FBP_NEWSBEAT_ A Penton Media Property May.20.2010 If you want to view this on the web go to: http://enews.penton.com/enews/clubindustry/v/369 ---------------------------------------- ADVERTISEMENT (http://www.retentionmanagement.com) ---------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- ADVERTISEMENT 2010 is a critical year... * Stay connected with current members using automated email communication * Convert new sales into long-term members by integrating them more effectively * Proactive and automatic follow up with low and non-users * Market club services, specials, referrals and programs using our state-of-the-art broadcast email templates * Increase leads, follow up with guest traffic and reconnect with former members using our Prospect email program Now is the Time. Contact Us Today. www.RetentionManagement.com ---------------------------------------- NEWS --House Introduces Healthy Choices Act WASHINGTON, DC -- Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI) recently introduced the Healthy Choices Act in the U.S. House of Representatives as H.R. 5209. The act includes both the Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act and the Workforce Health Improvement Program (WHIP) Act, two exercise promotion bills that provide tax benefits for certain fitness expenses. To view the full article go to: http://clubindustry.com/forprofits/healthy-choice-act-20100511/ ---------------------------------------- ADVERTISEMENT The NFPT has been certifying fitness professionals since 1988 and offers an NCCA accredited Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) credential. Exam dates are set up by appointment at any one of over 300 sites with FREE Continuing Education Credits (CECs)! Advanced specialty courses in Nutrition, Weight & Resistance, and Endurance Training are available as well. www.nfpt.com ---------------------------------------- --Oregon Gold's Gyms File for Bankruptcy SALEM, OR -- Companies operating Oregon Gold's Gyms that had been ordered to post a bond or be forced to shut down have filed for bankruptcy. To view the full article go to: http://clubindustry.com/forprofits/oregon-golds-gyms-bankruptcy-20100519/ ---------------------------------------- ADVERTISEMENT ABC FINANCIAL SERVICES Every day thousands of customers use ABC software and services to run their clubs. Why? Easy to use club management software, billing that collects the most money from the most members every day, marketing and retention tools that work, onsite training and support and merchant service that cost you less. Our business is to focus on your success. Call us today and experience the difference. 800.622.6290 http://www.abcfinancial.com ---------------------------------------- --Ohio Owner Pleads Not Guilty to Sales Tax Charge TOLEDO, OH -- The owner of clubs in Toledo, OH, pleaded not guilty Tuesday to failing to pay state sales tax for his businesses. To view the full article go to: http://clubindustry.com/forprofits/toledo-ohio-owner-sales-tax-20100519/ ---------------------------------------- ADVERTISEMENT For over 35 years, Paramount Acceptance has provided fitness centers with software and billing solutions through EFT processing and delinquent-account collections. Our complete web-based software suite offers the tools you need to help measure and manage your business more effectively than ever before. From PT to tanning and child care to employee scheduling, we have all the software tools you need on one complete platform. Call us today to learn more: 1-800-316-4444. www.ParamountAcceptance.com ---------------------------------------- --Planet Fitness Raises $213,000 for Breast Cancer Research NEWINGTON, NH -- As a result of a Mother's Day promotion, Planet Fitness donated more than $213,000 to breast cancer research. To view the full article go to: http://clubindustry.com/forprofits/planet-fitness-breast-cancer-charity-20100519/ ---------------------------------------- ADVERTISEMENT No Contract. No Hidden Fees. No Worries. Your business deserves a billing solution that will increase your cash flow. ASF offers you this, plus the flexibility you need to successfully run your business. Our processing and collections, software, and marketing programs can all be tailored to meet your club's needs. EFT/Billing | Software | Marketing www.asfinternational.com 1-800-227-3859 ---------------------------------------- --TSI Implements Sustainability Program NEW YORK -- Town Sports International Holdings Inc. (TSI) has launched at all of its facilities an EcoSteps initiative, a fully integrated sustainability program, the company announced. To view the full article go to: http://clubindustry.com/forprofits/tsi-ecosteps-20100511/ ---------------------------------------- ADVERTISEMENT STAMP OUT MRSA! GymWipes Anti-Bacterial PLUS provides the highest level of disinfectant wipes for all health club and equipment surfaces. The freshly scented formula is effective against E.coli, Staph, MRSA, Tuberculosis, HIV-1 and the Norwalk virus. Alcohol Free, Phenol Free and Bleach Free. 2XL Corporation. http://www.gymwipes.com 888 977-3726 ---------------------------------------- --Police, Fire Recruits Less Physically Fit JACKSON, MS -- Not only is the military grappling with decreased fitness levels among new recruits, but local police and fire departments also are having trouble finding applicants who can pass the