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AMHERST, N.Y. – Buffalo Business First named ˿����Ƶ College a finalist in its 2016 Western New York Healthiest Employers program, making it the only area college to be honored on the sixth annual list.

The college was recognized as a finalist in the large employer category (250-999 employees) for its commitment to creating a healthy workplace in six key categories, including programming and interventions, leadership commitment, strategic planning, foundational components, reporting and analysis, and communication and marketing. There were a total of 31 finalists in four organization size categories.

“This achievement demonstrates that we have made great strides in promoting the health and well-being of our faculty and staff,” said ˿����Ƶ President Gary A. Olson. “We have worked hard to create a culture of good health at ˿����Ƶ that emphasizes overall wellness and encourages our faculty and staff to make healthy lifestyle choices.”

In its health initiatives, ˿����Ƶ has focused on exercise, good nutrition and healthy foods, stress reduction activities, wellness resources and events, and various other activities during the year.   

“˿����Ƶ faculty and staff have embraced our wellness efforts and are dedicated to being a part of a healthy workforce,” said Kelly Pogore, assistant director of human resources, who oversees the wellness program and accepted the award on behalf of the college. “We truly care about the health and well-being of faculty and staff and provide many opportunities to help them reach their individual wellness goals.”

Pogore, a Lancaster resident, was joined at the awards ceremony by Samantha Maiarana of East Amherst, human resources associate and student employment coordinator.