News

B Corporations are offering an alternative to Black Friday, and we’re happy to be able to tell readers about it. For the second year in a row, there are B Corp alternatives listed at a website called DoneGood. They list gifts for her, for him, for teen girls and boys, for kids, for moms, dads, teachers and for the hosts of your holiday parties. Also, we find gifts for the active explorer, for the foodie, the earth lover, the mindful, and gifts under $50. Click [HERE] for the gift guides.

According to B the Change, “The Sunday after Thanksgiving—this year November 26—Shop for Good Sunday is dedicated to celebrating and supporting the growing number of socially and environmentally responsible businesses: Companies that pay good wages, invest in communities and use highly eco-friendly production processes.”

AMS is a B Corporation, and we understand the effort and commitment it takes to be one. We must say, it is and has always been a rewarding effort for us – we love being a B Corporation. Rather than focusing on profit above all, the AMS stakeholders are 1) our employees, 2) our community, 3) the environment, 4) our clients and 5) ourselves.

The B the Change article goes on to say, “Together, over 125 companies and major nonprofit organizations that are leading the business-as-a-force-for-good movement—including 1% for the Planet, Oxfam, the Social Enterprise Alliance, Rainforest Alliance, Mashable, Indigenous, MPOWERD, Preserve, Prosperity Candle, Tuckerman & Co, DoneGood and many others—are working together to promote the idea that directing our purchasing power to support mission-driven brands makes a huge difference for people and the planet, especially during the holiday season.”

We have looked through the gifts and they are unique, beautiful and reasonably priced, made by companies with a conscience. Like AMS, these are businesses that hire a diverse workforce, pay their employees fairly and offer good benefits, work to be of service to their communities, do everything they can to be ‘green’ and environmentally conscious, and highly value and respect their clients, which in this case is the customer.

Once again, from B the Change: “We believe the brands participating in Shop for Good Sunday are making higher quality, more unique gifts than what you’d find from a typical big box store anyway. And many of them are also offering special Shop for Good Sunday discounts (so yeah, it’s still a little like Black Friday …).”

Something else to give this shopping an extra plus, is that the companies have promised to donate all the revenue they generate through the Shop for Good Sunday gift shop on Sunday the 26th to an organization called RAINN. This organization, linked [HERE] is recognized as America’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. This fact alone is certainly a motivation to buy a unique and quality gift.

We’re happily heading into Thanksgiving week, and Black Friday. We hope you find every gift you want at a fantastic price, and we also hope you’ll check out some of the businesses at Shop for Good (DoneGood.co).

As consumers, we do vote with our dollars. Shop for Good is an opportunity to get our loved ones a gift they’ll love, while getting all of us the ‘B the Change’ gift of the world we wish to see.

Thank you for your exemplary performance during the month of October: Ignacio F., Christopher A., Adam H., Osiris O., Madeline S., Bob K., Aja W., Anthony W., Jada T. and Dallas U.

In the fulfillment industry, employees directly serve the company’s clients, making their efforts vital to the growth and success of the business. At AMS Fulfillment we appreciate and value our employees, and we respect and invest in them. Every month we see our employees working hard with such outstanding dedication and we are continually impressed by the results they produce!

Congratulations to this month’s winners! All Winners will receive an Employee of the Month Certificate, T-Shirt, and Quarterly Celebration Lunch! 

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Ignacio F., Inventory Receiving Supervisor (07/06/2021), HQ, Valencia, CA

We have chosen for Ignacio to be employee of the month in October because of his promptness and enthusiasm to help. As a supervisor, he demonstrates an inclusive work culture and brings joy into the workplace. He communicates with positivity and professionalism, is a team player, reliable, and is a pleasure to work with. Thank you, Ignacio, for all your efforts, you are truly appreciated!

 

Christopher A., Maintenance Technician I (03/24/2023), LIV, Valencia, CA

Chris has been a team player. Chris works very hard to make sure that Facilities meets the needs of all our warehouses. He can be counted on to plan out assignments, gather materials and tools, and keep the projects moving forward. Chris has been instrumental in all the successful changes that have taken place in Facilities, and his attitude has helped to build the camaraderie and a strong work ethic amongst his fellow team members. He definitely deserves Employee of the Month.

 

Adam H., Operations Associate III (11/15/2018), WIL, Valencia, CA

We nominate Adam because his performance stands out with efficiency and dedication, which has led him to have a positive impact on our team. He is an outstanding person in our building. He is always on time, willing to stay late and work on the weekend if necessary. He can pick-pack and ship any client in our building. Adam is a great worker who always contributes more. It is a pleasure to work with him. Thank you Adam for being part of our team.

 

Osiris O., Operations Associate II (03/01/2023), WIT, Valencia, CA

Osiris is an excellent team player, and she is our nomination for employee of the Month for October. Her commitment to get the job done quickly, and efficiently is unlike any other. No matter the task you give her, she gives her 100%. Osiris is friendly and does not mind helping others when is help is needed. She always has a smile and positive attitude at work.

 

Madeline S., Account Coordinator I (09/09/2020), Client Services, AMS West

Our nomination is for Madeline S. for October Employee of the Month. We have had a lot of changes within our team and Maddy has been the best team player. She demonstrates ownership and leadership in work, and we are so happy to have her on our team. Thank you for all your hard work, Maddy! It does not go unnoticed.

 

Bob K., IT Support II (09/27/2004), IT, AMS East

Bob is part of the IT department and assists in all the Delaware locations. While he’ll tell you he is “only one man” Bob makes himself available in Boulden in the morning, runs to Newark in the afternoon, and swings by Churchman’s on his way back to Boulden. Bob does his rounds every morning in Boulden to check in with each department and make sure all the hardware is running properly and takes a moment to see how WE are doing, not just our equipment. Sometimes IT is not recognized because they are working behind the scenes, but when they are not here, we are unable to function. Bob is such a vital part of our organization, and we appreciate him!

