Company News and Highlights

October 28, 2021

Driving Value Through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Workers across the Midwest walked off their jobs at John Deere recently, echoing the frustrations of workers at Kellogg the month before. After years of relatively low strike activity, a spike in 2018 and 2019 followed by a disruptive global pandemic may be shifting the power dynamic between employees and owners, who often view their people as inputs, the same as they view materials, buildings, or equipment.

This mindset creates unnecessary risks, not just the risk of strikes but the risk of unsafe working conditions, high turnover, lawsuits, and low productivity. And it is why companies that take diversity, equity, and inclusion seriously are already a better investment and will continue to outperform their peers in the future.

Many companies started thinking about DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) in the wake of George Floyd’s death, particularly as employees started asking how their employers would respond to the problem of structural racism and the call for social justice.

Certified B Corporations like AMS Fulfillment have this commitment baked in, and it is a significant factor in our success. We focus on DEI to create a safe environment for our employees which in turn makes us a more attractive employer than some of our competitors. We use our DEI values to make sure managers follow the rules and to coach all of our employees on how to resolve conflict and improve communication. As a result, we perform better and improve our margin.

But like any employer, we know we have blind spots. Recently we engaged Diversity Works, which used a rigorous data-driven approach to evaluate our DEI performance. We approached the effort like an individual would take up exercise and eating well – we wanted to set an intention to do better because we knew we’d come out the other side stronger and more resilient.

The results confirmed some things that we already knew, and it identified opportunities for us to hardwire the changes we had made to ensure they last. Most importantly, the recommendations were tailored to our business and aligned to our values – our people are more than inputs, they are integral to our success and future performance.

When we were acquired by a private equity firm a few years ago, it was these values that made us an attractive investment. Thirteen investor teams made us an offer. In the end, we selected an investor who didn’t offer us the most money but the one that agreed to sign the B Corporation agreement and saw our DEI commitments as a competitive advantage.

There are rewards for doing well by your people and considering your employees’ success as your own success. As the former CEO and now, in semi-retirement, Chief Workforce Development Officer of AMS Fulfillment, I see our B Corporation certification and our DEI strategy as part of my legacy.

We’ve created opportunities for people who often have very few, such as individuals who have been involved in the justice system. We’ve worked with our customers to support organizations that help vulnerable mothers provide for their kids and that help people with disabilities find work. And we celebrate every time one of our employees advances their career because of the leadership training that we provide. We do all of this while also giving our investors a good return.

It remains to be seen if striking employees in the Midwest or even right here in Los Angeles with the film and television workers are able to shift the balance of power in their favor. But it doesn’t have to be an adversarial relationship. In our experience, you can value and invest in your employees while also being profitable and competitive. We can do better and protect the bottom line.

By: Ken Wiseman, Chief Workforce Development Officer, AMS Fulfillment

Follow this link to read the above article at hometownstation.com.

___________

“Change starts with a culture of respect, acceptance, encouragement and progresses on the basis of providing opportunity and education while instilling confidence and trust,” said Ken Wiseman.

Wiseman is a well-known figure in the SCV community, appreciated for developing the workforce at AMS Fulfillment, and for his extensive volunteering while guiding AMS as its CEO. Wiseman has served on a number of boards including Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation, 10-year SCV Sheriff’s Foundation, former Chair of the SCV Mayor’s Committee for the Employment of Individuals with Disabilities, member of the College of the Canyons Business Alliance and current President of the Piru Neighborhood Council. He also served until recently as an 18-year volunteer with the SCV Sheriff’s Search & Rescue Team.

In 2019, Wiseman made the decision to go into semi-retirement and serve AMS as Chief Workforce Development Officer. Among his many achievements are the establishment of an employee learning center, and the creation of opportunities for persons struggling to enter and achieve success in the workforce. Wiseman continues to focus on training and creating a diverse, equitable and nurturing work environment.

October 25, 2021

Supply Chain Issues vs Halloween Fun!

Halloween is an evolving holiday with a long and weird history, but for most people nowadays it’s a time for children to wear costumes and have some fun going door-to-door for treats. The intention in 2021 is to have fun and be safe, whether or not the most popular costumes can be found on the store shelves!

