OPM’s Leading Healthcare Initiatives To Be Featured At Berlin Meeting Of Bertelsmann Stiftung’s International Enterprise for Health Network

In December of 2002, Offset Paperback Manufacturers(OPM) was one of the first printing companies in the U.S. to create an employee supported Health Care Commission designed to educate and train its workforce on issues related to health and preventive medicine. The Commission was formed by OPM Executive Vice President Joe Makarewicz, who continues to spearhead the group’s initiatives aimed at finding ways to control healthcare costs while simultaneously focusing on employee wellness and healthy lifestyles for the whole family.

Last June, OPM designated all of its facilities, properties and grounds “Smoke and Tobacco Free Environments.” Then in September, the company was honored with an award for its ongoing efforts to “improve and develop new initiatives to enhance the quality of work life for their employees" by the Pennsylvania Labor Management Council. Now, because of its enduring leadership and “health activity benchmark” within Bertelsmann, OPM has been invited by the Bertelsmann Foundation to participate in its October Healthcare Summit, where seventeen nations will come together to discuss the best practices of health management in companies under the headline “Driving Business Excellence through Corporate Culture and Health.”

As the architect for the Commission and OPM’s unique program involving employees, insurers, the medical community and management, Makarewicz will address the Foundation’s summit participants on the importance of partnership and its strong connection to solid financial results. Makarewicz will also discuss OPM’s plans for achieving additional cost savings and share some of his ideas for motivating and encouraging employees.

Last Saturday, OPM held its first annual 5K Run/Walk for employees and their families at the Penn State University campus in Wilkes-Barre. The event, attended by more than 100 employees and family members, was kicked off by a 15-minute warm-up routine led by a local fitness professional. Following the session, the 5K Run/Walk began and wound itself through the beautiful Northeastern Pennsylvania country side. The healthcare event featured a local disc jockey playing lively “motivational” music while attendees enjoyed healthy snacks, social interaction and several award presentations. “All in all, the first annual event was a huge success,” said Adam Crahall, Director of Human Resources at OPM and a member of the Commission. “The employees and family members who attended were invigorated and excited about the event and being able to spend some “healthy” time with their family members and co-workers.”