 

Aja W., Operations Associate II (06/20/2023), Churchman’s, DE

Aja has grown into a leader on second shift, and she is always willing to come in early, on her days off, and stay late. Aja started as a temp and is now one of the greatest assets CT B2B has at Churchman’s. She takes time to help others whenever she is asked for help, and she goes above and beyond to do what needs to be done in CT B2B.

 

Anthony W., Exact Staff (09/05/2023), Newark, DE

Anthony has been a part of the team for a couple months now and has done an amazing job, not only does he do his duties as an Operations Associate, but he goes above and beyond helping with inventory issues, returns, and training other associates. He is always eager to learn something new and will take on more challenges. He maintains a positive attitude, shows up on time or early every day, and is always willing to help with whatever you need him for. We appreciate you and all your efforts! Thanks, Anthony.

 

Jada T., Operations Associate I (11/01/2021), New Castle, DE

Jada has grown with the responsibility of bringing LALO orders to BOU. She has taken the lead to pack and ship orders, and she has been doing a tremendous job! Her hard work and leadership skills is natural, and I know her skill set will develop into doing great things for AMS. We appreciate you, Jada, keep shining!

 

Dallas U., Operations Manager I (11/15/2020), New Holland, PA

We are nominating Dallas for October Employee of the Month because he has excelled in his responsibilities to include other aspects of the operations, and he continues to use all the skills he’s learned during his time with AMS. He has drive, spirit, and commitment; all qualities of a great leader!

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To all of our Honorees, please know that whatever role you play, you are the reason for our success. Congratulations and Thank You!

Keep up the great work!

 

Twenty years ago we saw the beginning of a movement in support of men’s health, especially prostate cancer, advanced and popularized by men growing a mustache during November. The campaign was called Movember. Perhaps some of our readers remember Movember and growing a mustache in support of men’s health.

Today we don’t find many men growing the symbolic mustache, but we do find the Movember website, which is very informative with regard to men’s health. An alternative also exists. According to the American Cancer Fund, the campaign is also called “No-shave November” during which men let their beards grow as well.

Whatever the campaign is called, whether it’s the mustache or beard that grows, we support a focus on men’s health any time of the year. Here’s what Awareness Days has to say about it:

“Movember originated in Australia in 2003 when a group of friends decided to grow mustaches to raise awareness about prostate cancer and depression in men. It has since evolved into a global movement with millions of participants and supporters. Movember has funded numerous men’s health projects and initiatives and has become a symbol of solidarity and awareness.

“Over the years, Movember has contributed to significant advancements in men’s health research and has encouraged men to take charge of their well-being.”

There are a lot of wonderful men at AMS Fulfillment, and we want them to live long and in good health. We’re all familiar with the pink ribbon and breast cancer awareness. The pink ribbon has been a very successful advocacy symbol, but not so for the Movember mustache. Not nearly enough is said about men’s health and the main causes of cancer in men. We hope to make up for that, at least a little, by giving the men a signal… It’s your month!!! We care about You too!!

Here are some of the not so good facts about men’s health. Men seek medical care less frequently than women, including both preventative and sick visits. The reasons might range from wanting to ‘tough it out’ to feeling like he can’t take time from work. Women outlive men by five years, and the reluctance to see a doctor is likely a contributor to that statistic.

The following is from Wikipedia: “Besides annual check-ups, the Movember Foundation encourages men to be aware of family history of cancer and to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Using the mustache as the driving symbol of the movement, Movember focuses on the three key areas of prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health and suicide prevention. Since inception, the Movember Foundation has raised $837 million and funded over 1,200 projects in more than 20 countries.”

The focus of both Movember and No-Shave November is to encourage men to give more attention to their health. Go ahead and ask your doctor about the prostate cancer test if you’re over 50, or if you have African ancestry have the test after age 40, as your risk is higher. Often, early prostate cancer causes no issues or symptoms – so it’s important to check in with your doctor even if you’re feeling fine. As in breast cancer for women, early detection is key.

The Movember website is an excellent resource on men’s health, and we encourage a visit [HERE]. There is also some very good information on prostate health, prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health at the Weill Cornell Medicine website [HERE].

AMS Fulfillment is a great place to work when it comes to healthcare coverage. Go ahead, make that appointment and get checked out. We’ve got you covered. Also, for anyone who is experiencing anxiety and/or depression, we have an Employee Assistance Program wherein employees and family members can get free counseling and help. Contact your AMS HR representative for more about EAP.

Let’s make the mustache as significant as the pink ribbon and support men’s health. AMS has made our donation to Movember.com and we invite you to join us!! And one more thing… mustaches and beards can be really good looking. Just sayin’ …

AMS Fulfillment is very appreciative of a diverse workforce and appreciative of the diversity in our world as well. In the past we have explored cultural celebrations to learn about and enjoy our beautiful human family with all of its beliefs, foods, and celebrations.

We will soon be enjoying Thanksgiving and Christmas, and we love these family-oriented holidays at AMS. But as we celebrate, we ask what are other Peoples, of differing cultures and religions in other countries, celebrating during this Fall to Wintertime period? Learning about each other is one of the best ways we know to ‘B The Change’ we want to see in the world.

On Sunday the 12^th we saw the largest ever Diwali celebration at the White House. That inspired us to look at one of the most enjoyable festivals in our diverse world – the Hindu celebration called the Festival of Lights, Diwali or Deepavali. This writing is for those of us who are not familiar with the holiday, and the information is primarily from the India Times website.

Diwali is a five-day festival that usually falls in October or November, depending on the lunar calendar. It is celebrated from November 12^th to November 16^th this year. It is celebrated across America and hopefully more than a few of us have been able to see the Diwali fireworks display and enjoy some parts of these celebrations.

The Festival of Lights is celebrated not only by people of the Hindu religion, but also by Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists. It is focused primarily on a Goddess named Lakshimi, who represents prosperity and wealth. When people celebrate, it is Lakshimi’s blessing that is sought. The Festival of Lights is for Her – the giver of prosperity.

