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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPacket from Genesis Nelson (Anytime Fitness)L1lV T 1 111l~C ~'""1 1 IVY>>~ Your 24 Hour fitness & Tanning Solution August 28, 2007 The Honorable Mayor Tammy DeWeerd Meridian City Council Members 33 East Idaho Avenue Meridian, ID 83642 RE: Approval of Hours of Operation /Anytime Fitness Settlers Crossing Meridian and Ustick Rds, Meridian Dear Madam/Sirs: d~~~~ AUG 2 9 2007 City of Meridian City Clerk Office We greatly appreciate this opportunity to resubmit our request for your approval of our use as a 24- hour fitness facility, which will be heard on September 4, 2007 at 7:00 pm. In that regard, I have prepared the enclosed packet of information for your advance review, to better acquaint you with the Anytime Fitness concept and the importance of its hours of operation. Of particular interest will be the printed material's section on Pages 6-9, describing our extensive security systems, which include security cameras. Since the establishment of Anytime Fitness in 2002, there have been zero security incidents and today there are more than 450 clubs open nationwide in 26 states. Additional supportive information can be found on Pages 11-15, including a letter from a primary insurance company and two franchise owners, who also happen to be police officers. Last but not least, I have enclosed a DVD which, in the menu selection titled "About Anytime Fitness", will give you added insight into the value to our members of the 24-hour concept. A key component of the nationally publicized success of Anytime Fitness is the convenience of the 24-hour accessibility, reinforced with the extensive security systems in place. I, as a franchisee, do not have the latitude to change the hours of operation to anything less than 24 hours, which would materially diminish the strength of the concept as well as violate the terms of my contract as a franchisee. I, therefore, respectfully request your reconsideration and amendment of your earlier decision regarding my hours of operation; and allow me to bring a facility of this caliber to the residents in north Meridian. Please do not hesitate to contact me for additional information. Yours y, , enesis Nelson P.O. Box 428 Meridian, ID 83680-0428 Voice: (208) 922-4622 Fax: (208) 922-3822 genesis@anytimefitness.com www. anytimefitness. com/cubs/treasurevalleyid Boise • Kuna • Meridian • Nampa Franchisee ~v_Y .__ ,,,vc~ C ,... ~~ ~~~~~ AUG 2 9 207 City ~ler~ ®ffice Cite Community 200 Informa~~on Kit Table of Contents Fast Facts Page 3 Convenience & Affordability Page 4 Testimonials Page 5 Security Systems Pages 6-9 FAQs Page 10 Industry News Page 11 Addendum Pages 12-15 Paget Fast Facts Accolades: Anytime Fitness was named the Fastest Growing Co-Ed Fitness Franchise by Franchise Times in 2005 and 2006! In their 2006 Franchise 500° rankings, Entrepreneur Magazine named Anytime Fitness as one of the: ~ Fastest-growing franchises - #58 '~ Top new franchises - #14 ~ Top low-cost franchises - #61 Growth trends: ~ Average annual growth rate is 556%. ~ Anew club opens every business day. 'F Anew member joins every 3 minutes. Items of interest: ~ Anytime Fitness is the second largest fitness franchise in the world. 'F Anytime Fitness is located in 41 states and in Nova Scotia, Canada. 'F Forty percent of franchisees own more than one club. 'F Anew franchise offering, called Anytime Fitness Express, was launched in September of 2006. This business opportunity is designed for clubs with less than .2,500 square feet of operating space and a market size typically less than 6,000 people. This is an ideal offering for rural markets or as a complement to a full-sized club in an existing territory. ®n the move: In November of 2006, the Anytime Fitness corporate headquarters moved to a new campus in Hastings, Minnesota. Among other amenities, the new building offers state-of-the-art conference facilities, allowing franchisees get the most out of their training sessions and business meetings.. Pa9e3 New Anytime Fitness Corporate Center Anytime Fitness ~ Community Information Kit 2007 Convenience & Affordability Most recognize the need for exercise, but few actually make it happen. Convenience is often cited as a hurdle. And, finding a club that is affordable and welcoming can be a challenge. It seems that many are still looking for that elusive fitness club. Anytime Fitness, the world's first 24-hour fitness, tanning, and reciprocal membership franchise, offers the convenience and affordability many people are seeking. At Anytime Fitness, members can workout any time of the day or night. They use asecurity-access card to enter the club, even when it is not staffed. Convenience is the number one service Anytime Fitness provides its members. Due to a territory structure that allows clubs to be placed every three miles in densely populated areas, 90% of our membership lives within 1.5 to 3 miles of their main club. This availability is an advantage for all members, but especially for seniors, who may