A recent article in Today.com pointed out that the ‘scream’ mask and animal and mythical creatures costumes are in short supply as well as gaming costumes. The Wall Street Journal reported as well on the supply chain issues affecting the availability of Halloween decorations and costumes.

In a recent blog John Bevacqua, VP of Logistics at AMS Fulfillment talked at length about supply chain issues and how they are affecting the upcoming holidays. John stated that “… a huge and massive surge in demand for products far outweighs the market’s capacity,” and the supply chain issues will not be resolved soon. He recommended ordering early.

We know that costume creation can be done by inventive Moms and Dads, and while specific characters and items might not be available, creative face paint and sewing machines can come to the rescue. All parents and celebrants want to see this year’s holiday season, including Halloween, be something very enjoyable and also very safe for all, despite obstacles!

The tradition of Halloween actually can be traced back 2000 years to a Celtic festival where the people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. It was called Samhain. The Samhain celebration took place in the area that is now Ireland, the UK and Northern France. The paragraph below, from the History website explains how ghosts came into the picture:

“This day marked the end of summer and the harvest and the beginning of the dark, cold winter, a time of year that was often associated with human death. Celts believed that on the night before the new year, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred. On the night of October 31 they celebrated Samhain, when it was believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth.”

The Samhain celebration began to be associated with All Saints Day around the eighth century. Pope Gregory III designated November 1st as a time to honor all saints, and soon some of the traditions of Samhain were incorporated, making the evening before into All Hallows Eve, and later Halloween.

In the US, Halloween was not celebrated to any degree until the second half of the 19th century when immigrants from Ireland came in, fleeing the Irish Potato Famine. The early Halloween tradition had Americans dressing up in costumes and going house to house asking for food or money. That practice eventually became today’s “trick-or-treat” tradition.

Today Halloween has lost most of its superstitious and religious overtones and has become a time for children (and adults who feel the ‘spirit’) to dress up in costumes for the pure fun of it. While parents may not be able to find the exact choice of costume, with some imagination they can still provide an exciting look for the little ones as they safely go out to collect candy and gifts and the adults who create costumes will still get to collect some laughter and smiles.

Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable Halloween!!

October 19, 2021

Congratulations! AMS September Employees of the Month

Thank you for your exemplary performance during the month of September! Damion D., Sarah M., Jenn H., Thomas C., Gabriela H., Lisette B., Ana M., Armando C., Raul G.

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 know the value of our employees, and we respect them and invest in them.

The following nominations demonstrate that the individual being recognized has gone above and beyond, and deserves Special Thanks! All Winners will receive an Employee of the Month Certificate & T-Shirt!

Damion D., DFC Supervisor (08/16/2010), Newark, DE

I would like to nominate Damion for September EOM because he is an outstanding clam truck driver that keeps us going day to day. His knowledge and work ethic shine through to everyone daily. He is a pleasure to work with.

Sarah M., Inventory Manager, New Castle, DE

I would like to nominate Sarah for September EOM. When it comes to dedication it is undeniable that Sarah pours her heart and soul into this job here at AMS. A great person to have on our team!!! She comes in early and stays late. A person that is always willing to step up and take on any task that is asked of her. Thank You Sarah for all you do here in New Castle!

Jenn H., DFC Supervisor (09/17/2019), New Holland, PA

I would like to nominate Jenn for September EOM. Jenn joined our team Sept 17^th, two years ago. She has been fantastic to work with. She works so hard and takes initiative to learn whenever able. She never hesitates to ask questions or ask for advice on professional matters. Jenn has overcome so many obstacles during her career with us and never once gave up. She doesn’t let anything shake her and I love that quality about her! She has proven to be dedicated, loyal, and committed to her clients and team members. It has been and still is a pleasure to be able to coach and guide her along the way.

Thomas C., General Warehouse II (04/01/2021), Harrison, CA

I would like to nominate Thomas for September EOM. He has shown that he is a great team player, also he has currently added extra Responsibilities to his daily task and has shown that he is open to learning new processes. Also Thomas has been a great team player, helping the team in other areas and other buildings.