What happens on the Five Days?

The first day of Diwali is called Dhanteras. The Lord Dhanvantari is worshipped on this day, and he is the god of medicine and health. This first day is an auspicious day to buy gold and silver, items of jewelry or perhaps table utensils.

Choti Dawali is the name of the second day, and it is also known as Kali Chaudas. On this day people take an early morning bath and light oil lamps, called diyas, and candles to ward off evil spirits. They spend the day cleaning the house. Old and unwanted things in the house are sorted out and gotten rid of. This day there are both a god and a goddess worshipped – Goddess Kali and Lord Hanuman.

The third day, November 14^th is called Diwali, and it is the main event of the festival. This is the day that the Goddess Lakshimi is worshipped, as we say, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. The people wear new clothes on Diwali and the households and businesses will be illuminated with oil lamps and candles.

The fourth day of Diwali is named Govardhan Puja and it is also known as Annakut. This is the day when the Lord Krishna is worshipped. The celebrants make generous amounts of food, vegetables and different grains, and the food is an offering to Lord Krishna.

The final day of Diwali is called Bhai Dooj. It is dedicated to the bond between sisters and brothers. In the households, the sisters apply the vermillion mark, called tilak, on their brother’s forehead and they pray for his wellbeing. In return, the brothers give their sisters gifts.

Quoting from the India Times, a bit of the history of Diwali:

“The origins of Diwali can be traced back to ancient Hindu mythology. According to legend, Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, returned to his kingdom of Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana. The people of Ayodhya welcomed Lord Rama by lighting diyas (earthen lamps) and decorating their houses with rangolis (colored patterns). This event is believed to have occurred on the day of Amavasya (new moon day) in the Hindu month of Kartik, which is why Diwali is celebrated during this time.

“Deepavali: This term is commonly used in South India and in some Southeast Asian countries with a significant Indian population. ‘Deepavali’ is the original Sanskrit name of the festival, where ‘Deepa’ means ‘lamp’ or ‘light,’ and ‘Avali’ means ‘a row’ or ‘a series’. It refers to the rows of lamps and lights that are lit during the festival to symbolize the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.”

Victory of Light over Darkness

We hope that all celebrants enjoy this wonderful festival celebrating the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Like Thanksgiving and Christmas, this celebration has many rich traditions and cultural practices. Once again from the Times we list some key aspects of Diwali tradition and culture:

– The lighting of Lamps and Fireworks
– Puja (Prayers) and Worship
– Exchange of Gifts and Sweets
– Traditional Attire
– Family Gatherings and Festive Feasts
– Diwali Fairs and Cultural Performances
– Charity and Philanthropy

The lights of the Festival of Lights represent our own inner light, protecting us from spiritual darkness. It is a wonderful time for families and friends to come together to exchange gifts and share delicious sweets and delicacies.

This [LINK] is a brief and enjoyable video about Diwali.

To all celebrants, have a wonderful Festival of Lights!

Veterans Day is here and all of us at AMS would like to salute and thank the US military veterans among us. Our salute goes out to all AMS employees who have served in the US Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard and the reserve units of the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. We thank you for putting your life on the line to support US interests abroad and keep us safe and protected at home.

We could look into how Veterans Day came to be, but instead of looking at the history let’s do something different this year and look at the Veterans themselves and see how we might care for and appreciate them.

What Injuries do Veterans suffer from?

As they say, “Freedom isn’t free.” The veterans served us, and how can we now serve them? First we need to ask, what injuries do veterans suffer from the most? Our answer came from Medline:

“Shrapnel and gunshot wounds, lost limbs, head and brain injuries, tinnitus and hearing loss, sprains and strains, and limited range of motion and exposure to environmental hazards.” The article goes on to say, “Being in combat and being separated from your family can be stressful. The stress can put service members and veterans at risk for mental health problems. These include anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and substance use. Suicide can also be a concern.” To find out more, click HERE.

What about Veteran homelessness?

We have also heard about homelessness among veterans. At Greendoors we found the following regarding veteran homelessness. We encourage readers to read the entire article as it is informative, surprising and incredibly sad. Below is an excerpt:

“Veterans between the ages of 18 and 30 are twice as likely as adults in the general population to be homeless, and the risk of homelessness increases significantly among young veterans who are poor.” The article goes on to ask how many veterans are homeless? The answer: “While only 8% of Americans can claim veteran status, 17% of our homeless population is made up of veterans. In 2010, the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) estimated that on any given night there were 76,000 homeless veterans sleeping on American streets.” Visit the Greendoors website and read more HERE.

We might ask, what is the primary cause of veteran homelessness? The obvious answer is poverty, but another reason is that veterans lack support networks. How can we help? For answers on how to contribute to support networks we went to three different websites, Wounded Warrior Project, Vehicles for Veterans and National Veterans Foundation.

Offering Several ways to help Veterans

At Wounded Warrior Project we see the opportunity to donate and have your gift matched. Quoting from the website: “Many of the veterans who fought for us returned home with life-changing injuries. We can never repay them for their extraordinary sacrifices. But we can show our gratitude by providing them with the free WWP programs and services they urgently need. Your Veterans Day gift will be matched $1-for-$1 up to $200,000 by the Blue Angels Foundation in support of our Warrior Care Network.” Visit the Wounded Warrior Project HERE.

At Vehicles for Veterans we find the following: “You can help disabled veterans by donating a car, truck, boat, RV, ATV, or motorcycle to Vehicles For Veterans, whether the vehicle runs or not. Thousands of veterans across the country rely on funding from the programs which Vehicles For Veterans benefits. Give back to those who gave everything to the country today! Donations from people like you and your community can help to bring assistance to every veteran in need!” Visit Vehicles for Veterans HERE.

And finally, at National Veterans Foundation we find a list of ten different things people can do to help veterans in their area, from providing transportation to providing food to doing home repairs to visiting a wounded vet in a facility nearby. We encourage visiting the website and finding ways to help in your area. Click HERE for the National Veterans Foundation website.

