Ballarat fitness club owner wins IHRSA Institute Scholarship

Melinda Tempest, owner of the Ballarat Body & Soul Health & Fitness Studio in Victoria, has been announced by the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) as one of the recipients of two scholarships to attend the 2017 IHRSA Institute, from 1st to 4th August, at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Kenan-Flagler Business School.

Tempest, the first Australian to be honoured in this way, has been awarded the John McCarthy Merit Scholarship to attend the IHRSA Institute while Matthew Wright, Senior Director of Fitness for Connecticut, USA-based Healthtrax Fitness & Wellness will receive the Curt & Jane Beusman Scholarship.

The John McCarthy Merit Scholarship, named for IHRSA’s first Executive Director, and The Curt & Jane Beusman Institute Scholarship, named for two of IHRSA’s most passionate founders, are awarded to individuals who demonstrate a passion for, and absolute commitment to, the fitness club industry's future and leadership skills in club operations, sales, or service.

Each scholarship has a value of more than US$3,000 and includes a full registration to The Institute, program materials and handouts, social and networking events, lodging, meals, and a travel stipend.

Tempest, who opened her club in 2003, has succeeded in keeping it among the top three in a community where competition has grown from 10 facilities to 70 facilities. Her application reflected her genuine love of the industry and of positively impacting lives, and a superior level of dedication to her staff and clients.

The recipients were selected by a judging panel of highly experienced and dedicated industry professionals. The panel included Rick Caro, President, Management Vision, Inc.; Bill McBride, Co-Founder, President and Chief Executive, Active Wellness and President and Chief Executive, BMC3; Michele Melkerson-Granryd, General Manager, BB Fitness Studios and Bud Rockhill, Owner, CW Strategic Advisors.

The IHRSA Awards Program seeks to "recognise, celebrate, and inspire."

Tempest has this week also launched the Gym Owners Business Podcast where she shares her fitness business coaching expertise, joined by leading industry influencers. 

Click here for more information.

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