Gabriela H., General Warehouse II (11/27/2020), Williams, CA

I would like to nominate Gabriela for September EOM. Gabriela is a Punctual employee and a hard worker. She can always be counted on her to get the job done very Efficiently and correctly. She has been a great addition to the Williams warehouse and is a key person to the team. She has shown she can handle a task on her own and train and mentor other employees. Gabriela is also eager and ready to help in other departments if necessary and ready to always learn something new. She is a go getter in every way and a joy to have in our building.

Lisette B., Operations Manager (05/20/2012), Witherspoon, CA

I would like to nominate Lis for September EOM. We have been changing processes, learning new technology, and dealing with a semi slow period. She has done a great job implementing along with properly managing her departments and labor needs. Lis is consistently looking for improvements in the department, helping other departments, and handling employee relations very well. She is also always willing to go above and beyond to ensure her team succeeds.

Ana M., Receiving Lead (11/30/2005), Livingston, CA

I would like to nominate Ana for September EOM. Ana has been a great employee for the last 16 years. She is very smart, caring and dedicated, and she helps with training new team members. Ana has so much system knowledge and physical ability, making the Receiving process efficient and accurate. Ana is a great team player, always happy to help, respectful, honest, smart, and caring. She is the employee of the year for me.

Armando C., General Warehouse II (10/12/2020), Headquarters, CA

I nominate Armando for September EOM because he is always the first to work more. He comes in early and leaves late. The bell rings and he will finish the task and not leave it for the next day. He helps everyone on the team including every person in this warehouse. He always comes in with a positive attitude and wants to learn more. Everyone goes to him for help. Armando is an all-around nice guy and a great asset to the team.

Raul G., Account Manager (02/01/2012), HQ Admin, CA

I would like to nominate Raul for EOM for September because Raul is the type of team member who comes in and works hard every day. He never complains, never makes excuses, and does whatever he can to finish the workload. When someone asks Raul for help, he never tells you what he’s working on or how busy he is, he makes time to complete the job and keeps a good moral through thick and thin. Raul has a good friendship with all of the members on our team and we appreciate him very much.

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

October 15, 2021

AMS Fulfillment: Preparing for Peak Season 2021!

Fulfillment Companies are wise to prepare early for Peak Season in 2021, as the issues that companies face, due to the effects of the pandemic, are unique and challenging. The following is a brief report on AMS Fulfillment’s early preparations with regard to employee safety, staffing and transportation.

Safety Measures:

*Our Client Service, IT and Accounting teams continue to work from home, but now in a hybrid environment. We have invested in laptops to create a “plug and play” environment for our teams, allowing them to rotate coming into the office.

*We have our own sanitation team “in house” to continue best practices of sanitizing and cleaning.

*We have eased back into meetings, gatherings, and educational classes, keeping the groups to a minimum. We continue to have bag lunches brought in when appropriate.

*We encourage social distancing during lunch and breaks by limiting seating to one chair per table. We also designated additional lunch shifts to avoid any lunchroom crowding.

*We take temperatures of employees when they arrive at work along with vendors who come into the building.

*We have eased into allowing visitors to our facilities, having anyone who visits always adhere to social distancing and masks on.

*We are continuing to support our employees’ desire to become vaccinated by holding clinics and paying for the time to get vaccinated if the associate goes offsite. AMS has held (5) vaccination clinics, opening them up to surrounding companies within our communities.

Staffing:

*A wide range of companies are having staffing challenges due to COVID, and AMS continues to do our best to recruit, work with agencies, and welcome friends and family.

*We are starting earlier in our recruitment efforts as peak season for our clients will likely start earlier and spread out over a longer period of time (which we encourage!).

*With recruiting of new associates comes training, and we are gearing up for training, and working with our valued clients when appropriate.

Transportation:

Freight challenges across the country, from small parcel carriers, post office, LTL and containers have continued to be an issue. We are adding carriers such as Laser Ship (East), GLS (West), Pitney Bowes and EasyPost, and we hope to have contracts plus integrations in place to launch before peak.