Thank You for Your Service to all Veterans working at AMS Fulfillment. And Thank You for Your Service to all Vets.

Let’s ask one last question. Does AMS Fulfillment reach out to Veterans organizations to hire vets? The answer is absolutely Yes!! On both coasts AMS HR works with Goodwill, as they provide training targeted toward veterans with disabilities. AMS HR Departments also work with the VA in Los Angeles and Delaware as well as the VA Shelters. We have worked to hire veterans for years, and homeless vets as well. AMS is a B Corporation, aiming to ‘do good’ for the world, and caring for and about our veterans is high on the list.

Thank you to LaTanya Warren, AMS East Human Resources Manager, for offering her view on hiring veterans and valuing a diverse workforce:

“Hiring a diverse workforce is important to us because it shows that a company values and encourages the differences in its employees. Companies that prioritize diversity are often more attractive to a wider pool of candidates, including those who value inclusivity and equality. Diversity brings together individuals with unique perspectives, backgrounds and experiences who often feel more engaged and valued when their unique contributions are recognized and appreciated.”

Have an enjoyable Veterans Day!

The month of November is recognized as Native American Heritage Month. What can we learn, and what can we do this month to acknowledge the history and ‘B the Change’? What change would we like to see in the world with regard to the Native Peoples who populated the Americas? We live in a continuously changing world, as continuously evolving human beings. Many efforts are being made to recognize the wrongs of the past and we deeply appreciate those efforts and join in them.

We visited several websites to learn what is being done to acknowledge and uplift Native Peoples during this month. Our first visit was to the US Census. At this website we found out how the commemorative month came to exist, and we learned the numbers of individuals and numbers of tribes.

“The first American Indian Day was celebrated in May 1916 in New York. The event culminated an effort by Red Fox James, a member of the Blackfeet Nation, who rode across the nation on horseback seeking approval from 24 state governments to have a day to honor American Indians. In 1990, more than seven decades later, then-President George H.W. Bush signed a joint congressional resolution designating the month of November ‘National American Indian Heritage Month’.”

Today the commemorative month is called “American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month.” We encourage you to visit this website for some educational information. Click HERE.

Our next visit was to the US Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Native Americans. At this website we have access to a number of webinars scheduled over the month. The theme is “Seeds” and over the month the organization will feature five different speakers. We encourage you to visit this website and perhaps join in some of the webinars, which look like they will be rich with information and learning. You can visit the website and register for the webinars HERE.

Our next visit was to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America whose website offers children and parents ways to celebrate Native American Heritage this month. As #1 they offer links to information about what Native boys and girls are doing in their Boys & Girls Clubs. Here children can learn what it’s like to be a Native young person today. The #2 category is an interactive map to see what tribal land you are living on. As #3 they offer links to three children’s books, ages 2-8 years, about and by Native Americans.

Offering #4 is a virtual field trip at the National Geographic YouTube channel in which we can learn more about Native American tribes and cultures. You can enjoy the National Geographic virtual field trip by clicking HERE. And finally, as #5 they list activities that honor Native American oral history, honoring elders and connecting with nature. We recommend a visit to the Boys and Girls Club website – accessed HERE.

At AMS Fulfillment we take our ‘good for the world’ promise seriously. We know that culture changes for the better if we make it so. As a B Corporation, AMS strives to be a part of that change we all want to see. During the month of November we encourage our readers to learn and join in the webinars to support Native American communities. 

 

We all know that Halloween is for decorations and costumes and candy and fun with kids!! (Sometimes adult kids!) When we look into the history, asking where did this come from, the story goes back to the Celts and their response to the end of summer and the beginning of winter, which for the Northern climates promised some hardship and death. Let’s take a look at what they did.

Celts believed that on this night the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred. From History.com we read, “On the night of October 31 they celebrated Samhain, when it was believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth. In addition to causing trouble and damaging crops, Celts thought that the presence of the otherworldly spirits made it easier for the Druids, or Celtic priests, to make predictions about the future. For a people entirely dependent on the volatile natural world, these prophecies were an important source of comfort during the long, dark winter.”

That’s a very understandable beginning of a holiday. Time passes and we come to All Saints’ Day as Christianity had spread into Celtic lands. “In A.D. 1000, the church made November 2 All Souls’ Day, a day to honor the dead. It’s widely believed today that the church was attempting to replace the Celtic festival of the dead with a related, church-sanctioned holiday. All Souls’ Day was celebrated similarly to Samhain, with big bonfires, parades and dressing up in costumes as saints, angels and devils. The All Saints’ Day celebration was also called All-hallows, and the night before it, the traditional night of Samhain in the Celtic religion, began to be called All-Hallows Eve and, eventually, Halloween.”

There we go!! That’s the story of the beginnings of Halloween. There is much more to the history as to how it progressed over the years in the US. We’ll take a quick look at that. “By the 1920s and 1930s, Halloween had become a secular but community-centered holiday, with parades and town-wide Halloween parties as the featured entertainment. Between 1920 and 1950, the centuries-old practice of trick-or-treating was also revived. Thus, a new American tradition was born, and it has continued to grow. Today, Americans spend an estimated $6 billion annually on Halloween, making it the country’s second largest commercial holiday after Christmas.”

So, that’s how we got from ‘there’ to ‘here’ where Halloween is time for some laughter and fun with costumes and food and candy. What is AMS doing? We are enjoying some laughter, costumes, food and maybe candy… not sure about the candy.

AMS is having 5 (five!!) contests and we’ll list them and give details.

1. Mummify Your Boss (Great idea!)
2. Costume Contest (3 categories of winners)
3. Pumpkin Carving Contest (Get creative)
4. Ghoulish Food Contest (that should be interesting!!)
5. Breakroom or Department Decoration Contest (Yes – Enjoy!)

Here below are the details for last-minute planners. There’s still time!

