IHRSA Announces 2020 Industry Award Recipients
Posted: January 29, 2020 in IHRSA
IHRSA Awards
BOSTON, MA – IHRSA, the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association has announced that four award recipients will be honored during IHRSA 2020, the association’s 39th Annual International Convention & Trade Show in San Diego, CA, March 18-21, 2020.
- The Associate Member of the Year Award will be presented on Wednesday, March 18, to SportsArt.
- The Woman Leader Award in honor of Julie Main will be presented on Thursday, March 19, to Paula Neubert, president and general manager, Club Greenwood.
- The President’s Award will be presented on Friday, March 20, to Richard Bilton, owner and president, Companhia Athletica.
- The Outstanding Community Service Award will be presented on Friday, March 20, to Fitness Formula Clubs (FFC) Oak Park.
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.
SportsArt, the leading provider of green fitness equipment, 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. Paula Neubert, president and general manager of Club Greenwood, is this year’s honoree.
“I am truly honored to be recognized with the 2020 IHRSA Woman Leader Award. The award has been given to so many amazing women over the years, and knowing it is inspired by the strong and courageous leadership of Julie Main, is not only a compliment, but something I will cherish forever,” said Neubert.
The President’s Award
Richard Bilton, owner and president of Companhia Athletica, will be presented with the President’s Award, which recognizes an individual or group who has contributed significantly to their communities and the industry.
Bilton, who resides in São Paulo, Brazil, attended his first IHRSA International Convention and Trade Show in 1989 and has attended IHRSA’s premier annual event nearly every year since. Bilton served on the IHRSA board of directors for eight years, first as a special international advisor for four years, then as an elected director for a four-year term that was completed in June 2014.
Bilton was also instrumental in helping IHRSA launch the IHRSA Fitness Brasil Latin American Conference and Trade Show in São Paulo in 2000. This annual event celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2019. It is the region’s largest gathering for the commercial fitness industry. Bilton is a board director with ACAD Brasil, the Brazilian health and fitness association. Companhia Athletica is a founding member of ACAD which began in 1999.
“It is an honor to receive this award from the most prestigious organization in our sector, especially having been part of the board and knowing of the competency of the thousands of other members,” said Bilton.
Outstanding Community Service
The Outstanding Community Service Award is presented annually to an IHRSA member that has made a long-standing commitment to making a difference in, and beyond, their community. Fitness Formula Clubs (FFC) Oak Park is the recipient of this year’s award.
“We are honored to receive the 2020 IHRSA Community Service Award. FFC makes a commitment, even before we open our doors, by partnering with organizations that have a long-standing positive impact in the communities we serve. We are truly humbled by the recognition,” said Jeff Long, regional director of operations.
In honoring FFC Oak Park with this award, IHRSA gratefully acknowledges Gale Landers, founder and CEO of Fitness Formula Clubs, and the company’s dedication to the communities served by their 11 Chicago area clubs.
“On behalf of IHRSA and the entire industry, I am thrilled to honor these 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, visit the awards section of the IHRSA Website.
