Five Minutes with Vicki Doule’ of Capital BlueCross

By Mark Demko, Sr. Director of Communications

The leading health solutions and insurance company in Central Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley, Capital BlueCross has been involved in supporting and promoting the health of the region and its residents for decades. Since 2004, the company has been involved with a variety of programming at ArtsQuest, ranging from the arts education programs at the Banana Factory to the Capital BlueCross Creativity Commons at the ArtsQuest Center. Recently, Capital BlueCross stepped up again as title sponsor of the growing SouthSide Arts & Music Festival, an event that’s designed to encourage people to walk through South Bethlehem and check out the many shops and restaurants.

We recently caught up with Capital BlueCross Vice President of Group Sales Vicki Doule’ to talk about her company’s commitment to the region and why it continues to invest in the community. Here’s what she had to say:

ArtsQuest offers numerous festivals, programs and events throughout the year. Why the interest in supporting the SouthSide Arts & Music Festival?
We are excited to sponsor the SouthSide Arts & Musical Festival for a few reasons. First, it draws people to the SouthSide Arts District which is amazing. We love that the festival leads with the arts, and attendees will experience art in many different ways. It’s also exciting to become the title sponsor in the festival’s infancy. We know this festival will grow leaps and bounds over the years, because ArtsQuest has a long track record for its long-term vision of successful events and festivals. They frankly set the bar and we’re honored to be involved from the beginning.

A big part of the festival is encouraging people to get out and walk the SouthSide to check out the shops, restaurants and, of course, music and art activities. Did the focus on the SouthSide’s walkability have any impact on your decision?
Absolutely. The SouthSide has so much to offer, and the fact that attendees can walk the festival, experience the arts and music, and patronize local business helps the SouthSide to thrive. And what better way than to walk!

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s festival? Any bands or art experiences you’re pretty stoked about?
I’m pretty excited to see Delta Rae, as I’m a fan! And the RedBall Project will be the talk of the festival!

Capital BlueCross supports a diverse mix of nonprofits throughout the region. Why the strong commitment to giving back?
Capital BlueCross’s mission is to improve the health and well-being of our members and the communities in which they live. It’s the core of who we are, and we’re proud to give back in all the communities we serve.

As a health insurance provider, your primary focus is obviously health and wellness. How do you feel the arts contribute to the ‘health’ of our community?
The arts contribute to the health and well-being of our members in so many ways. It’s truly an outlet for people to embrace the arts of their community, to join with others and laugh, be moved emotionally and personally experience the positive impact of the arts. It makes our communities a better place and we are privileged to be a part of that by supporting ArtsQuest.

Vicki, you’ve been to SteelStacks many times. What’s your favorite program or event at the arts campus?
That’s a tough one, because there are too many to choose from! I’m still in awe of Musikfest every year, and the magnitude of what ArtsQuest is able to accomplish every year, from the economic impact to the Lehigh Valley, to the countless free shows that attendees are able to experience. Every time I attend a show at SteelStacks, it’s amazing to me to see how the campus serves so many people in so many ways. From the shows in the Musikfest Cafe, to the comedy shows or a movie, I often take a step back and take it all in. We are extremely fortunate to have SteelStacks here in the Lehigh Valley

Last question…what’s one thing about Capital BlueCross you wish more people knew about?
We encourage our members to visit our Capital Blue health and wellness center at the Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley. It’s your one stop shop for all your health needs. You’re able to talk to our knowledgeable representatives to explore individual health plans, have a bite to eat at our Healthy You Café, or meet with a nutritionist. You can also take a free fitness class, like “Cardio Kickboxing,” or nutrition class, like “Healthy Habits for Children & Families.” There are so many resources available at Capital Blue, we encourage you to visit and get empowered to live healthy!