2013 Treadmill Challenge Going Strong...

I had blogged last year about our first annual Treadmill Challenge where employees formed teams of four who walk or run on treadmills to see who can go the farthest distance. Last year's challenge was very popular and a great success and thus far this year's version looks to be going even stronger. I'm sure some new records will be set in all categories. As I mentioned, it's open to walkers or runners so everyone can get into the action. Participants walk or run for 15 minutes each and its the cumulative time of the team that officially counts.

I profess that I did not participate in last year's inaugural challenge as I am more into cycling, but had planned on joining this year's activity. Unfortunately I've been on crutches for several weeks nursing a knee injury but I did give serious thought to forming a team to see if we might set a record for the shortest possible distance covered in 15 minutes but didn't have any takers.

As with last year's challenge teams have come up with some creative names including "Treading Spaces", "Happy Feet", "The Run On Sentences", "Kickin' Asphalt", and "4 Ladies On A Mission". This year's challenge ends February 25th and thus far the leading running team has weighed in with an impressive 8.56 miles and the leading walking team with 3.96 miles. In the combined category (two walkers and two runners) the leading team is currently at 6.94 miles which is ahead of last year's winning distance of 6.64 miles.

Of course the goal of all of this is to encourage health and wellness among employees and the Treadmill Challenge is just one of the fun fitness events Pinnacol offers throughout the year. Now if I could just figure out where the accelerator is on these crutches...

How NOT to participate in a Treadmill Challenge!

Two more opportunities to join Pinnacol now open...

Just last week I was posting that we had two openings in our Finance and Accounting team and today I'm announcing that we have another two positions available, though on different teams. The first is for an entry level Underwriter. This position requires a Bachelor's degree or related professional work experience along with a strong sense of customer service, good analytical skills, and a willingness to learn. For folks interested in getting into an excellent insurance career, Underwriting certainly fits the mark and our entry level Underwriter opportunity is a great place to start!

The second position is for a Maintenance Technician. This position might have come in handy during yesterday's Super Bowl power failure, but that's another story. This position assists higher-level Pinnacol maintenance staff by performing and assisting with daily scheduled routine maintenance tasks as well as other specialized tasks as delegated by the facilitates manager. Also assists Grounds Maintenance technicians when work load requires assistance. Must be able to learn the methods, practices, tools, and materials associated with building maintenance trades, have a strong mechanical aptitude, have effective verbal, written and interpersonal communications skills, and be able to work well independently as well as on a team. This position also requires a basic level of Microsoft and Outlook skills including the ability to send and respond to emails, enter and complete work orders, generate basic spreadsheets and draft general correspondence. Also required are a minimum of a High School Diploma or GED, 2 years related experience in an entry-level position, and a valid driver's license and proof of insurance. The Maintenance Technician position may perform work outdoors in all seasons and climates, including inclement weather. Candidates should have the ability to operate heavy equipment, along with the ability to lift up to 100 pounds and assist with the lifting, pushing, or pulling of heavier objects exceeding 300 pounds. Some work is performed in cramped quarters such as under desks and workstations to troubleshoot, connect, or repair equipment and our Maintenance Technicians must be able to work standing, sitting, or kneeling for extended periods of time. This position is required to be on call 24/7 every 8 weeks for 2 week period with the flexibility to respond to building/business needs during non-business hours.

We ask qualified candidates for these two positions to complete an on-line application.