28 employees, 12-weeks, 365 pounds.

Sturgis, Mich. -

Starting in April, 28 employees of LTi Printing in Sturgis worked toward a summer meltdown. It was a company-wide "Biggest Loser"-style competition and at the end of 12 weeks, participants lost a total of 365 pounds. There are always some people who want to lose weight, so it got the ball rolling, said Mike Freude, vice president of human resources and quality assurance.

To participate, each contestant forked over $10. The fee went toward prize money, but the cash wasn't the only incentive. The company provided a 32-inch TV and distributed accumulated points from its corporate rewards credit card. "We also purchased a digital scale that was available to participants to monitor their weight throughout the week and for the weigh-in each Monday," Freude said. After the Monday weigh-in, Freude posted the percentage of weight loss from the person's original weight. The weekly winner was given the equivalent of $50 in rewards points, he said. The 12-week competition concluded in July, and Pat Kelley took first place. Rita Mast finished second and Julie Dodge took third. "As the employer, we have always believed in supporting and encouraging employees in their pursuit of a healthy lifestyle and this initiative provided an excellent opportunity for a summer time motivator," Freude said.

By Rosalie Currier
currier@sturgisjournal.com
Sturgis Journal