Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/352688
T he quality of the Washington Athletic Club is legendary. From the historic Clubhouse to the modern touches of high-tech fitness equipment, the WAC simultaneously honors its history and looks to the future. Since the doors opened in December of 1930, the WAC has led the way in the evolution of service, facilities, and member amenities. Across the member experience, the Club strives to deliver on its promise of being the best city athletic club in America—wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling, person-to-person, every day. This past year was one of great strides, including significant capital improvements, new member-driven offerings, huge successes in Club Programs events, and solid improvement in Food & Beverage. Perhaps most remarkable, we experienced our strongest membership growth in 14 years. In the pages that follow, we have called out some of the highlights of the 2013–2014 fiscal year. We hope you enjoy this one-year snapshot of the Washington Athletic Club. As you'll see, our capital improvements spread from Torchy's Bar to the locker rooms, from the Inn to the Garage, and included everything from faster internet to better ovens. No matter what we do, function drives us. What at first glance may seem cosmetic often involves structural upgrades and efficiency improvements that will strengthen the Club—and, indeed, the physical Clubhouse—well into the future. It is essential that we maintain and constantly improve our physical infrastructure. As the testimonials from our board members demonstrate so poignantly on the following pages, our ongoing facility investments keep our Clubhouse modern, lay the groundwork for new offerings, and display shrewd investment on behalf of our members. It has long been a source of pride—and an anomaly in the private club industry—that we have never imposed a capital assessment on our members. Keeping up with the needs of our building will allow us to continue that tradition. We are driven by our membership, and we listen carefully to what each of you tells us. Our WAC Listens member survey—find it at waclistens.com—continues to yield important insights that help determine our path. This past year, WAC Listens led to the creation of even more Group Fitness classes and to changes in our restaurants. Moving forward, it will continue to provide important insights and allow members to give us immediate feedback. As we begin fiscal year 2014–2015, we celebrate our successes from last year and look forward to even better things ahead. The WAC is a wonderful place to be. Member-to-member connections happen every day in all areas of the Clubhouse. New friendships and new business relationships thrive among Seattle's most connected membership. By inviting friends and colleagues to join the Club, we can all help ensure an even brighter future. Brag about the WAC whenever you can. The following pages should help! For 2014–2015, the pledge continues for newer, better, and more growth and evolution. We are great and getting better … AWAY WE GO! ➢ Celebrating a great year From the obvious to the unseen, 2013–2014 saw strong improvement cnelson@wac.net We are driven by our membership, and we listen carefully to what you tell us. EXECUTIVE REPORT Introduction by Chuck Nelson, President & CEO 16 | Washington Athletic Club Magazine | AUGUST 2014