LAKEWOOD (May 16, 2001) — As part of National Employee Health and Fitness Day, Governor Bob Taft today toured Bonne Bell’s corporate headquarters and recognized the company for its innovative physical fitness and senior programs. During his visit to the cosmetics company, Taft met Evelyn Cicerchi, a 90-year-old Bonne Bell employee, and learned more about the company’s unique Senior Work Program. Launched four years ago, the program began with 16 seniors and has now grown to include 86 employees, who range in age from 58 to 90. The average age of the group is 70 years. Taft also toured the on-site fitness facilities that include Nautilus weight machines, stationary bikes and other fitness equipment. The Lakewood facility offers Jazzercise classes and a weekly “early bird” run through the Rocky River Metropolitan Park with a healthy breakfast served at the end of the run. Bonne Bell also operates a Westlake facility that includes a two-mile track, tennis and volleyball courts, and an exercise room. “Bonne Bell is leading the way in promoting physical fitness and healthy lifestyles for workers,” Taft said. “By encouraging employees to exercise and eat right, the company is helping them lead healthier, happier lives.” In 1977, as a result of his own commitment to health, Vice Chairman Jess Bell started a fitness program for his employees. To promote the program, incentives were given to employees who lost weight and quit smoking. Also today, Taft participated in a one-mile walk with hundreds of state employees and downtown office workers and issued an executive order creating an interagency task force to develop fitness and wellness initiatives for all state employees.