BANGOR – Greater Bangor is on its way to being designated a “Well Region” – a community with a network of key businesses that actively promote the health and productivity of their employees.

The Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce announced last week that five major area employers, including the Bangor Daily News, have been recognized by the Chicago-based Wellness Councils of America, or Welcoa, for their worker health programs.

In addition to the NEWS, other area companies recognized earlier this month by Welcoa include:

. Cianbro Corp., a Pittsfield-based construction services company.

. Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor.

. Architectural firm WBRC in Bangor.

. Northeastern Log Homes in Kenduskeag.

While only these five companies will receive awards early next year for their on-site employee health programs, about 60 businesses are enrolled with Welcoa as members of the Bangor Region Wellness Council. These companies represent a total of about 20,000 employees, according to program director Ben Morse of the Bangor Chamber.

In order for Greater Bangor to qualify as a “Well Region,” Morse explained Monday, 20 companies representing 20 percent of the total work force in the area must be Welcoa award-winners.

“It will send a message that Bangor is a healthy place to live and work with a work force of healthy, productive employees,” Morse said. The designation is a tool for recruiting new businesses to the area, he said.

In the long term, a healthy work force translates to a healthier population overall, Morse said, a factor that should help drive down the cost of health insurance. Insurance costs are higher in Maine than in many other areas of the country, and in eastern and northern Maine the rates are higher than in other parts of the state, he said. Higher insurance rates are due in part to a greater incidence of preventable conditions related to tobacco use, poor dietary habits and inactivity.

The NEWS is new to the Welcoa awards lineup, and will receive the organization’s bronze award at a ceremony in March. Northeastern Log Homes, EMMC and WRBC will get silver awards, and for the second year running, Cianbro takes the gold for its broad commitment to supporting the health of its workers.

Jennifer Holmes, manager of the NEWS human resources department, said Monday the company last year offered personal health assessments provided by professionals from EMMC, flu immunizations and access to weight-loss programs. The company also provides free smoking cessation products, a bowl of fresh fruit by the coffee machine and an informal daily exercise challenge for its approximately 350 employees. Additionally, the NEWS’ bronze award application points to updated heating and ventilation systems, ergonomic furnishings, clear safety policies and the existence of an indoor walking track.

A BDN wellness team, with members representing all the company’s departments, selected the employee services based on a company-wide health survey, Holmes said. The wellness team also will track worker participation in the coming year and make changes as needed.

While many more activities and services could be provided to improve employee health and safety, she said, the company must get the “biggest bang for the buck” and address the most pressing needs first. For example, she said, while some employees have expressed interest in having an on-site workout room, such a facility would likely be most attractive to those who are already health conscious. Helping longtime tobacco users give up their habits or encouraging workers to identify their personal health risks will have a bigger impact, Holmes said.

“Ultimately, we hope to see full participation in all our interventions, a healthier population, increased productivity and decreased health care spending,” Holmes said.

Regional wellness council director Morse said it costs a company about $350 per year to gain access to the planning and evaluation resources of the Wellness Councils of America. Morse will facilitate a one-day Fall Well Workplace University at Husson College on Oct. 13. More information is available by calling 947-0307, or on the Web at www.bangorregion.com/wellness.htm.