Background
California has one of the fastest rates of increase in obesity among working-age adults in the nation. Well over half of California’s adults are overweight or obese. In the year 2000, physical inactivity, obesity, and overweight cost California $21.7 billion in lost productivity, workers’ compensation, and direct and indirect medical costs. Alarmingly, the costs are continuing to grow. The economic impact is heaviest on employers. Therefore, employers are uniquely positioned to care about and promote the health of their employees. They are increasingly aware of the positive connection that employee health has on their financial bottom line.
The award was launched in 2003 to private and non-profit companies across California to seek and recognize business models that promote a healthier workplace.
In 2007, more than 80 companies across the state applied for this award. This included a mix of public and private sector companies, small local companies, and California offices of national companies. Winners were selected based on the breadth of their health and wellness programs; the quality and focus of their policies; the involvement of their leadership; the impact of their endeavors; and the reasons given for having wellness programs.
In collaboration with representatives from American Cancer Society, The FruitGuys, Savvy Fitness, California Department of Public Health (Champions for Change), 24 Hour Fitness, and Healthy Business Designs, LLC, the CA Fit Business Award program continues to expand each year.
From subsidized healthy lunches and healthy snacks in vending machines to fitness education and walking clubs, these organizations are doing their part to combat California’s obesity epidemic by creating a workplace environment that supports healthy choices.
Who Can Apply?The Award is open to all businesses and organizations in California regardless of size. This includes private, public and non-profit organizations.
Application Process
The Wellness Task Force accepts applications annually. Applications are made available online in March and due by mid-June. Application Packet includes: Directions document, Online Application, $30-$50 Fee.
2010 Fit Business Application Now Available
Note: You will need Excel 2003 or newer to open and save application.
Small Business Application (less than 100 employees)
Large Business Application (more than 100 employees)
Applications are due electronically by midnight, June 16, 2010. No exceptions will be made. We suggest you start early to avoid incomplete applications and unpaid application fees. If you have any questions about the application or review process, please contact Leah Cox.
Trainings
Fit Business Application Webinars: May 6, 2010 and June 2, 2010
These on-line trainings are designed to help you better understand the application process. 2010 Application Overview [PPT] To attend, please RSVP to Robyn VanDerLuit. Thanks to Club One for sponsoring these webinars.
Evaluating Your Wellness Program Webinar: April 22, 2010
To register for this on-line training, please RSVP to Leah Cox. Thanks to Lindora for providing the webinar services and to The Vons Foundation for sponsoring the training.
Workplace Wellness Workshop and Luncheons: May 13 (La Jolla, CA) and July 12 (San Jose, CA)
These workshops are designed to help businesses learn from one another, discuss strategies, solutions to challenges, and gain a better perspective of the wellness climate across the state. To RSVP for one of these two events, please send an email to Leah Cox. Thanks to BD Biosciences for providing the meeting space at both locations and to Wells Fargo Insurance Services for providing lunch and coordination efforts!
Review Process & Scoring
Timeframe: June - September
Businesses are separated by size and whether or not they have vending, food service or fitness facilities, then scored within their category. Two independent reviewers score each application. Reviewers are trained on the scoring process before hand. Scores are then totaled and averaged.
We thank our many partners for their time and expertise in developing and reviewing applications each year.
Recognition
The Fit Business Award is broken in to four (4) categories: Gold, Silver, Bronze or Honorable Mention. Applicants are notified of their award level by October. Award winners receive personalized, etched acrylic awards and certificates signed by California State Senate represenatives. Gold level winners receive a unique top level award plus framed Assembly Resolutions. All winners receive media attention and are invited to be publicly recognized in an annual Award Ceremony.
Award Ceremony
This event typically takes place in November and is an opportunity for awardees to be recognized by the Task Force, our legislative members and their Fit Business peers.The 2009 California Fit Business Award Ceremony started with a panel discussion and round table learning session in the morning and concluded with an evening gala event at the Elks Tower Ballroom. Keynote Speakers and Special Guests included Senator Alex Padilla, Ultramarathon Man Dean Karnazes, Coach Ruben Guzman and more than 40 California businesses recognized for work in promoting employee health and well-being.
Click here to download a PDF of the 2009 Award Program and list of winners. To view photos from the 2009 Ceremony, visit our Photo Album.
Logos
2009 California Fit Business Award Winners: Your 2009 Fit Business logos are now available. Please email Leah Cox for your logo. Logos can be used in newsletters, your website, or on other promotional materials through November 2010.
