Team members from Planet Fitness and the Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrate the Judgement Free Zone’s over two decades in Orange with a milestone ribbon cutting and open house celebration. Hundreds of club members, community leaders, local organizations, and families throughout Orange, West Haven, Milford, and the Amity region participated.
Orange, Connecticut, February 27, 2025— Last evening, Planet Fitness – Orange, in partnership with the Orange Chamber of Commerce, marked over two decades in Orange with a milestone ribbon cutting and an open house.
Open to the public, the celebration showcased the significant investments in renovations and equipment recently completed throughout the Judgement Free Zone® >25,000 sq. ft facility. Hundreds of members, community leaders, local organizations, and families throughout Orange, West Haven, Milford, and the Amity region enjoyed complimentary PF Black Card® benefits, including use of the tanning beds, massage chairs, and relaxing hydro lounges. Planet Fitness merchandise was distributed, in addition to the free hospitality and services offered by Orange Chamber business members who co-sponsored the open house.
Located at 440 Boston Post Road, Planet Fitness – Orange is owned by IGNITE Fitness Holdings, one of the largest Planet Fitness franchisees, currently operating 130+ locations across Connecticut, New York, New Mexico, Arizona, Tennessee, Georgia, and Canada.
Ryan Berk and Joe Pepe, CEO and COO of Ignite Fitness respectively, enthusiastically embraced the evening, thanking attendees for making Planet Fitness part of their lifestyle and fitness goals. Both gentlemen acknowledged the dedication of their management team, which closely collaborated with the Orange Chamber to organize the club’s milestone celebration: Mike Shapiro, Senior Regional Vice President; AJ Marshall, Regional Manager; Mike Haray, Regional Manager; and Perry Fanelli, Planet Fitness – Orange, General Manager.
Barry Lee Cohen, Executive Director of the Orange Chamber of Commerce; Annemarie Sliby, Executive Director of the Orange Economic Development Corporation; and MJ Shannon, State Representative (D-117), joined in the celebration. Shannon presented an official citation on behalf of the Connecticut State General Assembly, congratulating and wishing Planet Fitness continued success.
Dozens of Planet Fitness associates were also in attendance, as were Orange Chamber of Commerce general membership and Board of Directors, including Board Secretary, Mary-Ann White (Coldwell Banker Realty), Tina Mason (The Milford Bank), Sarah McGovern (Halcyon Travel), Susan Ianniello (New York Life Insurance Company), Scott Prud’homme (Supercuts), and Jacqueline Coope (Courtyard by Marriott and Homewood Suites by Hilton).
Immediately following the ribbon cutting Orange Chamber members, including the Orange Ale House, Jimmy John’s, Honeyplate, Courtyard by Marriott, Homewood Suites by Hilton, FeldKamp Dynamics (Amway), Fred Astaire Studios, Bulldog Swim Academy, Rubino Family Chiropractic, and American Medical Response (AMR) were stationed throughout the impeccably pristine fitness facility from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm. These members, along with 700 Degrees Pizzeria and Foundation Vitamins and Sports Supplements donated free food and services, giveaways, and raffles to acknowledge and celebrate the Planet Fitness 20+ year milestone and continuing, strong commitment to Orange.
State Rep. MJ Shannon (left) and Orange Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Barry Lee Cohen (far right) present Planet Fitness – Ignite Fitness Holdings’ CEO Ryan Berk, COO Joe Pepe (holding citation), Regional Manager AJ Marshall, and Senior VP Mike Shapiro an official citation on behalf of the Connecticut State General Assembly.
The Orange Police Department and Orange Volunteer Fire Department also participated as part of each department’s community outreach.
Cohen said, “Full disclosure: I’ve been a Planet Fitness – Orange member for over fourteen years. Caring, supportive, professional, and knowledgeable come immediately to mind when describing this organization that has become a fiber of the community. Ryan, Joe, and the entire staff make fitness accessible, affordable, and FUN for all, regardless of experience or fitness level. We are proud to have Planet Fitness as an engaged member of our Chamber, as well as each of the Chamber members and the Town of Orange that supported the open house this evening.”
To learn more about Planet Fitness certified trainers, club hours, training equipment, and support, please visit https://www.planetfitness.com/gyms/orange-ct?utm_medium=organic&utm_source=extnet
Judgement Free Zone® and Black Card® are registered trademarks of Planet Fitness Franchising LLC and Planet Fitness, Inc., respectively.
Photo Credits: http://smcooper.com/