Question 1

I am a new employee. What are some things I should do?

Accepted Answer

• Sumbit a request to join our company Facebook page: https://forms.gle/Vk2ookqbgbpp8EWr9
 
• Check out the intranet site for information about payroll, benefits, uniform ordering and more Human Resource materials.
 
• If you have a Merritt email address, update your email signature.
 
• If you are a Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, Wellness Coach, or Massage Therapist, schedule to have a headshot taken and fill out a bio form for our website. 
 
*All items can be found on the Employee Services page.*

Question 2

Selling Points

Accepted Answer

• Perkville rewards
• Member value program
• 4-week money back gaurantee
• Voted "Baltimore's Best Gym/Fitness Center" in the 2020 Readers’ Choice Poll for Baltimore Style magazine
• 9 total clubs (2 Platinum, 4 Gold, 3 Express level)

Question 3

How do I request new marketing project?

Accepted Answer

Watch this tutorial video(https://youtu.be/2dNG_TFdS-U)

Question 4

How do I get my bio up?

Accepted Answer

If you are Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor or Massage Therapist, you can have your photo and a bio added to our webstie to help potential clients learn more about you.
Go to the Employee Services page to schedule a time to get your photo taken and fill out the bio form corresponding to your job title.
 
Once you have filled out your bio and had your headshot taken, email Katrina Viloria at kviloria@merrittclubs.com so she knows to add it to the website.
 
*Please note, bios may not be added to the website right away and may need to wait

Question 5

Amenities

Accepted Answer

• 2 Indoor pools
• Outdoor pool and kiddie pool
• Food/beverage
• Sauna
• Steam room
• Towel service
• Kids' Club
• Turf
• 2 Racquetball courts
• Hot yoga
• Main Group Fitness studio
• Cycle studio
• Yoga studio
• Cardio cinema room

Question 6

What can be added to social media?

Accepted Answer

• Photos from a program or event (with EVERY PERSON IN THE PHOTO'S permission including parent's permission if it has children - we do not need photo releases signed if their photo will just be on social media.)
 
• Information about upcoming programs/events
 
• Tips/facts/workout ideas
 
• Member stories (with their permission)
 
• Other ideas you have (at the discreation of the Marketing Department)

Question 7

What's the difference between e-blasts and e-newsletters?

Accepted Answer

An e-blast is a one-time email, specific to a club, with one announcement. These may be sent in addition to or separate from the newsletter. (i.e. - power outage, locker room closing, end of summer camps sale, etc.)
 
An e-newsletter is a weekly newsletter, specific to each club, that goes out to members on Thursday mornings. This newsletter contains information about things happening in the club and is compiled usually by the General Manager.

Question 8

Tidbits

Accepted Answer

• 3 membership levels:
   -Platinum (Fort Avenue & Canton) This level has access to all clubs
   -Gold (Downtown, Eldersburg, Towson & White Marsh) This level can access all Gold & Express clubs
   -Express (Buckingham, Cranbrook & Owings Mills) This level can access all Express clubs
 
• First opened in 1977 at Towson as a racquetball club
 
•Merritt Clubs is part of Merritt Companies (which include Merritt Properties and Merritt Construction)

Question 9

Membership Level

Accepted Answer

Gold (mid level) - Only Gold and Express members can access this club (they have access to Buckingham, Cranbrook, Owings Mills, Downtown, Eldersburg, Towson and White Marsh)

Question 10

How do I submit my clubs e-newsletter?

Accepted Answer

1. Go to the Member Email page
 
2. Scroll down to the calendars section and open the link to your club
 
3. View the items already on your club calendar
 
4. Compile a Word document with EVERY item/program/event not already on your club calendar for that month. Each item must include the following information:
• Name of program
• Date/time
• 3 - 5 bullet points about what the program is, why you are having it, what benefits the member will get from it, etc
• Program cost
• Program contact
• RSVP due date and links to sign up
 
5. On or before the 20th of the previous month, go to the Member Email page and click the Submit Your Club E-Newsletter link.
 
6. Fill out the form and upload the word document to it

Question 11

Who do I contact about website questions?

Accepted Answer

Katrina Viloria at kviloria@merrittclubs.com

Question 12

Can I have access to post on social media myself?