For a more comprehensive and detailed report on global transportation, please see our recent interview with John Bevacqua, VP of Logistics, on Holiday Shipping and Transportation.

We continue to uphold our commitments as a B-Corporation to be ‘Good for the World’ by adhering to our Mission Statement: “At AMS, we recognize that profit and growth are not goals unto themselves, but merely outcomes of uncompromised attention to our customer, our organization, our community, our environment and ourselves.”

October 12, 2021

AMS Celebrates Indigenous People’s Day: B The Change

We often speak about the culture at AMS Fulfillment, and how important it is to the company to hire a diverse workforce, reflecting the communities in which we operate, and opening the doors to individuals who face obstacles in entering the workforce. We offer education and training to the workforce, and equity in promotions not because it is ‘trendy’ and ‘looks good’ from a PR standpoint, but because that is who we are. We want a better world, and so we ‘B The Change,’ as a B Corporation.

What is going on at AMS reflects a much larger cultural change that we have watched take place across the United States and internationally over the past decades. On Monday, October 11^th, eleven states celebrated Indigenous People’s Day, while nationally the holiday remained Columbus Day. This gradual cultural change is inspiring, as the American people become more aware of the injustices of the past and take steps to change the way we think about what has occurred, and what we want the future to look like.

In the History.com website we find information about how Columbus Day became a holiday: “Columbus Day is a U.S. holiday that commemorates the landing of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492, and Columbus Day 2021 occurs on Monday, October 11. It was unofficially celebrated in a number of cities and states as early as the 18th century but did not become a federal holiday until 1937. For many, the holiday is a way of both honoring Columbus’ achievements and celebrating Italian-American heritage. But throughout its history, Columbus Day and the man who inspired it have generated controversy, and many alternatives to the holiday have proposed since the 1970s including Indigenous People’s Day, now celebrated in many U.S. states and cities.”

Also from the History website we find information on Indigenous People’s Day: “Since 1991, dozens of cities, several universities, and a growing number of states have adopted Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a holiday that celebrates the history and contributions of Native Americans. Not by coincidence, the occasion usually falls on Columbus Day, the second Monday in October, or replaces the holiday entirely. As of 2021, the holiday is observed or honored by states including Virginia, Maine, New Mexico, Vermont, Alaska, Hawaii, Oregon, Iowa, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, Wisconsin, as well as South Dakota, which celebrates Native Americans’ Day, Hawaii, which celebrates Discoverers’ Day, and Alabama, which celebrates American Indian Heritage Day.”

For the first time, in 2021, the U.S. President issued a proclamation on Indigenous Peoples’ Day, stating, “Today, we recognize Indigenous peoples’ resilience and strength as well as the immeasurable positive impact that they have made on every aspect of American society.”

As a B Corporation AMS Fulfillment celebrates what we see as the maturing of the American consciousness in recognition of the experiences of all Peoples as the United States of America came into existence and grew into the multicultural powerhouse it is today. There are wrongs in the past, and we can’t deny that nor do we want to. By being the change we want to see in the world, we actually do change the world, one individual at a time.

October 7, 2021

AMS TrashTag Clean Up Challenge – October 2021!

As a B Corporation, AMS Fulfillment is committed to ‘Be Good for the World’ in a number of ways. One of our goals is to be responsive to the needs of the communities in which we live.

Community care includes hiring and training practices that serve the homeless, individuals with disabilities, the justice-involved, at-risk youth, seniors and others for whom finding employment is difficult. AMS does that, and we have been widely recognized by the community for our commitment to hiring and training a diverse workforce.

AMS also serves the community by volunteering. One of our programs is called the ‘Multiplier Program’ where the AMS rewards employees who volunteer in the community by finding additional volunteers or providing financial support or both. In addition to this program, employees recently joined in support of a Green Team volunteer request. Employees volunteered to help remove invasive plants in Lancaster, PA and they walked the shoreline of the Santa Clarita River in Santa Clarita, CA to pick up trash and clean up the environment.

