S&S Earns Worksite Health Award from BC&BS

Starkweather & Shepley earns Worksite Health Award from Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island and the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce

Starkweather & Shepley Insurance Brokerage Inc. (S&S), was recognized with an exemplary Worksite Health Award from Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) and the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce (the Chamber) for effective programs encouraging employee health and well-being in a meaningful way.

Starkweather & Shepley’s employees are taking the meaning of “healthy competition” to a whole new level. As part of the wellness incentive program, the firm offers, employees at S&S can track their daily steps—and compare totals with their colleagues—on the Virgin Pulse^® online app.

“It’s pretty impressive,” says Florence DuPerry, HR Manager for S&S. “I am so excited to have a group of employees who take the lead and champion their goals. It’s great to see people getting value out of our wellness program. All true champions who say they’re happier and feel better since they started using the wellness program to push themselves—and each other—to better health.”

Starkweather & Shepley was one of close to 60 Rhode Island businesses honored by BCBSRI and the Chamber with a Worksite Health Award at breakfast attended by hundreds of state business leaders. The event celebrated local businesses that have demonstrated a commitment to improving Rhode Islanders’ overall health through innovative wellness programs, as companies and individuals.

“As a not-for-profit committed to the health of all Rhode Islanders, we’re delighted to continue our partnership with the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce as presenting sponsor of the 25^th annual Worksite Health Awards,” said Melissa Cummings, executive vice president, and chief customer officer of BCBSRI. “This event includes the opportunity to learn from each other’s successes and this year we have launched a new opportunity to highlight wellness achievers, companies that have taken unique, innovative and creative approaches to prioritize wellness and helping employees achieve and maintain their health goals.”

“By increasing morale and production, and decreasing healthcare costs and sick leave, worksite health programs are a win for all involved. We applaud Starkweather & Shepley for committing to invest in the wellness of their team and for inspiring more Rhode Island businesses to find creative ways to help their employees’ live better, healthier and happier lives. We encourage other companies to follow their lead,” said Laurie White, president of the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce.

About Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (bcbsri.com) is a non-profit, community-focused health plan founded in 1939 to help Rhode Islanders finance their healthcare needs. Today, that’s still a big part of what we’re all about. We are committed to improving the health and peace of mind of our nearly 400,000 members by facilitating their access to affordable, high-quality healthcare. Our goal is to improve the quality of life of our customers and of the people of Rhode Island by improving their health for generations to come. We are an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. Listen to BCBSRI’s podcast, The Rhode to Health, at soundcloud.com/therhodetohealth.

About the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce is Rhode Island’s only statewide chamber. The Chamber is the hub of connections for Rhode Island businesses of all sizes, in all industries and in all sectors. For more information, visit www.provchamber.com, follow us on Twitter @Provchamber, and like us on Facebook.

About Starkweather & Shepley Insurance Brokerage, Inc.

Established in 1879, Starkweather & Shepley is presently the largest independent agency in Rhode Island and the 57^th largest Insurance brokerage firm in the United States.  Starkweather & Shepley, held in Trust since 1935, ensures the firm will remain privately-held in perpetuity, providing certainty to clients and associates alike. The firm offers commercial and personal insurance, health and employee benefits, surety bonding, and risk management services. These services are provided nationally and internationally, through its partnership with Assurex Global.  Headquartered in East Providence, RI, Starkweather has additional branch offices in Bristol, Pawcatuck and Shelton, CT; Westwood, Sturbridge, Sagamore Beach, and Martha’s Vineyard, MA: Palm Beach Gardens and Ft. Myers, FL; and Virginia Beach, VA.