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What is the Governor’s Excellence in Wellness Award?

This award was created to encourage all businesses in Nebraska to offer wellness and health programs for their employees.

 

What are the different award levels?

  • The Sower Award/Level #1 for businesses with fewer than 50 employees.
  • The Sower Award/Level #1 for businesses with 50 or more employees.
  • The Grower Award/Level #2 for businesses with fewer than 50 employees.
  • The Grower Award/Level #2 for businesses with 50 or more employees.

The Sower Award is intended to be a stepping-stone to the Grower Award. All award criteria are based on sound research and best practice models. As with agriculture, worksite wellness is an evolutionary process. There is always room for growth and change. The Sower Award plants the seed for wellness. The Grower Award rewards businesses for changing health behaviors. National awards are available for those that chose to take their wellness program to a higher level. Businesses that have achieved national recognition are often “harvesting” financial return on investment. The Governor's Award has been developed to begin the process of planting, growing, and harvesting a quality worksite wellness program. Special award criteria have been created for very small businesses with limited human and financial resources. Criteria to recognize large businesses and their vast array of services were taken into consideration for this award.

 

What is the cost to apply?

There is no cost to apply.

 

How and when will our company be recognized?

All award recipients will receive a framed certificate. You can choose to receive that certificate in the mail or may be recognized publicly at one of three wellness council banquets. Banquet information will be sent with your recognition notice. In addition, award recipients will be listed on the State of Nebraska website. Local newspapers will receive a list of award recipients on a periodic basis. If your company would like to issue a release to the media, the State of Nebraska requests that all press releases relating to this award be cleared or issued by the State of Nebraska prior to being sent to the media. Sample media releases will be provided in your award packets.

 

How long will my certification be valid?

Your award is valid for three years, at which time you can reapply.

 

Who can I contact to find out more information about the application process or wellness programs for my employees?