 We meet on a monthly basis to share best practices and different things that they've done within their work sites. Through Crow Wing Energize, a workplace wellness committee has formed at many local businesses. Not just healthy eating and not just active living, but promoting resiliency and learning how to bounce back and reduce stigma of mental health and all the stress and pressures of the world in our workplaces. Even though the programs run all year long, the participation tends to increase during this time of year. There are still a lot of people who, at the beginning of the year, they kind of reflect and go, okay, it's winter, I just got through Thanksgiving, I just got through Christmas. Wow, my jeans are kind of tight. Instead of heading to the vending machine, many employees at Crow Wing Power head to the refrigerator that's stacked full of healthy options. It's on an honor system to see you. They're all labeled with pricing, you put it in the bag and off you go. And for committee member Laura, it's all about motivating others and leading by example. I've lost 75 pounds and I've kept that off the last probably 12 years. So I've seen my fluctuations up and down and I know how hard it is. Crow Wing Power has also added some new tools for employees to stay active while at their desk, including their increasingly popular stand-up desk. Love, love, love it. And for days when it's a little warmer out, they have a walking trail on the property. That's a half a mile walk, so if you can make it around twice, you get a mile in on your lunch hour. Other businesses like CTC, Mills Fleet Farm and about 20 others in the area have put healthy initiatives in place. If we have a healthy workforce, we will be more productive. We will have less time away from our desks because we're going to be healthy and on top of it usually is a trickle effect for our families. Businesses are creating a healthy and happy workforce. Reporting in Brainerd, Sarah Winckelman, Lakeland News.