Beginning the week of Jan. 25, local residents are invited to sign up for a statewide weight-loss contest called Scale Back Alabama. Now in its fourth year, the 10-week contest is an attempt to encourage Alabamians to lose weight, to exercise and to have fun while doing it. In Butler County 300 residents signed up to take part and we want to exceed those numbers this year.

“The new year is a perfect time to think about establishing good habits that will make you healthier,” said Steve Harmon, Vice President and General Manager at Pioneer Electric. “All you have to do to participate in Scale Back Alabama is find three individuals to be on your team and come to our Greenville office on Herbert Street the week of Jan. 25 to weigh in and register. The contest is free, and there are cash prize drawings at the end.”

According to Angela Green, Communications Specialist for Pioneer Electric and Butler County’s Scale Back Alabama Coordinator, the goal is to lose a pound a week during the 10-week period.

“We’re really encouraging healthy weight loss, not crash dieting,” added Green. “Throughout the contest participants will be provided with tips such as how to eat healthier portions and how to make exercise a part of their normal routine. The contest is geared toward adults age 18 and older, and we are particularly encouraging businesses and other organizations to participate.”

Pioneer Electric has also partnered with Shoney’s Restaurant in Greenville to host lunch time Scale Back Seminars starting February 1st at noon throughout the 10 week competition.

Participants will be able to enjoy lunch and hear information on how to jumpstart their healthy lifestyles.

“Shoney’s is the perfect location, they have a salad bar with excellent options and our lunchtime meetings are always the perfect opportunity to meet others who are participating in the program. Scale Back is all about having a support system and these meetings really helped a lot of the participants stay on track last year,” Green said.

Information on the times and locations for all public weigh-in sites is listed on the Scale Back Alabama Web site, www.scalebackalabama.com, in addition to a complete list of the competition guidelines.

At this time, Pioneer Electric is the only public weigh in site in Butler County.

If businesses are interested in participating and serving as a private weigh in site (open only to its employees or members), please send an e-mail to info@scalebackalabama.com immediately.

Guidelines:

– Teams must consist of four (4) members, including the team’s captain.

– Teams must begin and end the contest with the same individuals. If a team member drops for any reason, the team would be disqualified for the final grand prize drawings.

However, individuals who lose at least 10 pounds would still be eligible for the drawing for one of 50 achievement prizes.

– Teams must weigh-in at the same facility for beginning and ending weigh-ins.

– If any team member cannot use a standard scale for the weigh-in, please call a weigh-in site in advance to check for special accommodations.

– This program is intended for adults. No one under the age of 18 will be allowed to participate.

Weigh ins start Monday, January 25-29 at Pioneer Electric beginning at 7:30 a.m-1 p.m. and a special after business hours weigh in will be held Thursday, January 28th from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

If you need special accommodations or an alternate weigh in time, please contact Angela Green in advance at 334-382-4904.