The AMS Green Team is responsible for implementing environmentally beneficial efforts across all AMS Fulfillment locations, East and West Coast. The AMS Volunteer Committee has stepped in to support Green Team efforts by organizing participation in the following environmental programs taking place within our communities: Work day: Kelly’s Run Invasive Removal in Lancaster, PA, and the 26th Annual River Rally Cleanup in Santa Clarita, CA. Both events are taking place on September 18th.
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Work Day: Kellys Run Invasive Removal Volunteer Event, Saturday September 18th for Volunteers at AMS East in Lancaster, PA.
This event is organized by the Lancaster Conservancy to benefit Kelly’s Run Nature Preserve. Volunteers will assist with an ecological restoration project that is removing 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.
26th Annual River Rally Cleanup Event, September 18th for Volunteers at AMS West, Santa Clarita, CA
The Santa Clara River, which runs through the Santa Clarita Valley, is one of the last natural, free-flowing river systems in southern California. Each year, the River Rally brings 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.
During the event, volunteers will have the opportunity to enjoy the Environmental Expo, which will feature non-profits, community groups and governmental organizations offering tips on conserving our local watershed, pollution prevention, recycling and more.
We encourage AMS employees to contact Sam at [email protected] and sign up to participate in these enjoyable and environmentally beneficial events.
AMS Fulfillment reflects on our Green Team Mission Statement: As a leading national fulfillment company and a B Corporation, AMS is committed to making a positive impact on the environment for the sake of future generations by operating our business at the highest standards of environmental sustainability.
AMS has begun a new program, called the Multiplier Program, where we help our employees in their efforts to meet the needs of the community. We are proud of our employees who donate and volunteer, and through the Multiplier Program we encourage and support community involvement among our staff and alumni. The support that AMS Fulfillment provides can be in the form of additional volunteers or financial help or both. Without further ado, we are excited to introduce to you Angad Gill, in hopes to connect our Youth with an amazing opportunity in music.
Free Music Package #1:
In person only music production. One-on-one sessions to record and produce music for youth who either write their own music, play an instrument, or want to cover a song vocally. Package #1 is made up of two parts: 1) Lessons in recording, writing and publication of music, and 2) Lessons in mixing, editing and sound engineering in the recording of music. Each 1 hour session will give the student professional level experience in a recording studio. The value is equivalent to $1,000. Parents are required to attend if the young musician is 13 years of age or under. Day one consultation will be 1 ½ hours. Sessions will be held one hour per week until the completion of the project. Sessions are available by RSVP only on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, after 6:00 pm PST. The studio is located in Simi Valley, CA.
Free Music Package #2:
Zoom music/instrument lessons. One-on-one sessions to learn an instrument. Instruments are not provided. Youth will get professional level training experience. The value is equivalent to $1,000. Parents are required to attend if their young musician is 13 years of age or under. Day one consultation will be 1 ½ hours. Sessions will be held one hour a week until the completion of the project. Sessions are available by RSVP only on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, after 6:00 pm PST. Studio is located in Simi Valley, CA.
Signups are limited to the first three applicants. Please RSVP to [email protected]
Biography:
Hello, I am Angad Gill, AMS’ Sr. Logistics & Billing Coordinator, hired in January of 2020. I have been playing guitar for 12 years now, and singing for almost as long. I’ve also been recording and producing my own music for the past nine years with varying degrees of complexity and professionalism. Over the years I’ve worked alongside many non-profit organizations to offer auxiliary support as a music instructor and mentor for young children interested in the arts, as well as offering professional recording and production services free of charge to any K-12 students who are interested in exploring the world of music production. Just prior to COVID, many of the non-profit organizations that I worked with were dissolved, as their constituents and leaders shifted their focuses to other youth services. This is when I started Spare Oom Productions. Spare Oom Productions is a home recording studio with the goal of exposing young artists to the environment of professional music production and the work that is required behind the scenes as well as helping the artists publish their work. Spare Oom SoundCloud Link:
The AMS Multiplier Program:
AMS Fulfillment has a long and rewarding history of involvement with our local SCV community. We are so grateful for our relationships with community organizations as they inspire us, benefit the community and benefit us. We have worked with Single Mothers Outreach, Bridge to Home, SCV Sheriff’s Foundation, SCV Search and Rescue, various cancer drives, Senior Concerns, Pleasantville Industries, SCV Economic Development, Mayors Committee for the Employment of Individuals with Disabilities, S.T.R.E.A.M. and more.
