South Carolina Healthy Business Challenge expands to Midlands.

The South Carolina Healthy Business Challenge officially launched the Midlands Region on Wednesday, rounding out the statewide expansion of a program developed to assist businesses and organizations in establishing work environments that promote a culture of wellbeing and support a healthy, thriving workforce.

Over 100 participants at the Palmetto Club in Columbia, representing businesses of all sectors and sizes located in or near the Midlands, learned about the free new program.

Attendees were welcomed by Mike Harris, vice president of BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Major Group Sales, Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann, South Carolina Chamber CEO Bob Morgan, and SC Biz News Executive Editor Jason Thomas, as SC Biz News serves as SCHBC's media sponsor.

"I'm so grateful for the support we've received from our members, stakeholders and leaders who see the importance of a healthy workforce to promote a healthy economy and healthy state." Susan Johnson, founder and director of SCHBC, said in a news release. "I believe the collective passion across all represented organizations is having a significant impact on the quality of life in South Carolina."

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At the event Johnson, who also is the director of health promotion at the Medical University of South Carolina, provided a history and overview of the program, inviting Rozalynn Goodwin, vice president of engagement with the South Carolina Hospital Association to the stage to expand on SCHA's 12-year strategic partnership and shared vision to build a healthy workforce in South Carolina, according to the release.

Featured speaker, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, discussed worksite well-being as an economic driver for the state of South Carolina and congratulated SCHBC and attendees for their commitment to prioritizing health at work, the release stated

Member Spotlight Wes Carter, president, Atlantic Packaging, shared how his organization prioritizes health through corporate wellness, healthy partnerships, advocacy and community and sustainability initiatives. Michelle McCullum, president and CEO, South Carolina National Heritage Corridor, rounded out the slate of speakers by...