In an effort to seek a healthier workforce and workplace Fairfax, Va.-based Virginia Tire & Auto’s 12 locations are going smoke-free. The dealership is launching its smoke-free initiative Nov. 19 as part of the American Cancer Society’s Great Smokeout event.
In addition to making its locations smoke-free, 22 Virginia Tire employees will quit smoking during the Smokeout event.
“Virginia Tire & Auto is excited to participate in the Great American Smokeout and support our employees who promise to quit smoking,” said Julie Holmes, president of the dealership. “By making Virginia Tire & Auto a smoke-free business, we will have a healthier workforce and provide a healthier environment for our customers.”
Under the Virginia Tire & Auto Tobacco Free Campus Plan, all smoking, chewing, and use of e-cigarettes/pipes and other tobacco products will be prohibited on any property owned, operated or managed by Virginia Tire, the company said. To further encourage and support a smoke-free workplace, Virginia Tire & Auto offers a credit of $1,800 per year to associates enrolled in the company health plan who also abstain from tobacco use.
“I have been smoking since I was 18 years old, and with the guidance and support from Virginia Tire & Auto and my family, I decided to quit smoking cold turkey,” said Philip Costa, lead service manager at Virginia Tire & Auto. “Now I looking forward to telling people I’m a non-smoker.”
In addition to its tobacco free campus plan, the company has ceased tobacco sales at all of its gas stations.
