Competing With YMCA Locations

Are you a private health club owner that is competing with a YMCA?

Do you find it frustrating that most YMCA organizations receive DONATIONS and offer SUBSIDIZED MEMBERSHIPS?

Do you find it IMPOSSIBLE TO BELIEVE that many city councils, Chambers of Commerce, and other quasi-governmental organizations actually work hard to create and then support a YMCA when that exact same YMCA not only competes with but financially HARMS legitimate business in the area?

There's a YMCA in Warwick, Rhode Island. Of the incoming members about half are provided with financial assistance. Last year the Y subsidized memberships to the tune of $200,000 and with even harder times this year [they] expect it could be more.

At a YMCA in Norwich, CT money from memberships supported the Y's subsidized services. Now that memberships are down, it really is going to be a matter of finding partners in the community who can step up and help put together a proposed solution.

The YMCA of Southeastern Connecticut could receive the city's $269,000 federal community development block grant stimulus grant if the agency can prove soon that it has the means to stay open. FEDERAL GRANT = TAXPAYER DOLLARS.

Examples like this are all too common in the United States.

All too often, donations and/or taxpayer dollars are used to build, establish, or support existing YMCA health clubs.

IS THIS FAIR?

While I'm sure that all gym owners would agree that making Americans healthier is an admirable goal, it's also true that legitimate PRIVATELY OWNED health clubs have a tough time competing with a YMCA.

After all, how can a health club entrepreneur compete with an organization that is running on donations and taxpayer dollars?!?!?!?

Do you compete with a YMCA?

Is it fair?

Please leave a comment and share your thoughts with other gym owners!