From staff reports

Crozet-based U.S. Joiner this week was named 2011′s healthiest company by ACI Specialty Benefits, a national provider of employee assistance programs and work-life services.

U.S. Joiner, subsidiary Turnbull LLC and ACI worked together last year to implement a program to increase and improve employee wellness. U.S. Joiner achieved 30 percent employee participation, which is double the national average according to ACI. U.S. Joiner employed about 45 people in Crozet and 500 nationwide in 2011.

One of the initiatives included a six-week-long “Cruising Treasure Island” challenge. Employees of US Joiner were equipped with pedometers and an online tracking platform to monitor their daily progress. The incentive-based program awarded prizes to the top individual and group winners. The employees of US Joiner racked up a collective 38,900 miles—enough to go around the world 1.5 times. Gary Black of Crozet walked 1.5 million steps on his own to earn the top individual prize.

US Joiner installs and outfits marine interiors for large oceangoing vessels. Founded in 1983, ACI is a privately-owned specialty benefits corporation, headquartered in San Diego.