Weight Loss & Maintenance Support Group
TOPS is a non-profit weight loss support group that meets weekly on Thursday evenings at West Court St. Church of God. Private weigh in from 6pm-6:50pm followed by meeting and discussion/program from 7pm-8pm. First visit is free. For more information, call Kim at 810-422-3908.
Keywords: diet, weight loss, health, support, fitness, nutrition, exercise
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
TOPS Club, Inc. is celebrating 64 years in 2012 of supporting it's members' efforts to Take Off Pounds Sensibly and Keep Off Pounds Sensibly and strive for healthy living.
What is your primary product or service?
We offer very low cost weight loss & maintenance support group meetings on a weekly basis for children as young as 7 years old, men, and women. Losing weight CAN be fun! Our annual fee is only $28 with monthly dues of just $5.00. Spouses may join for only $14 annual fee. When members are successful at losing weight, we reward them with gifts of cash and other non-food rewards. Chapter members may choose to work on fundraisers to earn funds for our Annual State Recognition Days trip and other great events. Fundraising is entirely optional.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
I have been involved in TOPS for 18 years. A friend invited me to join. TOPS gave me an opportunity to grow on a personal level while achieving better overall health and weight loss and I have experienced great success and support from my chapter members. One of our current members has taken off over 230 pounds by eating sensibly.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
There are many weight loss groups out there, but we are non-commercial and non-profit. We encourage members to seek the advice of their personal physicians as to what plan to follow and we provide the ongoing support - not just at meetings but throughout the week as well. However, for persons not familiar with a healthy weight loss plan, we make available our book, The Choice is Mine, at cost. It includes the ADA Exchange Plan and great suggestions on how to work on emotional eating, motivation, exercise, etc. Keep in mind, we are VERY LOW COST - only $5 per month compared to $52 per month for Weight Watchers.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
TOPS Club, Inc. is a worldwide organization. Details can be found on our website at www.tops.org. There are over 38 chapters meeting at various days/times in Genesee County alone.
Provide detailed directions to your location
We meet at West Court Street Church of God in Flint. We are 1/4 mile east of Ballenger Highway and at the corner of Court and Beecher. We meet on the second level in Room 216, accessible by stairs from the Beecher Road parking lot. There is a handicap accessible ramp from the West Court parking lot. Please call 810-422-3908 in advance if you desire to use this entrance.
What type of payments do you accept?
Personal check or cash only. First visit is free. Annual membership fee of $28 is due within 2 weeks of joining. Monthly chapter dues are $5 per month due on the first meeting of each month. When you pay your annual membership fee, your current month's dues is included at no charge.
Which areas do you service?
We have members from as far away as Burton, Davison, Flushing, Grand Blanc, & Swartz Creek. They are willing to drive to our location because of the great friendship, caring and support they experience in our chapter.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
Our local chapter is overseen by our Executive Committee comprised of chapter leader, co-leader, secretary, treasurer, and two weight recorders. All officers volunteer their time to the running of chapter meetings and discussions. Positions are voted on by majority rule in annual elections.
What are your hours of operation?
We meet every Thursday with our weigh in from 6:00pm to 6:50pm and meeting/discussion/program from 7:00pm to 8:00pm. However, fellow members are available for ongoing support throughout the week!
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