The Las Vegas Rock & Roll Marathon and Voda Communications

Isn’t it about time we dispensed with the idea that all techies are chubby, out of shape nerds?  Well, five companies in the telecommunications industries are saying it’s high time to convince techies of the importance of exercising muscles other than those in their craniums. 

Master agencies Telecom Brokerage Inc. (TBI),  Voda Communications , Advoda Communications,  as well as service providers Smoothstone Communications and XO Communications are supporting the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon in Las Vegas on December 5, 2010.

Mike Saxby, chief strategy officer for TBI and the brainchild behind the Healthy Channel initiative, has instituted what he hopes will become a standard practice in the channel:  Joint participation in healthy activities among telecommunications companies to foster health and friendship.

TBI has a long history of doing this with its vendors and subagents via its annual ski trip. Saxby wanted to extend the model beyond his company’s partners to include other companies, their employees, and even their families.

Patrick Mc Carrick, Chief Technology Officer at Voda Communications has been sending out training tips to help others who are interested in improving their physical fitness.  Mc Carrick, a hardcore hiker, is activity involved with an international charity known as St Baldrick’s Foundation (SBF).  SBF is a volunteer-driven charity committed to funding the most promising research to find cures for childhood cancer and is the largest contributor to funding research in the USA after the US government.  Patrick has founded a division within SBF called Climb for Five, where his team climbs mountains around the world and encourages others to get out and hike and climb to raise awareness about childhood cancer. 

While there are personal benefits to the plan envisioned by Saxby, there are strong business reasons to foster a healthy lifestyle among channel partner employees.  Hundreds of studies have shown that a physically fit workforce is a productive workforce.  Fit employees perform more efficiently due to increased circulatory efficiency, better sleep patterns, and a general feeling of wellness. 

Of course, corporate insurance rates and costs fall as well, thanks to fewer injuries and illnesses among the workforce.

For the Vegas run, participants will get jerseys, goodie bags, and food as part of the day-of activities, which will be sponsored by XO Communications. 

Sign up to be part of the channel group at www.tbicom.com/vegasmarathon.

  (Full disclosure: PHONE+ has committed to be a media sponsor.)