Groups plan employee wellness events in October

Employers looking to boost profits, productivity and worker satisfaction can choose from two opportunities to increase their employees’ health and well-being by implementing workplace wellness programs.

The Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce will present a day-long “Well Workplace University” program from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4, at Jeff’s Catering in Brewer. Keynote speaker is Dr. Craig W. Curtis, a founding partner of Sunbury Medical Associates and the medical director of HealthWORKS Occupational and Sports Medicine, both headquartered in Bangor. The cost is $90 for Chamber members and $125 for nonmembers. Call 947-0307 for more information or to register.

On Thursday, Oct. 19, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Maine will host a one-day conference on improving the health of Maine’s work force through workplace wellness programs. Anthem is the largest provider of employer-based health insurance in Maine. Speakers include experts on employee health from the University of Michigan and the American Journal of Health Promotion.

A panel of Maine businesspeople whose wellness programs have produced positive results will include Peter Vigue of Cianbro in Pittsfield, Dan Dauphinee of Northeast Log Homes in Kenduskeag, and Kathi Teel of the Bangor Regional Wellness Council and co-owner of the Castine Boat Co.

The cost is $30 and registration by Oct. 13 is required. For more information, phone 622-5330 or visit www.anthem.com/maine/conference.