Borders Employees Help Consumers Turn their New Year’s Resolutions into Reality
By Press Release - Dec 31 , 2009
As part of a month-long, company-wide “Resolution Solution Challenge,” four employees set resolutions and blog about experiences; as part of the “Challenge” Suze Orman and David Bach will answer financial questions at facebook.com/borders
ANN ARBOR, Mich., Dec. 31, 2009 — Four adventurous Borders corporate employees are leading the launch of the company’s new “Resolution Solution Challenge,” a month-long, companywide effort to help everyday consumers turn their New Year’s resolutions into reality. Julie, Michael, Matt, and David are each taking the “Resolution Solution Challenge,” resolving to eat better, save money, get physically fit, and become more giving toward others. With the goal of providing support and encouragement to all those who have made New Year’s resolutions, they’ll blog about their experiences, post helpful tips and techniques for staying motivated and on track, and make helpful book and resource recommendations – all at http://bordersblog.com/resolution-solutions.
In addition, as part of the “Resolution Solution Challenge,” Borders is giving consumers unique access to renowned financial authors David Bach and Suze Orman via Facebook chats at www.facebook.com/borders on Jan. 8 and Jan. 15, respectively. During their chats, the authors will each provide customized financial tips and advice to those participating in the sessions.
Consumers are encouraged to log onto http://bordersblog.com/resolution-solutions to learn more about Borders employees Julie, Michael, Matt and David and share their own New Year’s resolutions. Following is a brief profile for each employee participating in the “Resolution Solution Challenge.”
Julie
Resolution: I’m going to eat only real food.
Julie works in the merchandising area of Borders.com. A busy mom of 3-year-old twins, Julie loves fish sticks and boxed macaroni and cheese, but she’s resolved to eat food with no additives or preservatives. To help get her on the path to healthy eating, she’s reading Michael Pollan’s “Food Rules: An Eaters Manual,” a pocket-sized resource featuring a collection of simple, sensible, and easy-to-use rules for eating wisely. She will also draw healthy recipes from “Cooking Light Magazine” and their related book, “Cooking Light Way to Cook,” which features delicious food ideas and helpful photos of cooking techniques.
Why Julie is resolving to eat better: “I created this resolution for a few reasons: First and foremost, I want to put my two girls on the path of nutritious and healthy eating, and I can only really succeed at that if I live it, too. Diabetes runs in my family and I want to do everything I can to prevent the onset of the disease, and give my girls the tools they’ll need to live healthy lives.”
Michael
Resolution: I’m going to save $300 in 30 days.
Michael is a book buyer for Borders. He has resolved to reduce his spending in order to save $300 in 30 days, and if he continues with this resolution, he’ll bank $3,600 in one year. Throughout the month of January, Michael will not only blog about his own experiences — and some of the sacrifices he may have to make in his quest to get financially fit — but he’ll also post about some of the best financial guides and resources coming out this spring.
Why Michael is resolved to save $300 in 30 days: “It’s fairly easy to resolve to save money, but it’s even easier to find excuses not to. I’m committed to trying save $300 in 30 days without incurring any drastic changes to my lifestyle, and I’m looking forward to sharing what I learn through this process with others.”
David
Resolution: I am going to give 29 gifts in a month.
David is also a book buyer for Borders. After reading and being inspired by “29 Gifts: How a Month of Giving Can Change Your Life,” by Cami Walker, David resolved that like Walker, he would give something away everyday for 29 days.
Why David’s decided he’s going to give 29 gifts: “I decided to take the ‘Challenge’ as a way to connect with people. We are in an age where much of what we do is technology based, and we don’t have the quality of interaction with others that we once did. After reading ‘29 Gifts,’ I thought, what better way to connect with others than to randomly offer a kindness that not only enriches another’s day, but also inspires you to be a better person.”
Matt
Resolution: I am going to take the Presidential Physical Fitness Test.
Matt works in the BordersMedia department. Like many corporate employees, he sits at a desk all day, and with the approaching New Year, he’s resolved to take the Presidential Fitness Test and further, earn the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award by logging at least 30 minutes of activity five days a week for six straight weeks. As Borders’ resident Tweeter, he’ll post tips and information throughout the month surrounding his own resolution as well those of his colleagues.
Why Matt is resolved to take the Presidential Physical Fitness Test: “I wasn’t able to take the Presidential Physical Fitness Test in grade school, so this is my chance to do something I’ve always wanted to do. The Test touches on every level of fitness — strength, cardiovascular and flexibility. And, with my goal to earn the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award, I’m committed to exercising daily. I’m really looking forward to making exercise part of my daily routine.”
About Borders Group, Inc.
Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Mich., Borders Group, Inc. (NYSE: BGP) is a leading specialty retailer of books as well as other educational and entertainment items. The company employs approximately 25,000 throughout the U.S., primarily in its Borders® and Waldenbooks® stores. Online shopping is offered through borders.com. Find author interviews and vibrant discussions of the products we and our customers are passionate about online at facebook.com/borders, twitter.com/borders, and youtube.com/bordersmedia. For more information about the company, visit borders.com/media.
