PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS

Let's Celebrate!

Achieving Blue Zones Project^® Approval takes everyone’s support. Congratulations to the following organizations for becoming Blue Zones Project recognized! 

   Worksites

Naples Botanical Garden

To achieve Blue Zones Project approval, the Garden opened their community learning classes for employee participation. These classes cover well-being topics such as Tai Chi, Yoga and Plant-based cooking classes. In addition, the Garden has organized walking Moais, created a walking map with a step count for the whole campus, formed a wellness committee and proposed policies for healthy food options at employee functions.

  Restaurants

The Bowl

To achieve Blue Zones Project approval, The Bowl selected from a series of pledge items and created new ways make healthy choices easier for customers and employees. One of those simple changes they implemented included delivering organic acai and pitaya bowls to local schools, like Community School of Naples and Seacrest Country Day School, so that students could have a healthy alternative in their morning or afternoon meals. When restaurants participate with Blue Zones Project they help make the healthy choice the easy choice for their customers. The Bowl also partners with organizations like YogaCAN and Donation Yoga Naples to encourage natural movement and healthy eating by hosting outdoor yoga classes and offering healthy snacks.

To increase well-being among the staff, The Bowl partakes in monthly dinners or group events, like a yoga class, to downshift and connect with one another. To further positivity and foster well-being in the community, guests can find daily affirmations posted on the wall or scattered on  tables at the cafe. Finally, The Bowl has committed to “going green” by only using 100% compostable bowls, cups, lids, spoons, and straws.

Cosmos

By adding additional menu options, this local favorite helped to make the healthy the choice the easy choice when dining out. "Becoming Blue Zones Project Approved has helped Cosmos entire staff. As a whole, Cosmos is now much more aware of, not only food choices but, lifestyle decisions and how they can affect daily living. With the steps we have taken so far, we have had positive feedback regarding the “no smoking” on the outdoor patio and providing a space for our customers and staff to safely park their bicycles at our new bike rack," stated GianLuca Corso, owner of Cosmos. 

Organizations

NAMI Collier County

To achieve Blue Zones Project recognition, NAMI of Collier County began offering healthy, nutritious food options at employee meetings, special events, and at the Sarah Ann Drop-In Center. NAMI encourages its staff to participate in outdoor activities, mindfulness breaks throughout the work day to relieve stress, and regular physical exercise. As a business providing health care and other benefits to staff, NAMI encourages healthy life choices to improve the overall well-being of employees.

 Central Auto Center

"In our everyday lives we incorporate many of the Power 9 principles. Our families and the health of our families is very important to us. Since we have a small staff, we encourage them to build relationships and maintain their overall wellness and strive to take these lessons back into their homes after the work day is done. Healthy habits in the workplace spill over into their family life as well," Ruben Bedoya, owner of Central Auto Center.

 The Glades

The Glade’s implemented Blue Zones Project to build upon its vision of promoting a spirit of community while increasing healthy options for all, including employees. New initiatives include healthy eating programs, forming a welcoming committee for new residents, participating in Walking Moais and cooking classes, placing herbs and flowers around the office, and having exercise equipment outdoors.

Quail Creek

"One of the first steps was to look at how to make our group fitness classes more appealing to encourage fitness and socializing with friends. We were able to offer 20 group fitness classes on a complimentary basis to Members. We also began offering private, small groups where friends could get together and work privately with a personal trainer. What a difference this has made! We are seeing more participation and our Members are making an effort to develop a healthier lifestyle with their friends. We also began tracking the weight loss efforts of our Members. One Member in particular began training two to three times per week, changed her eating habits, lost more than 30 pounds and dropped three sizes! Others have followed suit. We offer the same program to our staff in the off-season and have noticed significant changes as well. We strive to continue to grow and implement new programs that will benefit our Members’ overall wellness. Blue Zones Project has helped boost these programs to a whole new level. We look forward to a healthy future," stated Teri Brody, Fitness Operations Manager.