This summer, we enjoyed our inaugural Multiplier Program event. AMS volunteers stepped in to help on Friday, July 23rd at Bridge To Home, an organization that provides help, hope, and change for our neighbors who are experiencing homelessness. AMS volunteers helped AMS alumni, Vaughn Gregory, utilize his mobile food service, “Hit Da Spot Backyard BBQ”, in order to provide meals to 60 individuals, and AMS sponsored the cost of the meals.
As a B-Corporation, AMS is committed to give back to our community and to our employees. We were excited and happy to help Multiply Vaughn’s event at Bridge To Home and we are so pleased to help Multiply Angad Gill’s Music Packages. We encourage AMS employees and alumni, who are working within the community to help solve issues that they care about, to contact the AMS Multiplier Program so that we can help multiply their efforts.
Do you want to give back to the community? Please email samantha.hicks@amsfulfillment to see how AMS Fulfillment can help multiply your efforts to B The Change.
It was August of 2020 when AMS Fulfillment began publishing a safety series focused primarily on pandemic safety. At that time AMS already had a stellar safety record due to the company’s focus on training and their consistent safety practices. Injuries have been rare, and as the pandemic came along AMS committed additional resources to pandemic safety. The blog series was intended to help other businesses face the challenge by being an example and reporting on the interventions and practices.
When the COVID vaccines became available to essential workers, AMS’ VP of Operations, Marco Pelaez, began a series of vaccine clinics on campus, where employees and their families, age 12 and up, could come and receive their vaccination. The first clinic was held on May 20th and since then four more clinics have been held.
Recently Marco announced, “We have our next vaccination clinic on October first, where there are going to be two other companies joining our clinic. We are also getting ready to offer the vaccination booster for Search and Rescue and after that for our employees.” Upon hearing this impressive news, we asked Marco if he would answer a few questions about the clinics.
Are you working with a medical clinic or an organization? How was the ‘on-site’ clinic arranged?
We are working with a group called Veritas testing and they work directly with the county. I looked for mobile clinics near me utilizing Google and then I contacted them via phone.
How have the employees responded to the clinics? Have you had a good response?
We have vaccinated over 150 employees and their responses have been very positive and appreciative towards us bringing the vaccine to AMS so they do not have to go and make an appointment.
Do the employees have a choice as to what vaccine they would prefer?
We have offered all three vaccines (Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson and Johnson), and almost everybody chose Moderna.
Has anyone reported back to you an adverse reaction?
Just the normal symptoms from the vaccine but no major reactions.
Are employees bringing their families to the clinics as well?
Family members and friends are welcome, some of them are bringing the entire family.
Marco concluded, “This is a very satisfying service we are providing our employees as some of them do not have the time or technology to set up their appointments. By doing these clinics we are making things easier for them to get access to the vaccine and we can answer any questions or fears they may have.”
Thank you Marco Pelaez, VP of Operations, and thank you AMS Fulfillment for your consistent and caring safety practices.
August 26th is celebrated as Women’s Equality Day. The date was selected to commemorate the 1920 certification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, granting women the right to vote. Because of the changes we have experienced within the culture and the workforce, young women of today have an expectation of equality that they did not have twenty years ago. For many of them, being unable to vote seems unthinkable!!
The massive, peaceful civil rights movement by women that created this change had its formal beginnings in 1848. It has continued over the years until we now ask the question… do we have full equality in the workforce today? In honor of Women’s Equality Day, Samantha Hicks of AMS’ HR Programs and Services nominated three women who are celebrated as leaders at AMS. All three agreed to be interviewed and we present their interesting and inspiring personal stories below.
The nominees are Betty-Lou Wiseman, President of AMS West; Kim Peszek, VP Client Engagement AMS East; and Carmen Kernek, Vice President of Human Resources.
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Thank you to Betty-Lou Wiseman, President AMS West, for answering our questions on this very vital subject of Women’s Equality.
As a young woman looking forward to your life as an adult, did you have concerns or beliefs that there would be limitations due to your being a woman?
