The Bottom Line: Planet Fitness, Skillsoft and Unitil

A roundup of news updates from public companies in NH and nationwide

PLANET FITNESS ANNOUNCES 3 DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS IN FLORIDA

Planet Fitness (NYSE: PLNT) has signed three area development agreements with Ian McClure of Gulf Coast Hotel Management to expand the fitness brand along Florida’s west coast.

McClure, CEO of Dallas-based Gulf Coast Hotel Management, brings experience in multi-unit real estate development, operations and asset management. His company is developing more than 30 extended-stay properties across Texas, Florida and Colorado. He also oversees real estate development companies with assets in 14 states and previously worked in retail and multifamily real estate development.

“We are excited to welcome Ian and Gulf Coast Hotel Management to the Planet Fitness franchise community,” said Chip Ohlsson, chief development officer of Planet Fitness. “Their extensive operating and hospitality experience makes them a strong addition to our franchise system.”

McClure said Planet Fitness’ business model and focus on making fitness more accessible attracted him to the franchise opportunity.

“Having developed assets across the hospitality, retail and multifamily sectors, I have been impressed by the strength of the Planet Fitness brand and I’m excited to bring it to more communities across Florida,” he said.

As of June 30, 2026, Planet Fitness had approximately 21.5 million members and more than 2,900 clubs in the United States, Canada, Panama, Mexico, Australia and Spain.

SKILLSOFT INTRODUCES AI-POWERED EMPLOYEE COACHING TOOL

Skillsoft (NYSE: SKIL) has introduced Skillsoft AI Coach, a personalized coaching tool available through its Percipio skills management platform.

AI Coach provides employees with private, AI-generated coaching based on their roles, goals and required workplace skills. The tool is designed to help organizations connect employee learning and skills development with practical application on the job.

According to Skillsoft, AI Coach expands access to workplace coaching, which has traditionally been offered primarily to senior executives and high-potential employees. The tool allows employees to set goals, reflect on progress and identify development priorities over multiple sessions.

“Coaching is one of the most effective ways to help employees develop those skills, but it has traditionally reached only a small part of the workforce,” said Bernie Barbour, chief technology and product officer at Skillsoft. “By bringing AI Coach into the Skillsoft platform, we can extend coaching to more employees and leaders.”

The tool is based on coaching principles established by the International Coaching Federation, including active listening, reflective questioning, goal setting and accountability. It can also connect employees with Skillsoft learning resources and the company’s CAISY conversation practice platform.

AI Coach is currently available in early access to select Skillsoft customers.

UNITIL, FITCHBURG PARTNER ON FREE ENERGY ASSESSMENTS

Unitil (NYSE: UTL) and the City of Fitchburg, Massachusetts, are partnering to offer no-cost energy assessments for small businesses Aug. 10 to 14 through the “Main Streets Initiative.”

Unitil, a sponsor of Mass Save, will work with city officials to provide complimentary energy audits to businesses in select areas of Fitchburg. The five-day initiative aims to complete as many small business energy assessments as possible.

AECOM will conduct the audits and identify opportunities for businesses to improve energy efficiency, lower costs and reduce carbon emissions. Qualifying improvements may include LED lighting controls, commercial refrigeration controls, insulation and weatherization, programmable thermostats, pipe insulation and water-saving devices.

Businesses that implement recommended energy-saving measures may qualify for enhanced rebates covering up to 90% of project costs.

“These audits can show businesses how to become more energy-efficient, lower energy costs, and invest in upgrades that support their long-term success,” said Amanda Vicinanzo, Unitil media relations manager.

Mass Save is Massachusetts’ statewide energy-efficiency and electrification initiative, sponsored by Berkshire Gas, Cape Light Compact, Eversource, Liberty, National Grid and Unitil.

Businesses can register for a no-cost assessment through Unitil’s website.