initial physical training test. To view the full article go to: http://clubindustry.com/military/Police-Fire-Recruits-Less-Physically-Fit-20100511/ ---------------------------------------- ADVERTISEMENT The industry's first and only rewards program that provides member motivation, develops club loyalty, and enhances brand image. Proven to improve the bottom line numbers in profit centers, increase referrals, boost retention, and build member loyalty. Points earned are easily redeemed online for brand-name merchandise, club embroidered apparel, and in club services. www.fitrewardsclub.com ---------------------------------------- --Clubs Sue Over Pool Bidding Process CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA -- A group of for-profit fitness clubs filed suit against the City of Charlottesville, VA, and Albemarle County (VA), claiming the entities failed to follow state law during the bidding process for construction of a new pool. To view the full article go to: http://clubindustry.com/nonprofits/Clubs-Sue-Over-Pool-Bidding-Process-20100513/ --Students Pass Rec Center Operations Fee THIBODAUX, LA -- Students at Nicholls State University recently approved a fee to fund operations at their new recreation center. The $78-per-semester student fee will be used to pay operational costs for the new rec center, including staff and student salaries, supplies and utility costs. To view the full article go to: http://clubindustry.com/universities/Students-Pass-Rec-Center-Operations-Fee-20100511/ IN BRIEF --May Issue Online Now The May issue of Club Industry magazine features the health benefits of water workouts. (http://clubindustry.com/forprofits/fitness_power_pool/) The issue also includes a report on some YMCAs that are banning sex offenders, (http://clubindustry.com/nonprofits/fitness_nonprofitsymcas_banning_sex/) a report on personnel changes at Life Fitness (http://clubindustry.com/inside_manufacturers/fitness_life_fitness_makes/) and a look at how club operators are creating more options for online service. (http://clubindustry.com/inside_manufacturers/fitness_operators_creating_options/) To view the full article go to: http://clubindustry.com/may10/ --Best of the Best -- Deadline in Two Weeks Show off your club's programs by entering them in the eighth annual Club Industry Best of the Best competition. Winners will be featured in the magazine, will receive free registrations to the Club Industry Conference and will receive their awards at the October show in Chicago. Entries are due June 7, so download a PDF entry form (http://clubindustry.com/awardsrankings/BestoftheBest2pgEntryForm2010.pdf) today to get started. To view the full article go to: http://blog.clubindustry.com/fitnessbusinessproblog/2010/04/08/its-best-of-the-best-time-again/ --Resource Center ClubIndustry.com (http://clubindustry.com/resources/cardio-strength/?cid=bannersidepromo) has a new cardio and strength resource center, sponsored by Life Fitness (http://lifefitness.com). Be sure to check out fit tips for your members as well as videos, white papers and past articles from Club Industry magazine about cardio and strength trends. To view the full article go to: http://clubindustry.com/resources/cardio-strength/?cid=bannersidepromo --Facility News *The Rush Fitness Complex (http://www.therush247.com), Knoxville, TN, will open its 20th and 21st clubs on June 1 in Dalton, GA, and Winston-Salem, NC. Each club will employ about 50 full- and part-time staff members. The company's other locations are in Tennessee and North Carolina. *A 21-year-old driver was killed on May 11 after his car hit a road curb, went airborne and landed on the roof (http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=7436898&rss=rss-ktrk-article-7436898) of the Ultra Bodies (http://www.ultrabodies.net) personal training studio in The Woodlands, TX. It took paramedics hours to get to Shaun Michael Finley, the son of a local sheriff's deputy. Finley died at the scene. *A club near Jackson, MO, had an outbreak of E. coli that has sickened at least 14 people since April 28. Five confirmed cases were linked to Class Act Family Fitness. Nine other people were likely infected, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Four people were hospitalized. Health officials found bacteria in water from a drinking fountain and a faucet. The owner told local media that the well behind the fitness center may have been infected during heavy rainstorms last month. He has since added chlorine to the well and installed a chlorinator. *Sterling Center YMCA, a branch of the North Shore YMCA (http://www.northshoreymca.org/index.cfm), Beverly, MA, announced that it will soon buy a portion of its energy from a 75-kilowatt combined heat and power (or cogeneration) system. The Sterling Y will receive a discount on the energy produced by the system and reduce its carbon emissions by up to 330 tons per year. The small-scale, combined heat and power equipment will be located at the property site but will be owned and operated by American DG Energy (http://www.americandg.com). --Supplier News *New York Health and Racquet Club (NYHRC) (http://www.nyhrc.com) has selected ABC Financial (http://www.abcfinancial.com), Little Rock, AR, to provide billing and electronic funds transfer (EFT) services, as well as club management software, online membership software and credit card merchant services. The