Thumbs Up To

  • The Columbia Association of Columbia, Md., and Alexander's Athletic Club of Canonsburg, Pa., for their recent Mid-Atlantic Club Management Association (MACMA) Award of Excellence.

  • Gary Scott, vice president of ECA World Fitness, who has been named by Internet search engine LongIsland.com as the site's health and fitness expert. As LongIsland.com's expert, Scott will write and post fitness-related articles on the Web site each month.

  • Pulse Corp., operator of five health and recreation clubs throughout North Carolina, for celebrating its 20th anniversary recently. According to Pulse CEO Rick Zimmerman, the chain plans on developing more clubs over the next few years, through both acquisitions and new developments.