Wellness Makes Cents

Dear Friends, Resume Update I'm not sure if I have ever shared this with you but I was a corporate wellness specialist in a former life. In fact, I have a doctorate in Adult Education with an emphasis in Exercise Physiology. Interesting combination - qualifies me to teach people how to do stuff they absolutely don't want to do. I also know all the reasons why exercise and proper nutrition are good for you and good for your business. But then again, so do you.

Years of Work For as long as I can remember, we have been trying to convince companies that a healthy employee is not only good for the employee but is also good for the bottom line. Studies show the clear health and economic benefits of a worksite wellness program: * decreased absenteeism * decreased employee turnover * lower health care costs * savings on downtime and temporary help needed due to illness   And if that is not enough, worksites are a great place to focus on changing behavior for a variety of reasons. In an average day, people spend more time at their workplace than anywhere else outside the home. The workplace lends itself to policy and environmental changes that encourage and support healthy habits. Employees who participate in worksite wellness programs perform better at work, miss less work and are happier.      So, How's It Going At Your Place? On behalf of a group of concerned community leaders interested in improving local health indicators, Jill Berry-Bowen, Northwestern Medical Center CEO, and Judy Ashley, Director for the Vermont Department of Health St. Albans District, would like to invite you to participate in a worksite wellness survey specific to Franklin and Grand Isle county businesses and organizations.   Take The Survey  Please take a few minutes of your time to complete the Worksite Wellness Survey (27 questions) that will help them better understand the level of wellness programs available within our community. Your information will only be presented in aggregate and NO business or organization will be individually identified in any summary document produced.    Questions? If you have any questions please contact Judy Ashley at 802 527-5582. If more people were to live healthier lives - think how easy my old job would have been. Help these ladies get the information they need so that they can make wiser choices for the future of our community.

Thank you for your continued support of the Chamber in your community.

Dave Southwick

Jump On Board

Dear Friend, Keep Investing In Your Community Last week we were focused on investing in our youth. This week we turn our focus to investing in another important part of our community - our local boards. Communities are run on the strength of Boards of Directors. Whether it is a city council, a school board, or a local charity, without a good group at the head of control, the agency will run around like the proverbial chicken with nothing from the neck up.

Kudos to My Board Let me first say that the Chamber of Commerce is blessed with a magnificent board. They are engaging, creative, courageous and down right fun to be around. Each month they bring new ideas, challenge old ones and are willing to take on the tough discussions. As an Executive Director it is important to have a board around you to give direction, lend support and offer a hand of encouragement. It also makes a big difference it they are willing to roll up their sleeves and help out with the dirty work.   Types of Boards I have been associated with several board over my years and they have each had a slightly different feel. But in the long run boards tend to boil down to three types. You have your advisory boards - they bring wisdom and direction to help keep the agency moving in the right direction - usually associated with a fully staffed agency. You have your "yes, sir/yes ma'am" boards that are just there to fill a requirement and nod yes when the chairman has all the votes. And finally, you have a working board - a group that takes on day to day activities or tasks to help the organization move to the next level. The working boards are most common in Franklin County where most agencies are understaffed and need an extra set of hands to get things done.   Get To The Point  OK, you probably already know all that. So what am I am really after? This is a plea to every able body to go out, find a local agency and jump on board. Over the past month I have spoken to no less than three community groups that are in desperate need of new board members. And each of these groups are a pillar in our neighborhood that would be sorely missed if they were to disappear. Call me, I'll let you know who they are.   Am I Qualified? Yes you are! If you have passion and time you will make a great board member. In fact, I'd bet if you have the passion and are low on time - you'll still figure out how to make it work. Most not-for-profit are required by some law to have a fully operational board of directors. Take a look around you and find somebody that needs your assistance and jump on. You'll be glad you did and so will we all.

Thank you for your continued support of the Chamber in your community.

Dave Southwick