. AFIRM and SGMA is pleased to announce its partnership with Bureau Veritas Consumer Products Services, a world leader in quality assurance and supply-chain risk management solutions... More

What AFIRM Is All About

Recognizing that fitness industry manufacturers lacked a true voice both inside and outside the industry, the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA) created AFIRM – the Association of Fitness Industry Retailers & Manufacturers.

For the first time in the 40-year history of the modern fitness industry there is a true non-profit association of manufacturers and retailers. AFIRM's cohesive approach has resonated with manufacturers seeking representation within the industry and legislatively in Congress.

A compelling roster of benefits and services, specifically designed for the business of fitness manufacturers and retailers, is a new reality that promises to improve over time.

AFIRM encourages you to explore this temporary site and determine for yourself that AFIRM resonates with you. We expect you'll soon embrace AFIRM as so many of your peers have.

Please click on our FAQ page to gain a further understanding of AFIRM's operating philosophy.

AFIRM Member Companies