Alexandria, Virginia, United States: The Club Managers Association of America (CMAA) will assume the management of the Club Spa & Fitness Association (CSFA).
The governing boards of both associations approved the decision this summer. Both organisations are moving to implement this change as soon as practical.
CMAA is the largest professional association for club management professionals, with 6,700 members throughout the United States and internationally.
Established in 2007, CSFA provides support for more than 300 fitness, spa and wellness professionals working in the club industry, and is committed to providing educational and networking opportunities to help members advance their careers. CSFA also seeks to establish and maintain high standards of ethics for industry professionals.
CSFA President Kevin Caldabaugh said: “We are excited by this partnership with CMAA. CSFA is celebrating our 10-year mark. This is the next logical step in our organisational development to better serve CSFA members and their clubs.
“We believe this change will propel CSFA to new organisational heights in member service and allow members in both organisations to benefit from the combined synergy.
“As we enter this new phase in the growth of CSFA, we want to thank the Signature Group for all of their support and contributions over the past 2½ years. Through their steadfast management, we have been able to expand our reach and membership to become the premier national association of private club fitness and wellness professionals.”
The two associations have a history of collaboration. They began working together officially in 2009 when CSFA became a recognised allied association.
The growth of the spas and fitness in the club industry has been sustained since 2000, with more than 61 per cent of clubs offering this recreational amenity.
CMAA Chief Executive Officer Jeff Morgan said: “Beyond the operational efficiencies of management, CMAA and CSFA members will benefit from this collaboration, increasing the value of their memberships in many areas including research, professional development and education opportunities.
“It is an exciting time for CMAA members as this new structure allows us to better serve our members in new ways and in concert with how clubs are expanding their spa, fitness and wellness offerings for club members.”