Recognized in April as the sixth best company for which to work in the state of New York, Independent Health has fielded a team in Buffalo's Corporate Challenge for 15 years and promotes the benefits to other companies as well.

Independent Health pushes healthy work
environment for itself, others at Buffalo
Register online for Buffalo's JPMorgan Chase Corporate Challenge

BUFFALO, May 8, 2008 – As one of Western New York 's first HMOs, Independent Health has had a team in the JPMorgan Chase Corporate Challenge at Buffalo for more than 15 years. It is easy to see why. The Corporate Challenge fits the culture and mission of Independent Health like a tent in Delaware Park on race day – the corporate social event of the year in Buffalo.

“This type of event also speaks to Independent Health's culture of giving back and helping the communities we serve,” she said. “It's why our team captain, Rob Loesch, got involved. He had just started running and liked what the Challenge stands for.”

“The event gives a donation to a different local charity every year and promotes teamwork and camaraderie,” Loesch said. “It is a great event that also brings the local business community together in a unique way. It's an event that I look forward to every year.”

So do the members of Independent Health's team in the Corporate Challenge, many of whom train together.

“Independent Health employees have participated for so many years that it has become a tradition to kick-off the outdoor activity season,” said Pillo of the event that is scheduled for Thursday, June 5 in Delaware Park at 6:45 p.m.

This year, however, Independent Health will carry another reason to participate into the Corporate Challenge. On April 10, Independent Health was recognized as the sixth best company for which to work in New York.

“Independent Health has focused on creating a positive work experience for our employees,” said Gord Cumming, vice president, human resources and organizational development for Independent Health.

Part of that “positive work experience” is participating annually in the Corporate Challenge. It is an opportunity that Independent Health not only relishes for its own employees, but for others in the Buffalo area as well.

“Independent Health encourages participation in the Corporate Challenge among the companies we work with because we see it as an opportunity to promote physical activity, advance company engagement in “wellness” and provide a setting where people from all over Western New York can gather for a fitness-based social event,” said Pillo.

“This annual event has many elements that encourage people to get up, get out and get moving, including social support at work, fun with co-workers and people from other companies after the event, limited pressure to perform, and it's a “doable” challenge for nearly all fitness levels.

“It's a superb kick off to a summer of fitness in Buffalo.”

Registration for the JPMorgan Chase Corporate Challenge in Buffalo remains open, though spots and tent spots in Delaware Park are filling fast. An estimated crowd of 12,000 runners and walkers from 400 companies are expected to take part in the 3.5-mile run/walk. Please email buffalo@jpmorganchasecc.com or call (716) 332-3504 if you need registration or general support.