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Mummify Your Boss

Employee challenge to “mummify” their supervisor, manager, or director by wrapping them in warehouse materials. Get creative!
To enter the contest, submit your photo by 10/31 to  [email protected]
Volunteer Committee will vote.

There will be top 3 winners:
1st- Ramesses The Great Award
2nd- King Tutankhamun Award
3rd- Seti Award
Prize will be a trip to the prize room!

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Costume Contest

AMS 6th annual employee costume contest 10/31.
See your Volunteer Rep for details on parade schedule.
Each facility will vote their winners for each category.
Facility volunteer rep. will have a voting slip.   

There are 3 categories of winners:
Individual
Duo
Department
Prize will be a trip to the prize room!

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Pumpkin Carving Contest

Employees show off their creativity by bringing a pre-carved pumpkin to the Breakroom.
Each facility will vote their winners for each category.
Facility volunteer rep. will have a voting slip.
Prize will be a trip to the prize room!

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Ghoulish Food Contest

Employees attempt to make food or dessert look as spooky as possible.
Votes are due before lunch break, so when the clock strikes lunch,
employees can feed their ghoulish appetite.
Facility volunteer rep. will have a voting slip.
Each facility will vote the winner.
Prize will be a trip to the prize room!

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Breakroom or Department Decoration Contest

Employees come together to decorate their breakroom and/or department.
There will be 1 winner for each state (CA, PA, and DE), selected by the facilities volunteer rep.
Prize will be a trophy!

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HAVE FUN AMS!!

AMS is celebrating – it looks like we won!! We won the battle of plastic film recycling! Cheers to 20 bales!

First a little history, quoting from our “Plastics Free July” blog.

“As a B Corporation, AMS sees Planet Over Profit. The AMS Green Team felt they had to come up with a solution, as the plastic stretch film was rejected for recycling and therefore it was ending up in a landfill, and it was quite a lot. In California, each of the AMS’ four facilities receive 60-80 stretch wrapped pallets a day. After some searching, the Team located a company that will pick up and recycle baled plastic stretch film once it reaches 10K lbs, which allows them to market full truckloads of film. To solve this, AMS purchased 92 waste bins enabling the team to properly dispose of this waste so it could be baled, weighed, and stored until the facility has 10K pounds, at which time it is recycled.”

For our recyclable plastic film to be picked up and processed, it had to be baled. AMS is committed to recycling so we raised the bar from baling cardboard to baling plastic stretch film as well. This is film that would have otherwise been disposed of with our landfill waste. Success for us is 20 bales!

When 20 bales have accumulated, the plastics are picked up by the vendor and taken to the recycling plant. Recycled plastic film is made into composite lumber, which is used for benches, decks, and playground sets. It is also recycled and reprocessed into small pellets that are used to make plastic containers, crates, pipes, new plastic bags, and pallets. Victory for AMS!! We solved the issue of proper handling of plastic film.

Some Background on this Issue

The effectiveness of plastic film recycling is a subject of debate among many in the industry. Plastic film recycling programs can succeed only if the recycler accumulates large quantities of material to recycle, which is one reason why it’s collected at drop-off locations rather than curbside. 

In general, the U.S. only has a 5% processing capacity for plastic films and the majority of the film that is able to be recycled are pallet wraps from retail store sources as they tend to be cleaner. Additionally, the market for plastic film recycling is not ideal as it is much more profitable to make new plastic film rather than recycling old films. The cost to collect, sort, clean, and reprocess old plastic film is 100 times higher than creating new plastic.

Sadly, this creates the conditions for ‘profit over planet’. AMS is doing its best to change the focus to Planet in all that we do.

With our leadership’s attention and full support to our company’s role in improving the environment for future generations, recycling plastic stretch film was our only option. AMS’ Green Team provides a great place to be involved in using business as a force for good. As a B Corporation, it is not making money from recycling that motivates us, but rather it is the dream of making a difference for the benefit of future generations. Planet over profit drives AMS Fulfillment. 

Thank you for your exemplary performance during the month of September: Mariana M., George R., Magdalena P., Kirk W., Kristen P., Lee B., Crestine P., Steve C., and Comfort S.

In the fulfillment industry, employees directly serve the company’s clients, making their efforts vital to the growth and success of the business. At AMS Fulfillment we appreciate and value our employees, and we respect and invest in them. Every month we see our employees working hard with such outstanding dedication and we are continually impressed by the results they produce!

Congratulations to this month’s winners! All Winners will receive an Employee of the Month Certificate, T-Shirt, and Quarterly Celebration Lunch! 

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Mariana M., Operations Lead I (09/30/2002)
HQ Admin, Valencia, CA

Mariana is very helpful in many different ways. She does her duties diligently and accurately. She makes sure all is packaged and shipped correctly, and when we ask her to make labels for other business needs, she is quick and precise in getting it done. We learn a few new things regarding shipping when we work with her. She is always smiling and helping all. She is a great example of AMS’ culture with being helpful, kind, generous and a team player. She is our choice for Employee of the Month!

 

George R., Director of Facilities (05/15/2023)
LIV, Valencia, CA

George has made an incredible impact on our warehouse, not only in its appearance, but also his positive attitude has made an impact on our employees. Whenever we need something repaired it gets done in record time, even if it means George rolling up his sleeves and doing it himself. Every day he comes to work with a smile, says good morning to everyone and goes home with that smile no matter how stressful the day has been. Everyone here has a great appreciation knowing we have George here taking care of our safety and making sure this facility is always in tip top shape. Thank You George – you deserve EOM!!

 

Magdalena P., Operations Associate II (06/10/2021)
WIL, Valencia, CA

Magdalena is our nominee for September Employee of the Month. She always helps her team make sure they have enough boxes made to hit their goal. She is our ‘go to’ if we want an assembly line to be efficient. She is always on time and is willing to come to work at any time and day of the week! She is a pleasure to work with and a true asset to the Williams team.

