HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. – Aug. 27, 2010 – Michele Merhib, founder of Elements Therapeutic Massage, has been named to the Denver Business Journal’s “Outstanding Women in Business” list. The finalists were chosen based on their accomplishments in their industry as well as for being innovative, entrepreneurial leaders in their community.

The honorees were selected from almost 300 nominations. Profiled in the Denver Business Journal’s Aug. 27 edition, they were honored at the annual “Outstanding Women in Business” awards luncheon held Aug. 26 at the Marriott City Center in Denver, Colorado.

“I’m extremely flattered to be included in this group of influential women,” said Merhib. “It’s an honor to receive this recognition for doing something that I'm passionate about.”

Merhib has been instrumental in growing the availability and affordability of therapeutic massage across America thanks to the founding of Elements Therapeutic Massage, one of the fastest-growing massage therapy franchise chains in the nation. She has championed the health and wellness industry and the use of therapeutic massage for pain and stress relief at the local, state and national levels for both her brand and the industry

Twelve years ago, Merhib, now 47, was looking for career satisfaction when she quit her job in the corporate world and went back to school to learn how to give massages. With her first massage studio’s quick success, Merhib opened a second location and soon looked for a way to share her business idea with others. She sold her concept to Fitness Together which began franchising Elements Therapeutic Massage in 2006. And Merhib has been instrumental in training others to follow her system ever since. Today, Elements Therapeutic Massage has sold more than 100 franchises and has more than 75 independently owned and operated studios open in 22 states.

About Elements Therapeutic Massage Inc.

Elements Therapeutic Massage, www.touchofelements.com, is headquartered in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, and owned by Fitness Together Holdings Inc. The parent company oversees Fitness Together Franchise Corporation, a one-on-one personal training fitness franchise that began franchising in 1996, and Elements Therapeutic Massage, a massage therapy franchise that began franchising in 2006. Today, the combined franchise network has sold hundreds of franchises across the U.S., Brazil, Costa Rica, Israel, Ireland and Canada.

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