Workplace Wellness at the Beckley Sanitary Board

Partners and Funders

The Active SWV Workplace Wellness program is supported by the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority, Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce, Beckley Area Foundation, The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Try This West Virginia, and the City of Beckley.

Honorable Mention- Gary Jackson of Collections department, with a rate of percent increase of 128%.

Next Steps

All businesses, places of worship, schools, and agencies are invited to build a team for a 5K walk or run event on May 12th at Woodrow Wilson High School for the Active SWV eNeRGy Event sponsored by MedExpress. Mark your calendars and start building your team. Recognition will be given to groups with the largest teams.

The BSB has been challenged to keep the weekly step routine going and to check in with each other for motivation and accountability. They are already recruiting their employees and families to be part of the BSB eNeRGy Team!

Please contact the Active SWV office to learn more by email at [email protected] or by phone (304) 254-8488.

Partners and Funders

The Active SWV Workplace Wellness program is supported by the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority, Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce, Beckley Area Foundation, The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Try This West Virginia, and the City of Beckley.

Hear from the Participants

“Do it, it’s worth it. It makes you feel better. It was a fun thing to do and continue.”
“It was a great way to motivate people to be more active. Being healthier only takes one step and I feel like this challenge did just that.”
“I never knew how much I didn’t walk until this competition.”
“I outdo myself every week in the challenge.”
“It has brought more awareness of what I’m doing and the decisions I’m making, in a timely manner.”
“It’s made me aware that you can get extra steps in easily.”
“I’ve enjoyed how everyone in my department seems to be very serious about the challenge.”

Honorable Mention- Gary Jackson of Collections department, with a rate of percent increase of 128%.

Next Steps

All businesses, places of worship, schools, and agencies are invited to build a team for a 5K walk or run event on May 12th at Woodrow Wilson High School for the Active SWV eNeRGy Event sponsored by MedExpress. Mark your calendars and start building your team. Recognition will be given to groups with the largest teams.

The BSB has been challenged to keep the weekly step routine going and to check in with each other for motivation and accountability. They are already recruiting their employees and families to be part of the BSB eNeRGy Team!

Please contact the Active SWV office to learn more by email at [email protected] or by phone (304) 254-8488.

Partners and Funders

The Active SWV Workplace Wellness program is supported by the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority, Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce, Beckley Area Foundation, The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Try This West Virginia, and the City of Beckley.

The Step Challenge Results
  • Beckley Sanitary Board walked 11,332,610 steps during the competition.
  • 89.5% of participants improved their weekly step totals.
  • Over 64% of participants completed the target goal for the competition by improving their weekly steps by at least 20%.

The BSB Office/Billing Department won the challenge by improving their team average step counts by 16.3%.

The employees of the BSB are determined to maintain the healthy habits and routines gained in the competition. Over 90% of participants reported their commitment to maintain their increased step goals.

Hear from the Participants

“Do it, it’s worth it. It makes you feel better. It was a fun thing to do and continue.”
“It was a great way to motivate people to be more active. Being healthier only takes one step and I feel like this challenge did just that.”
“I never knew how much I didn’t walk until this competition.”
“I outdo myself every week in the challenge.”
“It has brought more awareness of what I’m doing and the decisions I’m making, in a timely manner.”
“It’s made me aware that you can get extra steps in easily.”
“I’ve enjoyed how everyone in my department seems to be very serious about the challenge.”

Honorable Mention- Gary Jackson of Collections department, with a rate of percent increase of 128%.

Next Steps

All businesses, places of worship, schools, and agencies are invited to build a team for a 5K walk or run event on May 12th at Woodrow Wilson High School for the Active SWV eNeRGy Event sponsored by MedExpress. Mark your calendars and start building your team. Recognition will be given to groups with the largest teams.

The BSB has been challenged to keep the weekly step routine going and to check in with each other for motivation and accountability. They are already recruiting their employees and families to be part of the BSB eNeRGy Team!

Please contact the Active SWV office to learn more by email at [email protected] or by phone (304) 254-8488.

Partners and Funders

The Active SWV Workplace Wellness program is supported by the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority, Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce, Beckley Area Foundation, The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Try This West Virginia, and the City of Beckley.

