Curves Recognized for Supporting Independent Franchisee Association

SAN ANTONIO - Curves International , a women's fitness club that consists of nearly 10,000 franchisee operators, received an award Thursday night for outstanding support of its franchisee association.

The 2009 Annual Conference of the American Association of Franchisees and Dealers kicked off yesterday in downtown San Antonio, Texas.

AAFD Chairman Robert Purvin cited Curves’ exemplary franchise culture as the primary focus of the AAFD’s recognition. Purvin declared, “Curves management has encouraged and supported the organization of an independent franchisee association, including a willingness to engage the association’s elected leadership.”

Curves' CEO Gary Heavin spoke about how the chain's independent franchisee association was crucial in allowing the franchisor to serve its franchisees at a higher level. He spoke briefly about how good franchising leadership is a response to God's call to serve others well.

Heavin has provided hundreds of thousands of dollars to support the fitness chain's franchisee association.

Before the awards banquet franchisee attorney Ron Gardner, who represents the franchisee association, stated, “The company has supported a completely independent association, both financially, and through open and continuous access to Curves’ senior management and have embraced the CFA as a valuable source of information. That’s contributed to noticeable improvements in the system for both the franchisees and the franchisor—exactly how a healthy franchisor/franchisee relationship should work.”