Emcee Round Guy talks about his support of smoke-free air at the Central Iowa Great American Smokeout Celebration	Central Iowa Tobacco Free Partnership Celebrates Great American Smokeout

Central Iowa Great American Smokeout Celebration Honors Smoke-free Leaders

The Central Iowa Tobacco-free Partnership, a coalition promoting a smoke-free Central Iowa and representing Polk, Dallas, Warren and Madison Counties, was proud to honor six key leaders in tobacco control for the Great American Smokeout. On Thursday, Nov. 15, the coalition, along with the American Lung Association and the American Cancer Society, recognized the following for commitment in the tobacco control movement.

Splash Seafood Bar and Grill - Smoke-free since April 3, 2006, Splash Seafood Bar and Grill hasn't seen a decrease in business. In fact, many customers - even some smokers - comment on how much they enjoy dining in a smoke-free environment. The owner, Mark Murphy, understands the value of protecting his employees and his patrons health and believes all public places should be smoke-free.

Cooney's Tavern - Cooney's Tavern is an excellent bar located in Beaverdale that went smoke-free on Feb. 5 of this year. Brian Cooney, the owner, started learning more about the health effects of secondhand smoke and didn't want to expose one of his workers, particularly his pregnant bartenders, to the ills of the smoke. Since the change, customers have been raving, even people who smoke have said they like the change because their clothes smell better. Brian Cooney will never go back to allowing smoking and thinks all restaurants and bars should be smoke-free.

Heartland Inns of America - With 19 locations in Iowa and Wisconsin, Heartland Inns of America went smoke-free on June 14, 2006. It is the first moderately-priced hotel chain of its size to implement smoke-free policy which includes all guest rooms and public areas. They went smoke-free in response to growing guest demand for comfortable, quality accommodations in a healthy, smoke-free environment.

Funny Bone Comedy Club - After building a new, upscale theater and restaurant in West Glen, there was no way the owners of the Funny Bone were going to allow smoking. Months after opening smoke-free, the owner Paul Lane still has people thank him every week for being smoke-free.

GuideOne Insurance - In an effort to provide a healthier environment for its employees, while reducing the healthcare costs associated with tobacco use, GuideOne became tobacco-free on May 1 of this year. To help employees who were interested in quitting tobacco, several free smoking cessation programs were offered, as well as $300 in reimbursement for any smoking cessation medication or offsite class or program. The fitness reimbursement was also able to go toward cessation assistance. As a result of the policy change, 20 employees have quit smoking and 15-20 plan to quit soon.