Active SWV partners with and supports local businesses to improve the health of their employees using evidenced-based approaches. The Active SWV Workplace Wellness Programs take a multi-year approach to increase physical activity in the workplace through utilization of the Centers for Disease Control Worksite Health Scorecard to measure results. Active SWV provides technical assistance and connects participating workplaces with the necessary resources to create a customized wellness program for each business. 

“This is an exciting start to the program with almost everyone participating. Our approach gives workplaces choices to meet their needs and interest. This free program is a way to introduce a culture of health in a customized program,” explains Melanie Seiler, Executive Director of Active SWV. For more information on the Active SWV Workplace Wellness Program visit https://activeswv.org/workplace-wellness.

The Step Challenge Results
  • Beckley Sanitary Board walked 11,332,610 steps during the competition.
  • 89.5% of participants improved their weekly step totals.
  • Over 64% of participants completed the target goal for the competition by improving their weekly steps by at least 20%.

The BSB Office/Billing Department won the challenge by improving their team average step counts by 16.3%.

The employees of the BSB are determined to maintain the healthy habits and routines gained in the competition. Over 90% of participants reported their commitment to maintain their increased step goals.

Hear from the Participants

“Do it, it’s worth it. It makes you feel better. It was a fun thing to do and continue.”
“It was a great way to motivate people to be more active. Being healthier only takes one step and I feel like this challenge did just that.”
“I never knew how much I didn’t walk until this competition.”
“I outdo myself every week in the challenge.”
“It has brought more awareness of what I’m doing and the decisions I’m making, in a timely manner.”
“It’s made me aware that you can get extra steps in easily.”
“I’ve enjoyed how everyone in my department seems to be very serious about the challenge.”

Honorable Mention- Gary Jackson of Collections department, with a rate of percent increase of 128%.

Next Steps

All businesses, places of worship, schools, and agencies are invited to build a team for a 5K walk or run event on May 12th at Woodrow Wilson High School for the Active SWV eNeRGy Event sponsored by MedExpress. Mark your calendars and start building your team. Recognition will be given to groups with the largest teams.

The BSB has been challenged to keep the weekly step routine going and to check in with each other for motivation and accountability. They are already recruiting their employees and families to be part of the BSB eNeRGy Team!

Please contact the Active SWV office to learn more by email at [email protected] or by phone (304) 254-8488.

Partners and Funders

The Active SWV Workplace Wellness program is supported by the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority, Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce, Beckley Area Foundation, The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Try This West Virginia, and the City of Beckley.

The Step Tracking Challenge is just one of the initiatives of the Active SWV Workplace Wellness Program at the Beckley Sanitary Board. The program began in 2017 when Active SWV partnered with all City of Beckley Departments to create pilot workplace wellness programs. The Beckley Sanitary Board provides wastewater collection and treatment for the greater Beckley area, and storm water management services in the Beckley urban watershed. The goal of the Beckley Sanitary Board is to protect residents’ property, health and quality of life. The partnership with Active SWV and the Wellness Program are part of BSB’s efforts to provide a healthy and motivational work environment for their staff. 

“Our partnership with Active SWV on the Step Challenge has positively influenced our team to become more active in a fun, competitive way. BSB applauds each employee’s ongoing commitment to improved health.” Jeremiah Johnson, General Manager of the Beckley Sanitary Board

Active SWV partners with and supports local businesses to improve the health of their employees using evidenced-based approaches. The Active SWV Workplace Wellness Programs take a multi-year approach to increase physical activity in the workplace through utilization of the Centers for Disease Control Worksite Health Scorecard to measure results. Active SWV provides technical assistance and connects participating workplaces with the necessary resources to create a customized wellness program for each business. 

“This is an exciting start to the program with almost everyone participating. Our approach gives workplaces choices to meet their needs and interest. This free program is a way to introduce a culture of health in a customized program,” explains Melanie Seiler, Executive Director of Active SWV. For more information on the Active SWV Workplace Wellness Program visit https://activeswv.org/workplace-wellness.