During the month of October there will be another Green Team Volunteer event, and this one is aimed to beautify neighborhoods, parks, and any location that could use a clean-up. It’s called the TrashTag Clean Up Challenge 2021! AMS volunteers will pick up their biodegradable trash bags from the Green Team, and qualify for an end of the month raffle by filling the bag with trash, taking a photo of themselves with it and emailing the photo in.

We appreciate all of the AMS employees who volunteer within the community. Whether in hiring, training, volunteering, or giving, it is our goal to be a company that is good for the community that we live and work in. Thank you AMS Employees for all of the good that you are doing in the community!!!

To participate in the TrashTag Challenge, please email [email protected],

AMS Employees are Good for the World!

September 30, 2021

Thank You to our AMS Volunteers!!

As a B Corporation, the culture at AMS Fulfillment is naturally inclined toward volunteering and supporting community organizations. Each year, AMS coordinates volunteer events for all employees, friends and families to join. We have organized group participation in some of these events in the past, and it has been very rewarding.

Two of the three events took place on September 18th and the third was on the 26^th. AMS volunteers signed up to help and everyone had an excellent time as the photos below will demonstrate.

River Rally Clean Up, Santa Clarita, CA, Saturday, September 18^th

The Santa Clara River, which runs through the Santa Clarita Valley, is one of the last natural, free-flowing river systems in southern California. This year, the River Rally brought at least 1,200 volunteers together to clean a portion of the Santa Clara River to help protect the endangered species that call it home, including the California red-legged frog and California condor.

Kelly’s Run Invasive Removal, Holtwood, PA, Saturday, September 18, 2021

Volunteers assisted with an ecological restoration project that involved removal of invasive shrubs to restore native forest, savannah, and meadow. This is part of an ongoing and larger effort to restore parts of Kellys Run to pollinator garden, meadow and savannah, increasing the overall biodiversity of the preserve.

Grace Resource Center, Lancaster, CA, Sunday, September 26^th

Grace Resource Center provides a safe place for the community to serve others through their volunteer and community service programs. Thank you to our AMS client for donating 50 of their handbags! And thank you to the Team of employees, both behind the scenes and putting bags together, who did their special part to make it happen!

September 29, 2021

AMS Fulfillment Recognizes Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an international health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities every October to increase awareness of the disease. This commemorative month has been a part of the American culture for quite a while now, since 1985. Many of us have participated in a run or a walk in the past. We all know the pink ribbon symbol and we truly appreciate it as a valuable reminder to get tested, for early detection saves lives.

Back in AMS history, in 2010, the company and employees donated their time creating gift bags for the Cedars Sinai Medical Center “Run for Her.” It was a very large charitable event, so large in fact, that 5,000 gift bags for participants were assembled. AMS offered the gift bag fulfillment and participated in the event in honor of a beloved co-worker, Jean Meyer, who lost her battle with breast cancer.

What is happening in 2021 is different, as are most things since the pandemic began. There are runs and walks taking place this year, but not in the same way we have seen in the past. The Susan G. Koman “More Than Pink Walk” took place on the 25th of September as a virtual event, with people connecting on Facebook and walking on their own, virtually in the company of others.

As anyone who has gone to a clinic or hospital in recent months knows, the pandemic is changing how healthcare is delivered. On the website Breastcancer.org we find information on how COVID 19 has affected treatment over the past nearly two years.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has affected just about every aspect of life, including screening, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care for breast cancer. People who’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer and people who are at high risk for breast cancer have found themselves in a uniquely difficult and sometimes frightening position since the coronavirus crisis began. Many of you are wondering if it’s safe to go to certain medical appointments or if you should postpone treatments or screening. Others have had their treatments delayed or changed.

“In this Special Report from breastcancer.org, we have gathered the most important information you need to know about the impact the coronavirus has had on breast cancer care, including why currently being treated for breast cancer can raise the risk of serious COVID-19 complications, what healthcare facilities are doing to minimize your exposure to the virus when seeking medical care, and how to get the best care possible even if your treatment plan changes.”