Accepted Answer

No. Our marketing department is specifically trained in social media management and knows the regulations/best practices/brand guidelines we must follow on our social channels.

Question 13

How do I order business cards?

Accepted Answer

Talk to the GM at your location. They can order them for you

Question 14

How do I request a project change?

Accepted Answer

THIS IS NO LONGER FOR PROJECTS CURRENTLY IN THE REVIEW PROCESS!
 
This is only for old/exisiting programs that you would like to keep the design but change some of the text. For a new design, fill out a New Project Request
 
Go to Services > Marketing Matierals > Project Change Form. Once you have submitted this, you will go through the same review process as a new project request.

Question 15

When are e-newsletters due?

Accepted Answer

Submission for an entire month is due on the 20th of the previous month. (Example - All content for the April newsletters is due March 20th.)

Question 16

How do I order name tags or uniform items?

Accepted Answer

Visit the Human Resources page on the intranet (http://192.168.1.25/HR/default.htm) and fill out an order form.
 
You must be on a Merritt computer to view this site.

Question 17

How do I request commonly used marketing material prints?

Accepted Answer

We are no longer using the "Storefront," all marketing items you need should be located within this website. To learn the new process, watch this tutorial.(https://youtu.be/_Hs7QiKodH0)

Question 18

Square Feet

Accepted Answer

48,000

Question 19

I didn't make the deadline to request a new project design. Can I still request a social media post?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The more notice we have, the better we can plan our posts, as we cannot post too often per day. If you ask for something to be posted within the next day or two, we will do our best but cannot guarantee there will be a slot open for it.

Question 20

Tidbits

Accepted Answer

• the club originally was just 16 racquetball courts, with a full bar and smoking was allowed 
 • we have several members who have been part of the Towson Club for over 38+ years
 • the Towson staff has at least one employee born in each month of the year
 • the Towson staff has participated in the following NCAA sports: football, basketball, lacrosse, swimming, and baseball
 • there is a natural spring underneath the cardio area floor.  there was a tree stump planted underneath the floor to help with moisture.
 • has hosted guests such as Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban

Question 21

Who do I contact about email questions?

Accepted Answer

Donyel Cerceo at dcerceo@merrittclubs.com

Question 22

Where is the Home Office located?

Accepted Answer

2058 Lord Baltimore Drive, Baltimore, MD 21244

Question 23

Who do I contact about social media or blog questions?

Accepted Answer

Katrina Viloria at kviloria@merrittclubs.com or Leslie Warren at lwarren@merrittclubs.com

Question 24

How do I request prints?

Accepted Answer

1. Go to Services > Marketing Materials > Print Request Form
 
2. Fill out the form with the name of the program or flyer that you need printed
 
3. Upload your document if you need to (if you do not upload a document, we will print the most recent version of that file)
 
4. Submit your request
 
5. Your prints will be done and put inside your club mailbox at the Home Office within 3 business days, and you will receive an email notification when ready*
 
6. Someone from your club may pick up your prints at the home office and bring them back to your club
 
*Business days may vary depending on vacation and holiday schedules

Question 25

Should I be referring to our company as "Merritt Athletic Club?""

Accepted Answer

No - that name is old and we shouldn't have been using it since we rebranded in 2016. The only time "Athletic" should be used in our name is on a legally binding document.

Question 26

How do I choose photos for my marketing request?

Accepted Answer

1. Go to bigstockphoto.com(http://bigstockphoto.com)
 
2. Type in your keywords (i.e. - fitness, gym, weights, group, etc) and hit search
 
3. Under the "Any License" dropdown, select "Non Editorial"
 
4. Search through the photos and choose one that matches your program
(Please choose a photo with diversity (people of color, disabled people, people of all body-types, etc) If you photo has a group of people in it, it MUST feature diversity.)
 
5. When you find a photo you like, copy the Stock Photo ID number and paste it into your request
 
* If you would like to use your own photo, it must have been taken recently in one of our clubs and ALL people in the photo must have signed a photo release. Upload your photo and the release forms to your request. (This does not guarantee that we can/will use your photo.)
 