Growing up in a small agricultural town in New York State, women were expected to be at home and take care of the household and children. I started babysitting to make my own money when I was 14, worked as a lifeguard during the summer and that was the start of wanting to be a successful woman. Being in a “man’s” world during this time, I did believe that I would have more challenges in becoming a successful businesswoman which made me drive harder. Many times in my career I have had to take 3 steps back, take a breath, and push 4 steps ahead. If you want something in a career, I feel you must stay focused and manage any hurdle that comes your way.
In your work career have you encountered discrimination, lower pay or failure to promote due to your being a woman, and if you have, how did you confront the issues?
I have encountered discrimination in the past. I had been an interim Director of a company and had been doing the job for two months. I applied for the Directors position and at the end of my interview I was told that I didn’t get the job because my husband made good money and I have children to take care of. I challenged this in the interview but could tell that even with a good challenge it was not going to go anywhere because this was truly how the person felt who was doing the interview. I took this comment to the executives of the company and received compensation for bringing this to their attention, but not the job. I decided to leave this company as I did not want to work with a company that would judge a woman for a position based on a husband’s wages or if they have children. This was a turning point for me; the drive to become an Executive Businesswoman was now even a stronger goal in my life.
Do you see full equality at AMS for women, or would you say that there is still work to do?
I do feel there is equality at AMS. I encourage all women to reach for the stars and it has shown in the team I have developed working with women that started from the ground up. I am so pleased that the company we chose to invest in AMS is run by a woman who is our Chairman of the Board. I feel women have come a long way but will always have challenges and hurdles to overcome as they reach for the stars. I take pride in mentoring and teaching of all, but there is a specific place in my heart to work with women who have the drive for success. Women have come a long way and there is a way to go!
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Thank you to Kim Peszek, VP Client Engagement AMS East, for answering our questions and sharing your experiences with us.
As a young woman looking forward to your life as an adult, did you have concerns or beliefs that there would be limitations due to your being a woman?
Throughout my youth I was most often exposed to women in the ‘traditional life roles. Most movies and television shows depicted women as reliant upon a man to support them financially in addition to requiring the ‘man of the house’ make critical decisions within the family or business environment. Women were infrequently depicted as breadwinners or drivers of decisions or solutions. I wasn’t readily encouraged to attend higher education opportunities. As a young woman, I did believe that it was most acceptable to seek out the traditional marriage and roles that supported that structure. Being in a business environment was ‘a man’s world’ and if we as women impeded upon that world, it was inappropriate or frowned upon.
In your work career have you encountered discrimination, lower pay or failure to promote due to your being a woman, and if you have, how did you confront the issues?
I looked at the start of my working opportunity as a job and not a career. As I began opportunities to contribute to the business world and gain confidence in my skillsets, I frequently encountered setbacks where my contributions were looked at as insignificant even though they ultimately became solutions. My participation in business meetings often left me passed over during the traditional handshakes and business card exchanges. Eye contact with me was often avoided as if I didn’t exist at the table. In other cases the value of my participation in meetings or assignments was joked about as an opportunity to keep the attention of certain male clients due to my perceived appearance. I was, more often than not, compensated less than male counterparts for equal roles, when in fact my responsibilities exceeded levels defined by my position. In questioning those inequalities, it was reasoned away as being due to my inexperience or youth. I sought solace through focusing on eliminating the excuses and creating even greater value from my efforts. I sought out role models in business environments that focused on results and not gender. I resolved to be what I wanted to be and not what others had defined for me.
Do you see full equality at AMS for women, or would you say that there is still work to do?
Social tolerance drives acceptance of issues whether they be right or wrong. Our AMS team houses many great leaders with no tolerance for inequality. But know that it is the responsibility of all, as one, to ensure inequalities do not exist or repeat in our future. We all have the responsibility to speak up for ourselves and others. Trust you will be heard and do it in a way that is genuinely for the betterment of positive change.
When it becomes more common to say ‘BESIDE every great man…’ vs. ‘BEHIND every great man…’, then we can say we’ve come a long way.
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Thank you to Carmen Kernek, Vice President of Human Resources, for giving us your view on Women’s Equality and answering our questions about your work experience.
As a young woman looking forward to your life as an adult, did you have concerns or beliefs that there would be limitations due to your being a woman?
I grew up in a home with 6 other siblings, we were a team of 5 girls and 2 boys. In my home and culture, the females needed to step up to the plate in many different occasions in many different ways. For example, I began working when I was 14 years old and began to assist my parents in maintaining our family by monetary contribution as well as bringing home groceries. This was never asked of me or expected, but I knew that it would help my mom, who at the time was working two jobs and she and my dad were always working. With that being said, my mother taught me, through her work ethic, that no matter who you are you will need to work for the things you want in life and perseverance is key in this journey.
