AG New England's Bourgoine Joins CEOs Against Cancer

Associated Grocers of New England President and CEO Michael C. Bourgoine was one of 21 distinguished corporate leaders at a breakfast event launching the New England Chapter of the American Cancer Society’s CEOs Against Cancer on February 29. The event, hosted by Pratt & Whitney in East Hartford, Connecticut, focused on the importance of developing a workplace culture of health and wellness, and included presentations by American Cancer Society CEO John R. Seffrin, PhD, and Gary Reedy, the worldwide vice president for government affairs and policy at Johnson & Johnson, as well as a panel discussion led by CEO members of the group.

Seffrin began by offering his perspective on conquering cancer in this century, noting that about half of all cancer deaths in the United States could be prevented if people avoided tobacco, maintained a healthy weight through diet and exercise, and got recommended cancer screenings. Reedy followed by discussing the CEO Cancer Gold Standard, a national initiative that defines what CEOs and their organizations can do to prevent cancer, detect it early, and ensure access to the best available treatment for those who are diagnosed with the disease.

“The estimated total cost of cancer to American companies is nearly $264 billion a year in health care expenses and lost productivity,” said Bourgoine. “CEOs Against Cancer helps corporate leaders identify opportunities to reduce risks and build a healthier workplace.” Founded in 2003 in Chicago, the initiative has 15 chartered chapters with more than 400 members. The New England Chapter, which includes 33 CEO members who can affect the lives of more than 400,000 employees, is led by vice chairs Howard Brodsky, CCA Global Partners; David Hess, Pratt & Whitney; John H. Stewart, Purdue Pharma L.P.; and Josef H. von Rickenbach, PAREXEL International.