In 2003 the Bangor Region Wellness Council (BRWC), a non-profit affiliate of the 94-year old Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce, was created by and for the business community to provide leadership, guidance and support to area businesses to develop or enhance workplace wellness initiatives to help Maine people attain healthier lifestyles.

One of the original collaborating partners suggested a national affiliation with the Wellness Councils of America (WELCOA), a non-profit association that offers companies nationwide a program of best practices for employee health promotion. Using the workplace as the foundation, WELCOA has built a framework that allows American employees to live healthier, more productive lives. Through its partnership with WELCOA, the BRWC is mobilizing entire business communities to create healthier workplaces.

Bangor Region Wellness Council at a glance

• Established in 2002, by and for the business community.
• In 2003, chartered by the Wellness Councils of America (WELCOA) one of the country’s most trusted voices on workplace health promotion.
• One of eight local affiliate councils in the WELCOA network.
• Membership has grown from founding companies to over 70 organizations representing more than 25,000 employees.
• Membership includes employers of all sizes and types, from manufacturing to service providers.
• Recognized by the Wellness Councils of America as the first “Well Region” in the nation!
• The success of BRWC comes from the business leaders who put time, energy and resources toward making this a healthier region for everyone. The decision making is shared. The resources are shared. The success is shared.
  

   

Mission:

To advance and promote good health among regional employees so that the business community can maintain productive workforces to help them thrive and prosper.

Our Vision: 

• Every workplace will offer its employees a structured health promotion program.
• Every community will make preventive care a priority.
• Every employee has access to reliable health information.
• Maine will be a healthier place to live and work.

 

Goal

March, 2006, Dr. David Hunnicutt, president of the Wellness Councils of America announced that the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce met the criteria and received recognition as the first “Well Region” in the Nation! Dr. Hunnicutt remarked that this regional accomplishment will be recognized as a national standard, saying the Bangor region has “planted the flag and set the pace” for employee wellness programs.  It is now our goal to become the first “Silver Well Region” in the United States.

• Minimum of 35 companies attaining “Well Workplace” status.
• 35% of total workforce represented among “Well Workplace” recipients.

For more information visit: www.bangorregionwellnesscouncil.org