The Step Challenge Results
  • Beckley Sanitary Board walked 11,332,610 steps during the competition.
  • 89.5% of participants improved their weekly step totals.
  • Over 64% of participants completed the target goal for the competition by improving their weekly steps by at least 20%.

The BSB Office/Billing Department won the challenge by improving their team average step counts by 16.3%.

The employees of the BSB are determined to maintain the healthy habits and routines gained in the competition. Over 90% of participants reported their commitment to maintain their increased step goals.

Hear from the Participants

“Do it, it’s worth it. It makes you feel better. It was a fun thing to do and continue.”
“It was a great way to motivate people to be more active. Being healthier only takes one step and I feel like this challenge did just that.”
“I never knew how much I didn’t walk until this competition.”
“I outdo myself every week in the challenge.”
“It has brought more awareness of what I’m doing and the decisions I’m making, in a timely manner.”
“It’s made me aware that you can get extra steps in easily.”
“I’ve enjoyed how everyone in my department seems to be very serious about the challenge.”

Honorable Mention- Gary Jackson of Collections department, with a rate of percent increase of 128%.

Next Steps

All businesses, places of worship, schools, and agencies are invited to build a team for a 5K walk or run event on May 12th at Woodrow Wilson High School for the Active SWV eNeRGy Event sponsored by MedExpress. Mark your calendars and start building your team. Recognition will be given to groups with the largest teams.

The BSB has been challenged to keep the weekly step routine going and to check in with each other for motivation and accountability. They are already recruiting their employees and families to be part of the BSB eNeRGy Team!

Please contact the Active SWV office to learn more by email at [email protected] or by phone (304) 254-8488.

Partners and Funders

The Active SWV Workplace Wellness program is supported by the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority, Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce, Beckley Area Foundation, The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Try This West Virginia, and the City of Beckley.

“I’ve enjoyed that everyone in the department I’m in seems to be very serious about the challenge.” – Jessica Lane, Beckley Sanitary Board Employee, Team Captain


“It’s been neat to see the friendly competition in the office, and especially a lot of encouragement among co-workers!” – Luke Stevens, Beckley Sanitary Board Employee

The Step Tracking Challenge is just one of the initiatives of the Active SWV Workplace Wellness Program at the Beckley Sanitary Board. The program began in 2017 when Active SWV partnered with all City of Beckley Departments to create pilot workplace wellness programs. The Beckley Sanitary Board provides wastewater collection and treatment for the greater Beckley area, and storm water management services in the Beckley urban watershed. The goal of the Beckley Sanitary Board is to protect residents’ property, health and quality of life. The partnership with Active SWV and the Wellness Program are part of BSB’s efforts to provide a healthy and motivational work environment for their staff. 

“Our partnership with Active SWV on the Step Challenge has positively influenced our team to become more active in a fun, competitive way. BSB applauds each employee’s ongoing commitment to improved health.” Jeremiah Johnson, General Manager of the Beckley Sanitary Board

Active SWV partners with and supports local businesses to improve the health of their employees using evidenced-based approaches. The Active SWV Workplace Wellness Programs take a multi-year approach to increase physical activity in the workplace through utilization of the Centers for Disease Control Worksite Health Scorecard to measure results. Active SWV provides technical assistance and connects participating workplaces with the necessary resources to create a customized wellness program for each business. 

“This is an exciting start to the program with almost everyone participating. Our approach gives workplaces choices to meet their needs and interest. This free program is a way to introduce a culture of health in a customized program,” explains Melanie Seiler, Executive Director of Active SWV. For more information on the Active SWV Workplace Wellness Program visit https://activeswv.org/workplace-wellness.

The Step Challenge Results
  • Beckley Sanitary Board walked 11,332,610 steps during the competition.
  • 89.5% of participants improved their weekly step totals.
  • Over 64% of participants completed the target goal for the competition by improving their weekly steps by at least 20%.

The BSB Office/Billing Department won the challenge by improving their team average step counts by 16.3%.

The employees of the BSB are determined to maintain the healthy habits and routines gained in the competition. Over 90% of participants reported their commitment to maintain their increased step goals.

