CHARLOTTE, N.C., Feb. 4, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Piedmont Natural Gas
(NYSE: PNY) announced today that it has been recognized as a
Platinum-Level Start! Fit-Friendly Company by the American Heart
Association (AHA) for the fifth consecutive year. The
Platinum-Level award is the highest level of recognition in the
AHA's Start! Program. In 2013, less than 300 organizations in
the country achieved the Platinum-Level designation.
In order to be recognized at the Platinum-Level, companies
must:
- Offer employees physical activity options in the workplace
- Increase healthy eating options at the worksite
- Promote a wellness culture in the workplace
- Implement at least nine criteria outlined by the AHA in the
areas of physical activity, nutrition, and culture
- Demonstrate measurable outcomes related to workplace
wellness
Piedmont Natural Gas Chairman, President, and CEO, Thomas E. Skains, commented on the award, "We
are honored that the American Heart Association has, for the fifth
consecutive year, recognized Piedmont's efforts to promote physical
activity and overall employee wellness." Skains continued,
"We are committed to providing wellness education and opportunities
for our employees and their families but it is their dedication
that is responsible for the success of our programs and the many
positive results for Piedmont."
Piedmont's wellness program,
now in its eighth year, is popular among employees. In 2013,
93 percent of Piedmont's employees
participated in the company's Biometric Health Screening and Health
Risk Assessment programs. Employees participating in the
health risk assessments or the biometric screenings also have free
access to a health coach for up to 12 months to assist them with
their health goals.
Piedmont's wellness program
offers employees an on-site wellness coordinator and reimbursement
programs for utilization of fitness centers, weight management and
tobacco cessation. Piedmont
also issues a quarterly wellness newsletter and sponsors frequent
opportunities for employees to engage in a variety of healthy
activities.
SOURCE Piedmont Natural Gas