NEWS RELEASE
AFS and Matrix Announce Marketing Alliance To Focus on Studio Online Education
(CHICAGO, IL/COTTAGE GROVE, WI, March 9, 2016) – AFS and Matrix Fitness – the commercial brand of Johnson Health Tech – today unveiled a plan for the creation of an entire online business curriculum to provide ongoing education for fitness studio owners and developers. 
The curriculum at launch – scheduled for Q3 of this year - will include the following six primary course segments, each with appropriate sub-courses:
- Sales/Sales Management
- Branding and Marketing
- Financial Management/Business Planning
- Delivering the Client Experience
- Building a Business Culture/Leading a Team
- Operations
“Matrix has long been an industry leader in developing not only great equipment, but programming and education to support their customers and the industry,” said Josh Leve, AFS founder and CEO. “We are tremendously excited to work with their outstanding team to bring this greatly needed program to the industry.”
The new program will be produced through an AFS partnership with ClubIntel, the fitness industry’s leading research and education company. The six online courses will enable studio owners and operators to more effectively and productively operate their businesses with access at their fingertips.
Each course will have its syllabus and participants will interact with a variety of content-driven vehicles including powerpoint, video, voice-over, and the adaptation of guides, whitepapers, blogs, and webinars – as needed. Participants will also be able to earn continuing education credits/units from major certification bodies.
“As a company we feel a strong bond with our customers and their vision, not only in the products we offer, but also in helping them be successful,” said Nathan Pyles, President of Johnson Health Tech North America. “The AFS online curriculum initiative is something we believe can be of great value to studio owners, and we’re proud to be a major contributor to it. We see only positive outcomes from our participation.”
The program will also feature case studies as an integral part of the curriculum along with practical applications through step-by-step guides so participants can easily apply and implement the learned skills.
“AFS is thrilled with the program and the partnership,” said Leve. “We greatly appreciate that Matrix recognizes the importance of an education and data-driven marketplace and we’re proud to deliver this program to the industry.”
About AFS
The Association of Fitness Studios (AFS) is the only membership community dedicated solely to the business of fitness studios. AFS provides studio owners and developers a wide array of business-specific products, services, and benefits that enable them to more effectively manage and grow their businesses, building on the passion, compassion and courage they’ve already shown. www.afsfitness.com
About Matrix
Matrix Fitness (www.matrixfitness.com) is the fastest growing commercial brand in the world and is the commercial brand of Johnson Health Tech. Matrix is comprised of a complete line of cardiovascular and strength-training equipment for health clubs and other fitness facilities.
About Johnson Health Tech
Johnson Health Tech, Inc. (JHT), Taiwan, is one of the largest fitness equipment manufacturers in the world and is home to some of the most respected brands in the fitness industry, including: Matrix, Vision, AFG, and Horizon. The company manufactures a wide assortment of fitness equipment for both commercial and residential use, including treadmills, elliptical trainers, exercise bikes and strength training equipment. Johnson Health Tech’s global management headquarters is based in Taichung, Taiwan, with global product development, marketing and engineering based in Cottage Grove, Wis.
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