TIA Creates TennisConnect.org for Tennis Facilities
Helping Tennis Facilities to increase play frequency by “connecting with players through Technology”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jolyn deBoer
PO Box 7845
Hilton Head Island,
843-686-3036
Jolyn@TennisIndustry.org
09/07/04 - The Tennis Industry Association (TIA) announced today new membership plans which include a powerful new software package, TennisConnect.org, aimed to help facility operators and professionals increase play frequency and communication while using technology. TennisConnect.org has many features to pick from:
• Website builder
• Group emails
• Live on line court reservations
• Player matching
• eCalendar
• eNewsletter
• Promotional announcement of parties, drills
• And, much more
It basically allows Facility Operator and Pros to “connect” with their players and members 24/7 using technology.
Jim Baugh, President of the TIA, explains how the TIA decided to launch TennisConnect.org. “First, we looked at the consumer research. Players want to be contacted; they want their matches set up for them; people’s available time is very limited; more and more people are using on line registration and want that ability at any time of the day. The research also made it clear that if we don’t “connect” with our players and keep them active in the game, other influences could pull them away from tennis.”
“Then we said to ourselves, ‘can we offer every facility operator a tool or software package that will enable them to connect with their players…to help increase play frequency…that is affordable?’ We researched the market and found a smart, independent businessman who had a software product with all the features we were looking for plus the infrastructure to service tennis facilities and pros around the country. The result…TennisConnect.org was created.
Tennis Facilities or Professionals can purchase all the features of TennisConnect.org for a low cost of $595 per year for the TIA Facility Plus+ Membership. This membership includes many other TIA member benefits as well.
A free standing operation, TennisConnect.org is operated by Charlie Ruddy and a team of service agents. Charlie and his team are exciting about this opportunity. “We want to grow the game. We want to help keep
frequent players playing frequent. We had an idea which we knew would help Facility Operators and Pros but needed help letting the industry know how to get this done. The TIA is the ideal partner. We are ready to service the TIA Facility Members. And, wait till you start to work with TennisConnect.org. It is extremely user friendly for the operator and your players”
TennisConnect.org has been tested and used by Pros and Facility Operators and the results are extremely positive. Here are few of the comments.
• Deb Ridgeway, Providence Country Club, “Our members that use the program to sign themselves up for courts love the program. The program is a life saver when booking leagues courts, scheduled lessons or anything that takes place regularly – the block reservation capability is excellent.
• Mike Boston, Old Providence Racquet Club, “This program is the thing that keeps my courts full. The Member Match feature is the stuff that makes my club sizzle”
• Doug Cash, Tennis Chief Operating Officer, Tennis Corporation of America, “TennisConnect.org offers an ideal package for most tennis facilities. It offers great function, is user friendly, and is priced right. The online bookings, club calendar, member matching features are excellent. It allows you to pick and choose what you want. The product is definitely needed for our tennis industry.”
• David Britt, Providence Plantation Racquet & Swim Club, “The website builder is so easy anyone can use it. Quick way to connect with all of my clubs members. Member Match is a user friendly tool for new members to get involved and for existing members to stay in the game. For the future for a club to operate, TennisConnect.org is the answer. For all that is in this TIA Facility Member package, the cost is ridiculous! It’s a “No Brainer!”
TennisConnect.org is available now to TIA Facility Plus+ Members for only $595 per year which includes many other benefits including Merchant Card Service, Facility “Cost of Doing Business” research and other benefits.
TennisConnect.org is one of 6 new products and services the TIA is offering to new members. TIA Memberships start at as low as $100 and increase depending on services and the needs of our partners.
The Tennis Industry Association is THE unifying force in the tennis industry providing programs, products, and services to promote the economic vitality of TENNIS. Core TIA initiatives include the Annual TIA/USTA Tennis Participation Survey, Consumer and Trade Research, Tennis Welcome Centers, Cardio Tennis, 50-50 Coop, Growing Tennis programs, TennisConnect.org, TennisWire.org, TIA Merchant Card Services, and the TIA Advantage Card. For more information, please visit TennisIndustry.org or call the TIA at 843.686.3036.
