Piedmont Natural Gas Recognized as Platinum-Level American Heart Association Start! Fit-Friendly Company

Company receives coveted designation for fifth consecutive year

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Feb 04, 2014, 03:41 ET

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Feb. 4, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Piedmont Natural Gas (NYSE: PNY) announced today that it has been recognized as a Platinum-Level Start! Fit-Friendly Company by the American Heart Association (AHA) for the fifth consecutive year. The Platinum-Level award is the highest level of recognition in the AHA's Start! Program. In 2013, less than 300 organizations in the country achieved the Platinum-Level designation.

In order to be recognized at the Platinum-Level, companies must:

Offer employees physical activity options in the workplace
Increase healthy eating options at the worksite
Promote a wellness culture in the workplace
Implement at least nine criteria outlined by the AHA in the areas of physical activity, nutrition, and culture
Demonstrate measurable outcomes related to workplace wellness

Piedmont Natural Gas Chairman, President, and CEO, Thomas E. Skains, commented on the award, "We are honored that the American Heart Association has, for the fifth consecutive year, recognized Piedmont's efforts to promote physical activity and overall employee wellness." Skains continued, "We are committed to providing wellness education and opportunities for our employees and their families but it is their dedication that is responsible for the success of our programs and the many positive results for Piedmont."

Piedmont's wellness program, now in its eighth year, is popular among employees. In 2013, 93 percent of Piedmont's employees participated in the company's Biometric Health Screening and Health Risk Assessment programs. Employees participating in the health risk assessments or the biometric screenings also have free access to a health coach for up to 12 months to assist them with their health goals.

Piedmont's wellness program offers employees an on-site wellness coordinator and reimbursement programs for utilization of fitness centers, weight management and tobacco cessation. Piedmont also issues a quarterly wellness newsletter and sponsors frequent opportunities for employees to engage in a variety of healthy activities.

SOURCE Piedmont Natural Gas