not have the ability or desire to travel far from their home. Many members can walk to their club from either home or work, reducing their dependence on driving or using mass transit. Inside each club, members will find topnotch equipment that is safe and easy-to-use. Our strength-training equipment does not include free weights. Rather, we use plate-loaded systems, which allow for solo workouts that do not require a spotter or exercise partner increasing safety and reducing injuries, this type of equipment also spans the fitness levels of our members, which ranges from beginner to elite. With membership dues ranging from $29 to $39 dollars a month, Anytime Fitness clubs offer an affordable fitness option for everyone. In contrast to the low price tag, Anytime Fitness clubs are scrupulously clean and bright, with expertly designed workout areas. Each club has one main workout room that is well lit and offers a full view of the club's external surroundings. Plus, Anytime Fitness offers private and secure restrooms and changing areas. Pa9e4 . While varying Anytime Fitness ~ _ - Community Information Kit 2007 Testimonials Safety is of the highest concern to Anytime Fitness, which is why each club is equipped with the latest in access, security, and surveillance systems. This level of protection has been noticed by those in law enforcement. Here's what they had to say... April 17, 2007 To whom it may concern, I am a police officer for the St. Paul Police Department, where I have worked for over 1l years. When looking for a fitness facility, my husband came across the Anytime Fitness located at 1679 Suburban Avenue in St. Paul, Minnesota. This facility is located in the team district where I currently work as an investigator, so I am extremely familiar with crime statistics in that area. I compared Anytime Fitness with other available clubs in the area, and we ultimately chose Anytime Fitness for several reasons. I believe the facility has taken necessary and reasonable precautions to protect the safety of patrons, particularly during non-staffed hours. There are wireless personal security devices available that are easily accessible to use in the event of an emergency. They also have a 24-hour security system that is active at all times. Furthermore, there are bubble cameras throughout the facility. There are floor-to-ceiling glass windows all along the front of the club, which allow easy viewing of the entire facility. The entrance is very well lit, as well as the club. Almost all of the equipment is Nautilus type equipment, which can be operated by one person and is very safe to use. The free weight benches have safety bars to prevent the weight bar from falling and injuring a person. All of the cardiovascular equipment has emergency stop mechanisms, and is located in the front of the facility. The doors automatically lock after a person enters and leaves, and are only opened with a passkey. As a police officer, I cannot make official endorsements. However, my husband and I feel that the Anytime Fitness club in St. Paul does provide members with a reasonable degree of safety and security during non-staffed hours. Sincerely, Tina Kill Tina.KillCa~ci.stpaul.rnn.us "As a lieutenant with the local police department, I certainly understand the concerns for some individuals who may come in after staffed hours... The security that is in place in the Anytime Fitness facilities is second to none." Lt. Allen Eason, Jacksonville (FL) Sheriff's Office See page 13 for full text of letter. "I have been afull-time law enforcement officer for over 15 years. Criminals are like water, they take the path of least resistance. Anytime Fitness Clubs not only have security systems in place, but state-of- the-art security systems that are functional, effective, and user friendly... Our personal security devices work 200 yards from our building. Our members are encouraged to take one with them at night into the parking lot (which is also under video surveillance) if they feel it is necessary for safety's sake." James A. Russell, Patrol Sergeant/Shift Commander, Traverse City Police Department Owner, Anytime Fitness of Traverse City See page 14 for full text of letter. ~i Pages Security Systems "How can a club securely offer 24-hour access?" Using a proprietary access system, Anytime Fitness clubs are open to their members on a 24-hour basis. The access system is fully integrated with our member check-in software and onsite security systems, which include closed-circuit television, tailgate detection for entry doors, and personal security devices. All this allows members to feel secure in the clubs, even when they are not staffed. On average, Anytime Fitness clubs have 600 members. Of that membership, approximately 10% choose to workout between the hours of 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM. Using advanced member tracking software, we know there is rarely only one person in the club during those hours. Even so, the use of personal security devices is strongly encouraged by club owners during non-staffed