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Take the Business Commute Challenge: A fun way to help the environment and win prizes – May 15-21

by a Eugene Community Member on May 3, 2010

Are you looking for a happy way to work?

The 2010 Business Commute Challenge (BCC) is a fun opportunity to rethink your way to work, win prizes, build teamwork among coworkers, and help reduce carbon emissions all at the same time.

In its ninth year, the Business Commute Challenge is a friendly competition among local area businesses that rewards workers for finding alternative forms of transportation to get to work by reducing single-person car travel.

Last year, 1173 people from 85 businesses in Eugene and the surrounding area participated in the BCC, saving over 45,976 single-person car miles in one week. This year’s competition will be held May 15 through 21 and aims to increase participation and double the number of miles saved last year.

Connie Bloom Williams, Point2point Solutions program manager and event sponsor, says “The typical worker who switches from driving alone to carpooling saves more than $1000 a year and avoids driving an average of 5,000 miles per year. The Business Commute Challenge is a great way for us to rethink our habits, save money and learn more about the planet-friendly transportation options that are available – and often free – in our community.”

In addition to reducing carbon emissions, many businesses find that participating in this friendly competition has the added benefit of building teamwork in their organization. Matt Purvis, vice president of marketing at Northwest Community Credit Union, says “We all need a break from the daily grind. The Business Commute Challenge is a great way to break the routine and try alternatives to one-person/one- car. We always find ways to have fun with the BCC at Northwest Community Credit Union.”

Representatives from Point2point Solutions are available to conduct a workplace presentation to help workers prepare for Challenge week. Tools such as bike maps, transit maps, assistance with organizing a carpool, and even protein bars will also be provided to help make the BCC a success for participating businesses. Call Marcia Maffei at 541.682.6206.

Visit the Business Commute Challenge website or Facebook page for more details about the event including the list of prizes, which includes two roundtrip tickets to Portland on Amtrak.