IHRSA Announces 2019 Industry Award Recipients
Posted: February 1, 2019 in IHRSA
IHRSA Awards
BOSTON, MA – IHRSA, The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association has announced that three award recipients will be honored during IHRSA 2019, the association’s 38th Annual International Convention & Trade Show in San Diego, California, March 13 – 16, 2019:
- The Associate Member of the Year Award will be presented on Wednesday, March 13 to MINDBODY.
- The Woman Leader Award in honor of Julie Main will be presented on Thursday, March 14 to Francesca Schuler, CEO, In-Shape Health Clubs.
- The Outstanding Community Service Award will be presented on Friday, March 15 to Midtown Sanctuaire of Montreal, Canada.
Associate Member of the Year
The Associate Member of the Year Award is presented annually to recognize an IHRSA member for their significant contributions to the advancement of the health club industry, as well as their support of IHRSA, its members, and its mission through program and event participation, advertising, and sponsorship.
MINDBODY, a leading technology platform for health clubs worldwide, was selected as this year’s honoree due to their outstanding achievements, innovation, continued investment in cutting-edge technology, and their support of the health club industry.
Woman Leader Award in honor of Julie Main
IHRSA celebrates the legacy of Julie Main by presenting the Woman Leader Award to a woman who exemplifies what Julie Main stood for: courage, perseverance, excellence, and professionalism. Francesca Schuler, CEO of In-Shape Health Clubs, is this year’s honoree.
Francesca Schuler’s successful career as a marketing executive led her on the path to the fitness industry. Francesca has a passion for developing people and creating opportunities for all levels and functions to build a career. Since joining In-Shape Health Clubs as CMO in 2015, Francesca’s people-first approach to leadership earned her the title of CEO for the California-based club chain.
“I am incredibly honored to receive IHRSA’s Woman Leader Award in honor of Julie Main. I am proud of the diverse group of talented women and men on our team and the work we’ve done to enable our passionate team members to not just work in fitness, but build a career in the industry. I’m inspired by all my peers and motivated to continue cultivating our future leaders,” said Francesca Schuler.
Outstanding Community Service
The Outstanding Community Service Award is presented annually to an IHRSA member that has made a longstanding commitment to making a difference in, and beyond, their community. Midtown Sanctuaire is the recipient of this year’s award.
The impact of Midtown Sanctuaire’s work in their community is far reaching. The club’s commitment to increasing awareness of mental health issues, and raising funds to support the Montreal Jewish General Hospital Foundation and Auxiliary is one example of their passion. Midtown Sanctuaire annually hosts the hospital’s signature MINDSTRONG fitness event, helping to raise nearly 4.5 million dollars to support mental health services in the last four years.
“It is such an honour to receive an award for something we are so passionate about. Partnering with the community is not only what we do but it also defines who we are,” said Diane Saucier.
In honoring Midtown Sanctuaire with this award, IHRSA and the industry gratefully acknowledge Steven Schwartz, President and CEO of Midtown Athletic Clubs, and the philanthropic philosophy of the entire company.
“On behalf of IHRSA and the entire industry, I am thrilled to honor these three outstanding IHRSA members and industry friends for their exceptional commitment and service to their communities, their customers and of course, to the betterment of the health and fitness industry,” said Joe Moore, IHRSA President and CEO.
The IHRSA Awards Program seeks to “recognize, celebrate, and inspire.” For more information about IHRSA’s annual industry awards, please visit ihrsa.org/awards.
