ESU 8 Receives Governor's Excellence In Wellness Award

ESU 8 recently received the 2015 Governor’s Excellence in Wellness Award, signifying that the organization "grows the seeds of wellness." 

Honorees “are committed to employee health and well-being,” Governor Pete Rickets said. “Worksite wellness programs positively affect the health and productivity of employees as well as the bottom line. Most importantly, worksite wellness is an opportunity for Nebraskans to live healthy lives, improve quality of life, and help grow a healthier Nebraska for the next generation.” 

This award was created eight years ago to recognize Nebraska employers who dedicate leadership, resources, and time to wellness efforts in the workplace. Each applicant must provide information in the areas of leadership support, data collection, intervention strategies, communication planning, policy support, and evaluation and health outcomes.

The Governor’s Wellness Award has two categories. Three years ago, ESU 8 received the Sower Award, which recognizes workplaces that have established quality wellness programs. This year, they reached the highest level, the Grower Award. This award “takes it to the next level” and honors organizations that demonstrate significant improvement in employee health behaviors. 

Those pictured in the above photo are: ESU 8 Administrator Bill Mowinkel, Governor Pete Ricketts, ESU 8 Assistant Administrator Jill Bates, and ESU 8 employees Susan Lechtenberg, Steph Wanek and Jolene Brummels.