Hear from the Participants

“Do it, it’s worth it. It makes you feel better. It was a fun thing to do and continue.”
“It was a great way to motivate people to be more active. Being healthier only takes one step and I feel like this challenge did just that.”
“I never knew how much I didn’t walk until this competition.”
“I outdo myself every week in the challenge.”
“It has brought more awareness of what I’m doing and the decisions I’m making, in a timely manner.”
“It’s made me aware that you can get extra steps in easily.”
“I’ve enjoyed how everyone in my department seems to be very serious about the challenge.”

Honorable Mention- Gary Jackson of Collections department, with a rate of percent increase of 128%.

Next Steps

All businesses, places of worship, schools, and agencies are invited to build a team for a 5K walk or run event on May 12th at Woodrow Wilson High School for the Active SWV eNeRGy Event sponsored by MedExpress. Mark your calendars and start building your team. Recognition will be given to groups with the largest teams.

The BSB has been challenged to keep the weekly step routine going and to check in with each other for motivation and accountability. They are already recruiting their employees and families to be part of the BSB eNeRGy Team!

Please contact the Active SWV office to learn more by email at [email protected] or by phone (304) 254-8488.

Partners and Funders

The Active SWV Workplace Wellness program is supported by the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority, Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce, Beckley Area Foundation, The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Try This West Virginia, and the City of Beckley.

Jessica, a team captain, increased her steps at a rate of 153.5%.

The Step Tracking Challenge has enhanced the team atmosphere of the Beckley Sanitary Board while stimulating healthy competition and support between co-workers and departmental teams. Since the challenge began, one half of participants reported to be achieving higher step totals each day.

“The Step Challenge has created a competition within the plant. The guys have made it a competition between themselves. They are all the time asking how many steps each other has and seeing who has more. This challenge has really pushed some of the guys to walk more around the plant.” Ronnie McKinney, Beckley Sanitary Board Employee, Team Captain, Plant Team

“I’ve enjoyed that everyone in the department I’m in seems to be very serious about the challenge.” – Jessica Lane, Beckley Sanitary Board Employee, Team Captain


“It’s been neat to see the friendly competition in the office, and especially a lot of encouragement among co-workers!” – Luke Stevens, Beckley Sanitary Board Employee

The Step Tracking Challenge is just one of the initiatives of the Active SWV Workplace Wellness Program at the Beckley Sanitary Board. The program began in 2017 when Active SWV partnered with all City of Beckley Departments to create pilot workplace wellness programs. The Beckley Sanitary Board provides wastewater collection and treatment for the greater Beckley area, and storm water management services in the Beckley urban watershed. The goal of the Beckley Sanitary Board is to protect residents’ property, health and quality of life. The partnership with Active SWV and the Wellness Program are part of BSB’s efforts to provide a healthy and motivational work environment for their staff. 

“Our partnership with Active SWV on the Step Challenge has positively influenced our team to become more active in a fun, competitive way. BSB applauds each employee’s ongoing commitment to improved health.” Jeremiah Johnson, General Manager of the Beckley Sanitary Board

Active SWV partners with and supports local businesses to improve the health of their employees using evidenced-based approaches. The Active SWV Workplace Wellness Programs take a multi-year approach to increase physical activity in the workplace through utilization of the Centers for Disease Control Worksite Health Scorecard to measure results. Active SWV provides technical assistance and connects participating workplaces with the necessary resources to create a customized wellness program for each business. 

“This is an exciting start to the program with almost everyone participating. Our approach gives workplaces choices to meet their needs and interest. This free program is a way to introduce a culture of health in a customized program,” explains Melanie Seiler, Executive Director of Active SWV. For more information on the Active SWV Workplace Wellness Program visit https://activeswv.org/workplace-wellness.

The Step Challenge Results
  • Beckley Sanitary Board walked 11,332,610 steps during the competition.
  • 89.5% of participants improved their weekly step totals.
  • Over 64% of participants completed the target goal for the competition by improving their weekly steps by at least 20%.

The BSB Office/Billing Department won the challenge by improving their team average step counts by 16.3%.

The employees of the BSB are determined to maintain the healthy habits and routines gained in the competition. Over 90% of participants reported their commitment to maintain their increased step goals.

