Council Chair Evelyn Sikorski looks on while Governor Jim Douglas presents a Work Site Wellness award to Fletcher Allen Health Care's Katherine Tabilloux, Health Management Nurse

JAMES H. DOUGLAS
GOVERNOR

State of Vermont
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

FOR RELEASE May 18, 2006
PHOTOS AVAILABLE ON REQUEST

CONTACT:
Janet Franz, Council Vice Chair
(802) 985-9929, cell (802) 238-8182
wordsmithproductions@earthlink.net

Governor Honors Vermont Employers and Residents Who Promote Health and Fitness

Montpelier - Governor James Douglas and the Vermont Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports today presented the 2006 awards for Work Site Wellness, Physical Fitness and Sports. Four individuals and 42 businesses, organizations and institutions received honors for contributions to the health and fitness of Vermont citizens. A formal awards ceremony took place at the Pavilion Auditorium in Montpelier from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

The annual awards encourage the private sector to develop programs to promote personal health and physical fitness. Employers are honored for providing knowledge, skills and strategies for employees to build better health on and off the job. Individuals are honored for contributing to the health and fitness of Vermont residents.

Individual Awards

The following individuals received honors:

• Lisa Marie Donohue, Wallingford, Thrive Center of the Green Mountains, received the Herb Painter Volunteer Award for voluntary promotion of health and fitness in Vermont;
• Steve Lulek, Rutland, Green Mountain Rock Climbing Center and Vermont Adventure Tours, received the Ray Sparks Professional Award for professional contributions to Vermonters' physical fitness;
• Andrea Sisino, Burlington, Run Vermont, received the Vermont Leaders Award, which spotlights individuals and organizations that have contributed to physical fitness and sports in Vermont;
• Janet Franz, Shelburne, writer and fitness instructor, received the Allen Sher Council Member Award for outstanding service to the Governor's Council.

Work Site Awards

The Governor and Council presented awards to 42 work places, divided into categories by numbers of employees. Employers applied for the awards, and their applications were rated on 25 factors, such as: evidence of measurable goals, senior level support, responsiveness to employee needs and whether programs are offered to families of employees.

In each category of company size, several levels of awards were given. Governor's Recognition and Rising Star awards are for workplaces with fledgling work site wellness programs that show promise in motivating employees to choose healthy behaviors and take charge of their own wellbeing. Governor's Star awards recognize workplaces that have ongoing programs that encourage and reward employees for participating in fitness activities. Bronze recipients are implementing creative and successful worksite wellness initiatives that educate workers, support healthy lifestyles and demonstrate a solid foundation for future success. Silver recognizes employers that have expanded their wellness programs beyond awareness and education: Their programs are crafted to meet employees' needs and are supported with resource allocation and management-level support. The Gold award recognizes work sites that have developed comprehensive, results-oriented health management programs and who demonstrate an understanding that healthy employees are integral to organizational success. Gold recipients have developed comprehensive worksite wellness initiatives that produce measurable outcomes.

The honored work sites and employees expected to accept the awards follow.

Work sites with 1-75 employees:

Special Governor's Recognition: Dale Correctional Facility. Accepting the award are: Carol Skelding, Recreation Coordinator and Michael Bellizzi, Superintendent.
Dale Correctional Facility in Waterbury houses approximately 60 women at any given time, and 50 percent of these women are employed at Dale. Congratulations to the Dale Correctional Facility Recreation Coordinator, who started a Fitness Incentive Program for the women to teach them about healthy lifestyle choices and improve their self-esteem. Physical fitness activities include hip-hop dance, ping pong and yoga. She also replaced sugary snacks with more nutritious choices. This is Dale Correctional Facility's first Governor's Council award.

Governor's Rising Star: aboutFACE Orthodontics.
Also a new honoree, this dental health office employs 9 full time and 3 part time employees. aboutFACE began its wellness program in 2004 with the help of a dedicated wellness professional. Initiatives include bi-monthly educational programs such as nutritional counseling, rubber tubing exercise, fitness walking and wellness lifestyle coaching. The business supports youth athletics by donating 300 mouthguards each year to the recreation department for kids to use during flag football and hockey.

Governor's Rising Star: Milton CAT. Accepting the award is: Ward Butler, Service Manager.
Based in Richmond, VT, Milton CAT is an authorized dealer for Caterpillar construction, forestry and paving equipment. The company offers all employees voluntary weekly blood pressure checks and confidential health counseling. Supervisors lead morning stretch routines, and wellness news is posted on bulletin boards and distributed online. Milton CAT is a first-time Council award recipient.

