The city of SeaTac recently earned a WellCity Award from the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) Employee Benefit Trust. A total of 84 cities and public entities demonstrated their commitment to employee health promotion and met the stringent standards set forth for the award.

All of these cities are part of AWC’s Employee Benefit Trust, a health insurance pool that provides coverage to more than 15,000 city employees across the state. As a result of earning the designation, WellCity Award recipients will receive a two percent premium discount on their Regence BlueShield or Asuris Northwest Health medical coverage in 2013.

“This award would not have been possible without the tremendous efforts put forth by the SeaTac Wellness Committee, who dedicate themselves to these educational programs and events all year long,” said Todd Cutts, SeaTac city manager. “We are committed to having a healthy, vibrant community, and this program is a wonderful incentive to encourage just that.”

“We’re pleased to be able to offer a financial incentive for cities to promote health and well-being among their staffs,” said Mike McCarty, AWC CEO. “We know from experience that many cities making this level of commitment also find their employees are more productive, have higher morale, and experience fewer injuries and absences. That’s a win-win for everyone.”

The award recipients demonstrated their commitment by creating policies, committees and champions at the local level that focused on topics such as: work–life balance, healthy food, physical activity, personal care and employee safety. Each community is encouraged to implement what works best for their employees, with an eye towards meeting the standards set forth by the program.
Founded in 1933, the Association of Washington Cities is a private, non-profit, non-partisan corporation that provides legislative representation, educational training, technical assistance, municipal liability insurance, health insurance and other services to Washington's cities and towns.