Believe it or not, there are leaders, politicians and policymakers out there who still think of fitness as recreation.  And worse, they tax it the same way too.  In reality, gyms and fitness studios play a critical role in empowering people to maintain their basic health, prevent chronic and acute illness and live happy, fulfilled lives.  That’s why we need people like Brett Ewer to advocate for our industry and convince legislators and policymakers that what we do matters. In the face of ever-changing legislation and regulations, people like Brett are working to make a case for our industry and demonstrate how we critically impact society at the local, state and federal levels.  Join me in Episode 557 of The Business of Boutique Fitness as I chat with Brett Ewer, Head of Government Relations at CrossFit, about the importance of shaping policies that protect the fitness industry and ensure that boutique fitness not only survives, but continues to thrive.  Here’s what we talk about in Episode 557: Why the fitness industry needs advocates who can lobby for them at the state and federal level Brett’s day-to-day routine as Head of Government Relations at CrossFit The Community Gyms Coalition and its advocacy efforts during COVID-19 The Gyms Act legislation, plus a behind-the-scenes look at what went into its development and advancement What studio owners need to know about sales tax and other key regulations Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-ewer-8151235a https://twitter.com/brett_ewer?lang=en https://www.linkedin.com/company/crossfit?trk=public_profile_topcard-current-company https://studiogrow.co/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/