I have always tried my best in all that I do, hoping that I will be a great role model to my children and others, but also in my journey of life, which has led me to much success in my career.
In your work career have you encountered discrimination, lower pay or failure to promote due to your being a woman, and if you have, how did you confront the issues?
In my work career there were definitely challenges, but I would not call them discriminatory in any way. ‘Challenges’ is the most appropriate way to describe any struggles in my career.
I believe that we have the opportunity to make choices in our lives and careers, therefore I worked my way through challenges and created new pathways to take if there was something in my way. My competitiveness and my perseverance in life does not let me stop my quest to win. The challenges in my life, and as a women in business, have made me the strong woman that I am today. I confront issues, meaning I work through them and communicate in order to work out issues and find better solutions.
Do you see full equality at AMS for women, or would you say that there is still work to do?
In my opinion there is full equality for all… not just women. I believe that there is always room for improvement and growth, however I also believe that we create our own destiny and if we want the stars, we not only need to reach for them, but have a plan to get them!
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Thank you to all of the Women Leaders in the AMS Corporate Family!!
In a discussion with AMS employees, AMS Chief Workforce Development Officer, Ken Wiseman, promised renewed and expanded diversity and inclusion efforts at AMS. He told the group: “Acceptance of a diverse and inclusive workplace will be a condition of being in this ‘family’.”
Ken concluded his message with the following words: “I stand with you right now knowing we have miles to go and more progress to report but I am grateful that we are doing this together, and extremely confident that we will build a better company, one which will bring you pride in knowing that you helped get us to our destination, you made a difference in our journey.”
Keeping the momentum going to fulfill on this promise, AMS has engaged Diversity Works (#diversityworks) a consultancy that helps organizations evaluate their performance across a broad range of DE&I measures. Diversity Works is led by diversity educators and management consultants from different fields and disciplines. They measure data and develop a comprehensive scorecard showing a company’s areas of strength and its areas of potential improvement. Diversity Works helps organizations such as AMS in developing a vision for their future and attaining the goal of a culturally-inclusive workplace.
Ken commented, “With the cultural impact and importance that sound DE&I practices have on a company and its associates, the benefit of partnering with a company dedicated to assessment and improvement goes a long way in maximizing the commitment to this long overlooked area of importance. Diversity Works (@diversity-works-us) has led AMS through a comprehensive evaluation of our DE&I performance. Even for a certified B Corp and social enterprise that has been focused on diversity for years, we identified areas for improvement. They also helped us articulate our DE&I value proposition to better explain why it matters to us. We’re grateful for the experience and excited to take the next steps!”
AMS Fulfillment knows that diverse organizations bring a wider range of ideas and experiences to problem solving, helping companies connect with a broader range of audiences in a culturally competent way. DE&I demonstrates a commitment to disrupting the structural inequities that have historically created barriers for women, people of color, people with disabilities, and individuals involved with the justice system in the workplace. AMS promises to continue to make diversity part of their DNA, demonstrating to internal and external stakeholders the reason why the commitment matters and how it makes AMS Fulfillment successful.
AMS Fulfillment has a long history of supporting community organizations and hiring individuals with disabilities. Looking back into the company’s history we see a news report from October 20, 2011 talking about a community partnership with an organization that serves adults with cognitive disabilities. The AMS workforce story goes on, over the years, as the company built a highly valued, strong, well-trained, diverse workforce while serving organizations and individuals in the community who experience difficulties entering the workforce. This is the AMS culture, developed over many years.
So, when AMS sees an opportunity to assist directly through donating and fundraising, they are quick to step forward. A friend and associate of AMS Fulfillment has brought to their attention an exciting “go fund me” project that is helping the local Autism community in a meaningful way. This fundraising opportunity creates a means for individuals on the Spectrum to promote their artistic talents.
Regarding the project, Jay Catlin said, “We are so happy to support the BUGALU CAFÉ! It’s a great idea!” Bugalu Café is a streaming platform offering classes and a marketplace for artists in the Autism community to sell their products. AMS’ Chief Workforce Development Officer, Ken Wiseman, has worked directly with the community for years. Ken said, “This is such a beneficial idea and we’re happy to support it and to share the information. We’ll spread the word!”