hours. Since the establiishment of Anytime Fitness in 2002, there have been zero security incidents. (A letter from the insurance agency that represents our franchise, which is found in the addendum on page 11, supports this statement.) We are proud to state that with more than 400 clubs in operation across the nation, the custom-designed security and surveillance systems in use at our clubs have worked to deter any wrongdoing. The following information describes the typical security scenarios for entering and leaving the club, using the security and remote monitoring systems, and using the tanning suites: Typical Entry Procedure: The main member entrance door is equipped with a proximity access ~ ~ control system. r: To gain entrance, the member holds their key fob or membership card in front of a device called a proximity reader. Proximity,Access Control System The proximity reader gathers information from the member's key fob/card and transmits it to a computer inside the fitness center. The computer system will then determine if the key is valid and if the member should be admitted to the club. If valid, the computer transmits an OK signal back to the proximity access controller. The receipt of an OK signal triggers a release mechanism in the door, either a door strike or a magnetic lock. The member can then enter the facility. Typical Entry Procedure continued on next page. Page6 Anytime Fitness ~ Community Information Kit 2007 Security Systems Typical Entry Procedure (continued): As the member enters, they pass by a mechanism called a tailgate detection system. This system validates only one person to enter the facility at a time. If more than one person tries to enter the facility on one key/card access, an audible alarm is triggered by the tailgate system. This alarm will notify the member that someone has entered the facility behind them. The tailgate system also triggers another alarm to the Digital Video Recorder (DVR), which will speed up the images per second on the member entrance door camera. The DVR also creates an alarm log within itself to notify the club owner that a tailgate violation had occurred, and to allow for easier video review. Each club is equipped with a number of surveillance cameras. They offer adaptable camera positions using athree-axis system. For added security, asmoke-colored dome is placed over each camera to conceal the direction its lens is pointing. For more information, see Typical Use of Remote Monitoring (CCTV and DVR). Typical lJse of the Remote Monitoring System (CCTV and DVR): . ~ °~ . _- Tailgate Detection System ~--- ~ °°°~°°°°°°mmo Digital Video Recorder (DVR) Surveillance Camera The main purpose of the CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) system is for the member's safety and peace of mind. The components of the CCTV system are the Digital Video Recorder, the security cameras, and software and hardware integration with the club's computer system. Typically, member activities are recorded over each day, unless an incident or emergency requires further review or investigation. If this is the case, the owner of a facility will have the ability to review selected video footage and extract it from the DVR for future reference. No audio recordings of any kind are used in Anytime Fitness facilities. Paget Anytime Fitness Community Information Kit 2007 Security Systems Typical Use of the Security System: Anytime Fitness clubs make use of a multi-zone security system. ~ `, eeeeaoeacr~ In this setup, 24-hour zones are active at all times, and burglary zones are armed manually. A 24-hour zone is continuously active, and can secure areas of PIiBNFORNELV~ your club that are vulnerable during your operating hours or ~_ supply immediate help in case of emergency or injury. '.~~ The 24-hour zone includes wired and wireless personal Wired Personal security devices (PSD). Security Device PSDs offer instant emergency notification in the event of a serious accident or illness. When a PSD button is pressed, the security monitoring company will immediatel call the l l th iti d ' y oca au or es, an next they will ~ contact the facility/club owner. ~ . f If emer enc g y personnel are dispatched to the club when it is not ~' ~ staffed, they can obtain a key from a knock box. This is a small Wireless Personal box installed on the exterior of the club, near the entry door. Security Device The burglary zone includes the motion detector, wireless door contacts, and glass break detectors. -- The exterior doors of the club are protected with wireless door _ contacts. Installing this type of detector will deter club members from opening a service or employee entrance door to allow non- Wireless~Do Contact members into the club when it is not staffed. The club's business office is secured using a passive infrared ~-~~°= motion detector. This type of detector will not register movement ~ r from outside a window, eliminating false alarms. When a burglary zone is tripped, the security monitoring company =i will call the facility/club owner first, and next they will contact