American Heart Association Honors Certified Angus Beef LLC

WOOSTER, Ohio –  Beef. It’s what’s for dinner – at least in one of the country’s healthiest places of employment, according to a recent American Heart Association (AHA) honor.

Certified Angus Beef LLC, based in Wooster, Ohio, and employing around 100, was designated by the AHA as a Platinum Level Start! Fit-Friendly Company. It was the only Platinum level award given in the Stark, Wayne and Tuscarawas-County area and a distinction only 271 organizations earned across the nation.

The designation recognizes companies that create a culture of physical activity and health in the workplace. Platinum award winners are also required to show measurable outcomes related to workplace wellness.

This is the second year the company was honored as a Platinum recipient, joining the ranks of Medical Mutual, Tupperware Brands Corp., Ocean Spray Cranberries and Duke Medical Center.

“We are honored to be recognized by the American Heart Association for our commitment to employee health and wellness, and are excited that Certified Angus Beef is the only Platinum level fit-friendly company in our area,” said Pam Cottrell, human resources director for Certified Angus Beef LLC. “The objective of our health and wellness program is to help employees manage, improve and make healthy lifestyle choices by providing them with the information and tools they need to achieve their goals.”

To be recognized as a platinum-level company, employers must offer physical activity options, increased healthful eating options, and promote a wellness culture in the workplace. In addition, they must implement at least nine criteria related to physical activity, nutrition and culture, and must demonstrate measurable progress related to workplace wellness.

Certified Angus Beef LLC’s health and wellness programs include:
• A nutrition and weight management class conducted by a registered dietician
• A program that tracks employees’ exercise and aerobic activity
• A distribution of “wellness bucks” that can be redeemed for health and fitness purchases
• Visits by a registered nurse who offers personal consultations and coaching
• Annual health risk assessments and personal wellness profiles
• A biweekly free fitness class
• An onsite fitness specialist who helps create individual exercise programs
• Personalized coaching by a financial specialist
• Emotional wellness consultations with a psychologist.

The irony of having a company dealing in red meat on such a list was not lost among Certified Angus Beef LLC’s culinary team, who said they battle the perception that beef isn’t healthy on a daily basis.

“Like everything in life, the key is moderation,” said Chef Michael Ollier, of Certified Angus Beef LLC. “The truth is there are a lot of health benefits associated with eating beef. Beef has ZIP – zinc, iron and protein – all of which are necessary in a proper diet.”

Certified Angus Beef LLC is a non-profit arm of the American Angus Association®, established to promote the Angus breed throw sales of high-quality Certified Angus Beef ® brand products. Ten science-based specifications set the brand apart, and ensure customers a tender, juicy, flavorful eating experience with every bite. It is proudly offered at more than 12,300 restaurants and retailers around the world. For more information, visit www.certifiedangusbeef.com or follow the brand on Facebook and Twitter.

Source: Certified Angus Beef LLC