Here below is a brief description of what this organization is doing:
Helping the Autism Community find their Talents
“The Autistic Community is an amazing population of Artists. Most programs available to this population miss out on a core truth….this group of individuals are fantastic artists! We need your help to support our ground-breaking interactive online platform BUGALU CAFE.
“In our over-a-decade of experience, we have seen the outstanding artistic abilities of individuals on the Spectrum. This is why we created BUGALU CAFE (www.bug.cafe) a streaming platform to help people find their special talent and achieve their greatness! We offer multiple daily classes to create a finished work of art, guidance on how to promote and sell that finished work of art, a marketplace for these artists to immediately sell their products to find their independence, and a closed social network to enable safe interaction with each other.”
Please click HERE to visit their “Go Fund Me,” and check out the 5 min promo video below that shows you all about Bugalu.
As a B Corporation, AMS Fulfillment is naturally inclined toward volunteering and supporting community organizations. Each year, AMS coordinates a volunteer event 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. Please review the below opportunities and join in with AMS co-workers in a volunteer event.
New Holland, PA Volunteer Opportunity! Day of Caring- United Way of Lancaster County
Friday, September 10th and Saturday, September 11th
For 30 years, United Way of Lancaster County has brought hundreds of volunteers together to participate in Day of Caring. This annual, two-day opportunity gives individuals, families, and teams of volunteers from local companies and organizations a chance to be a part of a county-wide effort to give back by rolling up their sleeves and completing special projects for a non-profit organization.
Newark , DE Volunteer Opportunity! Community Day Volunteer
Sunday, September 19th
Volunteers will help vendors set up, directing vendors/participants, crowd control. Parking assistance, event information, breakdown and clean up of event.
Valencia, CA Volunteer Opportunity! River Rally Clean Up
Saturday, September 18th
The Santa Clara River, which runs through the Santa Clarita Valley, is one of the last natural, free-flowing river systems in southern California. Each year, the River Rally brings 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.
Lancaster, CA Volunteer Opportunity! Grace Resource Center
Sunday, September 26th
Grace Resource Center provides a safe place for the community to serve others through our volunteer and community service programs. From processing donations to serving delicious meals to the community, help is always needed.
For more information, please contact Samantha Hicks.
On an individual level, B Corps meet the highest standards of social and environmental accountability. Together, B Corps lead a growing global movement of people using business to do good and make a positive difference in the world. AMS Fulfillment is proud to be the change.
Thank you for your exemplary performance during the month of July! Congratulations to Ivan R., Robert S., Shannon C., Liliana M., Linda J., Channath R., Comfort A. and Maria A.
In the fulfillment industry, employees directly serve the company’s clients, making their efforts vital to the growth and success of the business. We know their value, and we respect and invest in our employees.
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!
Ivan R., General Warehouse II F (11/12/2014)
Harrison, CA
I Nominate Ivan R. for July Employee of the Month because Ivan is always focused on the task at hand. We have been able to trust him with some more of the sensitive special tasks and he gets them done correctly and in a timely manner. He has become an important part of our day to day order processing, order printing and batching, and bulk printing on busier days. He deserves to be employee of the month for July because he did a great job for the whole month – just nonstop hard work.
Robert S., Facilities Maintenance Technician (09/11/2019)
HQ, Valencia, CA
I would like to nominate Robert for July EOM because he does an all-around excellent job. He is quick to respond to maintenance related emails. If he has any questions, comments, or concerns he has no problem asking. He always has a great can-do attitude. He has had to pick up additional responsibilities recently and has done so with ease. No matter the time of day you will see Robert speed walking through the building to his next project. Thank you Robert for all you do.
Shannon C., Software Development Manager (10/26/2017)
HQ Office (remote)
I would like to nominate Shannon C. for Employee of the Month, not only because she is so valuable to AMS. Shannon has spent extra time and effort to help me settle into my position. She works long hours and often works weekends. How I do I know this? Because She works in a different time zone then I do. I know that if I have any developer issues she is right there to fix them. She dedicated to her job, a true class act.
