NEW HAMBURG, Ont. — Erb Group has received a Gold Award from the Waterloo Region’s Healthy Workplace Program.

The program recognizes workplaces in the Waterloo region that demonstrate a “strong commitment to improving the health of their employees.” Companies are evaluated using a points system based on wellness activities and programs at the workplace, Erb announced.

The company received a Silver award last year under the same program.

“This is a great accomplishment for Erb,” said David Dietrich, vice-president of human resources. “The health of our employees is very important and always top of mind, especially being in the trucking industry where health issues are a rising concern.”

Erb earned the award in part because of its Highway to Health Wellness Program, which consists of presentations on health topics including cholesterol, physical activity and smoking. Employees can review the programs online and they also receive hard copy resources.

This June, Erb launched its Soles in Motion Fitness Challenge, a 12-week program that encouraged employees to use pedometers to track their steps and physical activity using a Web-based program. Employees were able to track their progress online as they made a “virtual journey” from Erb’s Montreal terminal to its Winnipeg terminal.

Teams were created to promote some friendly competition, Erb officials said. The most improved challenge participants were then rewarded with prizes.

Erb Group is now working on a Winter Fitness Challenge as well as healthy eating initiatives and will have access to an employee cookbook featuring healthy meals.