DALTON, GA Feb. 27, 2009 – Starting with the new year, all 6,000+ Beaulieu associates have been on the move … literally. In a company-wide effort aimed at improving everyone’s health at the world’s third largest carpet producer, Ralph Boe, CEO of Beaulieu of America, kicked-off “Ralph Boe’s Million Mile Walking Challenge”.

In January alone, associates logged 22,635 miles while working off holiday calories. With the goal of 1 million miles by January 1, 2010, associates will have to “step it up”, but Boe is confident they’ll get there. “I’ve reminded them that they’ll enjoy a healthier body and better quality of life for the effort, plus we’ll get an opportunity to lower our health insurance premiums,” stated the health-conscious carpet executive. “That’s a pretty good motivator.”

The Million Mile Challenge is part of Beaulieu’s goal to be the employer of choice in floor covering and the excitement is spreading. Beaulieu walkers will start showing up at local run/walks like the Bill Gregory Healthcare Classic on May 2 in Dalton and on running trails as far away as Canada. Joe Gleaton, Director of Credit and Collections at Beaulieu of Canada pledged to run 1,000 miles in 2009.

In response to Beaulieu’s health initiative, the Northwest Georgia Healthcare Partnership launched a community-wide “Two Million Mile Challenge”. “If Beaulieu can achieve one million miles, there’s no reason why the rest of the community cannot try to match that,” declared Ali Donahue, marketing coordinator for the Healthcare Partnership. “The community-wide challenge is virtually identical to Beaulieu’s except on a larger-scale.” “They say exercise is a good stress reliever, too. The timing couldn’t be better.” observed the floor covering CEO.


For more information, contact Patricia Flavin
patricia.flavin@beaulieugroup.com