The Curves Owners Association of Tampa Bay (COATB) represents Clubs located in the Designated Market Area (DMA) that includes Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando, Polk, Sarasota, and Manatee Counties in the Tampa Bay Area. A DMA is a geographical area based upon which TV stations most of the households in that area tune in to. Every county in the U.S. is assigned to a DMA. Because Co-Ops primarily exist to extend the purchasing power of the member's advertising dollars, it makes sense to form the membership of co-ops around a DMA.

Organized in January of 2005, COATB's not-for-profit purpose is to plan, approve, and implement advertising and promotional programs for it's members in the structured, organized manner necessary to take advantage of opportunities that are broader than any individual franchisee might accomplish alone, and to promote operational excellence in its member's clubs. To accomplish this purpose COATB maintains two standing committees: The Advertising and Promotional Events Committee and The Curves Operational Excellence Committee. Chaired by two talented and experienced Curves Franchisees, these committees are dedicated to providing productive; value added advertising and approved and appropriate operational guidance and support. For information on all of the Officers and Chairpersons associated with COATB, see the biographies included within.

Why belong to a co-op?  Most local marketing opportunities transcend individual franchisee boundaries. Market-wide events, sponsorships, yellow pages ads, and electronic media packages (radio, TV, cable) are good for business, but require the involvement of a number of franchisees in a market area in order to participate. In addition, most third party entities with these opportunities (e.g., a local radio station) do not want to deal with franchisees individually. They want to deal with a point person for an organized group of franchisees. Without some organizational structure, numerous opportunities are lost. The larger our Co-Op membership, the more powerful our ability to place the Curves name in front of prospective new members for our Clubs will become.

You are welcome to contact me, one of our Officers, Chairpersons, or members and learn how COATB can help you expand your advertising dollars. I truly believe that you cannot get a bigger bang for your buck. Get your Club's name and location out there today! We are all better off when working together.

- Curves Owners Association of Tampa Bay