** If you do not choose a photo, one will be chosen for you and cannot be changed unless absolutely necessary. Any photo you choose is subject to be changed at the discreation of the Marketing Department

Question 27

Amenities

Accepted Answer

• Hot Yoga
• Virtual Group Fitness
• General group fitness studio
• 24 hours

Question 28

What are the marketing deadlines?

Accepted Answer

• To request a project, you MUST have 6 weeks or longer before your event starts (if you do not have 6 weeks, you may only submit a request for a social media post or e-mail blast.)
 
• Once requested, your design will be completed and sent back to you for review within 2 weeks
 
• Once you receive an email invitation to review your project, you have 3 business days to review it*
 
• If you mark your project as "Changes Needed," it will be adjusted within 3 business days
 
• If you mark your project as "Approved," and it needs prints, they will be printed within 3 business days
 
*If you fail to review your project within the deadline, your project will move to the bottom of the request list and won't be completed until after all other projects are done. If you consistenly do this, we may revoke your permission to request projects.

Question 29

Membership Level

Accepted Answer

Express (lowest level) - any member may access this club

Question 30

If I submit a blog idea, will it definitely get published?"

Accepted Answer

No, this will depend on subject matter, our blog schedule, current topics, etc.

Question 31

Square Feet

Accepted Answer

8,000

Question 32

Amenities

Accepted Answer

• Sauna
• Kids' Club
• Virtual Group Fitness
• Turf
• Recover room (additional $10 per month to use)
• TRX training
• Group fitness studio
• Cycle studio
• 24 hours

Question 33

Membership Level

Accepted Answer

Express (lowest level) - any member may access this club

Question 34

Square Feet

Accepted Answer

25,000

Question 35

Amenities

Accepted Answer

• Indoor lap pool
• Outdoor rooftop adult pool and kiddie pool with 360 degree views of city and Fort McHenry
• Poolside bar/restaurant
• Inside food/beverages
• Sauna
• Towel service
• Kids' Club
• Turf
• 3/4 basketball court
• 2 Squash courts
• Main group fitness studio
• Yoga studio
• Cycle studio
• Gorilla bars
• 8 story parking structure

Question 36

Membership Level

Accepted Answer

Platinum (highest level) - only Platinum members (members who pay to use Canton and Fort Ave) can access this club. Platinum members can access ALL clubs.

Question 37

Square Feet

Accepted Answer

103,000

Question 38

Amenities

Accepted Answer

• Club for ages 18+ ONLY
• Indoor pool
• Food/beverage (Plates Cafe)
• Suana
• Steam room
• Towel service
• Full basketball court
• 3 Racquetball courts
• Running track
• Cycle studio
• Main group fitness studio
• Yoga studio
• TRX studio
• 11 Squat racks

Question 39

Membership Level

Accepted Answer

Gold (mid level) - Only Gold and Express members can access this club (they have access to Buckingham, Cranbrook, Owings Mills, Downtown, Eldersburg, Towson and White Marsh)

Question 40

Square Feet

Accepted Answer

67,000

Question 41

Amenities

Accepted Answer

• 2 Indoor pools
• Outdoor kiddie pool and family fun pool
• Food/beverage
• Sauna
• Steam room
• Towel service
• Kids' Club
• Turf
• 3/4 Basketball court
• 2 Racquetball courts
• Massage therapy
• TRX studio
• Women's gym section
• Main group fitness studio
• Yoga Studio
• Cycle studio
• 24 hours

Question 42

Membership Level

Accepted Answer

Gold (mid level) - Only Gold and Express members can access this club (they have access to Buckingham, Cranbrook, Owings Mills, Downtown, Eldersburg, Towson and White Marsh)

Question 43

Square Feet

Accepted Answer

72,000

Question 44

Amenities

Accepted Answer

• Outdoor pool
• Food/beverage
• Towel service
• Hot yoga
• Cycle studio
• Main group fitness studio
• Yoga studio
• Boxing

Question 45

Membership Level

Accepted Answer

Platinum (highest level) - only Platinum members (members who pay to use Canton and Fort Ave) can access this club. Platinum members can access ALL clubs.