Hear from the Participants

“Do it, it’s worth it. It makes you feel better. It was a fun thing to do and continue.”
“It was a great way to motivate people to be more active. Being healthier only takes one step and I feel like this challenge did just that.”
“I never knew how much I didn’t walk until this competition.”
“I outdo myself every week in the challenge.”
“It has brought more awareness of what I’m doing and the decisions I’m making, in a timely manner.”
“It’s made me aware that you can get extra steps in easily.”
“I’ve enjoyed how everyone in my department seems to be very serious about the challenge.”

Honorable Mention- Gary Jackson of Collections department, with a rate of percent increase of 128%.

Next Steps

All businesses, places of worship, schools, and agencies are invited to build a team for a 5K walk or run event on May 12th at Woodrow Wilson High School for the Active SWV eNeRGy Event sponsored by MedExpress. Mark your calendars and start building your team. Recognition will be given to groups with the largest teams.

The BSB has been challenged to keep the weekly step routine going and to check in with each other for motivation and accountability. They are already recruiting their employees and families to be part of the BSB eNeRGy Team!

Please contact the Active SWV office to learn more by email at [email protected] or by phone (304) 254-8488.

Partners and Funders

The Active SWV Workplace Wellness program is supported by the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority, Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce, Beckley Area Foundation, The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Try This West Virginia, and the City of Beckley.

Challenge Structure

The Step Tracking Challenge has incentives for both individuals and the group. Participants logged their baseline daily steps before the competition with the goal of increasing their weekly step total by 20%. Employees have been divided into three departmental teams and are competing against one another to win the Workplace Wellness Challenge Trophy. In addition to this department incentive, the individuals with the greatest number of steps and with the most improved step totals will also win prizes. Each department has two “team captains” to serve as champions of the wellness challenge through encouraging participation and providing support to their co-workers.

Jessica, a team captain, increased her steps at a rate of 153.5%.

The Step Tracking Challenge has enhanced the team atmosphere of the Beckley Sanitary Board while stimulating healthy competition and support between co-workers and departmental teams. Since the challenge began, one half of participants reported to be achieving higher step totals each day.

“The Step Challenge has created a competition within the plant. The guys have made it a competition between themselves. They are all the time asking how many steps each other has and seeing who has more. This challenge has really pushed some of the guys to walk more around the plant.” Ronnie McKinney, Beckley Sanitary Board Employee, Team Captain, Plant Team

“I’ve enjoyed that everyone in the department I’m in seems to be very serious about the challenge.” – Jessica Lane, Beckley Sanitary Board Employee, Team Captain


“It’s been neat to see the friendly competition in the office, and especially a lot of encouragement among co-workers!” – Luke Stevens, Beckley Sanitary Board Employee

The Step Tracking Challenge is just one of the initiatives of the Active SWV Workplace Wellness Program at the Beckley Sanitary Board. The program began in 2017 when Active SWV partnered with all City of Beckley Departments to create pilot workplace wellness programs. The Beckley Sanitary Board provides wastewater collection and treatment for the greater Beckley area, and storm water management services in the Beckley urban watershed. The goal of the Beckley Sanitary Board is to protect residents’ property, health and quality of life. The partnership with Active SWV and the Wellness Program are part of BSB’s efforts to provide a healthy and motivational work environment for their staff. 

“Our partnership with Active SWV on the Step Challenge has positively influenced our team to become more active in a fun, competitive way. BSB applauds each employee’s ongoing commitment to improved health.” Jeremiah Johnson, General Manager of the Beckley Sanitary Board

Active SWV partners with and supports local businesses to improve the health of their employees using evidenced-based approaches. The Active SWV Workplace Wellness Programs take a multi-year approach to increase physical activity in the workplace through utilization of the Centers for Disease Control Worksite Health Scorecard to measure results. Active SWV provides technical assistance and connects participating workplaces with the necessary resources to create a customized wellness program for each business. 

“This is an exciting start to the program with almost everyone participating. Our approach gives workplaces choices to meet their needs and interest. This free program is a way to introduce a culture of health in a customized program,” explains Melanie Seiler, Executive Director of Active SWV. For more information on the Active SWV Workplace Wellness Program visit https://activeswv.org/workplace-wellness.

