Chamber Hosts First NetWalk of the Year

The predicted rain didn’t keep more than 45 walkers from celebrating National Walking Day at the NetWalk with the Chamber on April 6. The 1.25 mile NetWalk was held on the grounds of The University of Akron Wayne College in Orrville.

NetWalk with the Chamber provides an opportunity for Orrville Area Chamber of Commerce members to build business relationships (network) while benefiting from an improved sense of well-being associated with walking.

The Orrville Area Chamber of Commerce and Growing Healthy Habits Community have partnered on this innovative networking experience as part of the Chamber's 2022 Wellness Initiative.

A key component of the program is participation from Corporate Wellness Champions. Corporate Wellness Champions promote health and wellness in the workplace by bringing their employees together for the NetWalk each month. 

The Will-Burt Company was the first to pledge their support as a Corporate Wellness Partner.

“One of Will-Burt’s main focuses is the wellbeing of its employee owners,” said Deborah Webb, Benefits Manager, The Will-Burt Company. “We have had a Wellness Program in place for several years and this year we made the NetWalk with the Chamber one of the activities that counts towards our wellness program.”

The Will-Burt Company had more than 20 employees attend the NetWalk.

“My coworkers and I really enjoyed the first NetWalk event,” said Dana Schauer, Director of Supply Chain, The Will-Burt Company. “What a fun way to get some exercise and fresh air while strengthening the relationships with your colleagues and meeting new people from local businesses! We look forward to the next one!”

Additional Corporate Wellness Champions include Aultman Orrville Hospital and The University of Akron Wayne College.

“We are looking to add more Corporate Wellness Champions each month,” stated Pete Kandis, Vice President of Operations, Aultman Orrville Hospital and co-chair of the Chamber Wellness Initiatives.

Walking was not the only activity of the evening. Participants also had the opportunity to have their blood pressure checked by Aultman Hospital WOW (Working on Wellness) Team, sign up for GHH Orrville Moves program, pause for a Mindfulness Moment with Reich Consulting, and boost their heart rate with fitness bursts along the route coordinated by the Orrville YMCA.

Why NetWalk?

Walking opens the free flow of ideas and is a simple and robust solution to the goals of increasing creativity, increasing physical activity, and increasing your business network while taking a walk.

According to studies, just one 10-minute walk a week can help you reduce your chances of early death as well as maintain or lose weight.

NetWalk with the Chamber will be held the first Wednesday of each month thru September. The location changes every month. The May 4 NetWalk will be held at P. Graham Dunn in Dalton. Check out all the NetWalk events and register to participate at www.orrvillechamber.com