Bronze: Richford Health Center, Inc., Northern Tier Center for Health, (NOTCH). Accepting the award are: Marcia Perry, Board President, and Pamela Parsons, Executive Director.
A new honoree in 2006, this non-profit center provides medical, dental and behavioral health care and discounted medication to people living in Alburg, Enosburg, Richford and Swanton. To keep its employees healthy, NOTCH subsidizes fitness club memberships and supports personal goal setting for those who are trying to lose weight, quit smoking and improve their health. Employees are asked to develop individual action plans to track their success.

Silver: Vermont Housing Finance Agency. Accepting the award is: Becky Grenough, Office Manager.
Repeat award winner VHFA provides loans for developers of multi- and single-family properties in Vermont, and facilitates development of affordable housing. In its third year of Wellness initiatives, VHFA has noted better morale and increased staff job satisfaction. 30-40% of employees participate in the walking-pedometer program. Other initiatives include Health Awareness days, on-site screenings, educational seminars and distribution of health newsletters.

Gold: Manufacturing Solutions, Inc. Accepting the award is: Beth Salvas, Health and Wellness Coordinator.
This Morrisville-based company assembles products and provides computer technology services to various product manufacturers throughout Vermont. This its first Worksite Wellness award from the Council. Manufacturing Solutions provides its employees with free healthy snacks, health fairs and fitness challenges and a comprehensive monthly calendar of programs such as the Benefits of Stretching, Smoking Cessation and Stress Reduction. A dedicated Health and Wellness coordinator is on staff, and an exercise room is available for employees and their families. Employees evaluate these programs and the HR department tracks employee health.

Work sites with 76-150 employees

Governor's Rising Star: Healthy Living Natural Foods. Accepting the award is: Felicia Foster, Wellness Director.
Burlington's community natural foods market operates with the goal to be at the forefront of healthful living. The company created its employee health program in 2006, with a primary focus on smoking cessation and a stated goal of "eliminating all smoking onsite at the store by January 1, 2007." Employees are rewarded with free gym memberships.

Governor's Rising Star: Dwight Asset Management Company. Accepting the award is: Jeff Norris, Chief Operating Officer.
Burlington-based Dwight Asset Management realizes the importance of balancing its employees' fast-paced, stressful and sedentary work environment with physical activity. Dwight maintains a company gym on site, with cardio and strength training machines, lockers and showers, open seven days a week and free to all employees. Employees are invited to participate in day hikes, skiing days and yoga classes, during work time, without charging vacation allotment. Dwight also provides free healthy lunch to employees each Friday, and gives employees time off to participate in community athletic events.

Governor's Rising Star: Rutland High School. Accepting the award is: Elaine Beal, Family and Consumer Science Teacher.
Rutland High School takes the battle of childhood obesity right to the school grounds, by providing more nutritious foods in the cafeteria and encouraging faculty and staff, as well as students, to take charge of their physical fitness. The school has established a team of 14 members from teachers, school staff, and students; they meet monthly to develop new programs such as strength training for teachers, walking study halls and a wellness fair for high school faculty and staff.

Bronze: Town of Hartford. Accepting the award are: Judy Kenison, Administrative Assistant in the Parks and Recreation Department, and Matt Frazee, Program Director.
The Town of Hartford persuades employees to follow good nutritional habits and exercise regularly. This is the town's first award from the council, but, for the past nine years, the Parks and Recreation department has supported the employee fitness efforts by purchasing pedometers, providing discounted gym memberships, offering educational workshops for staff during work hours, giving free passes to staff and family members for the town's municipal pools and indoor ice arena. As an example of success, one employee lost a significant amount of weight when she began working out regularly, and she is now a very proud and happy person and a model for other town employees.

Silver: Northfield Savings Bank. Accepting the award is: Timothy Barre, Work Center Manager/Recreation & Health Committee, accompanied by Jim Poulin, Senior Technology/Operations Manager.
Repeat honoree Northfield Savings Bank provides banking products and services with a desire to build a stronger community. This desire starts within as they successfully promote greater employee health through a personalized Exercise Program Challenge, which encourages workers to participate in Walking for Health, CPR Training, Get Moving Vermont! and the Governor's Walking Challenge. Participants earn "Healthy Bucks" which may be redeemed for prizes. Employees have access to a Wellness Library of books, magazines and DVDs on health and fitness topics. The bank tracks employee participation and surveys employees to make sure they set and meet their fitness goals.

