The club industry in the news.
Chuck Barnard has been promoted to national fitness director of the Tennis Corp. of America (TCA), headquartered in Chicago. In this position, he will design the layout of club equipment; act as a liaison between fitness companies and TCA; advise TCA club managers; and help set the standards for fitness in TCA's facilities in the United States and Canada. Barnand will also continue to work in his current position as TCA regional manager for Forest Grove Athletic Club in Palatine, Ill.; McDonald's Healthscape Fitness Center in Oak Brook, Ill.; and Computer Discount Warehouse's corporate fitness facility in Vernon Hills, Ill.
* The Messenger-Inquirer of Owensboro, Ky., reports that Rep. Brian Crall is leaving the Owensboro Family YMCA. Crall, who held the position of CEO at the Y for 14 years, said that he would step down in September 2000 to pursue new career options - sooner if the Y board finds a replacement before then. Crall has been elected three times to the Kentucky House of Representatives, and he has considered running for state governor - a move he could not make due to the demands of his position at the Y. However, Crall made it clear that he was not stepping down because of political aspirations. He cited the opening of Owensboro Mercy Health System's HealthPark as one reason for his decision. "My vision of the YMCA's future was what the HealthPark is," he said. "I'm not blaming the HealthPark. But the Y will have to reposition itself for the future. And it needs someone with a new vision."
* The National Fitness Therapy Association (NFTA) has appointed 10 professionals to its National Advisory Committee: Patrick Pine, LaGary Carter, Michael A. Catalano, Steve Clemens, Dick Cotton, Eric Durak, Gil Fried, Jeffrey Handler, David Herbert, Sally Lyons and Eric Prager. The committee members are selected based on their knowledge and experience in the fitness industry. They review the NFTA's established standards and audit process on an ongoing basis, and make recommendations to the board if changes are needed for improvement. They will also keep the board informed of any changes in the health care delivery systems that may affect the published standards.