Liliana M., Inventory & Receiving Manager (09/30/2002)
LIV, Valencia CA
I would like to nominate Lili for July EOM. Lili is an AMS original and needs a big shout out as a woman who as excelled in AMS working her way up to a successful leader. She has accomplished so much, getting through a language barrier and now being confident with her bi-lingual skills. She is a dedicated and loyal employee and always has been from the first day she joined the team. She is always willing to learn as much as she can by taking advanced leadership classes and participating in all learning aspects that the company offers. Thank you Lili for being a woman leader and a role model for AMS employees.
Linda J., DFC Operator (06/15/2020)
New Castle, DE
Linda has not only shown that she takes pride in her job and her performance, she has also taken it upon herself to train and mentor new hires entering the building. Linda has made it her business to be as helpful to other departments, volunteering her services and displaying a true example of what teamwork looks like. Her positive attitude and can-do spirit is the exact energy AMS East needs. She pushes daily, in hopes to become a future leader here. She is a shining example for her peers to emulate. This is our Employee of the Month.
Channath R., DFC Operator (03/27/2017)
New Holland, PA
I nominate Channath R. for Employee of the Month. I have worked with Channath every day since I started here one year ago. Channath is very helpful to everyone on her team. She is always willing to give a hand when help is needed. She shows up for work every day, ready to tackle the workload no matter where she is needed. Channath is an asset here at AMS East. If I could hire twenty of her tomorrow, my doors would be open.”
Comfort A., General Warehouse II (10/26/2020)
WIL, Valencia CA
I nominate Comfort A. for the month of July because she is always so kind, sweet and willing to help others. She is a go getter and loves to be challenged. She is always on time; responsible and quick at everything she does. Taking long trip and getting a bus to get to work on time doesn’t stop her from giving her best. It’s amazing to have co-workers who love what they do and that we as a AMS family show that love for one another.
Maria A., Janitorial (03/30/2018)
WIT, Valencia CA
Maria is employee of the month for doing an amazing job in keeping up with housecleaning and janitorial. Maria takes the proper amount of time making sure our bathrooms and break areas are clean and disinfected.
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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!
The B Corporation movement includes the efforts of business to uplift diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I). DE&I is intended to eliminate inequality and injustice and ‘B The Change’ that we wish to see in the world. In this week’s B Corporation blog we’ll join other B Corporations in recognizing Black August. Black August is unlike Black History Month as the focus is on individuals who paid the price of resistance and on events in which collective resistance events arose due to injustice.
The intention of companies that practice DE&I is to create work environments where there is no allowance of racism and discrimination and there is a concerted effort toward full equality and inclusion. For that reason B Corporations will, this month, recognize Black August, giving honor to the heroes who resisted.
“During Black August, we honor Black freedom fighters, many of whom were killed by the state or imprisoned for defending Black lives.” Monifa Bandele on CNN.
Here is just a brief list of August events: Underground Railroad was started on August 2, 1850; the March on Washington occurred in August of 1963; Gabriel Prosser’s 1800 slave rebellion occurred on August 30; Nat Turner planned and executed a slave rebellion that commenced on August 21, 1831; the Watts rebellions were in August of 1965; and Michael Brown was killed on August 9, 2014, leading to more than 300 days of protests.
At the B Corporation website we find the following message to business leaders:
“The numbers below, highlighted in this week’s articles, relate the story of inequality in the United States:
“The Black imprisonment rate at the end of 2018 was 1,501 prisoners for every 100,000 adults — nearly twice the rate among Hispanics (797 per 100,000) and more than five times the rate among whites (268 per 100,000).
“Nearly 70% of visitors to national parks and forests are white, although Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color account for almost 40% of the U.S. population.
“Seeing and sharing these numbers illustrates systemic issues, but as business leaders it’s crucial to also realize how they affect the everyday lives of workers, customers, and other stakeholders in the U.S. and around the world — and our role in changing this reality. To support and encourage this progress, B Lab U.S. & Canada and its new CEO are prioritizing racial equity as one of three strategies for change.
“It’s time to take actions that recalculate our social and environmental systems — realizing the potential of business as a force for good — so they add up for everyone.”
This week’s articles cover the subject of Black August first in speaking to the history, and secondly in speaking to corporate inclusion today. We hope you enjoy reading these offerings.
What Is Black August?
“According to the Center for Constitutional Rights, Black August is “a time of collective grief, clarity, rage, and rebellion. Mighty waves of popular uprising against the ravages of white supremacy and anti-Black racism are flooding the streets, rising within and outside of prison walls, and reverberating through communities and institutions.” Beginning in the 1970s to commemorate the death of imprisoned Black Panther George Jackson, August is a time in which these political prisoners and other freedom fighters of the Black freedom struggle are honored.”
