Association of Fitness Industry
Retailers and Manufacturers
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Home » Press Releases » Major Fitness Manufacturers Join AFIRM; Small Business Division Also Created
News Release Major Fitness Manufacturers Join AFIRMSmall Business Division Also CreatedSILVER SPRING, MD – January 14, 2010 – AFIRM, the new Association of Fitness Industry Retailers & Manufacturers has received a substantial bolt of credibility since its launch last month with the membership commitment of a strong group of fitness industry manufacturers. Among the first companies to join AFIRM are Technogym, IronGrip, Cybex, Star Trac, Johnson HealthTech/Matrix, Icon/FreeMotion Fitness, TAG Fitness, Sportsmith, SportsArt, Madd Dogg Athletics, VersaClimber, World Sales Alliance, Dynastream, Lifeline International and Polar. The new association will address fitness industry issues, help raise revenue and reduce expenses on behalf of its members, lobby Congress for pro-fitness legislation, and develop research. “We’re thrilled that the initial response to AFIRM has been so positive,” said AFIRM executive director Chuck Leve. “We closing in on critical mass which means we’ll be able to develop programs and strategies to enhance the business environment for our members.” Recognizing that fitness equipment manufacturers had no association specific to their needs, the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA) created AFIRM to assist those manufacturers by providing them a unified voice in the industry. “It was inevitable that we manufacturers would have our own association,” said Cybex CEO John Aglialoro. “We’re providing the products and services that fuel the fitness industry. It’s only right that we have a seat at the table.” One of AFIRM’s primary focuses will be on securing efficiencies along the chain of commerce in the fitness industry. “Existing methods of doing business are simply not as effective as they used to be,” said Michael Rojas, CEO of Iron Grip Barbell Company. “AFIRM will give us the opportunity to work together with other manufacturers and develop innovations in all aspects of our business, from manufacturing and shipping product to identifying, approaching and servicing customers.” “With health becoming a recognized critical issue in our society I believe we are definitely entering the Wellness Economy and the manufacturers need representation today more than ever,” said Claudio Bellini, CEO of Technogym USA. “We expect AFIRM to work closely with ALL Industry Associations and Congress to make Wellness accessible for everyone, for all ages and in all places.” Small Business Division Created In a significant policy decision AFIRM also announced the creation of a “Small Business Division” for manufacturers and suppliers that encounter common problems and concerns not necessarily shared by the major strength and cardio companies. “While we certainly will address the needs of the big players, we don’t want to be known as an association only for the big guys,” said Leve. “There’s plenty of room for smaller players, niche products, and service providers.” “We’re fully supportive of AFIRM’s Small Business initiative,” said Steve Chase, General Manager at Fitness Flooring. “We don’t have the same challenges that the cardio and strength guys have, but we do have challenges. We look forward to sitting down with similar sized companies to figure out a better way to accomplish our objectives.” For further information about AFIRM, please contact:
Chuck Leve, Executive Director
847-480-1818 x5599 (Office) 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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