 

Kirk W., Operations Associate II (09/21/2022)
WIT, Valencia, CA

Kirk does an amazing job organizing container offloads and sorting shipments from smaller carriers. His positive attitude stands out. He’s very polite and has a good relationship with everyone at Witherspoon. We are very happy to nominate Kirk for this honor!

 

Kristen P., Payroll Manager (02/27/2019)
WIT Admin, Valencia, CA

Since the day that I came onboard with AMS, Kristen has always been a light in the tunnel for me. Kristen got me up and running with our payroll platform within two weeks, and I was able to process payroll on my own. She has provided guidance whenever I have questions or need assistance. Her smile and laughter just brighten my day and it has such a positive effect. She truly cares and always does the right thing – not just for the company, but for the employee as well. She’s the lady behind the scenes that gets the West Coast paid and has been incredible payroll support for East Coast. Thank you, Kristen for being in everyone’s corner! You definitely deserve this award!

 

Lee B., Controller (07/01/1985)
New Holland, PA

I have only been with AMS for 30 days and although that might not seem like enough time to assess people and how much they contribute to the good of the company, it has been more than enough time for me! I wish I could nominate more than one person because each person has been so patient and helpful in teaching me different aspects of the company and details of my job. But since I can only nominate one, I would like to nominate Lee. He is my choice for Employee of the Month! He has taken me under his wing to teach me everything I need to know, to not only do my job well, but excel in my position. Day after day, Lee patiently and kindly teaches me new functions of my job and invests a great deal of energy into making sure that I am the best I can be. I have watched how he treats each person the same way he treats me, which makes Lee very special. The world needs more humans like Lee, and AMS has a great asset for their culture and environment!

 

Crestine P., Inventory Supervisor I (06/20/2023)
Churchman’s, DE

Since Crestine has come on board, she has helped tremendously with CT inventory. She is always available to help 15 people a day who have many questions and a vast amount of inventory issues. She shows up early, stays late, and has done an amazing job getting Churchman’s ready for the CT physical inventory. She always has a smile and takes the time to help everyone no matter how busy she is. Crestine absolutely deserves September Employee of the Month and More!

 

Steve C., Director of Operations I (08/28/2020)
Newark, DE

Steve has proven to not only be a great partner to the HR team, but also a fair and consistent advocate for his employees. He regularly communicates the value he sees in his employees and works with HR to provide resources for those who may be struggling. Because of the distance between the Delaware locations, Steve makes it a point to make sure his facility is involved, especially when it involves food. Steve is very easy to work with, is open to suggestions, and provides open and constructive feedback. Steve pays attention to the details, is responsive in a timely manner, and plays by the rules. Steve is a true practitioner of the principles of our corporate culture. He deserves this nomination!

 

Comfort S., Operations Associate I (10/17/2022)
New Castle, DE

There are dozens of reasons why I believe Comfort should receive the award, not only is she arguably one of the hardest workers in the building, but she also is that voice of reason when nights get hectic.  Comfort, no pun intended, is a very comforting and fair person. She’s patient with everyone, she’s always willing to help, always here on time, and available when you need that one extra person to complete the task. Anytime I have questions or need help, I know Comfort is always willing to lend a hand. It feels good for me as a Lead to know Comfort is on my team, because she holds everyone accountable, and she fearlessly steps in to help people avoid mistakes. I believe that mindset and work ethic is what we truly need to succeed here and, in any endeavors. Because there are few team members on nightshift, she really doesn’t get the credit she deserves, so this is my way of showing the entire company how much we appreciate her! She is our winner!!

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To all of our Honorees, please know that whatever role you play, you are the reason for our success. Congratulations and Thank You! Keep up the great work!

 

 

October 16^th is National Boss Day, and we want to have some fun with the AMS Bosses. Of course since a boss is a boss, we need the thumb’s up. Thankfully our bosses are ‘pretty cool folks’ and they agreed to not only answer our questions but get ‘fancied up’ for the event. First, we’re going to tell the readers who they are and what they do, and then it’s ‘fire away’ with the questions. 

Our participating AMS bosses are Jay Catlin CEO; Daniel Butera COO; Cindy Beeson VP HR; Mike Meath VP Ops East; and Kim Peszek VP Client Engagement. Truth is, we like these ‘pretty cool folks’ so we’re going to give them five super easy questions for them to answer. Important stuff – stuff we need to know! Here it comes. 

** ** ** 

Q: Our first question is the acronym puzzle. Please give us an alternative for AMS and/or your title. Example: AMS = “Always Make Sense” or “Ask Mom Sometimes” and VP = “Virtual Performer” and so forth. We know you can do it!!  

Jay: AMS = Among Many Stars (It appears that Jay is CEO of “Among Many Stars Fulfillment.” Sounds like a place where people can shine! Nice!) 

Michael:  AMS = Always Makes Sense (Okay… Michael works for “Always Makes Sense Fulfillment!” That’s actually a doable name… clients definitely want that!!) 

Kim: I always AMS! I Appreciate My Staff! (That’s a cool answer!! “Appreciate My Staff Fulfillment” as a company name doesn’t work too well, but a boss who appreciates the staff will always do more than what is expected! This one gets the A+) 

Daniel: COO = Constantly Overreacting Oaf (Daniel’s title has changed – his job is to be an Oaf. We’ll have to look that up. BTW, picturing Dan as a warehouse Oaf in Charge gets the LOL!) 

Cindy: VP of HR = Vampire Pumpkin Hunting Ranger. (It is always good to have one of these on post – you know, this time of year has a weird effect on folks with the pumpkins acting up. Comforting to know we have a Ranger on duty!!)  

** ** ** 

Q: If when you’re driving to work and sipping a colorful drink or desert, you spill some on your white shirt or blouse. You have a sizeable blue stain right up front and you’re scheduled for a Board Meeting or another important meeting, what will you do?  

