[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 208 (Wednesday, December 9, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7324-S7325]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                        RECOGNIZING BAYSHORE FIT

 Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, as chairman of the Senate Committee 
on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize a small 
business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit at the 
heart of our country. It is my privilege to recognize a family-owned 
small business that promotes American health and wellness by operating 
a gym and fitness business. This week, it is my pleasure to recognize 
Bayshore Fit of Tampa, FL, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.
  In 2012, partners Jeff Fink and Beth Scanlan founded Bayshore Fit in 
Tampa, FL. Both Jeff and Beth had years of experience training for 
marathons, bodybuilding, and fitness competitions. Together, they 
created a gym that met the demand for a personalized alternative to 
large national gym chains. Jeff and Beth focused on helping every 
customer meet their health goals, developing a family-friendly, 
relationship-driven business. As their client base grew, they quickly 
moved their gym into a larger facility.
  Today, Bayshore Fit continues to serve the Tampa area, with members 
ranging from first-time gym attendees to senior citizens and even 
professional athletes. The gym has been featured in local media, 
recognizing their significant membership growth and continued emphasis 
on personalized programs.
  Bayshore Fit's emphasis on healthy living extends to their 
philanthropic endeavors. They are involved with the South Tampa Chamber 
of Commerce and the Westshore Alliance in Tampa's Westshore business 
district. For more than 8 years, Bayshore Fit has sponsored local youth 
sports teams. They regularly support local nonprofit organizations, 
including Frameworks of Tampa Bay, Inc., which fosters youth social and 
emotional development.
  Like many of Florida's small businesses, Bayshore Fit temporarily

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closed its doors due to the coronavirus pandemic. In April 2020, the 
U.S. Small Business Administration launched the Paycheck Protection 
Program, a small business relief program that I was proud to author. 
The PPP provides forgivable loans to impacted small businesses and 
nonprofits who maintain their payroll during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  Jeff and Beth used their PPP loan to keep their business operating 
until Florida allowed gyms to reopen. Bayshore Fit pivoted to provide 
virtual classes and video training sessions. When they reopened, 
Bayshore Fit developed an outdoor workout facility. They also 
introduced a Bayshore Fit app to manage workout class schedules and the 
number of people allowed to enter the gym.
  Bayshore Fit exemplifies the unique role of relationship-driven small 
businesses in building communities. I commend their support to youth 
athletics programs and promoting public health.
  Congratulations to Jeff, Beth, and the entire team at Bayshore Fit. I 
look forward to watching your continued growth and success.

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