Tom Dowling
(863) 297-1051

PCC Wins Heart Association’s
Fit Friendly Company Designation

11/09/2007:  Polk Community College has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a Start! Fit-Friendly Company. Start! companies are ones that have demonstrated their commitment to promoting exercise and good nutrition in the workplace.

 PCC is only one of two companies in Polk County to receive this designation.

 American Heart Association has recognized PCC because it offers employees physical activities, it has increasing healthy eating options at work, and promotes a wellness culture. During the past year, PCC established an employee wellness program. It was developed by PCC Professors Laurel Smith and Patty Hovis along with several wellness adjunct instructors: Marlyn Black, Jan Calder, Fannie Paige Kari Sabin and Ken Snell. PCC employees Bill Foege and Jean Reynolds also lead activities to help get the program started.

 “The wellness adjuncts instructors were instrumental in starting this program,” explained Laurel Smith. “Many of them started the classes without pay to get the program off the ground. PCC President Eileen Holden was also a driving force behind this program- - with her support, encouragement and enthusiasm.”