The Step Challenge Results
  • Beckley Sanitary Board walked 11,332,610 steps during the competition.
  • 89.5% of participants improved their weekly step totals.
  • Over 64% of participants completed the target goal for the competition by improving their weekly steps by at least 20%.

The BSB Office/Billing Department won the challenge by improving their team average step counts by 16.3%.

The employees of the BSB are determined to maintain the healthy habits and routines gained in the competition. Over 90% of participants reported their commitment to maintain their increased step goals.

Hear from the Participants

“Do it, it’s worth it. It makes you feel better. It was a fun thing to do and continue.”
“It was a great way to motivate people to be more active. Being healthier only takes one step and I feel like this challenge did just that.”
“I never knew how much I didn’t walk until this competition.”
“I outdo myself every week in the challenge.”
“It has brought more awareness of what I’m doing and the decisions I’m making, in a timely manner.”
“It’s made me aware that you can get extra steps in easily.”
“I’ve enjoyed how everyone in my department seems to be very serious about the challenge.”

Honorable Mention- Gary Jackson of Collections department, with a rate of percent increase of 128%.

Next Steps

All businesses, places of worship, schools, and agencies are invited to build a team for a 5K walk or run event on May 12th at Woodrow Wilson High School for the Active SWV eNeRGy Event sponsored by MedExpress. Mark your calendars and start building your team. Recognition will be given to groups with the largest teams.

The BSB has been challenged to keep the weekly step routine going and to check in with each other for motivation and accountability. They are already recruiting their employees and families to be part of the BSB eNeRGy Team!

Please contact the Active SWV office to learn more by email at [email protected] or by phone (304) 254-8488.

Partners and Funders

The Active SWV Workplace Wellness program is supported by the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority, Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce, Beckley Area Foundation, The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Try This West Virginia, and the City of Beckley.

The City of Beckley Sanitary Board

The Active Southern West Virginia (Active SWV) Workplace Wellness Program at the Beckley Sanitary Board (BSB) launched its pilot Step Tracking Challenge on January 3rd, 2017. Harnessing the excitement of the New Year, this six-week challenge aims to increase the physical activity levels of Beckley Sanitary Board employees during and after work hours. Over 90% of employees participated in the challenge.

Challenge Structure

The Step Tracking Challenge has incentives for both individuals and the group. Participants logged their baseline daily steps before the competition with the goal of increasing their weekly step total by 20%. Employees have been divided into three departmental teams and are competing against one another to win the Workplace Wellness Challenge Trophy. In addition to this department incentive, the individuals with the greatest number of steps and with the most improved step totals will also win prizes. Each department has two “team captains” to serve as champions of the wellness challenge through encouraging participation and providing support to their co-workers.

Jessica, a team captain, increased her steps at a rate of 153.5%.

The Step Tracking Challenge has enhanced the team atmosphere of the Beckley Sanitary Board while stimulating healthy competition and support between co-workers and departmental teams. Since the challenge began, one half of participants reported to be achieving higher step totals each day.

“The Step Challenge has created a competition within the plant. The guys have made it a competition between themselves. They are all the time asking how many steps each other has and seeing who has more. This challenge has really pushed some of the guys to walk more around the plant.” Ronnie McKinney, Beckley Sanitary Board Employee, Team Captain, Plant Team

“I’ve enjoyed that everyone in the department I’m in seems to be very serious about the challenge.” – Jessica Lane, Beckley Sanitary Board Employee, Team Captain


“It’s been neat to see the friendly competition in the office, and especially a lot of encouragement among co-workers!” – Luke Stevens, Beckley Sanitary Board Employee

The Step Tracking Challenge is just one of the initiatives of the Active SWV Workplace Wellness Program at the Beckley Sanitary Board. The program began in 2017 when Active SWV partnered with all City of Beckley Departments to create pilot workplace wellness programs. The Beckley Sanitary Board provides wastewater collection and treatment for the greater Beckley area, and storm water management services in the Beckley urban watershed. The goal of the Beckley Sanitary Board is to protect residents’ property, health and quality of life. The partnership with Active SWV and the Wellness Program are part of BSB’s efforts to provide a healthy and motivational work environment for their staff. 