AMS Fulfillment recognizes that our employees, both women and men, have experience with breast cancer among family and friends. We encourage our readers to visit breastcancer.org and check out the report as well as another excellent source of information on prevention in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month at preventcancer.org.

Another great resource is found at the CDC website: the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) provides several resources. For readers seeking free or low-cost screening, please check out this CDC listing as well.

Let the pink ribbon remind us that early detection saves lives!!

September 23, 2021

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)

National Disabilities Employment Awareness Month dates back to 1945, when Congress declared the first week in October “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” The word “physically” was deleted in 1962 to acknowledge individuals with all types of disabilities. The week was expanded to a month by Congress in 1988 and its name was also changed to NDEAM.

When the Office of Disability Employment Policy was created in 2001, it was given responsibility for NDEAM, including selection of its annual theme. The theme for NDEAM 2021, is “America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion.” This theme is chosen to reflect the importance of ensuring that people with disabilities have full access to employment and community involvement during the national recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

AMS has been recognizing NDEAM for a number of years, with our participation in a special event in 2015 to our 2018 “Inclusion Drives Innovation” Continental Breakfast on the AMS campus, utilizing the Learning Center classroom space. AMS has long been a leader in the movement to employ individuals with disabilities, recognizing that indeed, inclusion does drive innovation. In 2021 we continue our practice of employing individuals with Disabilities.

To advance Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) AMS has launched DE&I Training for all employees to take. In August the company relaunched DE&I Champions to represent each location! Creating an accepting, inclusive and educated culture is not only important to reduce the chances of discrimination, it will also allow all AMS employees to feel welcome, safe and valued.

AMS Fulfillment works with the following agencies to recruit and hire individuals with disabilities: Desert Haven, Lancaster House, Pleasant View, California Spectrum, DOR (Department of Rehabilitation) and the Mayors Committee for the Employment of Individuals with Disabilities. AMS’ Chief Workforce Development Officer, Ken Wiseman, is a past member and former Chair of the Mayor’s Committee.

In 2021, AMS has graduated 54 employees in DE&I Training. This training is a job requirement. Also in 2021 the company relaunched the DE&I Champions program, where one or two representatives per building will champion Diversity, Equity & Inclusivity. The DE&I Champions will serve as an essential resource and an incubator to encourage, support, and recognize employee participation in these efforts.

The AMS DE&I Champions are available to talk with employees about diversity and how safe and secure they might feel at work. The Champions also arrange events, help with the reviewing of policies and workplace culture documents, identify areas in which the business can improve its efforts to be more inclusive and help to ensure everyone has the facilities to be comfortable at work.

We know that when individuals feel happy and secure at work, they’re more likely to stick around for longer and perform better in their role. It goes without saying that an openly diverse and welcoming business, will attract more of the best talent and could even be the reason why someone chooses to work there.

September 20, 2021

AMS Celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month

September 15th marked the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Month, which will run through October 15. During this month to come, schools, government, businesses and organizations have an opportunity to recognize and celebrate members of our communities whose ancestors hail from Mexico, parts of the Caribbean, Central and South America and Spain.

Why would this commemorative month start on September 15th rather than the 1st? According to CNN.com, there is a very good reason for this choice of dates:

“Rather than starting at the beginning of September, Hispanic Heritage Month takes place over 30 days starting on the 15th — a nod to the anniversaries of national independence for a number of Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua all recognize September 15 as the date of their independence, while Mexico’s independence is celebrated September 16 and Chile celebrates its independence September 18.”

Hispanic Heritage Month began 53 years ago, in 1968, with a week-long observance. At that time, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the bill and issued a proclamation about the contributions made by people of Hispanic descent. According to the CNN article, that was a period when, “Chicanos in the Southwest, Mexican Americans, Latinos across the country were demanding greater inclusion and representation politically, culturally, socially, and economically.” It was time for their important role in the United States to be recognized. Nearly 20 years later, under President Ronald Regan, the week was expanded to Hispanic Heritage Month.

