In 1982, insurance executive William M. Kizer realized that preventing disease was often more cost-effective than curing it. He envisioned a non-profit organization made up of corporate members interested in promoting healthy work places through education, incentives and idea sharing. He founded Wellness Council of the Midlands, or WELCOM for short. The idea was years ahead of its time, and today, hundreds of corporations belong to their local Wellness Council and reap its rewards through lower insurance premiums and motivated employees.

While WELCOM is largely sustained by its corporate members, they also rely on fundraising throughout the year. Since there’s no shortage of charity walks, WELCOM got creative and reached out to member First National Bank with the idea of Trek Up the Tower.

The First National Tower is a 633-foot behemoth and the tallest building from Chicago to Denver. With 40 stories and more than 870 steps, climbing its stairs is a challenge to say the least.

WELCOM chose Bozell to create a new logo identity, posters and t-shirts to promote the race. Our materials help draw more than 900 entrants, including a team of firefighters that complete it while carrying their gear. Still early in its history, Trek Up the Tower is well on its way to becoming was of the Midwest’s premier vertical events.