As part of Wednesday morning's HealthSmart Breakfast at the Gainesville Civic Center, the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce presented the 2019 Most Fit Company Awards to three businesses.
Chamber officials conduct an annual survey to seek the “Most Fit Companies” in Gainesville-Hall County. Judging criteria include wellness, nutrition and fitness opportunities provided for employees. The goal is to encourage employer-sponsored wellness programs in an effort to improve the overall health of our community. The competition is part of the VISION 2030 HealthSmart Community Challenge.
The Most Fit Company award is presented in three categories: large companies (251+ employees), medium companies (51-250 employees) and small companies (50 or fewer employees). 2019 Most Fit Company Award Recipients:
2019 Winner: Small Employer Category
Watkins Total Healthcare
Dr. Mary Watkins, Founder
961 Green Street NE
Gainesville, GA 30501
Website: www.watkinstotalhealthcare.com
Number of Employees: 15
Company founder Dr. Mary Watkins and her team at Watkins Total Healthcare take great pride in providing the finest chiropractic care to each and every patient. Founded in 1987 and conveniently located on Green Street in Gainesville, Watkins Total Healthcare offers a variety of benefits for both patients and employees. With years of training, expertise, and experience, the Watkins team helps patients find relief for back pain, neck pain, headaches, and other related conditions originating from the spine. Their chiropractic care can work to prevent injuries and help clients achieve total health and wellness. Watkins Total Healthcare encourages its 15 employees to be healthy. They offer classes on healthy eating and provide nutritious snacks in the office. Additionally, the office provides newsletters on health-related information and employees have access to programs on health issues and wellness trends online. All employees have access to at-cost medical services and free chiropractic services for themselves and their families. Dr. Watkins is a member of the Partnership for Drug Free Hall. Their team focuses on a drug free approach to pain management and preventative health. They interact with the community by educating about pain management without drugs, including being involved with the Chamber’s Healthcare Community.
Winner: Medium Employer Category
Carroll Daniel Construction
Brian Daniel, President & CEO; Taylor Tanner, HR Generalist
330 Main Street
Gainesville GA 30501
Website: www.carrolldaniel.com
Number of Employees: 200
With 200 employees, Carroll Daniel Construction is a proven leader in their industry and in the community for prioritizing wellness initiatives. The company takes an all-encompassing approach to wellness – addressing physical, mental and emotional wellness initiatives. They offer yoga classes, fitness/distance walking competitions, and sponsor employee kickball and softball teams through Gainesville Park and Rec. Construction of their new office in Downtown Gainesville kept physical wellness in mind, with a rooftop gym for employees and workspace that includes adjustable-height/standing desks - all in a vibrant walkable location. They incentivize team members by offering rewards (apple watches, gym bags, bicycles, etc.) for participation in-office wellness screenings, flu shots, CPR/First Aid training and participation on corporate 5k teams. They distribute healthy recipe emails and starting this fall, plan to provide a fresh produce basket each week from a local farm. Carroll Daniel Construction realizes the importance of mental wellbeing. Last year, they hosted a “Stress-Free Week” and employees learned ways to manage and protect their emotional and mental health. Events included partnering with Spa on Green Street for employees to enjoy on-site massage services; the Humane Society brought in canines for puppy therapy; a pumpkin smashing event offered team members a fun and effective outlet to relieve stress and anxiety. For team building and comradery, they offer employee outings like kayaking down the Chattahoochee, touring the local brewery, or tubing down Snow Island at Margaritaville.
Winner: Large Employer Category
Mars Wrigley Confectionery
Samantha Husted, Human Performance Specialist | U.S. Health & Wellbeing Total Rewards
4500 Atlanta Highway
Flowery Branch, GA 30542
Website: www.mars.com
Number of Employees: 969
Located just off I-985 in Flowery Branch, Mars Wrigley opened in Hall County in 1971 and now has 969 employees. Their Associate Wellness Program, called "Mars BeWell", is a well-rounded and robust initiative that focuses on 3 main goals - Nourish, Energize and Thrive. The NOURISH goal centers around making the healthy choice, the EASY choice. This includes continually improving nutrition options onsite at the cafeteria and vending machines. Physical activity opportunities include an onsite fitness center, outdoor track, and reduced memberships at local fitness facilities. Employees have resources readily available including the Associate Assistance Program offered through the insurance provider. The ENERGIZE goal involves programs for associates including the Hall County Co-ed softball league, various hikes, basketball tournaments to support Relay for Life, and onsite education and challenges. The THRIVE goal involves reducing disability and illness. Mars Wrigley offers disability and absence management, onsite vaccines and biometric screenings, as well as one-on-one wellbeing consulting and coaching. Incentives are offered annually for associates to complete a biometric screening and health assessment. Mars Wrigley supports our community through blood drives, Dragon Boat racing to support Special Olympics and various other outreach projects including Gateway, My Sister's Place, CASA, Habitat for Humanity, and the Boys & Girls Club of Lanier. This community involvement provides associates with an opportunity to enrich their emotional and spiritual wellbeing by giving back.