Transforming the Outdoors for True Inclusion
How Outdoor Brands Can Design for Diversity and the Future of Our Planet
“Spending the majority of her childhood outside hiking, climbing, or skiing, outdoor diversity activist Teresa Baker found a natural connection with nature and being active. But it wasn’t until she took a trip to Yosemite National Park in 2016 as an adult that she looked around and noticed that no one on the hiking trails looked like her.
“When I got home, I reached out to the National Park Service. And I said ‘Hey, this was my experience. I think you guys have a diversity problem.’ And they said, ‘We know, help us fix it.’ And that began this journey of diversity and inclusion in the outdoors,” says Baker.”
August 26th is a special day in the US, designated Women’s Equality Day. The date was selected to commemorate the 1920 certification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, granting women the right to vote.
Betty-Lou Wiseman, President, AMS West
August 26th is a special day in the US, designated Women’s Equality Day. The date was selected to commemorate the 1920 certification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, granting women the right to vote.
Young women of today might find it incomprehensible that women once upon a time did not have the right to vote, and that the right to vote had to be fought for in a massive civil rights movement by women. Those battles, begun in 1848, culminated in the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which gave women the right to vote nationally on August 18, 1920. Amazingly that was a little over 100 years ago.
Have we come a long way? Although it may seem that women have achieved equity in the corporate world, with a number of women in positions of top leadership, including our own Betty-Lou Wiseman at AMS Fulfillment, we still believe we have a ‘way to go’.
At AMS, out of 613 employees, 324 identify themselves as female. There are 82 women at AMS who hold leadership roles. While that is a significant number, we continue to train and mentor women in career advancement as a part of our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Betty-Lou, President of AMS West, is well aware of the importance of mentoring other women who aspire to leadership roles. At a recent Advanced Leadership course, she was highly praised for her inspired leadership.
“Throughout my career I have had many mentors, but Betty-Lou holds a special place in my heart. She mentored me through one of the most challenging decisions I have had to make in my career/personal life.She has provided sound guidance and wisdom, which in turn has not only allowed me to better contribute to this organization, but also better myself as a person.” Luz Lemus
At AMS, Women’s Equality Day is celebrated not only to commemorate the passage of the 19th Amendment, but also to call attention to women’s continuing efforts toward full equality.
At the Constitution Center website we find the Joint Resolution of Congress, 1971 Designating August 26 of each year as Women’s Equality Day:
WHEREAS, the women of the United States have been treated as second-class citizens and have not been entitled the full rights and privileges, public or private, legal or institutional, which are available to male citizens of the United States;
and WHEREAS, the women of the United States have united to assure that these rights and privileges are available to all citizens equally regardless of sex;
and WHEREAS, the women of the United States have designated August 26, the anniversary date of the certification of the Nineteenth Amendment, as symbol of the continued fight for equal rights;
and WHEREAS, the women of United States are to be commended and supported in their organizations and activities,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that August 26th of each year is designated as Women’s Equality Day, and the President is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation annually in commemoration of that day in 1920, on which the women of America were first given the right to vote, and that day in 1970, on which a nationwide demonstration for women’s rights took place.
AMS Fulfillment has a long and rewarding history of involvement with our local SCV community. We are so grateful for our relationships with community organizations as they inspire us, benefit the community and benefit us. Some of our past blogs have focused on our work with Single Mothers Outreach, Bridge to Home, SCV Sheriff’s Foundation, SCV Search and Rescue, various cancer drives, Senior Concerns, Pleasantville Industries, SCV Economic Development, Mayors Committee for the Employment of Individuals with Disabilities, S.T.R.E.A.M. and more. Click HERE for our AMS Blogs and News.
Now AMS has begun a new program, called the Multiplier Program, where we help our employees in their efforts to meet the needs of the community. We are proud of our employees who donate and volunteer, and through the Multiplier Program we encourage and support community involvement among our staff and alumni. The support that AMS provides can be in the form of additional volunteers or financial help or both.
