NMMC, Key Bank celebrate partnership

     Northern Maine Medical Center  officials have  another reason to celebrate this holiday season, with a contribution of $10,000 by Key Bank, N.A., to further develop a corporate wellness program for the St. John Valley.     In 2006, Northern Maine Medical Center identified the need to provide corporate wellness programs that were convenient and accessible in northern Maine with the creation of the Wellness Center in Fort Kent and Acadia Fitness Center in Madawaska.  Conveniently located in both downtowns, NMMC envisioned affordability, accessibility, and quality of design through the development process.  With these components in place, last winter Key Bank identified their desire to work in collaboration with NMMC in the wellness projects forth coming.
    Key Bank representatives approached senior management at Northern Maine Medical Center with an interest to explore sponsorship opportunities in a manner that contributes to the community in a meaningful way.  Providing assistance to offer programs specifically designed to address the employee’s most important health factors, such as, smoking cessation, heart health, exercise, and weight loss were common goals for both organizations.
    Key Bank, NMMC, and community members formed the Wellness Advisory Committee that met to discuss strategy and timeline of the corporate wellness program.
     “Key Bank’s $10,000 sponsorship would be used to purchase marketing collateral to introduce and promote the program, as well as, for other hard-dollar components of the program, such as, graphic design, printing, advertising, and health fairs,” said Steven St. Pierre, vice president and senior relations manager for Key Bank.
    Although the name of the program might be identified as a large employer program, the committee urges businesses of any size in the St. John Valley to consider participation.  The programs are meant to bring healthier lifestyles for employees and a more efficient workforce for the employer.
    “Key Bank is pleased and proud to support the Northern Maine Medical Center’s Corporate Wellness Program, and sees this program as a ‘Win-Win’ opportunity for the individuals and businesses that participate,” said St. Pierre in a prepared statement. “At Key Bank, we recognize the positive benefits of an active and healthy lifestyle, in the communities we serve, and look forward to supporting and celebrating this program, along side the healthcare professionals at Northern Maine Medical Center.”