Culture of Wellness

Leadership: Mimi Collins, The Longstreet Clinic

The Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce VISION 2030 program identified healthcare as a significant issue in planning for the future of Gainesville-Hall County. Specifically, this statement was composed as one of the major VISION 2030 initiatives:

Gainesville-Hall County is a model for providing high-quality, affordable healthcare to its residents. An important part of this initiative is an innovative set of wellness programs that involve residents managing their own health.

To develop the VISION 2030 health and wellness initiative, the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce formed the Healthcare Committee in 2007. The committee includes representatives from Northeast Georgia Health System, physician groups and health-related organizations. The committee oversees a set of community-wide programs and events and meets monthly to discuss access to healthcare, wellness programs and benefits, healthcare services, legislative issues, health insurance and other important health and wellness topics.

Now in its fifth year, the Annual HealthSmart Wellness Expo features some 70 booth exhibits providing interactive wellness services. The event, free and open to the public, focuses on community health and wellness and continues to be one of VISION 2030’s most successful initiatives. Dozens of services are provided at the Expo including FREE health screenings. Click here for more information.

As part of the VISION 2030 HealthSmart Community Challenge, the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce conducts a survey to seek the “Most Fit Company” in Gainesville-Hall County. Judging criteria for the contest includes Wellness, Nutrition and Physical Activity that the company provides for its employees. The award is presented in three categories for large companies (251+ employees), medium (51-250 employees) and small (50 employees or less). The Chamber’s Healthcare Committee initiated this program to raise company wellness awareness and promote healthy workplaces in our community.

Get Fit Stay Fit is an annual 5K Corporate Challenge Run/Walk that includes corporate and community teams. The event includes education and training opportunities for the participants focusing on physical activity and nutrition. Just completing its fourth year, Get Fit Stay Fit has become one of the community’s most successful wellness programs. In April 2011, over 2,000 people participated in some aspect of the race. Click here for more

Instead of gathering at the company water-cooler for a post-work chat session, thousands of employees descend upon Riverside Military Academy to get a little exercise. The event consists of two, separate 5K races, one for runners and one for walkers. The goal of the annual race is to encourage businesses to create company-based wellness programs for employees.

“Hall County’s Largest Office Party” at the end of the race course provides an opportunity for employees of different businesses to mix and mingle and unwind after the race. There is food and live music along with prizes to the Fastest Corporate Team, Fastest Community Team, Fastest CEO, Most Spirited Team and T-Shirt Design Team Winner.