BANK OF ANN ARBOR and NuStep, Inc. of Ann Arbor were recognized by the state of Michigan for their efforts to encourage a healthy workplace. Bank of Ann Arbor was a Diamond Award Winner in the category of large business nominees and NuStep, Inc. won the Governor’s Fitness Award in the category of medium-sized businesses.

In all, 62 Michiganders, organizations and events have been named finalists for the 2014 Governor’s Fitness Awards. All 62 finalists will be honored during the 2014 Governor’s Fitness Award Gala Celebration at Ford Field on April 24.

The finalists were selected by a committee of judges for their commitment to personal health, dedication to their communities, and the unique definition of what fitness means to them. The group, which includes a second-grader with Tae Kwon Do dreams, a team of nurses, and Fortune 500 companies, will be honored during the 2014 Governor’s Fitness Award Gala Celebration at Ford Field in Detroit on April 24.

“This year’s finalists embody all the characteristics that the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports represents,” Snyder said. “Each has a strong, consistent commitment to physical fitness that has helped transform them, their companies and their communities. Their efforts are helping reinvent the way they live, work and do business, and the Governor’s Fitness Awards are a way to recognize the positive contributions they are making throughout our state.”

The Governor’s Fitness Awards are a platform for recognizing individuals and organizations in Michigan that have made outstanding contributions to health and physical fitness during the last year. For more information on the Governor’s Fitness Awards, visit www.michiganfitness.org/gfa. Check back often for finalist updates, including the 2014 People’s Choice Award voting process.

“We look forward to celebrating each and every one of our 2014 finalists,” said Marilyn Lieber, president and CEO of the Michigan Fitness Foundation. “The commitment of each finalist at an individual, community and organizational level serves as an inspirational example of how we are all working to make physical activity part of our daily lives, and The Governor’s Fitness Awards are an opportunity to recognize hard work and the myriad benefits of healthy, active lifestyles.”

The following Michigan communities were recognized for promoting active and healthy lifestyles:

• Charlevoix
• Davison Township
• Farmington Hills
• Grand Ledge
• Grosse Ile
• Hastings
• Manistee
• Manistique
• Novi
• Waterford