California Fit Business Award Challenge to All Employers.

News Editors/Lifestyle Editors

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 17, 2003

The California Task Force on Youth and Workplace Wellness is pleased to announce the first annual California Fit Business Award. This award was created to recognize employers who model and value employee health at the workplace. The Task Force salutes efforts to promote the health of employees and encourages employers of any size to apply for the award.

"California's employers are becoming increasingly aware of the positive connection between employee health and increased productivity and reduced health care costs," said Jim Carman, manager of the California 5 a Day Worksite Program for the California Department of Health Services. Unhealthy employees are expensive. A large portion of the annual $24.6 billion California price tag for inactivity, obesity, and overweight is borne by employers in medical care, workers' comp and lost productivity costs."

According to California Senator Tom Torlakson (D-Antioch), founder and chair of the Task Force: "In these times of budget crisis and cutbacks, it is essential that each employer be as effective as possible in encouraging and promoting employee health and effectiveness. The California Fit Business Award will recognize employers who are making the smart investment in their human capital -- their employees -- an investment that is good for the state's economy as well as the health of the California workforce."

Go to www.wellnesstaskforce.org to apply for the California Fit Business Award.

What is the California Fit Business Award?

In conjunction with the Fit Business Challenge issued by the State Senate in May 2003, the Task Force on Youth and Workplace Wellness has created the California Fit Business Award to seek and recognize those employers that promote a healthier workplace. A small number who demonstrate attitudinal and institutional dedication to employee health and wellness will receive Fit Business Awards, to be given in the winter of 2003. Each awardee will receive a plaque from the California State Senate and the Task Force on Youth and Workplace Wellness recognizing the employer's exemplary commitment to employee wellness. All awardees will be recognized locally and at the Capitol through area media. Statewide recognition will be achieved through publication of winners' names, presentation of awards at an honors event, and continuous publication on the Task Force Web site for the duration of the award period.

When is the deadline to apply?

Applications must be received by Oct. 15, 2003.

What is the procedure to apply?

Applications and complete instructions are only available online at http://www.wellnesstaskforce.org. The application is Web-based.

What is the Task Force?

Under the leadership of Torlakson, the California Task Force on Youth and Workplace Wellness addresses the critical issues of fitness and nutritional health in California's schools and workplaces. A public/private collaboration, the Wellness Task Force brings together educators, health advocates, health providers, athletes and legislators. The mission of this cross-sector Task Force is to create and promote policies which decrease the obesity rates in California's schools and workplaces.