Association of Fitness Industry
Retailers and Manufacturers
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Home » Press Releases » AFIRM Announces Cost Savings Program for Shipping, Warehousing Through Planes Companies
News Release AFIRMAnnounces Cost Savings Program for Shipping, Warehousing Through Planes CompaniesAFIRM’s Temporary Website Is UpPrecor Latest Company to Commit to MembershipSILVER SPRING, MD – January 28, 2010 – AFIRM, the new Association of Fitness Industry Retailers & Manufacturers, has announced a partnership with Planes Companies, a Chicago-based division of United Van Lines, to provide shipping and warehousing services to AFIRM members at discounted rates. The program, which is expected to expand to include equipment installation, will create a one-stop shopping opportunity for industry manufacturers from coast-to-coast. “This is a major breakthrough on the national level,” said AFIRM Executive Director Chuck Leve. “Too often, multiple companies are handling freight along its destination route, which is driving up prices with no value added. Our relationship with Planes will generate significant cost savings for AFIRM members by eliminating layers of unnecessary handling.” The program covers all shipping and warehousing needs of manufacturers, from daily shipping to special projects. It is applicable both domestically and internationally. “We’re thrilled to be on board with AFIRM,” said Bob Martin, vice president of sales & marketing at Planes. “We believe we can be enormously helpful to AFIRM members by providing greater efficiency, safer handling, and better pricing. We see it as win/win all the way around.” Planes is also putting together a network of highly competent, trained installers so that products will be properly installed whether the final destination is institutional, retail or home. This will mean a seamless integration of all aspects of moving the product from plant to operational on site. Martin will be on hand to discuss details of the program at the AFIRM Launch Reception on March 11 in San Diego (6:30-8:00 p.m.; Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter, located directly across the street from the San Diego Convention Center). AFIRM Temporary Website Goes ‘Live’ at www.afirmfitness.orgIt may not be fancy and it may not have lots of ‘bells and whistles,’ but it’s functional and provides the information you need. It’s the temporary version of AFIRM’s website (www.afiirmfitness.org) and it goes “live” today – January 28. AFIRM encourages you to check it out, wander around, and, most importantly, provide feedback so that the site’s content and design can evolve into the best possible communications vehicle for fitness manufacturers. Precor Joins AFIRM AFIRM’s mission and message continues to resonate throughout the industry as evidenced by the membership commitment of Precor, one of the leading manufacturers in fitness. “We’re pleased to give our membership support to AFIRM,” said Chris Torggler, Precor executive vice president. “We believe that the industry will be well-served by a strong manufacturer-based association and we look forward to contributing in any way possible to making AFIRM successful.” “Obviously, Precor’s commitment is an important development for AFIRM,” said Leve. “An industry-wide association needs the participation of industry leaders to be credible and viable and Precor is certainly an industry leader. We welcome Precor with open arms and look forward to working with its leadership group.” For further information about AFIRM, please contact:
Chuck Leve, Executive Director
847-480-1818 x5599 (Office) www.afirmfitness.org About AFIRM The Association of Fitness Industry Retailers & Manufacturers (AFIRM) is dedicated to developing benefits, products, and services specifically for fitness industry manufacturers and retailers. AFIRM will address fitness industry issues, help raise revenue and reduce expenses on behalf of its members, lobby Congress for pro-fitness legislation, and develop appropriate research. AFIRM will disseminate information through educational events, it will publish a bi-weekly newsletter for its constituents, and it plans to launch its website in March 2010. About SGMA The Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA), the #1 source for sport and fitness research, is the leading global trade association of manufacturers, retailers, and marketers in the sports products industry. SGMA helps lead the sports and fitness industries by fostering participation through research, thought leadership, product promotion, and public policy. More information about SGMA membership and SGMA's National Health Through Fitness Day can be found at www.SGMA.com. |
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