Neaton Newsroom
Biggest Loser Challenge
NAPM’s annual Biggest Loser activity puts long-term health and well-being front and center. This year, 62 participants joined the 16-week challenge to improve their health by losing at least five pounds by the end of the program.
The initiative lasted from February 16 through June 10 and all participants total lost an impressive total of 204.60 pounds collectively. The top male and female participants, who lost the highest percentage of their initial weight, won cash prizes.
This year's winners are Melissa Gross, production supervisor, and Kevin Potts, production quality technician. Melissa and Kevin both achieved remarkable weight loss, with Melissa coming in at a loss of 13.20% of her initial weight, and Kevin at 8.45% of his initial weight
Participants face various challenges such as medication changes, managing sugar levels, and maintaining consistent weigh-ins. Despite these hurdles, the program's high participation this year reflects the strong commitment to health and wellness among our associates.
Thank you to everyone involved, and let's keep striving for our wellness goals!
Quotes from the Winners
Melissa Gross shared her journey with us:
"I cut out a lot of bread, pasta, potatoes, and exercised by walking on the treadmill every day for 20 minutes. What kept me motivated was going home and putting on all the old clothes I had in totes, and they fit me again. It made me feel better, gave me more energy, and the will to want to do more stuff like going out with my grandson."
Kevin Potts also shared his experience:
"For me, this is more of a life change. I got rid of some horrible habits, like going to McDonald's every morning. I started intermittent fasting, which means I don't eat breakfast. I've saved a lot of money and feel better because I'm not overeating. My motivation is to live longer and healthier. I also see my doctor regularly, and my blood work looks great. I'm hoping to lose 50 pounds by the end of the year for an upcoming cruise!"
Andy’s Champions Cycling Team
Neaton Auto Products Manufacturing (NAPM) proudly sponsored the local cycling team, Andy’s Champions, in the American Cancer Society's Pan Ohio Hope Ride from July 25 to 28. Thanks to this sponsorship and the team's efforts, they raised over $34,437, contributing to the event's total of $970,201 in support of cancer research and patient care.
Over four days, Andy’s Champions cycled nearly 350 miles from Columbus to Cleveland, Ohio. The team rides in honor of Andy Heil, a Dayton native who battled a rare form of cancer, with his son Ben continuing the legacy by riding with the team.
NAPM is honored to support initiatives like Andy’s Champions, strengthening the community we live and work in while contributing to the fight against cancer.
Madison Fire Dept. Golf Outing
On August 10, four teams sponsored by Neaton Auto Products Manufacturing (NAPM) joined the New Madison Fire Department in their fourth annual Golf Outing. The event, which brought together over 300 golfers and volunteers, raised an impressive $15,000 to support the local community and fund the purchase of essential training equipment, including a forcible entry simulator door, ladders, and a roof simulator.
New Madison is home to several NAPM associates, including one who serves as a volunteer firefighter for the department. NAPM’s contribution helped make the event a success, reflecting the company's commitment to supporting the communities where its employees live and work.
The event was particularly meaningful for Kent Zimmerman, NAPM’s Environmental, Health, and Safety Manager, who has a deep personal connection to the fire department, who were the first responders to a serious, life-threatening emergency involving his younger brother. He said that the fire department worked diligently that day to save his brother’s life and keep his brother comfortable. This experience has been the cornerstone of Kent's passion for supporting the department.
“For me, it’s very personal,” said Kent. “I feel blessed to work for a company that supports small communities like New Madison, helping ensure they have the resources needed to protect their citizens.”
Thanks to the generous contributions from NAPM and other donors, the New Madison Fire Department will be better equipped to serve and protect the community.
Company Picnic
On September 14, Neaton Auto Products, Inc. (NAPM) held its annual NAPM Company Picnic on the company grounds to promote a family atmosphere at the company.
A record-breaking crowd of over 1000 associates and their families joined in the festivities on a sunny Saturday afternoon filled with exciting activities and a delicious lunch. The event featured a grilled lunch, carnival rides and bouncy houses, and traditional Japanese fishing and balloon games. Families also had the chance to enjoy balloon art, playtime with cats and dogs available for adoption, and the ever-popular fishing derby, and corn hole and bingo tournaments.
The highlight of the day was the annual prize raffle, where over 100 prizes were given away, including the special grand prize, a 2013 Honda Civic.
Here’s what some of the attendees had to say about this memorable event!
Marcus Melton, Assembly Assistant Manager
“My personal favorite part of the picnic is just being able to talk amongst coworkers as friends, it's not often I get to interact with coworkers outside of working hours. Events like the picnic, Dragons game, the concert, and many other events are good opportunities to build relationships amongst the people working at Neaton. They definitely increase overall company morale. It shows the company cares about the associates and allows the associates to show that they care about each other and the company.”
Ruby (Remi) Moore, Assembly Associate
“I got to see a lot of friends and old friends at the picnic. Also, I won a prize! I won the rattan seats for the patio—they were heavy, but my friends helped me carry them out!
“I'm so glad that Neaton started this event way back years ago. I've been working here since 2015, and I look forward to it every year. I love how the company has meals in the cafeteria once in a while, too. It means a lot because it gives us some relaxation and it gives us the feeling that we are one family. You can see the unity in there.”
Leslie Mcpherson, Assembly Associate
“I like going to the picnic. This year, I liked the dogs, oh my goodness, that was fun! I liked the Dragons game, too. These events make it seem like management is more interested in the employees.”