Ignite. With the name of this event and the overall light motif of the awards, we hope to spotlight the personal and organizational stories of incredible wellbeing champions. By celebrating their achievements and sharing their journey with our members and partners, we hope to spark inspiration for even greater wellness achievements in our communities.
The full video of this year’s livestream celebration will be available for our members in the Portal.
The William M. Kizer Light of Wellness Awards honor William M. Kizer, 1925-2017. Mr. Kizer pioneered the worksite wellness movement. He is Chairman Emeritus of Central States Indemnity and founded the Wellness Council of the Midlands, previously WELLCOM and now The Wellbeing Partners, in 1982. Thirty-seven years later, the mission continues reaching thousands of employees across the Midwest. The Light of Wellness Award was named in his honor in 2001.
Recognizes employees who now lead healthier lifestyles and have made a significant wellness transformation in any dimension of wellness as a result of participating in their company’s wellness program.
Celebrates employees who have been steadfast supporters and active participants in their company’s wellness program. They inspire and serve as role models for others.
Recognizes business and community leaders for providing encouragement, time, and resources to create a healthy workplace for all employees. Recipients are role models for strategically moving the wellness program to a top business priority. This award is specifically designated for senior level executives.
The Sister Norita Cooney Illuminate Awards honor Sister Norita Cooney, RSM, 1939-2011. Sr. Cooney served as the first president of the Sisters of Mercy West Midwest Community and was instrumental in the founding of Live Well Omaha in 1995 and Alegent Health in 1996. She was known for being a champion of the vulnerable and caring for the dignity of people, and was awarded with our inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award posthumously in 2019. In 2020 the Illuminate Awards were named in her honor as they will continue to recognize leaders in community health and innovation.
Honors a leader who has dedicated a lifetime to the achievement of healthier communities for all.
Honors a key product, service, or other deliverable that a person or organization brought to the market to advance a culture of health.
Honors a promising upcoming leader who demonstrates integrity, ability and willingness to lift up the voice of the unheard, and passion for the health of all.
Trek Up the Tower is the region’s leading stair climb, drawing about 2,000 people each year. Participants can run as individuals as well as part of a team, and honors are awarded to the fastest teams. At Ignite, we honor our workplace teams who take the opportunity to build connections and promote physical activity with their coworkers.
1st Place – ilumin Eye Care Center
2nd Place – Thiele Geotech (pictured above)
3rd Place – Starting Line Crew
1st Place – Medical Solutions (pictured above)
2nd Place – National Indemnity Company
3rd Place – CHI Health
