Healthier Team Members, Healthier Bottom Line

    DALLAS, TX, November 13, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- From an in-house H1N1 taskforce to regular cash bonuses and gift incentives to a Chaplain's department, Interstate Batteries is resolute about one thing: ensuring their employees are happy at work.

In 2007, the company launched and implemented company wellness programs that motivate employees and promote healthy living year round. Annually, the company devotes an entire fun-filled day called "EGAD" or "Everyone's Gathering & Appreciation Day", in their Dallas and Des Moines headquarters to inform them about the state of the business and industry and to recognize team member contributions. At EGAD, Team Member of the year commendations are handed out, in addition to shopping sprees, recognition by Interstate Batteries CEO Carlos Sepulveda and other highly-coveted awards.

"Interstate Batteries is a company that cares about us and the well-being of our families," said Business Training Manager Lorraine Crandall. "Focusing on team members and wellness programs creates a great working environment and at the end of the day, we all benefit."

That approach is working. The Dallas Morning News just ranked Interstate Batteries #13 in its list of "Top 100 Places to Work." The annual list highlights large and small organizations that excel at creating a dynamic, supportive and inclusive workplace.

The company also addressed Swine Flu concerns head on and launched a first-of-its-kind in-house H1N1 taskforce. They implemented a healthy workplace policy and avoided loss of productivity due to illness. One employee from each department serves on the task force to deliver relevant news and practical preventative measures like providing hand sanitizers to its entire workforce, from Los Angeles to New York. One of the group's first wins: all 1,300 Interstate Batteries employees will be able to receive free H1N1 vaccines through the help of its healthcare provider, CIGNA and the company's flu reimbursement program. The task force will also address rising health concerns and departmental contingency plans will be developed in the event of a widespread epidemic.

"We all feel the strain of our tumultuous economy and are increasingly concerned about the flu," said Financial Analyst Greg Necastro. "So, it's extremely important to me to be supported by an employer who is willing to go above and beyond to make our work environment the absolute best it can be. That's the culture of Interstate Batteries. It starts at the top and trickles down."

For life balance, the company has an on-site Chaplain's Department offering programs such as The Family Care Fund, which assists team members with immediate, short-term financial need; the Camp Scholarship Program which helps send kids to summer camp; and the Corporate Gift, which supports team members during life events like weddings, funerals, and the birth of a child. The Chaplain's department also provides numerous opportunities to help employees contribute to communities locally and abroad by feeding the homeless, blood donations and mission trips around the world.

About Interstate Batteries
Founded in 1952 and based in Dallas, Texas, Interstate Batteries is comprised of a privately held group of companies who sell, market and distribute all types of batteries and related products. Its member companies operate retail All Battery Center stores, provide franchising opportunity and support, and distribution through a state-of-the-art distribution center in Des Moines, Iowa. Interstate Batteries also provides products and services for motive and critical power needs through PowerCare Service and Solutions, Inc. Interstate Batteries is "#1 in Batteries," best known for its system of nearly 300 distributors who service more than 200,000 locations selling automotive, marine/RV, commercial and other types of SLI products throughout the United States, Canada and select international locations.

Since Interstate's beginnings, recycling batteries has been a key part of the services the company offers. Last year alone, Interstate returned more than a billion pounds of lead-acid batteries to government-regulated smelters across the United States for recycling. Interstate Batteries also offers batteries and information online at www.InterstateBatteries.com.

Media Contacts:
Carrie Steinberg or Lauren Jones-McClain
(214) 379-7000
[email protected]
[email protected]

# # #