Salt Lake City was just named “Fittest City in the United States” by Men’s Health magazine. Besides the obvious explanation that a representative from Men’s Health magazine must have seen me hard at work in the gym, I can’t help but wonder if Salt Lake City is being led by example.

Located just north of Salt Lake City is one of Studeo’s prized clients; ICON Health & Fitness. ICON is the world’s largest developer, manufacturer and marketer of fitness equipment with brands like Nordic Track, Pro-Form, Weider, Reebok and Gold’s Gym. However, ICON’s dedication does not solely rest in their manufacturing but also in their dedication to the local community.

The mission statement for ICON Health and Fitness is “Changing lives with fitness innovation.” Locally, ICON delivers on this mission with generous donations stretching from treadmills to strength equipment, all in an attempt to make the state more fit.

If ICON Health & Fitness is doing their part and seeing a direct correlation to the health and wellness of Salt Lake City, what can we do in the advertising world to better the community in which we do business?

ICON is a beautiful depiction of a company who truly leads by example and also enjoys “success” - on the side.

In most cases, “Art” has had a profound effect on those who ultimately chose a career in marketing or advertising. Arts education, beginning as early as elementary school, sparks the creative conduit that is so critical in the minds of young children.

Beverley Taylor Sorenson knows this well. As the founder of art works for kids! Beverley has spent the majority of her life setting these creative wildfires. She believes that children should not only learn how to spell xylophone but learn how to play the xylophone.

Studeo has started working with art works for kids! While our hearts have been warmed by hundreds of children involved with the program, we are also finding powerful stories from soccer moms to CEO’s.

This poses the some interesting questions:
1. How are you better today because of arts education?
2. What are the surprising benefits of exploring creativity in elementary school?
3. How much better are the Three R’s (reading, writing, arithmetic) when augmented by the Arts?

To find out more about art works for kids! you can visit www.artworksforkids.org