software and services will be implemented next month. The new partnership will provide NYHRC with the ability to streamline data management and supply up-to-the-minute access to member information via ABC's club management software. The clubs will be able to collect, update and store member data in real time, manage corporate accounts, automate repetitive tasks and create an interaction among all NYHRC facilities. *Star Trac (http://www.startrac.com), Irvine, CA, added Mike Herlihy as government sales manager and Jeff Hoke as the new eastern vertical and dealer sales manager. Herlihy has been in the fitness industry for the past 22 years, dating back to when, as a commercial banker, he started a leasing company for a fitness equipment business. Hoke, a former competitive bodybuilder, has 11 years of experience selling fitness equipment and six years of experience owning clubs and personal training. *A recent study by Coverall Health-Based Cleaning System (http://www.coverall.com), Boca Raton, FL, determined the standard rates of production (cleaning times) for hard-surface areas required to achieve aseptic cleaning in a fitness facility. The study also determined high-germ transmission points for surfaces in the fitness center as measured through Adenosine Tri-Phosphate readings. E-mail Coverall (mailto:industryreport@coverall.com) to receive a copy of the report. *The Ab Coaster Co. (http://www.abcoasterclub.com), Chester, NJ, has released two new products, the trackless Ab Coaster CTL and the redesigned CS3000. Both products feature a "bottom up" motion that isolates the upper abs, side obliques and lower abs while avoiding discomfort and strain to the upper body. The products are intended for health clubs, fitness programs and rehab centers. *First Financial (http://www.ffcash.net/), Fort Lauderdale, FL, recently promoted Paul Bosley to executive vice president. Bosley served as national marketing director of First Financial for four years, and during that time, the company's sales grew significantly. He has also served as a speaker at several Club Industry (http://clubindustryshow.com/) shows. *Lifestyle Family Fitness (http://www.lff.com), St. Petersburg, FL, has added HydroMassage (http://www.hydromassage.com) beds to six more of its clubs. HydroMassage, Clearwater, FL, was first introduced in Lifestyle clubs in 2008. "We're adding more HydroMassage beds because they've proven to be an integral part of our unique selling proposition," Lifestyle CEO John Simmons says. "After seeing solid results over the last year and a half, we're confident HydroMassage will continue to be part of our clubs." *Ultimate Sports Inc. (http://www.usi-skis.com), Lafayette, IN, a manufacturer and supplier to the recreational vehicle industry, has completed a letter of intent to acquire exercise equipment maker Extreme Fitness Inc. Ultimate Sports plans to close the deal during the second quarter. FROM THE BLOG --Some Loyalties Run Deeper than Skin Deep I have a crazy story for you that might make you envious. How loyal are your members to your company's brand? Are they loyal enough to wear your T-shirts around town? Maybe. But are they loyal enough to tattoo themselves with your logo? Probably not. To view the full article go to: http://blog.clubindustry.com/fitnessbusinessproblog/2010/05/19/some-loyalties-run-deeper-than-skin-deep/ --Group X Files at CI East We tried something different at Club Industry East in New York -- a group exercise competition in our Club Studio area. We have presented group fitness activities before, but this time, the format was new, with several large and small clubs invited to demonstrate one of the original programs offered in their facilities. To view the full article go to: http://blog.clubindustry.com/fitnessbusinessproblog/2010/05/14/group-x-files/ --Maggie Was Good to Us In the publishing world, getting a Maggie is a nice little feat. But since you're not from the publishing world, let me explain what I mean by "getting a Maggie," in case you think it's akin to getting a wedgie or something. We won a Western Publishing Association award (called a Maggie) for most improved trade publication. To view the full article go to: http://blog.clubindustry.com/fitnessbusinessproblog/2010/05/13/maggie-was-good-to-us/ ABOUT THIS NEWSLETTER You are subscribed to this newsletter as #email# To subscribe to this newsletter go to: http://subscribe.fitnessbusiness-pro.com/?tc=NLSUB To unsubscribe from this newsletter go to: http://subscribe.fitnessbusiness-pro.com/?tc=NLSUB&cid=#message_id#&lid=#list_id#&email=#email# For information regarding advertising in NewsBeat, please contact: National Sales Manager: Marty McCallen at mailto:marty.maccallen@penton.com Account Manager: Matt Sinkovich at mailto:matt.sinkovich@penton.com Classified Sales: Gary Kazmier at mailto:gary.kazmier@penton.com For questions concerning delivery of this newsletter, please contact our Customer Service Department at: US Toll Free: 866-505-7173 International: 847-763-9504 or mailto:clubindustry@pbinews.com To get this newsletter in a different format (Text or HTML), or to change your e-mail address, please go to your profile page here: http://subscribe.fitnessbusiness-pro.com/?tc=NLSUB&email=#email# Penton Media | 249 W. 17th Street | New York, NY 10011 Copyright 2010, Penton Media. 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