To our Members,
The Club appreciates your continued support during these challenging times. Last year I wrote to everyone how the Club was not immune to the economic climate and that I would be postponing the rate increase for 2009. I can honestly say that 2009 was the most challenging year since our inception. That being said, we made the necessary adjustments to sustain our long term feasibility without sacrificing our quality experience.
Over the last year and a half, I have met with many other health club owners, and we all have experienced the same trends; trends that we have not seen before. I feel fortunate that the Club has a very solid core membership, but sadly this economic climate has resulted in many people having to cancel their membership due to their financial duress, or to relocate to other areas. Since I am very aware of the stress reduction exercise provides, I have assisted many members with their monthly dues as a result of their hardship. I have also continued to try to support the numerous worthy causes in Sisters, albeit at a lesser sponsorship level than previous years.
I take a lot into consideration when raising the rates because I understand how it impacts the members as well as the Club both positively and negatively. While many health clubs raise their rates annually, it has been over three years since I have raised the dues. I need to do it now in order to keep the high quality staff and atmosphere with all the amenities, services and classes that you have come to expect.
Over the 3 years since the last dues increase we have:
- Completed a $350,000 expansion/remodel.
- New strength and cardio equipment as well as the new 2600 square foot cardio room
- Updated the Locker Rooms and updated mechanical equipment throughout the Club
- Secured land for future tennis/racquetball courts.
- Expanded our hours of operation and our class schedule.
- “Greened” up the Club through new appliances and policies
- Joined Fitlife that allows you to travel to other health clubs at no charge.
In lieu of the 2009 rate increase, I imposed the following this past year:
- A spending freeze on all but the essential items.
- A reduction in my own compensation
- Imposed a pay freeze for the staff.
- Reduced staff and staff hours.
The new monthly rates when paid by EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) are:
$48.00 for a Student (old rate was $45.00)
$71.00 for a Single (old rate was $65.00)
$99.00 for a Couple (old rate was$92.00)
$117.00 for a Family (old rate was $109)
While the rate increase will take effect in January for any new members, you as an existing member will not see the increase until the February 15th payment. While I don’t typically offer a discount for those that pay a year in advance, I will allow you to “Down Your Dues” and lock in the lower rates if you would like to pay for the remaining year in full. For those that participated in last year’s Commit to Get Fit program, I will allow you to pay the remaining months at the current rate if you choose to pay them in full as well.
In closing, the Club has a very solid foundation and we are positioned well for the future. I want to ensure its long term viability in addition to the continued sustainability of Sisters and Central Oregon. Please contact me if you have any questions or comments.
Appreciably,
Tate Metcalf