The Well City Milwaukee initiative was launched in January 2007 through a partnership developed between the City of Milwaukee, the Greater Milwaukee Committee, and the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce. Initial efforts were strengthened by support from the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee, the Wellness Council of Wisconsin, the healthcare community and corporate sponsorship.

Well City Milwaukee is a coalition of over 50 employers striving to implement comprehensive and results driven employee wellness programs that meet the accreditation standards developed by the Wellness Councils of America.

Well City Milwaukee provides education, mentoring, and networking opportunities for its members. Janet McMahon, MPH, Well City Executive Director, has been in the health & wellness field in a variety of settings for over 25 years and her role with Well City Milwaukee is part of her current position as Associate Vice President of Healthy Lifestyles for the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee.

Well City Milwaukee recently launched its website www.WellCityMilwaukee.org and according to Well City Milwaukee Co-chairs, Dick Tillmar, and Mary Meehan, the website will play a key role in accelerating the goal of setting our sights on the Well City status by 2010. When 20% of Milwaukee’s workforce is employed by accredited Well Workplaces, Milwaukee will be recognized with the designation of, “Well City USA.” Milwaukee is advancing towards its goal of becoming a national leader supporting a well workplace, is making major advancements in creating a more vibrant and productive workforce and is at the forefront of effective action on issues of health care costs and disease prevention.