We recently enjoyed our inaugural Multiplier Program event. AMS volunteers stepped in to help at an event on Friday, July 23rd at Bridge To Home, an organization that provides help, hope, and change for our neighbors who are experiencing homelessness. AMS volunteers helped AMS alumni, Vaughn Gregory, utilize his mobile food service, “Hit Da Spot Backyard BBQ” in order to provide meals to 60 individuals, and AMS sponsored the cost of the meals.
As a B-Corp, AMS is committed to give back to our community and to our employees. We were excited and happy to Multiply Vaughn’s event at Bridge To Home.
Meals, in addition to hygiene products, are provided by Vaughn and “Hit Da Spot BBQ” to homeless shelters each month. “Hit Da Spot BBQ” proceeds have helped out Skid Row, Downtown LA. “Hit Da Spot BBQ” meets homeless people where they are, solving the hunger issue right now, wherever they are today. “Like a soup kitchen, but MUCH tastier!”
We encourage AMS employees and alumni, who are working within the community to help solve issues that they care about, to contact Samantha Hicks and the AMS Multiplier Program so that we can help multiply their efforts. Email: [email protected]
In this picture, we have AMS’ Operations Directors Keith E & Justin W, along with Keith’s little helper Korbin E.
“Hit Da Spot Backyard BBQ”; AMS Alumni Vaughn Gregory, along with his family.
Every year B The Change comes up with a ‘Best for the World’ list of B Corporations. AMS won a place on the list in 2018, making us proud and pleased indeed. About AMS, the organization said:
“While becoming a successful fulfillment company based just north of Los Angeles, AMS has discovered the benefits of employing a workforce of people facing life challenges. The company finds purpose in providing initial job opportunities, as well as skills training to take people beyond that first job.”
You can read our blog HERE. The B The Change article about AMS is HERE.
AMS has focused on workforce development for years, and our company culture is thriving because of it. In this blog we’ll focus on this year’s Best for the World winners who are being recognized for what they have done to benefit workers. Please enjoy the following from bthechange.com.
Best for the World Practices — From Around The World
“What does it actually look like in action to be Best for the World? Below is a short selection of examples from several regions where B Lab operates, highlighting the various ways in which B Corps are innovating for lasting, positive change around the globe.”
Sama, training data B Corp based in Kenya, recognized as Best for Workers
“Sama’s impact sourcing model provides training and job opportunities that pay a living wage to youth and women in East Africa. Through the combination of our leading technology platform and worker-training programs, we increase economic opportunity for those in underserved communities. Employees receive benefits including health insurance and paid new parent leave, and have the opportunity to build transferable skills through professional development courses.”
FAMA Investimentos, equity fund manager B Corp in Brazil, recognized as Best for Workers
“FAMA Investimentos is a people-based company. People are our best asset, being absolutely fundamental to our activity. Since we hired our first employee — more than 25 years ago — it has been our policy to distribute part of FAMA’s earnings. We are concerned about social mobility and continually encourage education: As an example, a female employee who was an elevator operator in our headquarters building is now one of the company’s main partners. We carry out individual performance reviews every six months and we have hired human resources consultancies to carry out an organizational climate survey every three years. All our employees, since 2005, must undergo an integrity and ethics test carried out by an external consultancy as part of the selection process, ensuring a climate of trust, respect and ethics in the work environment. It is not by chance that our turnover is very low, which is quite unusual for the sector in which we operate. During COVID, in addition to the formal commitment of not firing anyone, we hired people, made equipment for remote work available, and raised discretionary remuneration.”
Rowlison Knitwear, uniform and corporate wear B Corp in the United Kingdom, recognized as Best for Workers
“Rowlinson Knitwear is 100% employee owned, where all colleagues act as owners for the good of all our stakeholders. We pay tax-free profit-share to all, we pay 8% pension, provide interest-free loans, receive extra holidays, and demonstrate real care for each other. We pay the real living wage, and the lower-paid get paid more and the higher-paid are paid less than market rate. All colleagues participate in a vote of confidence in the managing director three times a year. We really care about the workers in our supply chain, mainly in Bangladesh and Egypt. We gift all the workers in our main supplier at Bangladesh industrial water filter machines so they and their families are healthier. We provide a female health education programme and we gift sanitary products to all female workers. In Egypt, we pay for weekly visits from a doctor and we ensure that the minimum pay level for all workers is much higher than local labour laws.”
In a discussion with AMS employees, AMS Chief Workforce Development Officer, 
As a B Corporation, 