“Our partnership with Active SWV on the Step Challenge has positively influenced our team to become more active in a fun, competitive way. BSB applauds each employee’s ongoing commitment to improved health.” Jeremiah Johnson, General Manager of the Beckley Sanitary Board

Active SWV partners with and supports local businesses to improve the health of their employees using evidenced-based approaches. The Active SWV Workplace Wellness Programs take a multi-year approach to increase physical activity in the workplace through utilization of the Centers for Disease Control Worksite Health Scorecard to measure results. Active SWV provides technical assistance and connects participating workplaces with the necessary resources to create a customized wellness program for each business. 

“This is an exciting start to the program with almost everyone participating. Our approach gives workplaces choices to meet their needs and interest. This free program is a way to introduce a culture of health in a customized program,” explains Melanie Seiler, Executive Director of Active SWV. For more information on the Active SWV Workplace Wellness Program visit https://activeswv.org/workplace-wellness.

The Step Challenge Results
  • Beckley Sanitary Board walked 11,332,610 steps during the competition.
  • 89.5% of participants improved their weekly step totals.
  • Over 64% of participants completed the target goal for the competition by improving their weekly steps by at least 20%.

The BSB Office/Billing Department won the challenge by improving their team average step counts by 16.3%.

The employees of the BSB are determined to maintain the healthy habits and routines gained in the competition. Over 90% of participants reported their commitment to maintain their increased step goals.

Hear from the Participants

“Do it, it’s worth it. It makes you feel better. It was a fun thing to do and continue.”
“It was a great way to motivate people to be more active. Being healthier only takes one step and I feel like this challenge did just that.”
“I never knew how much I didn’t walk until this competition.”
“I outdo myself every week in the challenge.”
“It has brought more awareness of what I’m doing and the decisions I’m making, in a timely manner.”
“It’s made me aware that you can get extra steps in easily.”
“I’ve enjoyed how everyone in my department seems to be very serious about the challenge.”

Honorable Mention- Gary Jackson of Collections department, with a rate of percent increase of 128%.

Next Steps

All businesses, places of worship, schools, and agencies are invited to build a team for a 5K walk or run event on May 12th at Woodrow Wilson High School for the Active SWV eNeRGy Event sponsored by MedExpress. Mark your calendars and start building your team. Recognition will be given to groups with the largest teams.

The BSB has been challenged to keep the weekly step routine going and to check in with each other for motivation and accountability. They are already recruiting their employees and families to be part of the BSB eNeRGy Team!

Please contact the Active SWV office to learn more by email at [email protected] or by phone (304) 254-8488.

Partners and Funders

The Active SWV Workplace Wellness program is supported by the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority, Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce, Beckley Area Foundation, The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Try This West Virginia, and the City of Beckley.

Active SWV Workplace Wellness Program

This program provides structure and support for a multi-year approach to increase physical activity in the workplace by utilizing a score card to measure results.

Participation will also connect workplaces to the already successful Active SWV programs; Community Captains offering free outdoor physical activity weekly programs, elementary school Kids Run Clubs, the Bike/Walk SWV advocacy model, and high quality signature events.

The City of Beckley Sanitary Board

The Active Southern West Virginia (Active SWV) Workplace Wellness Program at the Beckley Sanitary Board (BSB) launched its pilot Step Tracking Challenge on January 3rd, 2017. Harnessing the excitement of the New Year, this six-week challenge aims to increase the physical activity levels of Beckley Sanitary Board employees during and after work hours. Over 90% of employees participated in the challenge.

Challenge Structure

The Step Tracking Challenge has incentives for both individuals and the group. Participants logged their baseline daily steps before the competition with the goal of increasing their weekly step total by 20%. Employees have been divided into three departmental teams and are competing against one another to win the Workplace Wellness Challenge Trophy. In addition to this department incentive, the individuals with the greatest number of steps and with the most improved step totals will also win prizes. Each department has two “team captains” to serve as champions of the wellness challenge through encouraging participation and providing support to their co-workers.

Jessica, a team captain, increased her steps at a rate of 153.5%.

