Association of Fitness Industry
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Home » Press Releases » AFIRM’s Leadership on Display in San Diego
News Release AFIRM’s Leadership on Display in San DiegoLife Fitness, efi, Medova Healthcare Latest to Join Public Policy Conference Call Scheduled for March 30 SILVER SPRING, MD – March 18, 2010 – With a call for manufacturer unity and a rejection of the status quo, AFIRM announced itself to the fitness world at the annual IHRSA International Convention & Trade Show earlier this month. Highlighted by a full house attendance at its Launch Reception Thursday evening, AFIRM’s leadership group addressed the audience to put forth its platform of improving the business climate for fitness manufacturers and retailers. CEO’s Chris Clawson (Johnson HealthTech/Matrix), John Baudhuin (Mad Dogg Athletics), and John Aglialoro (Cybex) rallied the group and urged them to join the movement of manufacturers to finally have a true voice and representation in the industry. SGMA CEO Tom Cove drove the point home with his explanation of National Health Through Fitness Day activities on Capitol Hill relative to PEP funding for physical education in schools and passage of the all-important PHIT bill in Congress. “It was an evening of genuine excitement,” said AFIRM executive director Chuck Leve. “There was a buzz that carried over throughout the Show.” In meetings with scores of companies, AFIRM added substantially to its impressive roster of members and Associate Members.
Life Fitness, efi Sports Medicine, Medova Healthcare Join AFIRM “We couldn’t be happier with Life Fitness’ decision to support AFIRM and our efforts,” said Chuck Leve, AFIRM Executive Director. “Having the industry leader actively working for the good of all manufacturers is a success on which we intend to build.” efi Sports Medicine, creator of Total Gym® and the leading manufacturer of bodyweight training equipment for functional rehabilitation and total body conditioning, becomes the first player in the functional equipment category to join AFIRM.
Medova Healthcare, the Wichita, Kansas based provider of health and wellness benefits, sees AFIRM’s members as its target market. “We specialize in developing custom health and wellness programs for small to medium sized employers,” said Tom O’Brien, Executive Director, Special Markets for Medova. “AFIRM and its members are a direct hit for our capabilities. We’ll be reaching out as soon as possible to AFIRM members to show them how we can improved benefits and cut costs.” AFIRM Announces March 30 Public Policy Conference Call Phone Gathering Open Forum on Association’s Legislative Direction SILVER SPRING, MD – March 18, 2010 – “How Policy Making in Washington Affexts Your Business” will be the theme of AFIRM’s first hosted Legislative Open Forum on March 30 at 1:00 p.m. Eastern time in conference call format. The Conference Call will feature SGMA’s CEO Tom Cove, and Bill Sells, SGMA’s VP Government Relations discussing issues related to product safety and the Consumer Products Safety Commission, as well as getting more American active through greater funding of the Physical Education Program (PEP) funding and passage of the Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) bill. “We made great progress March 10 at our annual National Health Through Fitness Day,” said Cove. “But there’s much more to do. Alerting AFIRM members to where we are and how we get to the next level is one of our highest priorities.” For more information on the Public Policy Conference call, visit www.afirmfitness.org.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, publish a bi-weekly newsletter for its constituents, and develop money-saving programs for its members. For more information, please visit www.afirmfitness.org. 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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