Genesis Health Clubs Owner Rodney Steven II Receives Prestigious IHRSA Advocate of the Year Award, Rallies Industry to Pass the PHIT Act
Posted: July 7, 2022 in Chains, IHRSA
Rodney Steven II
WICHITA, KS – Genesis Health Clubs Owner and President Rodney Steven II has been awarded the Advocate of the Year award by the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA). The award reflected Steven’s relentless efforts to organize and motivate the fitness industry to advocate for itself on the national stage as it recovered from the severe shock of the pandemic and associated consumer demand and government-mandated shutdowns.
The award, inspired by the efforts of Jim Worthington, former IHRSA Board Chair and owner of Newtown Athletic Club, presented an American Flag that had flown over the US Captiol building along with the award.
Worthington personally introduced Steven, noting his role as a vital leader in fighting for representation for the fitness industry. “Rodney has been an advocacy champion for years, and today he stands as the Gold standard for advancing our industry in every way. He has become, without a doubt, our biggest voice in recognizing the importance of the industry.”
In his acceptance speech, Steven noted the importance of personal connections with policy-makers. “We create relationships. We start with our mayors, we go to our governors, then we go to our state senators and representatives. Then, most importantly, we go to our federal senators and representatives. When you have a relationship, they will love you and your passion for the industry and they will want to fight for the industry for us. We presrbibe the benefits of regular exercise to our members everyday, now it is time we explain the benefits of regular exercise to our politicians.”
Steven continued to rally the industry leaders in the room and around the globe. “It’s easy to think, ‘my voice won’t matter,’ but your voice is important. Our voices together will never be forgotten, and it starts today. We must pass the PHIT Act. We have to meet our senators and representatives. Call them, call their Chief of Staff. You have an audience of thousands; I promise they will call you back. Let’s come together and win.”