Gold: Rock Tenn Missisquoi Mill. Accepting the award is: Chris Ham-Ellis, Vice President and General Manager, accompanied by Kevin Scheffler, Human Resources Manager.
Stressing that the greatest reward of their Wellness Program is good health for their employees and families, Sheldon-based Rock Tenn Missisquoi Mill, one of North America's leading manufacturers of packaging products, merchandising displays, and recycled paperboard, continues growing their successful health-promotion initiatives. This past year, nearly half of the employees and their families participated in a company health fair, many of whom made significant health improvements through exercise, smoking cessation and better nutrition. Dedicated company time is offered to employees for one-on-one discussions with a registered nurse and participation in the wellness program, with employees earning wellness points, which can be converted into monetary rewards on an annual basis. The company pays for employees' smoking cessation medications, gives a $250 bonus to employees who quit smoking for one year and provides discounted health insurance to those who do not smoke. Rock Tenn pays 100 percent for employees' health club memberships and distributes wellness information with paycheck envelopes. Last year, Rock Tenn Missisquoi Mill received a Silver award from the Council, and we are pleased to present the Gold award to Rock Tenn today.

Work sites with 151-500 employees

Governor's Rising Star: World Learning. Accepting the Award is: Rachel Henry, Senior Benefits Analyst.
Dummerston-based, World Learning is an educational institution with 430 employees, promoting international and intercultural understanding, democracy, social justice and economic development. A healthy, happy and motivated staff is needed to support this mission. Through Weight Watchers at work program, employees have lost of total of 1,270 pounds. Lunchtime yoga is a popular activity as well as Maxi Tappers, a tap dancing group that performs at World Learning and Community events, with all skills welcome.

Governor's Rising Star: U-32 Path To Wellness 2006. Accepting the award is: Sally DeCicco, Middle School Administrative Assistant & Wellness Co-Coordinator.
Each January, the U-32 Path To Wellness promotes winter exercise activities and encourages staff to make healthy lifestyle choices. An interactive bulletin board, weekly activities and incentive prizes make this an exciting event for the entire school community. Teachers and staff participate in activities that include line dancing, yoga, cross-country skiing, open gym and chair massage.

Governor's Rising Star: Brattleboro Retreat. Accepting the award are: Lisa Dixon, Accounting Manager, Janet Derosia, Benefits Administrator, and Sara Swartz, Clinical Liaison.
In 2004 The Brattleboro Retreat initiated a Wellness Program organized around a wellness point system. In just two years The Wellness Point Program has grown to 165 participants, reflecting 36% of total employees. Participants earn points through engaging in activities such as Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi and Dancing. There are separate pedometer programs including a hike along the Long Trail in which 55 employees hiked a total of 13,267 miles.

Governor's Rising Star: Trapp Family Lodge. Accepting the award are: Kathi Kieman, Director of Human Resources, and Lynne von Trapp, Owner.
Located in beautiful Stowe, Vermont, the Trapp Family Lodge encourages employees to use the lodge's outstanding outdoor and fitness facilities, including the cross-country skiing, hiking and snowshoe trails, pools, rock climbing wall and fitness centers. In 2006 the resort's wellness program expanded to include a free Health Risk Assessment and biometric screening to all employees. Company leaders model a healthy lifestyle, as exemplified by a recent weekly staff meeting held at a cabin, requiring employees to hike three miles to attend.

Governor's Star: The Greater Burlington YMCA. Accepting the award is: Kevin A. Hatin, Director of Health & Fitness.
The YMCA of Greater Burlington is in the business of health and fitness, so it's no surprise that 30 percent of its employees are physically active five or more days per week. Employees receive a free YMCA fitness membership for themselves and their families, and staff receive recognition and prizes for reaching personal milestones. Leaders allow flex-time for staff to exercise at their own convenience.

Governor's Star: Copley Hospital. Accepting the award is: Linda Shaw, Community Outreach Manager & Employee Health Nurse.
Each month, Copley Hospital in Morrisville hosts health and wellness activities to inform and motivate its 489 employees. Activities include blood sugar and cholesterol screenings, self-care seminars, sales of produce grown in employees' gardens and family relay races. Activities are offered to all shifts, and a permanent Employee Health and Wellness table is displayed outside the cafeteria. The hospital provides financial support for athletic teams and managers lead sports activities such as hockey and softball. Many activities are extended to the Lamoille Valley community.

