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AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Chrysler Group leadership again enjoyed rewards for its commitment to encouraging employees to be healthier.

On Monday, the automaker was listed among winners of the Best Employers for Healthy Lifestyles Award from the National Business Group on Health. It's the second year in a row Chrysler has received this honor and the third time in the past six years.

Chrysler also pointed out it was the only automaker among the 66 companies the group recognized.

Officials explained the Best Employers for Healthy Lifestyles Award recognizes employers that embrace a culture of wellness. They insist these companies work toward bettering their employees' health, productivity and quality of life.

This year, Chrysler said it received a Silver Medal award for its comprehensive wellness programs. The company accepted the award at the National Business Group on Health's Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C.

"Chrysler is extremely proud to be recognized for its commitment to providing a healthy workplace and improving our employees' health and well-being," noted Nancy Rae, senior vice president of human resources for Chrysler.

"This award validates our invested efforts in our employee wellness programs and shows that we never lost focus on what's really important — the well-being of our employees — even through challenging economic times," Rae went on to say.

Helen Darling, president of the National Business Group on Health, emphasized what kind of echelon this award places Chrysler.

"Employers all across the nation are recognizing just how important a healthy workplace and a healthy work force are to improving productivity as well as controlling health care costs," Darling stressed.

"The 66 employers that we are recognizing this year exemplify the kind of innovation and commitment that's possible to providing lifestyle improvement programs which encourage healthier lifestyles for employees and families," she continued.

The automaker reiterated the Chrysler-UAW National Wellness Program was implemented in 1985 for both represented and non-represented employees. The manufacturer insisted it's focused on promoting a healthier workplace, healthy lifestyles and reducing the risk of illness and chronic disease.

Executives highlighted the program incorporates a wide ranges of services, including health assessments, biometric screenings, workshops, campaigns and health coaching. The mentioned program topics are selected based on health assessments and screening results, disability data and employee interests. Incentives linked to wellness activities are used to increase employee participation.

"Our leadership teams are convinced that supporting improvement of the health and well-being of our members is vital to developing the world class work environments that will support a successful and sustainable company and union for the future," emphasized General Holiefield, UAW vice president and director of the UAW Chrysler department.

"On behalf of our members, we are proud to receive this recognition," Holiefield concluded.