HCCC, Horizon Foundation Announce Workplace Wellness Award Winner

Wednesday, November 1, 2006

(The Business Monthly) -- The Howard County Chamber of Commerce (HCCC) and The Horizon Foundation have announced Bowles Fluidics Corp. as the recipient of the inaugural Howard County Workplace Wellness Award.

The company, incorporated in 1961 in Columbia, will be honored at the chamber's Membership Luncheon on Nov. 8. Two years ago, Bowles, a pioneer in the field of fluid technology, instituted its unique employee wellness program with a strong commitment to staff at all levels.

The company's wellness program was developed with a high degree of creativity and enjoys a high level of staff participation in a range of activities. These include the "Bowles Fun and Fitness Challenge," a "Walk-Around-the-World" program and various activities including
hiking, bike riding, and kickball and Frisbee leagues.

Bowles has also created an indoor racetrack within its building, where staff race radio-controlled cars around what is considered one of the top five radio-controlled car race tracks in the nation. Staff participate in safety committees, health fairs, and family support,
environmental health and stress management courses.

The Horizon Foundation and the chamber formed an ongoing partnership last year to recognize county businesses that promote and support practices which improve the health and wellness of employees. Rich Krieg, Horizon president and CEO, said that "programs like these have strong potential to improve the health of employees while reducing health care costs."

The partnership emphasizes that a safe and healthy workplace is integral to achieving organizational excellence. Creating the right work environment for employees creates the right approach to satisfying customers, clients and stakeholders. Pam Klahr, president
and CEO of the HCCC, said, "The chamber recognizes the direct bottom line results of Workplace Wellness programs and is pleased to support businesses in their efforts to provide a healthy and productive work environment."

The luncheon will be held on Nov. 8 at 11 a.m. at the Sheraton Columbia, when four other businesses will be recognized for their workplace wellness efforts: The Columbia Bank, Howard Community College, PCA Group and Sandy Spring Bank.

The keynote speaker will be Dr. Holly Atkinson. M.D., an award-winning medical journalist and television correspondent. Register by calling 410-730-4111, ext. 101, or by going to www.howardchamber.com.