The theme of the 2021 Hispanic Heritage Month was announced by the National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers (NCHEPM) as follows: “Esperanza: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage and Hope.” At their website, Ms. Adroma Castillo speaks to the choice of theme:

“Humanity is going through very painful moments caused by the pandemic, but we must remember that after the storm comes the calm. In this portrait, we can appreciate a hand that raises the flags of Hispanics together with people of different ethnicities looking towards a majestic rainbow that represents Hope. “Esperanza!” The thing that characterizes us as Hispanics is that no matter what storms we go through, we always look up and know that life will be dressed in colors like a shiny rainbow in the sky.

“The infinity ribbon design was inspired by the theme, Hispanics: Be Proud of Your Past and Embrace the Future. The greatness of America can be measured by the collective contributions of its citizens past and present, and our future will be measured by our ability to uphold and instill unto others our most valuable assets: our shared culture, history, knowledge, and sense of community. As Hispanics, taking pride in the accomplishments and achievements of our mentors and our ancestors brings into focus the endless possibilities available to us today and boosts our capacity for embracing the future. This is our infinite cycle.”

As with other commemorations of a special month of learning and appreciation, AMS recognizes that Hispanic Heritage should be appreciated and celebrated every day and every month, at all times of the year.

Among our over 600 employees, 344 have identified themselves as Hispanic or Latino! We have offered free, on-campus English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for a number of years with dozens of graduates. There are 29 graduates so far in 2021. AMS is also excited to launch Spanish Learning for Leaders in the Fall in order to improve communication and advance equity and inclusivity in the workplace.

In 2022 AMS will continue to provide ESL classes and Spanish Learning, in order to bring us closer as ONE. In addition to education and training, AMS appreciates the Hispanic Heritage of our employees by contracting with one of our favorite local businesses, LaCo Taco, for employee recognition and celebration lunches.

Here below we have placed links to resources made available to inform and help celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.

PBS’ documentary series on Latino America

Podcast “Latino USA”

Resources from the Smithsonian:

Profiles of Latino patriots in military history:

Hispanic Heritage Month events from dot gov:

The 2021 proclamation at whitehouse dot gov.

September 15, 2021

Series: What B Corporations do for the world #25

AMS has been a leader in workforce development and equitable hiring and promotion for many years. As one of the major job providers in our various communities, AMS Fulfillment has taken to heart the obligation to serve those who have challenges in finding employment, whether from disability, homelessness, justice involvement, race or sexual orientation or single parenthood. Diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) in hiring and promotion is practiced at AMS. And this is but one of the things we do as a B Corporation.

Each week the B The Change website publishes articles about the practices of various B Corporations. We read and learn, tell others about what B Corps are doing, and introduce our readers to outstanding companies and practices in our blog series. This week, #25 of the series is going to feature a B Corp with hiring practices that truly break down barriers. The company we feature this week is a successful bakery with many years of being good for the world

At B the change readers will find great articles about great companies. In a recent communication the organization had this to say about the companies they feature:

“Piloting, trying, experimenting, innovating. Doing something new and different goes by many names but has a common goal: change.

“Businesses in the Certified B Corporation community are pursuing change in many of these ways with a common purpose to create benefit beyond the bottom line.

“By advocating for equitable policy, diversifying corporate governance, expanding employment opportunities, and valuing connections with nature and neighbors, B Corps are driving change that benefits their stakeholders — environment, community, workers, consumers. Guided by purpose, they are rethinking what it means to lead in the business world.”

Please enjoy our featured article about a company that practices open hiring.

____

How a Bakery Is Breaking Down Barriers to Employment

B Corp Expands Opportunities Through Open Hiring and Job Development Programs

“People can get trapped in cycles of poverty and unemployment for myriad reasons, many of which involve systemic issues and injustices. This reality can hold back people in many communities, especially marginalized ones, and keeps us from reaching our full potential on innovation and economic growth as a nation. One business innovation that addresses one root of chronic poverty is open hiring.

“Open hiring is the practice of hiring anyone who applies for a job, no questions asked. People put their names on a list and get a call to start work when an opening comes available. Greyston Bakery, founded in 1982, is a pioneer of the practice and has used it since the company first began. Through the Greyston Foundation, the Certified B Corporation has worked to expand open hiring and other job-development programs.

