Whether you're in a red or blue state, whichever side of the party line you're on, you want the fitness industry to prosper. You wouldn't be reading Athletic Business if you didn't. And you've certainly read about the legislation being discussed in Washington that has the potential to impact the sports and fitness industry:
• PEP Grants - legislation that funds a competitive grant program to give school districts and community-based organizations resources to provide students with quality and innovative physical education funding.
• The Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act - legislation that would change federal tax law to allow for the deduction or use of pretax dollars to cover expenses related to sports, fitness and other physical activities.
What you might not know is that the Sporting Goods Manufacturers of America is planning an industry-wide visit to Washington, D.C., in March to show support of these and other objectives. It's the 13th annual National Health Through Fitness Day, and it involves sports executives, fitness enthusiasts, sports celebrities, sponsoring companies and others meeting on Capitol Hill on March 6-7. And by the way, everyone is invited, including you.
The theme is "Get America Moving to Improve Health," and all segments of the fitness industry are getting involved with it - golf and tennis organizations, online athletic event registration companies, apparel and footwear companies, climbing wall manufacturers, baseball and boxing equipment manufacturers, you name it. Everyone has a stake in this industry, and everyone wants to see it grow and flourish. More to the point, everyone wants to see a healthier, more active America.
SGMA is trying to get as many individuals involved as possible. The event's website can teach you how to sign up, suggest lodging and more. SGMA has organized an orientation session, a breakfast, meeting materials and transportation to and from Capitol Hill. (Last year's registration filled up quickly, according to the SGMA, so if you're planning to go, they suggest putting your name in now.)
Many people work in fitness facilities, and have seen firsthand what New Year's resolutions can do for their business. So here's a resolution to make for the business we all work in, and the industry as a whole: Get involved with National Health Through Fitness Day. If your schedule doesn't permit you to make the trip to D.C., take a moment to shoot your elected officials e-mails in support of the legislation that can keep our whole industry healthy.
