Business professionals interested in improving their bottom lines by improving employee health can learn best practices and strategies at the Mayor’s Healthy Hometown Worksite Wellness conference “Bending the Trend” on May 21, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Gheens Foundation Lodge at The Parklands of Floyds Fork.

“I encourage the business community to attend this conference,” said Mayor Greg Fischer.  “When we compare Louisville’s health outcomes to 15 peer cities like Nashville or Raleigh, we have work to do as a community.  Businesses small and large can have a major impact in changing the health of their employees.  Improving our health will directly improve our quality of life, prosperity and competitiveness.”

Matt Schwartz, Chair of the Worksite Wellness Council added, “Every month, we learn through wellness conversations and workshops. This conference is a great opportunity to network with peers, learn from award-winning programs and benefit from the latest strategies.  And, it will be really active and fun!”

The keynote speaker for the conference is  of Nashville, Tenn., a contestant on NBC’s 2008 “Biggest Loser.”  Dove lost over 42 percent of his body weight on the show.  After returning home he had to learn to balance the demands of a corporate job with the pressures of continuing to lose weight.  He has kept his weight off for five years.  He continues to advocate for positive healthy habits, particularly within a business setting.

Mayor Fischer and Dr. LaQuandra Nesbit, director of the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness, will also present the annual Mayor’s Healthy Hometown Worksite Wellness awards at the conference.  The awards recognize local small, medium and large businesses who lead the way implementing evidence-based health interventions and strategies.

The cost to attend the conference is $50 in advance and $60 at the door. A list of conference topics and speakers as well as online registration is available here.  Humana and Walgreens are presenting sponsors.

The Mayor’s Healthy Hometown annual Worksite Wellness Conference and Awards are planned and coordinated by the Worksite Wellness Council of Louisville. The Council fosters healthy work environments and serves as a resource for worksite wellness in metro Louisville.  In addition to the Annual Conference and Awards, HR professionals gather monthly with peers for facilitated Wellness Conversations and Workshops.  Past topics have included wellness strategy, success with committees and wellness champions, addressing stress at work and smoking cessation, among others.  The monthly conversations and workshops are opportunities to hear and share best practices and local success stories and improve worksite wellness efforts.