“We want to educate as many people as we can on the possibility of open hiring,” says Joseph Kenner, President and CEO of Greyston Bakery. “Sometimes, if a business is really on the skeptical end of the spectrum, we tell them to open up just one job to open hiring. It doesn’t have to be a whole department. It is low risk. It can be whatever position you think works for your organization.”“

Click HERE to read the full article:

Link to Greyston Bakery.

It’s time to B The Change!

September 15, 2021

AMS Employees of the Month, August 2021: Thank You!!

Thank you for your exemplary performance during the month of August! Congratulations to Robbie W., Rony V., Cassandra C., Tunicia J., Brittany C., Robyn H., Jessica B., Andres C. and Jeff D.

Robbie W., Inventory Receiving Clerk (07/06/2021)
Harrison, CA

I nominate Robbie for EOM. He has been doing a great job. He works hard and motivates the people around him to ensure they are getting the job done. He works well with everyone on the team and sees no task too small. He is always busy and asks, “what’s next” to get the job done.

Rony V., Returns Clerk (08/02/2004)
HQ, Valencia, CA

I Nominate Rony for August Employee of the month. Rony is an amazing team player and pleasure to work with. He is always helpful in whatever area he is placed, whether he is working on returns or picking for one or more of our clients. He always works hard and does his work with a great attitude. He is a great team member to have in Returns Department and helps everyone. He is very welcoming, takes his job seriously and is very professional on everything he does. He is a pleasure to work with and I am grateful he is part of our team.

Cassandra C., Account Coordinator (01/11/2021)
HQ Office, Valencia, CA

I nominate Cassandra for employee of the month because she has shown a lot of growth. We had a Key person on the team call out and Cassandra stepped up and took on a majority of that manager’s tasks during a very busy day. She is great to work with and we appreciate all of her help. She continues to learn so many of the different tasks that Client Services takes on and embraces the learning process.

Tunicia J., Returns Clerk (11/19/2019)
LIV, Valencia, CA

I would like to nominate Tunicia for Employee of the Month for August. Since she has come to our department, she has done nothing but help in any way requested. Tunicia has quickly become a top-notch picker and has become a huge part of making sure the orders are packed correctly and that we are getting all the orders out in a timely manner. Huge Team Player!!

Brittany C., Wonolu New Castle (06/28/2021)
New Castle, DE

I would like to nominate Brittany for EOM. She is a member of the WAK order fulfilment team and continues to demonstrate a commitment to our customer. She is diligent, detail oriented and works with a sense of urgency.

Robyn H., DFC Operator (04/05/2021)
New Holland, PA

I would like to nominate Robyn for August EOM. She always comes to work with a positive attitude. She is always punctual when arriving to work and coming back from breaks. Robyn’s work ethic is exactly what every employer looks for in an employee. She performs her tasks to the best of her ability and is always willing to help out when and where she can with her fellow employees on a daily basis.

Jessica B., DFC Supervisor (06/08/2021)
Newark, DE

I would like to nominate Jessica for Employee of the Month. Jessica has been instrumental with opening the Newark location. She is diligent, hardworking, and supportive of our customer needs. Jessica stays late when needed and often comes in to help on the weekends.

Andres C., Production Lead F (07/21/2008)
WIL, Valencia, CA

I would like to nominate Andreas for EOM. He is an excellent co-worker. He has 100% commitment to do the job professionally, fast, and efficiently. He takes initiative, accepts all challenges, and carries out additional responsibilities. He is very dedicated to the job and is always doing the correct things to get the job done. He is a key team player at Williams. We appreciate his commitment to his work.”

Jeff D., Receiving Clerk (04/25/2016)
WIT, Valencia, CA

I nominate Jeff for EOM. Jeff stepped up in the day to day receiving operations, particularly in my absence of two weeks’ vacation. Our department never skipped a beat and Jeff’s leadership played a key role in leading our team, especially during a heavy inbound activity period.

_____

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

News

Read All About It! AMS News and Local Updates