the local authorities, if directed to do so by club personnel. Motion Detector Glass Break Detector Page8 Anytime Fitness Community Information Kit 2007 Security Systems Typical Exit Procedure: The member will exit though the same door in which they entered As the member leaves, they will engage afree-exit mechanism. Examples of this mechanism include a paddle or crash bar. Regardless of the type of mechanism that is installed, it will be a mechanical device and not an electrical one. This means that a loss of power will not affect a member`s ability to exit the facility. The tailgate system is also equipped with afree-exit control, which means that a member does not have to hold their key/card in front of a proximity reader to exit the facility. ~' Door Paddle ~~ Door Crash Bar Typical Tanning Procedure: The member enters the tanning suite (entering does not require their card/key) and locks the door from the inside. Once inside, a member can begin their tanning session by having their key/card read by a proximity reader, which is located inside the tanning suite. After the key/card is read, the club's computer system will verify that the member is eligible to use the tanning facilities. It will also verify that the member has not already tanned on the same day. The system will not allow a member to tan more than once within a 24-hour timeframe. Finally, the system will turn on the tanning bed and allow it to run for apre-determined amount of time. ~i s u:mti _ .-.~. ~~ l ~, ~_ ~ ~:1~ . ~~ ~ ' J.. . \ ~. Page9 Anytime Fitness Community Information Kit 2007 FAQs '°Do you offer integrated technology systems?" Anytime Fitness offers a turnkey management system that has been successfully implemented in hundreds of clubs. Working with Apex Management Services, a preferred solutions provider, our clubs benefit from complete systems integration. For example, access and security systems, billing and payment processing, membership and data management, tanning suite access systems, Point of Sale integration, and vending solutions. "What is membership reciprocity?" As amember-focused business, we are proud to offer the benefit of membership reciprocity. Club members have made it clear that they love this benefit, as it allows them to use hundreds of clubs nationwide for the price of a standard monthly membership. Plus, reciprocity clearly adds to the convenience we offer our members, which is the top reason consumers choose one particular club over another. In this way, Anytime Fitness stands alone, as no other fitness franchise offers the combination of 24-hour access and reciprocity between clubs. "Do you have corporate wellness programs in place?" Many corporations are now proactively encouraging their employees to make time for regular exercise. The benefits of regular exercise by employees are numerous. As workers increase their activity levels, they also improve their health and may even prevent diseases. Anytime Fitness will work with corporations or businesses of any size to create a customized wellness program for their employees. °'Do you participate in HMO reimbursement programs?" Many Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) are now reimbursing a portion of their member's health club fees. In doing so, they hope to motivate members to join a fitness club and increase their activity level. The HMOs believe becoming more active will empower their members to take charge of their health, especially in regard to disease prevention. Three major HMOs currently offer their reimbursement programs to Anytime Fitness club members. The trend for these programs is on the rise, and our HMO offerings are sure to increase in the coming months and years. "What type of service can a member expect at Anytime Fitness?" We clearly post our staffed service hours. Members can rely on those postings and will have access to a service professional during those hours. We respond to inquiries and requests within 24 hours. We offer a welcoming and clean environment to everyone, regardless of his or her fitness Level or ability. Members can rely on a supportive atmosphere that encourages them to strive for and meet their fitness goals. Pagei0 Anytime Fitness - Community Information Kit 2007 ~ Industry News A conven-fence business. "Because workout frequency is crucial to reaping the rewards of regular exercise, clubs need to be convenient. This means they need to be as close as possible either to where members work or to where they live. An axiom of this business is "Closer is always better." It is difficult to overstate the important of convenience. For most consumers, convenience trumps price. A health club member will pay $10 to $50 more per month to belong to a club that is convenient as opposed to one that may be less expensive, but is also less convenient. Because convenience is such a fundamental factor in club success, site selection is of paramount importance. Most successful clubs are found at the center of upscale marketplaces that have both residential and commercial components. Convenience implies more than