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OLATHE, Kan.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--[ NIC ] (NASDAQ: [ EGOV ]), the dominant provider of online [ government services ], has been recognized for the second consecutive year as a Platinum-Level Start! Fit-Friendly Company by the American Heart Association for helping employees eat better and move more. Less than 10 companies in the Kansas City metropolitan area have received the Platinum Level designation in 2012.

"From healthy food options in our office to participating in several community fitness challenges, NIC has a year-round focus on the health of employees, and we are honored to be recognized as a Fit-Friendly Company by the American Heart Association."

aThe well-being of our employees and their families is a top priority for me and my management team,a said Harry Herington, NIC CEO and Chairman of the Board. aFrom healthy food options in our office to participating in several community fitness challenges, NIC has a year-round focus on the health of employees, and we are honored to be recognized as a Fit-Friendly Company by the American Heart Association.a

Platinum-level employers:

• Offer employees physical activity options in the workplace
• Increase healthy eating options at the worksite
• Promote a wellness culture in the workplace
• Implement at least nine criteria outlined by the American Heart Association in the areas of physical activity, nutrition and culture
• Demonstrate measurable outcomes related to workplace wellness

NIC offers a variety of wellness activities throughout the year, including forming teams to participate in charitable run/walks, small groups walking over the lunch hour, and an Ideal Weight Loss Challenge where employees work to achieve or maintain a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) during a 12-week period. At the end of the challenge, one employee wins a week-long, paid vacation for two to the destination of his or her choice, including Hawaii.

The Start! Fit-Friendly Companies Program is a catalyst for positive change in the American workforce by helping companies make their employeesa health and wellness a priority.

For more information about the Start! Fit-Friendly Companies Program and how it is helping to improve the health of Americans by focusing on an activity that is convenient, free and easy, call 913-652-1913 or visit startwalkingnow.org.

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke a" Americaas No. 1 and No. 3killers. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nationas oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. To learn more or join us, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or any of our offices around the country, or visit heart.org.

About NIC

[ NIC ] is the nation's dominant provider of [ official government portals ], online services, and secure payment processing solutions. The company's innovative [ eGovernment ] services help reduce costs and increase efficiencies for government agencies, citizens, and businesses across the country. NIC provides eGovernment solutions for more than 3,500 federal, state, and local agencies across the United States. Additional information is available at [ http://www.egov.com ].