AFIRM to Host Launch Reception at IHRSA Show

AFIRM, the new Association of Fitness Industry Retailers & Manufacturers, will host a 'Launch Reception and Open Forum' on March 11 in San Diego in conjunction with the annual IHRSA Convention & Trade Show.  The event will take place from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter, located directly across the street from the San Diego Convention Center.

At the reception, AFIRM will introduce its steering committee made up of leaders from the manufacturing side of the industry; lay out its vision and long-term strategy for the organization; and encourage attendees to speak out, ask questions, and raise issues.

“This is a fully transparent organization,” said AFIRM Executive Director Chuck Leve.  “We want to hear every perspective and understand every side of all issues.  There's much more to do than can be done, so prioritization will be key.”

Invitations to the reception will be extended to AFIRM members and potential members in the manufacturing categories of strength, cardio, Pilates, climbing walls, refurbished equipment, balls/bands/accessories, and heart-rate monitoring.  Also welcome will be all organizations, associations, and media serving the industry.  

“The manufacturers are the fitness industry's common denominator,” said Leve.  “There isn't an association, publication, or trade show that isn't substantially vested in a robust manufacturer presence.  AFIRM intends to embrace these organizations and work with them for the long-term benefit of all parties.”

More Companies Join AFIRM

AFIRM's membership ranks continued to grow last week, climbing to 25 members with the addition of TRUE Fitness, GP Industries, AbCoaster, Railyard Fitness, and Accusplit.

“We're not as big a player as some of the other guys,” said Art Gutierrez, vice president of sales at GP Industries, the Paso Robles, California manufacturer of free weight products.  “We joined not only because the value proposition makes sense for us, but also because we believe in AFIRM's mission. The manufacturers deserve their own association.”

“It's not surprising that our message to and for manufacturers continues to resonate,” said Leve.  “After all, membership in AFIRM is supporting their own cause.  And as we negotiate with companies seeking to do business with AFIRM members, the depth of our membership base is serving us well.”