The Step Tracking Challenge has enhanced the team atmosphere of the Beckley Sanitary Board while stimulating healthy competition and support between co-workers and departmental teams. Since the challenge began, one half of participants reported to be achieving higher step totals each day.

“The Step Challenge has created a competition within the plant. The guys have made it a competition between themselves. They are all the time asking how many steps each other has and seeing who has more. This challenge has really pushed some of the guys to walk more around the plant.” Ronnie McKinney, Beckley Sanitary Board Employee, Team Captain, Plant Team

“I’ve enjoyed that everyone in the department I’m in seems to be very serious about the challenge.” – Jessica Lane, Beckley Sanitary Board Employee, Team Captain


“It’s been neat to see the friendly competition in the office, and especially a lot of encouragement among co-workers!” – Luke Stevens, Beckley Sanitary Board Employee

The Step Tracking Challenge is just one of the initiatives of the Active SWV Workplace Wellness Program at the Beckley Sanitary Board. The program began in 2017 when Active SWV partnered with all City of Beckley Departments to create pilot workplace wellness programs. The Beckley Sanitary Board provides wastewater collection and treatment for the greater Beckley area, and storm water management services in the Beckley urban watershed. The goal of the Beckley Sanitary Board is to protect residents’ property, health and quality of life. The partnership with Active SWV and the Wellness Program are part of BSB’s efforts to provide a healthy and motivational work environment for their staff. 

“Our partnership with Active SWV on the Step Challenge has positively influenced our team to become more active in a fun, competitive way. BSB applauds each employee’s ongoing commitment to improved health.” Jeremiah Johnson, General Manager of the Beckley Sanitary Board

Active SWV partners with and supports local businesses to improve the health of their employees using evidenced-based approaches. The Active SWV Workplace Wellness Programs take a multi-year approach to increase physical activity in the workplace through utilization of the Centers for Disease Control Worksite Health Scorecard to measure results. Active SWV provides technical assistance and connects participating workplaces with the necessary resources to create a customized wellness program for each business. 

“This is an exciting start to the program with almost everyone participating. Our approach gives workplaces choices to meet their needs and interest. This free program is a way to introduce a culture of health in a customized program,” explains Melanie Seiler, Executive Director of Active SWV. For more information on the Active SWV Workplace Wellness Program visit https://activeswv.org/workplace-wellness.

The Step Challenge Results
  • Beckley Sanitary Board walked 11,332,610 steps during the competition.
  • 89.5% of participants improved their weekly step totals.
  • Over 64% of participants completed the target goal for the competition by improving their weekly steps by at least 20%.

The BSB Office/Billing Department won the challenge by improving their team average step counts by 16.3%.

The employees of the BSB are determined to maintain the healthy habits and routines gained in the competition. Over 90% of participants reported their commitment to maintain their increased step goals.

Hear from the Participants

“Do it, it’s worth it. It makes you feel better. It was a fun thing to do and continue.”
“It was a great way to motivate people to be more active. Being healthier only takes one step and I feel like this challenge did just that.”
“I never knew how much I didn’t walk until this competition.”
“I outdo myself every week in the challenge.”
“It has brought more awareness of what I’m doing and the decisions I’m making, in a timely manner.”
“It’s made me aware that you can get extra steps in easily.”
“I’ve enjoyed how everyone in my department seems to be very serious about the challenge.”

Honorable Mention- Gary Jackson of Collections department, with a rate of percent increase of 128%.

Next Steps

All businesses, places of worship, schools, and agencies are invited to build a team for a 5K walk or run event on May 12th at Woodrow Wilson High School for the Active SWV eNeRGy Event sponsored by MedExpress. Mark your calendars and start building your team. Recognition will be given to groups with the largest teams.

The BSB has been challenged to keep the weekly step routine going and to check in with each other for motivation and accountability. They are already recruiting their employees and families to be part of the BSB eNeRGy Team!

Please contact the Active SWV office to learn more by email at [email protected] or by phone (304) 254-8488.

Partners and Funders

The Active SWV Workplace Wellness program is supported by the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority, Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce, Beckley Area Foundation, The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Try This West Virginia, and the City of Beckley.