Governor's Star: Champlain College. Accepting the award is: Daphne Walker, Employee Wellness Program Coordinator.
Leaders at Champlain College see health promotion as fundamental in maintaining high morale, and they place their resources behind this goal. The IDX fitness center opened last spring, offering noontime classes to faculty and staff in yoga, strength training, and aerobics. The fitness center also offers free body fat composition and a nutritional support group. Noontime wellness talks, free pedometers and an email-wellness series are part of Champlain College's wellness program.

Governor's Star: Mylan Technologies. Accepting the award are: Kim Messier, Senior Human Resources Generalist, and Casey Bessette, Human Resources Assistant.
This St. Albans-based employer subsidizes health club memberships for employees and provides an onsite primary care facility. Employees and their dependents may use the family health center, which promotes early care and intervention. Free health seminars, a walking club and educational literature are among the wellness program offerings, and employees are publicly recognized for losing weight, quitting smoking and increasing exercise.

Governor's Star: Vermont Mutual Insurance Group.
Vermont Mutual offers its 200 employees discounts to fitness facilities, family-friendly events, access to health websites and toll-free phone advice. The company pays the cost for employees to participate in Weight Watchers at work and up to $50 for smoking cessation. Vermont Mutual Insurance also supports community health and fitness events such as walkathons and running races including the Vermont Corporate Cup.

Governor's Star: Franklin County Home Health Agency.
The Wellness initiatives at Franklin County Home Health Agency focus on physical activity, proper nutrition, tobacco cessation and stress management. For three years the Employee Health & Wellness Committee has presented a very successful agency-wide Summer Activity Challenge. Last year, participants logged over 2500 days of physical activity. Thirty three percent of the staff signed up for the challenge and 50% of the participants logged "above and beyond" the required number of days.

Bronze: Green Mountain Power Corporation. Accepting the award are: Paul Brown, Human Resources Specialist, Deidre Johnson, Human Resources Manager, and John Tedesco, Safety and Environmental Manager.
Green Mountain Power has identified employee safety and wellness as key business initiatives. The second largest utility company in the State of Vermont was recently recognized industry-wide for following Safety Health Achievement Recognition Program standards. Green Mountain Power is only the third company in Vermont to achieve this recognition, given to high hazard employers who provide safety and health initiatives. Green Mountain Power promotes the health of all employees by providing a variety of fitness, and health activities, discounted gym rates, free flu shots on site, a smoke-free environment and free healthy snacks. Green Mountain Power received a Governor's Star award in 2005.

Bronze: Husky Injection Molding Systems, Inc. Accepting the award are: DeWayne Howell, Environmental Health & Safety Manager, Tim Loucks, General Manager, and Lisa Harris, Human Resources Manager.
A new council honoree in 2006, Husky encourages a healthy lifestyle with its investment in a fitness room with exercise equipment, showers and towel service, a weekly health and fitness newsletter, confidential counseling, smoking cessation and healthy food offerings in the cafeteria. Employees use the exercise facilities during work hours, and spouses are encouraged to join them. An Employee Assistance Program helps employees deal with issues ranging from stress management to caring for elderly parents to financial troubles. A regular "brown bag" series of health and wellness talks are offered during the lunch hour. Managers participate with employees in Husky-sponsored hockey, skiing and running. Two managers recently lost more than 20 pounds each.

Silver: Green Mountain College, The Bozen Wellness Center. Accepting the award is: Renee Beaupre White, Director of Career Services.
In 2002, Green Mountain College launched a "Wellness Initiative" to serve both students and employees. Every day at 4 PM on the college Campus, there is a fitness activity that might include Power Yoga, kickboxing, cardio classes, strength training. The college's Chief Financial Officer recently lost 30 pounds through exercise. The Bozen Wellness Center brings in activities that otherwise might not make it to Poultney, Vermont, such as African dance and acupuncture. Activities are free or low-cost, and employees can earn points toward a massage or other prizes. The college actively provides information to Poultney-area residents on topics related to health and fitness, and all classes and programs are open to he public. Program attendance is tracked and satisfaction surveys help the college tailor programs to the needs of staff, students and the public. In 2005, this employer received a Bronze award.