proximity. It also entails accessibility. A club can be-as the crow flies-incredibly close, yet, at the same time, inaccessible. Many factors contribute to inaccessibility, including traffic patterns, traffic jams, signage problems, the lack of parking, safety and security issues, dangerous access or egress, etc." The path of progress. "The health club industry-because it provides facilities and programs that prove to be a key factor in keeping people healthy, lean, strong, and attractive-lies at the center of one particular path of progress. That path of progress is prevention. Not only does the health club industry help people prevent heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, cancer, etc., but it is also now acknowledged that preventative health care (of which regular exercise is an indispensable part) is, from a public health perspective, equally if not more important than curative or recuperative health care. It is also recognized that in order to stay lean, strong and energetic, a regimen of regular exercise is essential. Thus, from a societal perspective as well as from an individual perspective, the health club industry is one of those industries that lie in the path of human progress." The above information has been gathered and written by IHRSA (International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association). IHRSA is a trade association serving the health and fitness club industry. IHRSA's mission is to grow, protect and promote the health and fitness industry, and to provide its members with benefits that will help them be more successful. To learn more about IHRSA, visit www.ihrsa.oro. Anytime Fitness is a proud and active supporter of IHRSA and strongly recommends that each Anytime Fitness club owner become an active member of IHRSA. Page11 ', Anytime Fitness Community Information Kit 2007 Addendum ~1 A Spanjers insurance Agency, Inc. 11`~ 12~D Nor~hlend Orive. Suite 12a Mendota ~It+i,~h1s. MN SS92Q {651} 468-3933 Fax {651} 468.3~A AllyGittle >it,-aess, 1 tc. Attrt:.Icnnifer ~Yiangou 12)8.1 A~atgo_!1ve South Suite 100 Hastings, MN SSt}33 Re: Franchise Claim History To W)eom It Nday Concern: 1~Ve leave instued die individual franclriscs for Anytime Fitness across the nation far approxiimafely tv-o yetus. In tDiai time, we have paid one claim. It was For an arson lire in Utah.. We have had a total of three minor tiabilidy claims reported and Closed tivith ao payment, When each netiv club opens that we insure a safety inspector is sent out to the location.. Alter inspection, a tcgrort is submitted to the clttb with a test ofreconvnertdations far connection. The clubs must comply witfi these reconunendations within b0-days of the rcpott 't'his f'rznchise has an extremely low incident ratio for claims 'Plus is due tar management's cornrniiinent to wonting with us in loss cantro! up f>rorlt to rninimizs its claims. Anytime Fitness's dedication to safety is far above that of the industry standard. If }vu have any questions or would Iikc co discuss this fiuther, please feel bee to contact meat b51.-4fi8-39~ t.. Si serely, -.~... _. ~,. Geor~T- Spanj ,, Pr esidcnt v~ pagel2 Anytime Fitness . Community Information Kit 2007 Addendum April 17, 2007 Mark, I'm writing you to let you know just how important proper security is for our business. As a Lieutenant with the local police department I certainly understand the concerns for some individuals who may come in after staffed hours. We have been in business now for almost a year and we have not had one incident concerning security. The security that is in place in the Anytime Fitness facilities is second to none. From the keycard reader at the door which captures the members name and picture to the nine cameras in our facility, it has made even the "smallest" woman feel safe during the late night early morning hours. Obviously in my job dealing with public safety on a daily basis, members almost expect me to have the best security in place for their safety. We tell each new member about our tailgate system, recorded cameras, and the panic buttons. The security system alone has sold many memberships for our club. Just as important as the integrated security system is to the club it is also the "security" your members give to the club. My members will notify me if there is someone that tries to come into the club after hours. They act, in conjunction with the cameras, as an extra set of eyes in the facility. Lt. Allen Eason Jacksonville (FL) Sheriff's Office Ph:904-859-6883 Pagei3 m ~~ C~moBQ~ D C~0 ~ ~ 7 Addendum Mr. Daly: I have been afull-time law enforcement officer for over 15 years. Criminals are like water, they take the path of least resistance. Anytime Fitness Clubs not only have security systems in place, but state-of-the-art security systems that are functional, effective, and user friendly. I'm not aware of any other fitness center in Northern Michigan with security systems and procedures even remotely close to what Anytime Fitness offers. We've been in operation almost four months. We've had three actual tailgates