Horicon Bank Named Blue Zones Project Approved Worksite
Horicon, Wisc., – October 25, 2017 – Blue Zones Project(r) Dodge County held a ribbon cutting ceremony at Horicon Bank on Tuesday, October 24, 2017 in recognition of their designation as the newest Blue Zones Project Approved(tm) worksite. This designation reflects the bank’s commitment to doing its part in creating a healthier community. Blue Zones Project is a community-led well-being improvement initiative designed to make healthier choices easier by encouraging simple changes to environment, policy, and social networks.
With five locations in the Blue Zones Project demonstration communities, Horicon Bank president, Fred F. Schwertfeger, said it was a natural choice for Horicon Bank to join the initiative for Dodge County.
“We’ve been working to create a wellness culture at Horicon Bank over the last few years,” said Schwertfeger. “Investing in the Blue Zones Project was a perfect fit, and we couldn’t have achieved the designation without the commitment of our employees.”
Horicon Bank has had a wellness team in place for three years. This team has set wellness goals and strategies by implementing creative exercise challenges to promote overall health. The bank also holds bio-metric health screenings free for employees. As part of their health benefits package, Horicon Bank provides reimbursement for fitness club memberships and an Employee Assistance Program, which helps employees seek guidance and counseling when needed. About 25 percent of employees utilize office furniture that allows the flexibility to sit or stand and walking routes have been published to encourage natural movement throughout the day.
Renee Peterson, Recruitment and Training Officer, spearheaded the initiative for Horicon Bank to become a Blue Zones Project approved worksite. Peterson said, “Horicon Bank truly cares about the well-being of their employees. By encouraging healthy habits and giving the opportunity to grow into a healthy lifestyle, we are providing support for a positive work/life balance.”
“The Blue Zones Project Worksite Pledge acted as a road map for Horicon Bank to promote a healthy environment in the workplace,” commented Schwertfeger.
The bank also seeks to support wellness programs within the communities it serves. Schwertfeger continued, “We sponsor numerous run/walks annually and have organized three 5Ks in our Fond du Lac, Horicon, and West Bend communities this year alone.”
Blue Zones Project is brought to Dodge County through sponsorship by Beaver Dam Community Hospitals, in collaboration with Sharecare(r), Inc. and Blue Zones, LLC. Dodge County is the first Blue Zones Project demonstration site in the state.
For details about becoming a Blue Zones Project Approved organization or general information about Blue Zones Project, Dodge County, call 920-212-8511, or visit dodgecounty.bluezonesproject.com