Jay: Wear that blue stain proudly! (That takes a Fearless Leader…) 

Daniel: I would walk into the board meeting and immediately call attention to my mishap. Everyone in the world has spilled something on their shirt or had some level of embarrassing event occur in their life. It would hopefully not only diffuse the embarrassment, but also lighten the mood of the meeting. (Looks like the Constantly Overreacting Oaf knows what to do – he definitely lightens our mood.) 

Cindy: Use office supplies creatively, in a pinch, you can get creative with office supplies. Consider fashioning a makeshift cover-up using a large binder clip, a strategically placed jacket, a scarf, or even a well-placed nametag or sticky notes. (There we go – Cindy can use a strategically-placed vampire cape and the rest of us can put a sticky note on it. This one gets the A+) 

Michael: I usually have back up attire for big meetings…I would change into my replacement shirt. (But of course!! A sensible answer!) 

Kim: My office is well stocked with AMS swag, so I’d change into my AMS polo and proudly display it in my upcoming meeting! (Smart!! Put on the AMS polo – that gets the AMS Champion award!) 

** ** ** 

Q: We would like to know one product that you are 100% sure AMS has never, ever fulfilled. If that’s not doable, then please, tell us everything the Inventory Management System does in one brief sentence.  

Jay: Cow Manure Fertilizer (Whew – glad that hasn’t been in the warehouse. Man, that job would stink!) 

Daniel:  I don’t believe that AMS has ever distributed toilets, but I have not been around since the beginning. Also, the inventory management system stores and tracks all material movement throughout the AMS facilities. This includes receiving, transfers, adjustments and, of course, shipments. (Daniel… your instruction said one brief sentence. You gave us two. Might be an Oaf but he knows what he’s talking about.)  

Cindy: Fresh produce like mushrooms or bananas, without a temperature-controlled environment it would be difficult for AMS to fulfill these products. (Cindy’s experience with pumpkins comes in handy. Cindy – you get an A+) 

Michael: Live Chickens. (AMS has never fulfilled live chickens?? You’re sure?? We’ll have to ask Jay about that. The other day we heard clucking by the employee eggsit…) 

Kim:  I’m fairly certain that AMS has never fulfilled live animals…at least not intentionally! (We can imagine a little spooky spider wanting to travel world class! This one gets the LOL.)

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Q: OK, you’re in your bedroom getting ready for sleep and an angel drifts into view. The angel says… “From now on you get to do whatever your heart desires instead of being a Boss at AMS.” What would you tell the angel? 

Jay: I’m not a Boss… I’m a Leader. (Jay, seriously… you are not supposed to sass an angel.)

Daniel: I would be a full-time writer. I have always enjoyed writing short stories, and dialog. (We’re sure your short stories are ‘oaf-fully’ enjoyable!!) 

Cindy: I have several food allergies and if I dine out, I am often left with only Vegan options or no options. While vegan food can be delicious, I have thought about opening a restaurant that caters to individuals with food allergies. (Sounds like a true ‘people person’!! Much needed! Wide range of potential!) 

Michael: Spend the day with my Mom. (Well, this is Easy! Michael clearly wins this one!! Best Answer A+) 

Kim: My ideal job is to be a travel blogger. I would love to travel and photograph the world, providing guidance on how best to plan and embrace the travel experience. My first advisement would be, there is no such thing as overpacking! Bring as many shoes as you would like… (Wow – We’re inspired! What a wonderful dream – gets a big thumb’s up.) 

** ** ** 

Q: Now let’s get serious. You are a Boss. Lots of people depend on you and your decisions. In your experience, what is the most important attribute in someone who leads a team or a company? Also, in your answer, let us know one thing you believe a Boss should never do.  

Jay: I picture a Boss being someone that Bosses people around… telling them what to do in tackling the challenges of the day. I don’t think a company gets far with the “Boss” mentality. Leaders, on the other hand, develop people… share their knowledge… guide decision-making… and in doing so they surround themselves with a Team that is capable of making great decisions and enhancing the company without being told what to do. The most important attribute in someone who leads is to develop future leaders! **NEVER DO: One thing a boss or leader should never do is lose touch with their moral compass. In running a business, you should do what you feel deep down is the right thing to do… for your employees, for your clients, for the business, for the planet, for ownership and for yourself. Good things tend to happen when you Do Good! (Exactly the answers a really good human being would give – you’re on post Jay – not a Boss. You get an A++) 

Daniel: As business leaders our ONLY job is to remove barriers and obstacles for the rest of the team members. Recognizing that everyone else is significantly more important than you is something that should not be forgotten. What I believe a good leader should NEVER do is pretend to have all of the answers or lean on their title. (A humble answer, Dan. You are a true team player! The Oaf wins our hearts!!)

Cindy: I believe good leaders must be ethical. Managers should never violate rules or standards they hold their team accountable to. (We like this!! Thank you Ranger. Honesty is the best policy!)

Michael: Most Important – The ability to create and sustain a work environment that brings forth their Team’s best efforts. Never do – Never forget that you are a role model…people look up to you and your actions make a difference. (Wow – looks like we have yet another good guy, definitely up there working Among Many Stars.)

Kim: As a leader, continually listen and learn your teams’ strengths, concerns, and aspirations. Ensure clarity on strategy and objectives, but don’t micromanage every means by which they get there. Empower your staff and trust the team to do their job. And of course, have fun in the process! (We like the have fun part… well…actually… we like it all!)

**

Thank You AMS Leaders for having some fun with us on National Boss Day!!

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There are two holidays being celebrated on October 9^th that demonstrate how cultures can change in response to information and awareness. As a B Corporation, AMS Fulfillment is at the forefront of cultural change as we seek to be the change we wish to see in the world. 

Back in 1937, Congress and President Franklin D. Roosevelt made Columbus Day, October 12, a national holiday. This holiday was created primarily because of lobbying by the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic fraternal and charitable organization. It was moved to the second Tuesday in October in 1971. This year it’s on October 9^th. 

