Garver Awarded Bike Friendly Silver

Local engineering firm Garver, LLC, was awarded a Silver designation as a Bike Friendly Business by the League of American Bicyclists, the highest level awarded to any business in the state. When I describe Garver as "local", I mean really local, as their new LEED certified office building is located in the NorthShore Business Park adjoining the River Trail. Oh, yeah, and my wife has worked there for many years, so I am very familiar with the company and the dedication of the management team to the fostering of healthy lifestyles. Silver is a big deal and is hard to come by. For example, Pearl Izumi was just awarded Bronze, so the award level is not about perception, it's about action.

The lovely and charming Diane Barton conducts this reporter on a tour of Garver's bike and fitness facilities. She later fixed me dinner. Of course, I had to do her laundry.

Secure bike storage is available on-site to cycling employees, along with a work stand and a good selection of tools. Many Garver folks hit the nearby River Trail for lunch hour rides.

Garver also has a well-equipped fitness center, including showers, lockers and towel service!

 Framed Team Garver jerseys add to the decor. Garver, LLC and Garver riders are active in the local cycling community on many levels.

I want to congratulate Garver on achieving the Silver award level and for the success that the growing company enjoys. The management group has a vision for the company's future that is reflected in their commitment to the health and fitness of their team.

Enough from me. Here's the official press release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Diane Barton

Director of Marketing
501-376-3633

DHBarton@GarverUSA.com



Garver Receives National Recognition as a

Bicycle-Friendly Business

Engineering firm is highest ranking Arkansas company awarded for involvement in bicycling activities



NORTH LITTLE ROCK—September 23, 2010—The League of American Bicyclists has awarded Garver a Silver designation as one of the United States’ top bicycle-friendly businesses.

As part of its Bicycle Friendly Business program, the League recognized Garver for its efforts to promote employee health and fitness through bicycling activities. The League has designated 196 bicycle-friendly businesses in 31 states, and Garver is the highest ranking Arkansas company as well as the state’s first awarded engineering firm. Garver previously received an Honorable Mention designation, but after moving its office nearer to the Arkansas River Trail system and establishing new bicycling incentives and activities, Garver has become one of the top companies in central Arkansas that intentionally provides employees with opportunities to discover the benefits of bicycle riding.

“Our primary focus is recreational riding for health, fitness and enjoyment,” said Garver President Brock Johnson, who is an avid bicycle rider. “As a company, we’ve decided to provide facilities that encourage a healthy lifestyle. We offer employees loaner bikes and secure bike parking adjacent to our corporate fitness center. Showers and lockers are provided so that our bikers can fit rides into their daily routines.”

Garver’s recognition underscores the firm’s commitment to improving employees’ health through fitness. Garver’s headquarters is located less than one mile from the Arkansas River Trail system, which was a factor in relocating the corporate office from Little Rock to the Northshore Business Park in North Little Rock.

Garver has taken many steps to integrate bicycling into its business culture. In May, Garver’s offices in North Little Rock and Fayetteville defended commuter challenge titles during National Bike to Work Week activities. Garver also provides custom jerseys to bicyclists who meet fund-raising goals for local charities; offers cash incentives to employees who meet quarterly workout targets; posts upcoming rides and other bicycling activities on its corporate blog; and schedules weekly rides geared toward new bicyclists.

This Saturday Garver employees will be riding in the Big Dam Bridge 100 Cycling Tour. Garver is also hosting a rest stop in its front parking lot to serve food and drinks to riders.



Garver has more than 60 Arkansas professional engineers on staff and is the largest engineering firm in the state. Garver is a multi-disciplined engineering, planning and environmental services firm providing services for aviation, transportation, water, energy, industrial, development, federal, survey and construction administration projects.

Additional information about Garver can be found at www.GarverUSA.com

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