On Feb. 1, 2003, Chiropractic Leadership Alliance (CLA) will officially announce the launching of a network of "Creating Wellness Centers," a nationally branded franchise to be distributed through chiropractic offices.

The project, which is the culmination of six years of planning and effort, is "the hardest work I have ever done," stated CLA Chief Executive Officer, Patrick Gentempo, Jr., D.C. "Creating a national consciousness, a national brand of chiropractic in the context of wellness is essential to the profession, the individual chiropractor, and the culture as a whole."

The general announcement to the profession will be made at Parker Seminars in Las Vegas by actor/author -- and chiropractic patient -- William Shatner.

According to CLA, this project will position participating chiropractic practices as the premier wellness centers in their communities.

In highlighting the impact the project could have, CLA listed three major benefits:

*** Clear cultural identity of chiropractic in the context of wellness.

*** Chiropractors having more fun and profit while serving more people and becoming non-insurance dependent.

*** A clarion voice of reason for the culture to turn to in the current chaos that is referred to as wellness.

"This project is unique, huge, and transformational," added Dr. Gentempo, noting that Mr. Shatner is extremely enthusiastic about bringing chiropractic and Creating Wellness Centers to the public.

"When we say healthcare, we are being exact," Gentempo explained. "We are not talking about leading sick care, allopathy, the medical arena. We are talking about healthcare, or maybe better described as the wellness arena. Our vision will be realized when people think of chiropractic first when they think in terms of wellness."