October 9^th is also celebrated as Indigenous People’s Day in many US states. The organization of Indigenous People’s Day began at a UN conference on discrimination in 1977. The State of South Dakota recognized Columbus Day as Indigenous People’s Day in 1989, followed by Berkeley and Santa Cruz California. Today a number of States have joined South Dakota in celebrating Indigenous People’s Day instead of or in addition to Columbus Day. Those States are Arizona, California, Iowa, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, Virginia, Wisconsin and Washington DC. 

We all know the story of how Columbus landed in the Region of the Americas in 1492. He landed in a small island in the Bahamas. His arrival in the region began an era of colonization that in some cases virtually eliminated the Indigenous populations living in the area. This part of the story was not spoken about for many years. But we have grown and are growing as a culture, recognizing that there was a negative to colonization and genocidal damage to Indigenous populations. The celebration of Columbus Day and Indigenous People’s Day allows us to see the truth of the situation. The following quote is from almanac.com. 

“The observance of Columbus Day is not without controversy, however. Although Columbus’ landing in the New World marked the start of a new age of exploration and development for the world, the reality of European colonization is that it brought disease, enslavement, and genocide to the indigenous people of the Americas. This part of colonial history has largely been overlooked in Columbus Day celebrations. However, this has been changing in recent decades, with more and more cities and states choosing to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead.” 

Columbus Day is considered a recognition of Italian heritage, so the holiday recognizes the history, culture and accomplishments of people of Italian descent. It has been celebrated since 1792 but became today’s Columbus Day in 1971. Indigenous People’s Day is celebrated to honor the cultures, histories and perspectives of Indigenous Peoples and their ancestors who lived on the land now known as North America. On this day we reflect not only on their cultures and tribal roots, but also on the tragic stories and the strength of their communities. 

According to the above mentioned website, the purpose of Indigenous Peoples’ Day is not to erase Columbus Day from history but rather to recognize, honor, and celebrate the Native American cultures and people who have inhabited the Americas since long before European explorers arrived. 

At AMS Fulfillment we are celebrating both. Of course we honor the contributions of people of Italian descent and the development of the Americas as we would not exist without it. That is a part of our heritage. At the same time we recognize what the early colonizers and pioneers did not acknowledge, and that is the equal humanity of Indigenous Peoples. There is pain in America’s past, and things were done that we are committed to acknowledge and change as best we can. As a B Corporation, our desire and goal is to make the world a better place.   

Today is a national holiday. On this day may we recognize and uplift a changing world where the wrongs of the past are acknowledged, and efforts are made to repair and restore as best we can while appreciating the contributions of the explorers who were looking for a better world.  

Link to White House proclamation on Indigenous People’s Day HERE 

Link to White House proclamation on Columbus Day HERE 

There will be some colorful and exciting Columbus Day parades, and we encourage readers to enjoy these events, either by attending or watching online. In addition, in recognition of Indigenous People’s Day we are sharing a link to scholarships that address the lack of access indigenous peoples have to higher education. We encourage readers to share the scholarship information wherever appropriate.

Have a Happy Holiday, and B The Change!

 

The AMS Green Team meets monthly to discuss ways and means of reducing the impact on the environment of our actions and our decisions. We recently published a report on AMS’ efforts with regard to reducing our carbon footprint. That report can be viewed HERE. In this blog we will continue the reporting by sharing some of the recycling projects that are being discussed in the Green Team meetings and indicate where there is progress. 

 

The Recycling Program 

*Employee standup meetings are discussed. Several employee and supervisor meetings are scheduled, added to the ‘All Hands Agenda’. In these meetings there was discussion of incentives for employee participation. Some ideas are to give the funds received for recycled cans back to the employees in the facility. Another suggestion is Green Team Walks with a drawing for the site with the best recycling performance – including gift cards or prize room cards. 

*Waste bin SOP training is ongoing in all AMS facilities. Plans are in place to include this training in weekly stand-up meetings.

*Green Team members are verifying that all buildings have properly color-coded waste bins/labels/plastic & weigh log. These need to be at each weigh station. 

* The Green Team discussed recognizing a monthly or quarterly recycling champion. The champion would be featured on the website and in email marketing. The program would start with Green Team Representatives.

*The team plans to schedule a driver to recycle cans/bottles. They also need to get reports on plastic bail weight so pick-up can be scheduled when the weight is high enough. 

*The team plans to write another client communication about the recycling and how clients can participate.

*A plan is in place to create a link on Invoices and on Quick Books to “Green Team Efforts.”

*Adding a “Green Team” page to the AMS website is in discussion. 

*Green Team is calling for updates on the ongoing back of warehouses cleanup project.

*The team discussed efforts ongoing in the Pennsylvania warehouse. They did find a company through which to recycle pallets of printing materials, warranties, paper, envelopes, older corrugate and DVD cases. A recycling company has also been located for recycling plastic bags and auto bags. There is a plan in place to transfer plastic from the Delaware warehouse to the Pennsylvania warehouse for pick up and recycling.

*Improvement at the WIT facility reported regarding breakroom waste – employees are on right path. 

*In the Delaware facility waste bin clusters are ordered and in place, and the employees are educated with regard to sorting and recycling.

 

Recycling via Purchasing Department  

*AMS is recycling pallets and the pallet pick-up is successful with reimbursement received. 

*AMS has acquired a compactor to efficiently fill the dumpsters therefore requiring fewer pickups.

*Purchasing has arranged with a sustainable packaging product vendor to do a warehouse demonstration. 

*AMS needs approval from UPS for biodegradable stretch wrap.

*AMS has purchased and implemented an Organic Waste bin.

 

Thank You Green Team

The AMS Green Team is a volunteer group of employees with members from all warehouse locations as well as management. We very much appreciate their efforts and compliment them on the amazing progress they have made. We are so proud to be able to serve our clients with sustainable packaging and recycling. We are also pleased to serve ecommerce shoppers in their efforts to go ‘green’. Thank you AMS Green Team.