PaperWise, Inc. renovates after water damages the lower level of the facility

New in-house workout facility and employee lounge rise after damages, giving the facility benefits with edge

Springfield, Mo. – February 15, 2008 – After unexpected water damaged the lower level in December 2006, renovations are complete and the new employee accommodations at PaperWise are now open for use.

At the beginning of 2006, PaperWise was covered in the media for having in-house fitness facilities, challenging employees to participate in facilitated workouts as part of their work day. By the end of the year this fitness challenge was disrupted when a pipe burst, completely flooding the lower level of the office.

"When I got to the building in the morning, the alarm was going off and, as I entered the building, I saw that half of the ceiling over the racquetball court was missing," said Training Manager, Joe Badger, "Water was running down into the lower level, filling the entire area up about 12-18 inches."

With renovations on the horizon, CEO Dan Langhofer decided to convert what was the racquetball court into two levels, allowing for a new workout facility and an employee lounge.

"We wanted to provide our employees with accommodations to show our appreciation for all they do," Langhofer explained, "It is important to us to maintain a work environment that encourages a healthy lifestyle – both mentally and physically."

After months of construction, both accommodations are now available for employees to benefit from. The increased space allotted by the new workout facility will help continue to encourage employees to have a healthy and active lifestyle. It includes multiple cardiovascular machines, weight and resistance machines, exercise and medicine balls, free weights, and other pieces of equipment designed to provide a full body workout. While a smaller workout facility previously existed at PaperWise, the employee lounge is an entirely new amenity for employees. PaperWise has provided a comfortable setting where team members can seek quiet time, engage in a variety of games, or read a book while on breaks. Both the gym and lounge feature large plasma televisions.

The amenities will hopefully continue to create an environment conducive to building positive inter-departmental relationships and communication where employees can enjoy on-site benefits.