Silver: BlueCross BlueShield of Vermont. Accepting the award are: Connie Peck, Director of Human Resources, Dawne Smith, Human Resources Generalist, and Megan Bisson, Human Resources Assistant.
Another 2005 Bronze award winner to receive Silver today is BlueCross BlueShield of Vermont. This employer brings fitness onsite for its 350 employees. Offerings include a fitness facility with cardio and strength equipment, aerobics and yoga classes, showers and lockers, lactation rooms for nursing mothers and a room for employees to rest if they are not feeling well. There's also a basketball hoop, volleyball competitions and free chair massages. A full-time Health Promotion and Wellness Coordinator helps clients of BlueCross BlueShield of Vermont better serve their own employees' physical fitness needs by designing custom wellness programs. Since BlueCross BlueShield of Vermont is also its own customer, the Health Promotion and Wellness Coordinator has designed a program for BlueCross BlueShield of Vermont employees with a schedule of wellness seminars and educational literature. The company's campus is entirely smoke-free and most of the managers actively participate in walking, jogging and volleyball with their employees.

Gold: Rutland Mental Health Services/Community Care Network. Accepting the award is: Nancy Brower, Assistant Director, Human Resources.
For the second year in a row, Community Care Network has earned a Gold Award for its fun and interactive programs to educate and empower its 360 employees to achieve better health. In its ninth year, "Well Being to Go!" is designed to fit the busy schedules of employees by offering programs in and outside the workplace. A calendar of events developed in partnership with the Rutland Regional Medical Center and the Department of Health offers activities such as walking, running, biking and seminars on ergonomics, self-care, parenting skills, surfing medical websites, stress reduction and confidential counseling. Employee feedback helps guide program offerings, and participants are rewarded with money and prizes. The approach works: 80 employees attended workshops during the past year, 25 employees are enrolled in strength training programs, 20 employees joined a 4-week nutrition program and 75 employees participated in free health risk screenings.

Gold: Engelberth Construction, Inc. Accepting the award are: Tom Clavelle, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and Gina Catanzarita, Director of Human Resources.
Engelberth Construction also received the Council's Gold award in 2005. Headquartered in Colchester with 250 people employed in construction operations throughout Vermont and New Hampshire, Engelberth is dedicated to maintaining a fit and healthy workforce. Engelberth annually spends $130,000 on wellness initiatives, and it is money well-spent: Encouraging wellness and reducing risk for disabling injuries results in more productive employees and lower overall health care costs. Employees and spouses are treated to regular visits from a physical therapist, free personal training sessions, cardio and strength training classes, health risk screenings, discounts on insurance for healthy lifestyles, reimbursements for gym memberships and smoking cessation programs. Health insurance includes preventative benefits at no cost to employees, and insurance discounts are granted for participating in screenings and classes. A whopping 93% of Engelberth employees participate in wellness screenings! Engelberth eagerly shares its wellness strategies with other employers, and it sponsors community health initiatives such as walkathons, school athletics and regional hospitals.

Work sites with 501-1000 employees

Governor's Rising Star: Lyndon State College, Dept of Exercise Science and Department of Intramurals. Accepting the Award are: Anthony Sgherza, Associate Professor, Dept of Exercise Science, and Christine Riendeau, 2006 graduate.
Faculty and staff and students in the departments of Exercise Science and Intramurals work together to provide exceptional academic and professional preparation for careers in physical education and exercise science. Employees participate with students in water exercise classes, a noontime walking program and triathlon training. Participants are asked to sign a pledge of commitment to physical activity. They are rewarded with congratulatory letters and end-of-semester announcements of participation tallies and goals achieved. This is Lyndon State's first time receiving a Council award.

Governor's Star: General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products. Accepting the Award is: Sarah Potter, Director of Human Resources.
General Dynamics has been committed to employee wellness for more than a decade, with a dedicated Lakeside Wellness Center that offers exercise classes, nutrition seminars and guided weight loss programs. During the past year, numerous employees lost weight with exercise and diet, several trained for and completed their first marathons, and many attended seminars on nutrition, skiing and snowboarding clinics, cycling classes and chair massages. Vice presidents and upper-level managers participate in these programs and encourage their staff to use the Wellness Center, demonstrating an understanding that healthy lifestyles increase work ethic, decrease health insurance costs and enhance productivity.

