Gold's Gym International and Gold's Gym Franchisee Association Join Forces on Key Initiatives

Gold's Gym International (GGI) and the Gold's Gym Franchisee Association (GGFA) today announced two key system-wide initiatives that will have a significant impact on the organization in 2009 and beyond. First, GGI and the GGFA have formed a task force to jointly create a group purchasing program which will replace the current national vendor program. Second, the two have made a commitment to work together to plan, implement and host the 2009 Gold's Gym Convention this summer in Las Vegas.

"Unifying these efforts makes Gold's Gym better prepared to maintain its position as the world's leading authority on health and fitness," said James Weaver, President and CEO of Gold's Gym International. "Working together ensures that we incorporate the viewpoints of all Gold's Gym stakeholders for these important programs."

In the days ahead, the task force responsible for the group purchasing program will be considering how procurement processes and systems will function. In addition, they will lay out the purchasing arm's organizational structure and will make personnel decisions.

"This purchasing program creates a sustainable market advantage for the entire Gold's Gym family," said Blair McHaney, President of the Gold's Gym Franchisee Association. "We will combine resources with GGI to determine the best possible way to leverage our system."

Expectations from both sides are equally as optimistic for the planning and execution of the 2009 Gold's Gym Convention.

"Sharing our knowledge and experience as a single planning committee helps guarantee that our franchisees get the most out of the time they invest to attend the convention," added Weaver. "We all have the same goal in mind for the convention…to network with vendors, educate ourselves and have a good time with our Gold's Gym family members."

"The GGFA is excited to be a decision maker and share the convention with GGI," said Ginger Collins, Executive Director of the GGFA. "We will focus on working with GGI to provide a thrilling and rewarding convention experience for the franchisees. "

GGI and GGFA will share equal authority, costs and revenues generated through the convention.

"The fitness industry is highly competitive. By working together we are helping protect our futures," noted McHaney. "Gold's Gym has been a leader in health and fitness for more than 40 years and our new initiatives strengthen our position in the industry."

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