Question 46

Square Feet

Accepted Answer

21,000

Question 47

Amenities

Accepted Answer

• Steam room
• TRX studio
• Cycle studio
• Main group fitness studio
• Yoga studio
• 24 hours

Question 48

Membership Level

Accepted Answer

Express (lowest level) - any member may access this club

Question 49

Square Feet

Accepted Answer

15,000

Question 50

Amenities

Accepted Answer

• Outdoor lap pool, outdoor family fun pool with kiddie section
• Food/beverage
• Towel service
• Kids' Club
• Sauna
• Cardio cinema room
• Yoga studio
• Cycle studio
• Main group fitness studio

Question 51

Membership Level

Accepted Answer

Gold (mid level) - Only Gold and Express members can access this club (they have access to Buckingham, Cranbrook, Owings Mills, Downtown, Eldersburg, Towson and White Marsh)

Question 52

Square Feet

Accepted Answer

45,000

Question 53

Programs Offered

Accepted Answer

• Karate (Tang Soo Do)
• Dance
• Massage Therapy
• Michael Phelps Swim School
• Parisi Speed School
• Summer Camps
• Before/After care
• Free group fitness classes
• Aquatics training
• Personal training
• Kids birthday parties
• LM Prep prepared meals

Question 54

Programs Offered

Accepted Answer

• Personal training
• Martial arts
• Free group fitness classes
• Free virtual group fitness classes in main fitness studio

Question 55

Programs Offered

Accepted Answer

• Summer camps
• Tribe team training
• Personal training
• Aquatics training
• Michael Phelps Swim School
• Dance
• Free group fitness
• LM Prep prepared meals
• Kids' birthday parties

Question 56

Programs Offered

Accepted Answer

• Recover room (additional $10 per month to use)
• Boxing
• Free group fitness classes
• Free virtual group fitness classes on demand in main studio

Question 57

Programs Offered

Accepted Answer

• Personal training
• Free group fitness classes
• Aquatics training

Question 58

Programs Offered

Accepted Answer

• Personal training
• Free group fitness classes
• Aquatics training
• Boxing
• LM Prep prepared meals

Question 59

Programs Offered

Accepted Answer

• Personal training
• Free group fitness classes

Question 60

Programs Offered

Accepted Answer

• Personal training
• Free group fitness classes
• Aquatics training
• Michael Phelps Swim School
• Summer camps
• Before/After care
• Tribe team training
• Dance
• Kids' birthday parties
• LM Prep prepared meals

Question 61

Programs Offered

Accepted Answer

• Personal training
• Free group fitness classes
• Aquatics training
• Michael Phelps Swim School
• Summer camps
• Before/After care
• Dance
• Kids' birthday parties
• LM Prep prepared meal

Question 62

Tidbits

Accepted Answer

• White Marsh club won Merritt Construction Services and Merritt Properties a NAIOP-MD award for Best Retail Building
 • Merritt's most recent addition to our 9 total locations, after opening in May 2014.
 • The only health club in the area featuring an outdoor water park spanning 3 pools and including 4 slides
 • Offers comprehensive workout options for the entire family with Junior Fitness, Cardio Kids, kids group fitness class offerings, Merritt Dance, swim lessons and novice swim team, and Merritt summer camps.

Question 63

Tidbits

Accepted Answer

• In the last three years we have invested over $25 million into the facility to provide the latest and greatest club for our members
 
• The blue screen at the basketball court was originially going to be a rock-climbing wall but was not viable because it was not tall enough for competitive rock climbers
 
• Our Gorilla Bars are one of a kind - they were custom built to be 67 feet long with a high point of 11 feet and low at 8 ft. The fastest down & back time we have on record is 18 seconds. The current reigning champion employee is GM, Dave Hannibal.
 
• There are 63 shampoo stations

Question 64

Tidbits

Accepted Answer

• 'Cheers Club' - Buckingham is the smallest of the Merritt Clubs but has the biggest of hearts with its 'Cheers' like atmosphere. You are greeted by almost the same faces every day to encourage you on your fitness journey. 
 
• Forget your headphones, shorts, socks etc? The front desk has those items readily available so that way you don't have to go back home. 
 
• Outside of the townhomes, Buckingham is the longest tenant of the Buckingham complex.