Governor's Star: Vermont Country Store. Accepting the award are: Margaret Dugan, Director of Human Resources, and Karen Massaro, Benefits and Human Resources.
The Vermont Country Store employees have been busy walking around the world ­ figuratively, not literally. Each month a different location is selected and the miles needed to reach the destination are posted. Armed with pedometers, healthy recipes from the selected destination and a good pair of shoes, the company's 523 employees have walked a combined 66,000 miles! One employee reported that the change in diet and exercise resulted in lower cholesterol and eliminated the need for high blood pressure medication. Wellness programming also includes Weight Watchers, educational seminars, exercise classes, health club reimbursements and fully paid annual exams.

Bronze: Central Vermont Public Service. Accepting the award are: Darlene Kepner, Customer Care Advocate II, Wendy Perry, Senior Client Server Database Administrator, and Gayle Ballou, Senior Software Systems Engineer.
The Wellness Team at Central Vermont Public Service advocates a vision that "Employees actively manage their health, improving well-being and productivity while controlling health care costs." Employees and their families participate in weight lifting sessions, attend workshops on health topics and receive nutrition profiles provided by a certified fitness professional. Programs are funded through a dedicated wellness budget and are evaluated semi-annually. A repeat honoree, Central Vermont Public Service models excellent behavior from the top: Officers participate in exercise sessions and health screenings and leaders openly share their health issues and wellness tips to influence their co-workers.

Silver: Green Mountain Coffee Roasters. Accepting the Award are: Stan DeGray, Safety Representative, and Beth Jones, Human Resources Compliance Specialist.
For the second year in a row, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters is receiving a Silver award for providing a work environment that fosters health and wellness. The company offers an "Onsite Physical Therapy Program" that proactively prevents injuries, and an "Industrial Athlete/Mindfulness Program" that integrates physical therapy, yoga and meditation. Employees receive insurance discounts if they participate in health screenings, nutrition counseling and fitness activities. Nearly a third of the 711 employees, including senior leaders, participated in wellness programs during the past year, and the company enjoyed a 6 percent decrease in medical insurance rates.

Gold: Northwestern Medical Center. Accepting the Award are: Pam Cross, Community Wellness Manager, Cindy Rutkowski, Community Wellness Assistant, and Doris Hughes, Community Wellness Assistant.
Northwestern Medical Center also received a Gold Award in 2005. 59 percent of the hospital's employees participate in the Cardiovascular Health Improvement Program, or CHIP. CHIP evaluates each employee's risk for cardiovascular disease, provides counseling for behavior change, develops a plan of action and provides referrals and follow up. Employees attend the program on work time and are rewarded with insurance discounts and prizes. 100 percent of the hospital's leadership team participates in CHIP and are vocal about their experiences. The hospital has a dedicated room solely for CHIP and annually allocates $85,000 for staff time, events and supplies. The program is so successful that other Vermont hospitals have used it as a model for their own employees. Northwestern Medical Center's wellness initiatives extend beyond the hospital walls: In 2005 community health offerings included 472 programs in 45 towns, with more than 11,000 people attending.

Work sites with more than 1000 employees

Governor's Star: General Electric Company - Aviation, Rutland. Accepting the Award is: Mary S. Canty, R.N.
GE Aviation in Rutland created a corporate program called "Health by the Numbers 0-5-10-25," which encompasses four important personal health objectives. 0 reflects zero use of tobacco; 5 reflects having a diet that includes 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day; 10 reflects the goal of walking 10,000 steps per day; and 25 reflects the goal of a Body Mass Index no greater than 25. To encourage participation in this program, GE Aviation provides monthly health screenings, fruits and vegetables in the cafeteria, financial incentives and "Wellness Fairs" for employees and their families. GE Aviation is a repeat award recipient.

Governor's Star: Fletcher Allen Health Care. Accepting the Award are: Evelyn Sikorski, Health Management Senior Advisor, and Katherine Tabilloux, Health Management Nurse.
Repeat honoree Fletcher Allen Health Care is Vermont's academic health center with more than 6,000 employees spread across 42 sites. Its mission is to improve the health of the people in communities it serves, and this mission includes improving the health of its employees. Wellness programs are innovative and targeted to the real needs of employees. For example, a health risk assessment project screened 300 employees at six sites and found that 25 percent have risk indicators warranting follow up. The follow up appointments help with goal setting and monitoring progress. Programs are evaluated and participants are rewarded. Health education classes are also offered to the community at no or low cost

Governor's Star: Central Vermont Medical Center. Accepting the Award are: Marko Russell, Employee Health and Wellness Coordinator; Rick Theken Vice President of Human Resources; and Susan Kruthers, Director of Marketing.
Central Vermont Medical Center is a major health care facility with more than 1200 employees. For 10 years the hospital has offered an incentive-based program called "Well Connected" that provides employees with tools for reaching health goals. Monthly wellness luncheons and seminars are offered and recognition is given to those who reach health milestones. Benefits include a dedicated fitness area, Weight Watchers memberships and complimentary blood tests to check cholesterol and glucose. Annual feedback surveys help continuously improve the program. The hospital also sponsors low-cost community education events.

