“Don’t be afraid to talk to your legislator. We have to keep plugging away until they realize that smokefree laws are good for business.”

Renee Shull of Design Ware in Kalamazoo echoed the sentiments of many of her business colleagues during the 2007 American Cancer Society’s Celebration at the State Capitol. Nearly 600 volunteers from around the state participated, making it the largest crowd in the event’s four-year history.

On June 13, during their annual trek to Lansing, volunteers met with lawmakers on the lawn of the State Capitol to rally around cancer-related issues. Volunteers met with 96 out of 110 state Representatives and 35 out of 38 Senators.

Health initiatives such as funding for cancer prevention and treatment, as well as passing statewide smokefree legislation were discussed with lawmakers. Volunteers asked for funding of programs such as the Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCCP) and a colorectal screening program, among others.

Smokefree laws are good for business
Part of the day’s agenda was designed to build awareness that smokefree laws offer tremendous financial benefits to the state’s businesses.

The day kicked off with a press conference spotlighting 39 businesses that participated in the American Cancer Society’s Workplace Solutions program, a slate of health-related initiatives created to improve workers’ health. As part of the Workplace Solutions initiative, organizations are encouraged to make their workplaces smokefree.

After the press conference, business leaders were recognized during a reception where they received an award for being a smokefree Five Star Investor in the Workplace Solutions program. They then joined ACS volunteers in meetings with lawmakers.

Smokefree legislation was a prominent topic at the Capitol. One day earlier, the House Commerce Committee held a hearing on HB 4163, a bill that would make all Michigan workplaces smokefree. Such legislation, already law in 31 states, would help Michigan businesses reduce health expenses and become more competitive.

Business gets personal
Renee Shull had no history of cancer in her family. She encouraged Design Ware, Inc. to go smokefree because she believed it would save her company money.

“When we first started participating, my branch had the highest amount of catastrophic (insurance) claims, among our affiliates. Since we went smokefree and began participating in Workplace Solutions, we have gone from the highest to lowest. It has saved us about $3,000 per covered life (or about $300,000) during the two years we’ve participated in the program.”

Later, Renee found that cancer had unexpectedly touched her own life.

“I gave my speech today (during Celebration at the State Capitol) knowing that my step-mom was experiencing 2^nd stage breast cancer. Initially, I participated in Workplace Solutions because I thought it would help business-wise. But now it’s much more personal.”

Tom Devine, a five-time cancer survivor and the day’s emcee, thinks that’s why advocacy events like Celebration at the State Capitol are so important.

“It’s important to educate politicians on the health aspects of cancer. They really need to understand that cancer touches everyone, including themselves.”

Pictured: Representatives from 39 Workplace Solutions businesses attended the event (above right); Nancy Yaw, CEO of the American Cancer Society, Great Lakes Division, Inc., presents Renee Shull from Design Ware with a smokefree Five Star Investor award (above left)