How Healthy is Your Business? by Will Phillips November 2009 Most top clubs are seeing a decline or flatness in net membership growth. One untapped member source in most clubs is corporate memberships. Many businesses are well aware that reductions in staff put more stress and work on those remaining. 'So how do they maintain morale?' A recent article in Fortune Magazine (November 9, 2009) reports that for every 1.0% drop in employment there is a 0.5% drop in the death rate. Why? Who knows for sure, but healthier lifestyles are growing. A concerted, professional approach to corporate sales in your community could have large payoffs. This article gives you two resources for corporate sales. In September, Inc. Magazine online (the daily resource for Entrepreneurs) presented a ten-question quiz to assess the healthiness quotient of a business. Are you a health-savvy boss or should your employees audition for the next Fast Food Nation documentary? The introduction delineates why you should care: Between rising costs and the possibility of health care reform, business owners are being forced to reconsider how to handle employees' benefits. New research shows that 76 percent of adults are trying to eat healthier in restaurants now than they were two years ago, and some employers are starting to offer more incentives. For example, cold-hard cash, gift cards, or charging less for a health plan to motivate workers to live a healthier lifestyle. In light of these trends, Inc. thought they'd provide you with a 'stress test' of their own making. The quiz is followed with six suggestions on improving the health of your office. This is a great, business focused tool for entry into the executive suites of your local corporations. Take the quiz. You can calculate your company's wellness score. The quiz is a bit lighthearted and humorous. This may be the best way to gain entry to a corporate human resources or executive suite office to talk seriously about employee stress and health and what your club can offer to address these critical corporate issues. For another take on how to gain entry to the executive suite, see a sophisticated presentation and an introductory letter prepared by REX Chair Justin Tamsett.