And the Golden Carrot goes to . . . COURIER EXPRESS

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Better Health And the Golden Carrot goes to . . . COURIER EXPRESS

By Vikki Conwell
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 08/13/08
Reason nominated: On-site fitness center
Who benefits: Employees
Lesson that can be learned: If you build it, they will come.
Employees at a Marietta transportation and distribution company canreduce their weekly commute by a few less trips to the gym.
Courier Express converted a warehouse into a workout facility sostaff can exercise on site.
That eliminates 45 minutes of driving time each day for KarlKoller, vice president of finance and a Ball Ground father of twoyoung children.
"Now, I get to exercise, maintain my health and spend more timewith my family," said Koller, who works out daily. "It's a very bigdeal to me."
The fitness center opened June 16 and features weight machines,elliptical gliders, stationary bikes, treadmills and otherequipment. Male and female locker rooms with showers, restrooms andscales allow employees to refresh after using the facility beforeand during the workday.
From drivers to corporate executives, all 175 employees enjoy freemembership and access to the center.
"They've taken away all of my excuses," said Carol Brown, anafter-hours manager who seldom worked out because of the "hassle ofjoining and driving to a gym." The 24-hour access accommodates herovernight work schedule, and Brown often works out at 2 a.m. (Thefacility is monitored by security cameras).
"I don't feel like anybody's laughing at me when I stop and take abreak," said Brown, who plans to lose 50 pounds by toning andstrengthening, riding the stationary bikes and using the ellipticaland treadmill at least three times a week.
For company president Jim Messerly, the more than $60,000 spent onfitness equipment represents an investment in current and futureemployees.
"It's a great recruitment and retention tool," said Messerly, whoplans to use the center as often as his travel schedule permits."People see the fitness center as something the company did becauseit cares."
WHO DESERVES A CARROT?
Fortune 500 companies are not the only ones bringing peopletogether to promote health and fitness. Neighborhood groups,offices, schools and churches also are finding ways to get peoplemoving and to encourage a healthier lifestyle. In this regularfeature, Better Health recognizes those organized efforts, largeand small, that might inspire other groups to initiate their ownprograms. And we want to hear about them. Submit your Golden Carrotnominations to betterhealth@ajc.com.