When you walk into the new Midway YMCA building, one thing stands out; if it weren’t for the uniforms and name tags, you would be hard-pressed to differentiate between the staff and the members. They blend in so seamlessly because of the way that the two groups interact; there are no impersonal “sirs” and “ma’ams;” rather, everyone seems to know each other by first name and stops to chat. That is a huge change of pace from other fitness centers and clubs. Although the building is new, that atmosphere is not. David Dominick, district executive director of the YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities, says that has always been the case. The members at the Midway Y are more like old friends and family than customers. It is a relationship that has always made communication easy. The members suggest changes to the staff, and the staff will check in with members when regulars are suddenly absent, an action that springs from genuine interest and caring for their well-being.