Governor's Star: Middlebury College. Accepting the Award is: Gail D. Smith, Associate Director of Athletics, accompanied by Eileen Fahey.
Wellness programming at Middlebury College aims to reduce the burden of medical insurance expenses upon employees. To this end, the college sponsors an on-campus weight reduction program and allows employees to participate in exercise and nutritional programs during work hours. Incentives are offered that can be exchanged for healthy meals at the college food service. Middlebury's wellness initiatives have achieved measurable results: Several participants no longer need medications for diabetes, hypertension and digestive illnesses, and supervisors have reported improvements in workplace attitude and productivity.

Governor's Star: University of Vermont. Accepting the award are: Emina Burak, Council Past-Chair and Coordinator of the UVM Faculty & Staff Lifetime Wellness Program, and Joel Shapiro, Director, Employee Assistance Program
UVM is Vermont's major university with more than 4,000 employees, and a repeat Council honoree. UVM has created a program called the "Personal Best Incentive Program" in which 25 percent of employees have participated. About 50 programs per semester are offered, including health risk appraisals, smoking cessation, proper nutrition, fitness walking and Pilates. Employees earn points and money for participating. A network of 90 Wellness Ambassadors assist with program promotion. Programs are evaluated regularly.

Bronze: Rutland Regional Medical Center. Accepting the Award is: Sarah Narkewicz, Director of Bowse Health Trust.
Rutland Regional Medical Center is the major health care facility serving south-central Vermont. It employs approximately 1300 people. The hospital created a Wellness Team that launched an incentive program promoting the participation of employees in reaching five specific goals. These goals include being tobacco free, having healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, attaining a healthy Body Mass Index and being physically active at for least 30 minutes four times a week. Health risk assessment monitoring found that 93 percent of participants demonstrated progress towards these goals. In 2005, Rutland Regional Medical Center received a Rising Star Award from the Council.

Silver: IBM-Burlington. Accepting the Award are: Maureen Johnson, Regional Manager for Safety & Well-being; Janette Salvatori, Nurse Case Manager; Heather Hale, Well-being Technician; and Erma Stough, Safety Lab Technician.
In 2005, IBM-Burlington received a Rising Star Award from the Council. IBM-Burlington created a Wellness for Life Center through which its 6,000 employees may continuously assess their health using online resources and personal interaction with health professionals. Employees can tailor their strategies to their personal needs, and financial incentives encourage participation. Employees can earn up to $300 in rebates for completing health assessments and fitness activities. IBM also provides programs in fitness walking and smoking cessation, along with creative activities that benefit the community, such as a bike-building contest in which employees built bicycles while being timed, resulting in 38 bikes being given to local charities.

Gold: Vermont Automobile Dealers Association. Accepting the Award is: Marilyn Miller, Executive Director, and Dr. Bernie Noe, Wellness Director.
Vermont Automobile Dealers Association, or VADA, is a statewide trade organization that represents 100 employers with 2500 employees among them. This is their first application for a Worksite Wellness recognition award from the Governor's Council. VADA champions the belief that healthy and happy employees are more productive and generate lower health and disability claim costs. To motivate employees to exercise, VADA developed a friendly competition called the Step-by-Step Pedometer Challenge. Dealership employees and their family members received pedometers, incentives and, health information. More than a third of dealerships participated with 1,067 employees, or 42 percent. A follow-up evaluation found that the average participant exceeded the goal of 10,000 steps per day. In addition, employees are invited to monthly luncheons with nutritious menus and healthy lifestyle discussions, and healthy snacks are offered in vending machines.

The Vermont Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports is a physical activity promotion and advocacy group, comprised of approximately 20 volunteers, appointed by the Governor to represent a broad spectrum of Vermonters. The Council's mission is to promote wellness through physical activity for people of all fitness and ability levels.