Member News

Ohana Growth Partners knows the importance of networking in the community, which is why the franchise held a Business After Hours event in Cookeville, Tennessee, on March 2. The informal social networking event was meant to help business professionals develop relationships with each other and with the local Chamber of Commerce.

The event was also an opportunity for Ohana Growth Partners to develop strong relationships with prospective members in the community. The group partnered up with the Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce for the event and was the Cookeville location’s second year sponsoring the event with the Chamber of Commerce.

“Hosting an event like a Business After Hours at your place of business is a great opportunity to get people talking about your business, which elevates your brand awareness. One reason why people attend events is to meet and interact with like-minded people. Hosting an event for your business can be a great way to bring key players together. Creating a sense of community, inviting your customers and employees to an event goes a long way in showing them that they are an important part of the business,” said Rikki Criswell, general manager of Ohana’s Cookeville club.

Criswell and her team hosted the Business After Hours and received praise for their involvement with the Business After Hours event and with the franchise. Criswell has worked with the franchise for nine years, allowing her to develop good relationships with those in the community.

The event included food and décor such as beautiful tablescapes and florals. The attendance at this year’s event more than doubled from the previous year, with over 108 people. Chamber of Commerce members were given the opportunity to drop their business cards for a drawing for a one-year Black Card membership.

“At Ohana Growth Partners, we view ‘ohana’ not only as an extended family within our organization, but one which extends out into each of the communities we serve. We strive to be involved in each of our communities, and being an active Chamber member is one way we can do that,” said Andrew Poirier, director of operations in Tennessee.

Impact Fitness celebrated its new Planet Fitness^® location in Saline, Michigan, with a grand opening and member appreciation event April 5. During the event, there was a performance by the University of Michigan marching band, which was a hit with attendees.

The franchise group partnered with a local health food shop, Choose Fit Nutrition, for catering for the event. Additionally, Smoothie King and Buff City Soap each had tables where attendees could sample products. There were giveaway items, including University of Michigan T-shirts, PF^® water bottles, key chains and sunglasses. Impact Fitness also had a free raffle, with prizes that included a $100 Visa gift card, a 65-inch Smart TV, Beats ear buds, Beats headphones and an Amazon Alexa. There was also an official ribbon-cutting ceremony. The grand opening and member appreciation event had 200-300 people in attendance.

There were special appearances at the event from the Saline Chamber of Commerce, Saline Mayor Brian Marl, and KP from the local 95.5FM radio station. KP raffled off Morgan Wallen tickets at the event.

The new Planet Fitness location opened Feb. 27 and has approximately 23,000 square feet and features a new Wellness Pod and separate family bathroom. With this new location, Impact Fitness has 23 clubs in Michigan and 47 clubs total.

Ignite Fitness Holdings held dedication ceremonies in its clubs in Orange, Connecticut, and Rotterdam, New York, to recognize the contributions of Joe Pepe Sr. and Dave Leon to the PF^® brand as two of the first franchisees. Both were presented with plaques, which were displayed in the lobby of the respective clubs. At both ceremonies, there was a DJ, food, champagne and more.

At the franchise’s Orange, Connecticut, Planet Fitness^®, the group honored Joseph Pepe Sr. on March 7 for his long-standing commitment to Planet Fitness. Pepe has worked in the fitness industry for over 45 years. He started in the industry as a personal trainer and membership consultant at European Health Spa in 1975. Then, in 2003, he became one of the first Planet Fitness franchisees, when he converted his four World Gyms into Planet Fitness gyms.

The ceremony included remarks from Planet Fitness members, including Chief Operating Officer at Ignite Fitness Holdings Joseph Pepe Jr.; Chief Executive Officer Ryan Berk and CEO of Excel Fitness CJ Bouchard. Additionally, Ray Coassin, a long-time friend of Pepe Sr., contributed remarks. State Rep. Kathy Kennedy presented Joe Pepe Sr. with an official citation from the Connecticut General Assembly.

In Rotterdam, New York, Dave Leon was honored for his long-standing commitment to Planet Fitness. Many notable community members came out to the ceremony, including the NYS Assembly, town board members and more. Ignite CEO Ryan Berk and COO Joe Pepe presented a plaque to Leon, who also received a citation from the New York State Assembly. Leon was also recognized for his generous donation of the Leon Family Fitness Center on the City Mission grounds in Schenectady. Leon opened his first Planet Fitness club in 2004 and has been committed to the brand ever since.