The City of Avondale Estates continued its reign as one of the 10 healthiest small employers in Atlanta, as designated by the Atlanta Business Chronicle.

Out of 30 recognized healthy employers, the City was one of just four local governments honored at a Feb. 21 breakfast. With 38 employees, Avondale Estates placed sixth in the small company category (2 to 99 employees). Last year, the City tied for fourth. City administration leaders champion the program and say continual improvements in its structure and offerings will keep bolstering associates’ health and well-being.

“We’ve worked hard to refine our associate wellness program since we started it in 2010,” City Manager Clai Brown said. “It helps City associates lead healthier lifestyles and boosts work productivity, attendance and morale. We’ll keep encouraging associates to take advantage of the program. The City will reap the benefits through a more energized staff and lower insurance costs.”

City Finance Director Ken Turner told the Chronicle the City aims to implement a year-round health initiative to keep wellness a top priority. “We want to continue to create an attitude of health,” Turner said.

Avondale Estates received a grant from Local Government Risk Management Services to set up a wellness program and works with DeKalb Medical to structure and run the initiative.

Dr. Shealynn Buck, executive director of DeKalb Medical Employee Health Solutions, praised the City’s passionate leadership from Brown and Turner.

“Avondale Estates has leaders who know how important employee health and wellness is to the bottom line,” she said. “There’s a direct connection. When you invest in your associates, you’re investing in the longevity of the service you’re providing, and at the end of the day, that’s what business leaders are striving for.”

The numeric ranking on the Chronicle’s list, she added, is not as important as being consistently recognized. “The whole point is not where an employer ranks,” she said. “It’s that they’re demonstrating to the community and other business leaders that they’re a positive example for employee health and wellness, and how important that is.”

Avondale Estates, she said, is that sort of employer.

“Avondale has shown dedicated leadership to drive the program, and year after year has shown consistent engagement of the associates, as well as results,” Buck said. “Positive results.”

Now in its fourth year, the Chronicle’s Healthiest Employers Awards highlight the top companies making employee wellness a priority. Metro Atlanta companies take a survey that gauges employee wellness efforts, and programs are measured in six categories including commitment, programming, marketing and analysis.

Updated February 16, 2015: For Third Year in a Row, Avondale Estates Named One of Atlanta's Healthiest Employers