SAN DIEGO, March 6, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- American Specialty Health (ASH), the nation's leading specialty benefits organization for complementary health care, has been named one of the best places to work, according to the San Diego Business Journal.
In its annual "Best Places to Work in San Diego" survey, ASH was named tops in the large company category. ASH was recognized for their commitment to employee recognition, communication, and "walking the talk" of a health and wellness company.
ASH and its subsidiaries provide benefit, fitness, and high-touch wellness programs to health plans, employer groups, and trust funds nationwide. Founded in 1987, the company has more than 500 employees at its downtown headquarters and in regional offices in New York, Chicago, Dallas, Washington, D.C., Orlando, and 16 other cities.
"Our employees are truly the backbone of the company," said George DeVries, chairman, president, and chief executive officer of ASH. "We strive to provide an environment where they can grow, be rewarded for their contributions, and be motivated to lead healthy, balanced lives."
In addition to traditional medical, dental, and vision benefits, ASH employees receive complementary health care benefits, including coverage for chiropractic, acupuncture, massage therapy, and other therapies. Employees can also take advantage of the Healthyroads Coaching Program for Weight Management, Tobacco Cessation, and Healthy Living, and may even earn rewards for exercising on a regular basis.
Continuing education for employees includes onsite computer training; diversity workshops; brown-bag lunch presentations; tuition reimbursement; new employee luncheons with ASH's senior management; and an employee mentoring program. ASH rewards employees with monthly President's Awards for customer service, quality, teamwork, and innovation, and annual corporate awards.
The 2006 "Best Places to Work in San Diego" survey was sponsored by the San Diego Business Journal, Monster.com, KFORCE, and Kaiser Permanente. The awards were presented on Feb. 23 at a reception at the San Diego Marriott Hotel and Marina.
According to the journal, companies which are judged to be the "best" for employees "create environments where their employees love to go to work everyday." Nominations began more than five months ago, and a panel of independent judges assessed each company in the following areas: overall corporate culture; clarity of mission statement; turnover rate; record on diversity; employee benefits; measurement of employee satisfaction; and communication between management and employees.
About American Specialty Health
American Specialty Health, Incorporated (ASH) and its subsidiaries comprise the nation's leading specialty benefits organization, providing complementary health care benefit programs, health education, wellness, fitness, and affinity discount programs to health plans, insurance carriers, employer groups, and trust funds nationwide. Based in San Diego, ASH has more than 500 employees and covers more than 12 million members in benefit programs nationwide. ASH also has more than 500,000 members in its wellness programs and more than 80 million members in its affinity discount programs. For more information about ASH, visit ASHCompanies.com or call 800.848.3555.
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