The City of Port Orchard earned the WellCity Award from the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) Employee Benefit Trust for the fourth consecutive year.

The city is one of 96 cities and public entities that met the stringent WellCity standards, which demonstrate their commitment to employee health.

Because the city met the WellCity standards, they earned a 2-percent discount of their medical premiums. The city also received three WellCity signs that were placed throughout the city.

“It’s about the people,” said Mayor Tim Matthes. “I feel Port Orchard has some of the hardest working employees of any city in the state. Wellness Chair and Human Resources Coordinator Deb Howard was the driving force behind achieving this award for the last four years. Thanks to her efforts and employee involvement, the city has received this recognition.”

“A city that works on employee health sees increases in productivity, morale and employee retention, and decreases in absenteeism and injuries. Both the city and the community benefit from more productive employees, it’s a win for everyone,” said Mike McCarty, AWC chief executive officer.

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.