Member Spotlight – Empower Fitness
Paint and new flooring give 400 N. Maple Street a fresh look, but what really catches the eye upon walking in is the expanse of new exercise equipment lining the walls. A crowd gathered to welcome Empower Fitness to McPherson’s business community with a Chamber Ribbon Cutting and Chamber Connection on the day of its grand opening, February 15th.
“I am excited to be a part of this vibrant and supportive community, and I look forward to contributing to its growth and success,” said Empower Fitness owner Emma Yowell. “I want to extend a special thank you to Farmer’s State Bank, McPherson Chamber of Commerce, GROWKS, and Network Kansas, who all saw my vision and supported my dream.”
During the ceremony, Yowell was presented with a giant check representing the $31,000 McPherson County E-Community and $100,000 GROWKS loans she received. The McPherson Chamber facilitates both loans in partnership with NetWork Kansas. The Chamber’s committee has representatives from McPherson banks, entrepreneurs, lawyers, insurance agents and more to help loan recipients and connect them with other resources they might need to start and grow their business.
Yowell was also awarded a $13,500 Patterson Foundation grant through our partnership with Network Kansas. The Patterson Family Foundation is a family-led foundation extending the legacy of Neal and Jeanne Patterson by supporting the healthcare, education, and economic opportunity of rural communities.
“I just want to congratulate Emma,” said Chamber executive director Debbie Hawkinson. “When she came into my office, visiting about financing to get her dream started, she just had it all together. It’s like she’s been working toward this goal her entire life.”
Yowell graduated from the University of Kansas with an exercise science degree and is a certified personal trainer as well as being certified in pre- and post-natal training. As a rower at KU, she experienced being trained by the top strength and conditioning program.
Empower Fitness offers 24/7 access for $70 per month, although if you sign up during their first two weeks, it’s only $60 per month. There are also packages based on the number of classes one wants per month. Yowell offers strength classes for everyone as well as pre- and post-natal classes for women. Personal training sessions can also be scheduled for more individualized workouts. A sauna will be added in March. Yowell staffs the gym Monday-Friday 5 am-7pm and Saturday 8 am-11 am.
Learn more or purchase a membership on the Empower Fitness website. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram, and be sure to check out photos from the February 15th Chamber Ribbon Cutting/Chamber Connection.