in that time. In each event it was a member so excited about our facility they were showing a friend or loved one what we are all about. Each member was spoken too, apologized, and vowed not to do it again; none have. In that time, we've had NO thefts, NO assaults, NO injuries, and NO disagreements that merit mention that I'm aware of. Our club is smaller and the interior layout is open by design.. "Big Box" clubs, even when staffed, have multiple un-secure access points, isolated areas, and in my opinion are less safe even when staffed. Victims are more vulnerable when assailants are afforded isolation with the victim in an unmonitored environment (such as an empty aerobics room, steam room, closet, or office). Which is safer, a half awake minimum wage employee at 3 in the morning on the main floor of a 3 story gym, or our facility? For that matter, are employees mandated to be on every floor of a multi-story hotel with a room every 20 feet that a victim could be dragged into with no one knowing? Consider a shopping mall, city park, or parking structure. Where would a criminal more likely commit a crime? Does the City of St. Paul require an employee to be within eyesight or even ear shot of every part of these areas whenever they are open? The fear and paranoia over our clubs defies common sense. At least a half dozen times we've left our merchandise cart out on the floor by accident. Each time we found it as we left it, with nothing taken. We have not lost one piece of exercise equipment. In fact, when we first opened, our vending machine was dispensing double product and giving the person their money back (a programming error). Members were putting the money under our office door with a note, or handing back to us when we were staffed. I've issued 6 key fobs to our local Sheriff Department. Our facility is in a neighboring township. They have been issued to each midnight shift commander. Their department has immediate access to our club. I'm 100% positive that law enforcement will have quicker access to my facility than any other in town. How can we give out 6 keys to law enforcement and other gyms can't? Because of our security system, the ability to track access, and the ability to "turn our keys off" whenever we need to. Continued next page. Page14 .. Anytime Fitness Community Information Kit 2007 Addendum Continued from previous page. Our personal security devices work 200 yards from our building. Our members are encouraged to take one with them at night into the parking lot (which is also under video surveillance) if they feel it is necessary for safety's sake. In my opinion, ordinances and laws that prohibit our type of facility from operating are adopted out of either ignorance of the technology, procedures, and systems we have in place; and/or pressure from competing facilities intimidated by the success of our clubs. Anytime Fitness clubs help members achieve their fitness goals for many reasons; but one of the primary reasons is that it offers 24/7/365 availability. Our members feel a sense of ownership, which in itself is another level of security our club offers. Most small problems we have had were reported to me or my staff by members before we were even able to view them in video review. I love walking into our club on a weekend or holiday and joking with members about how many gyms in town are open (the answer is ONE). If mandatory staffing was legislated in our community, the responsible officials could expect over 500 formerly happy and content citizens (not to mention their friends and family members) to be contacting them with their concerns. It's 1:11 AM as I write this letter (I'm working late again). I have one 25 year old female in the gym right now. She's here 3 nights a week around this time. I just asked her how this is working for her. She said she loves it. She works afternoons and goes to college during the day. If it wasn't for our facility, she'd have nowhere to workout. I asked her if she's ever felt vulnerable in our club. She laughed and said no. I asked her why. She said because of all the security we have. Everything is on camera. She added, "I'm a big girl. I've lived in a lot of places. This is Traverse City. Even if it was a bigger city, I think I'd still feel safe." I thanked her for her input and gave her a free bottle of water. I've dedicated a large portion of the last 15 years of my life to serving and protecting the citizens of our community. I've given over 100 presentations to community groups and schools concerning police operations, K9 operations, and schools about "Stranger Danger". With that said, and while also being an owner of an Anytime Fitness club, the allegation that our clubs are unsafe upsets me. Good luck to you in your (our) endeavor. Feel free to chop portions of this letter out and use it as you need. If you feel I can be of anymore assistance please let me know. Sincerely, James A. Bussell Patrol Sergeant/Shift Commander, Traverse City Police Department Owner, Anytime Fitness of Traverse City traversecityCa~anytimefitness.com Page15