Kimberly-Clark Professional* Launches The Healthy Workplace Project* Award at BOMA 2011

ROSWELL, Ga., June 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Kimberly-Clark Professional* today announced a new awards program designed to recognize and reward companies that have made a comprehensive corporate commitment to better hand and surface hygiene in the workplace as well as to the education of its employees in the importance of "wash, wipe and sanitize" office hygiene. The Healthy Workplace Project* Award, an additional initiative of Kimberly-Clark's landmark The Healthy Workplace Project*, will be awarded to companies that have demonstrated a sustained, significant effort toward breaking the cycle of germ transmission in the workplace. The award recognizes and celebrates the implementation of best practices around office hygiene initiatives as well as employee engagement and education. The announcement of the awards program was made at the 2011 Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International Conference in Washington, D.C.

"We are delighted to introduce a new awards program for companies developing and implementing programs that make our offices a healthier place to be. By advocating for and providing education on healthy workplace hygiene habits, businesses can significantly reduce the frequency with which germs are spread throughout the office, creating a positive impact on employee productivity and absenteeism-related expenses," said Richard Thorne, Vice President of Kimberly-Clark Professional* North America. "Importantly, a healthier workplace also promotes employee morale, and inspires a higher level of engagement between the company and its employee."

About The Healthy Workplace Project* Award

The Healthy Workplace Project* Award is an annual program. Any office environment is eligible to participate, from those operated by building owners, managed by facility managers and, of course, individual offices. The program is self-nominating and applicants will be asked to complete a questionnaire that will serve as their award submission. Participants will be asked to describe the hand and surface hygiene initiatives their company has implemented, as well as any educational programs that have been introduced to reinforce these initiatives. The application also requires a description of how the success of these initiatives is measured. Applications for the awards will be accepted through April 30, 2012.

The program will be judged by independent, third-party experts in the fields of workplace health, office hygiene and germ transmission. The judges will be announced this summer. Winners, to include a Gold, Silver and Bronze winning company, will be announced at the 2012 BOMA International Conference in June 2012. In addition to other health and wellness awards the grand prize winner will receive $15,000 worth of hand and surface hygiene products from Kimberly-Clark Professional*. The second place winner will also receive an office-based health and wellness award and will receive $10,000 of products and the third place winner will receive $5,000 of products.

Complete information on The Healthy Workplace Project* Award, including a sample award application can be found at www.healthyworkplaceproject.com.

About Kimberly-Clark Professional*

Kimberly-Clark Professional* is dedicated to providing essential solutions for a healthier, safer and more productive workplace. These include a unique portfolio of innovative, cost-effective and sustainable offerings for office buildings and lodging properties, healthcare facilities, manufacturing environments, laboratories and cleanrooms, educational facilities, food preparation and processing operations, and home professionals. Kimberly-Clark Professional* offers a comprehensive array of hand hygiene and contamination control solutions to break the germ transmission chain and help create a healthier workplace as well as wiping and safety solutions that minimize risk and drive productivity. Its trusted global brands include Kleenex, Scott, Wypall, Kimtech and Jackson Safety. Located in Roswell, Ga., Kimberly-Clark Professional* is one of Kimberly-Clark Corporation's four business sectors. For more information, visit www.kcprofessional.com.

About Kimberly-Clark

Kimberly-Clark and its well-known global brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 150 countries. Every day, 1.3 billion people - nearly a quarter of the world's population - trust K-C brands and the solutions they provide to enhance their health, hygiene and well-being. With brands such as Kleenex, Scott, Huggies, Pull-Ups, Kotex and Depend, Kimberly-Clark holds No. 1 or No. 2 share positions in more than 80 countries. To keep up with the latest K-C news and to learn more about the company's 139-year history of innovation, visit www.kimberly-clark.com.

SOURCE Kimberly-Clark Professional*