Company News and Highlights

September 11, 2018

Range Night for the SCV Sheriff’s Foundation

On August 28th the SCV Sheriff’s Foundation Board met for a training event organized by Captain Rob Lewis, Deputy Kevin Duxbury, Master Training Officer Deputy Michael Sellers and Lieutenant Diez. The training, which turned out to be an amazing experience, was held at the Pitchess Detention Center’s Weapons Training Range.

It was designed around providing the SCV Sheriff’s Foundation Board the opportunity to better understand the type of training our Deputies go through, and also to have a better sense of the responsibility and split second, life threatening decision making that our Deputies must face in their service to our communities.

The SCV Sheriff’s Foundation was formed in 1984 by citizens whose desire was to support local law enforcement in a tangible way. Over the years they have purchased equipment and crime prevention materials to assist the Civilian Volunteer, Law Enforcement Explorer and Reserve Deputy Programs at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station.

The Board members met in the visitor parking lot at the detention center, following Deputies Kevin and Fanny Lapkin into the jail where the range and training facility is located. They were met by the Range Deputy, Deputy Gregory Flores and Sergeant Waterman.

The members introduced themselves and give a brief history of their gun handling experience. Among the members were some with military experience, two retired LAPD Reserves, citizen gun owners, and a few that were admittedly new to handling guns.

The members were instructed on how to hold their weapon, gun safety, and then, for the first two hours, they fired live ammunition. They were shooting two types of handguns, and few rounds with an AR 47? (AR-15) They also used a non-lethal weapon that is in the clearance process for active use. Then it was time for the simulation drill.

At 8:00 PM, one-by-one, they entered a building called the Shoot House, in which officers in training search for ‘bad guys’, armed with simulation bullets. They had to walk into each room, where a person was waiting in ambush, and quickly decide whether or not to fire their weapon. One woman was holding a can – no weapon, don’t shoot; another person was holding a machine gun – weapon, so shoot! Split-second decisions!

They then entered a classroom with various sheriff memorabilia, quotes on the wall, proud Sheriff Insignias and other inspirational materials lining the walls. Dinner was served, and everyone dug in. Social time with our Deputies, fellow Board members, and training officers occupied the first half hour before getting down to business.

The Simulation

Board Member Ken Wiseman has written an exciting narrative, taking us with him as he enters the Shoot House:

The call was for a domestic dispute with at least one male armed. I was the first “Deputy” on scene and I could hear a burst of gunfire coming from the house. As I cautiously approached the house, I could see through the main door, down the hall, and in the shadow on the right, a man standing with a rifle against his chest. He appeared in and out of view as darkness, dim lighting, and shadows took turns with him. Then he disappeared.

The real Deputy that was putting me through this simulation was at my side, holding one of my belt loops, and speaking calmly and quietly to me. “Are you going to approach the house straight towards the door like this?” I shifted quickly to the left side of the door and closed in against the house. The Deputy, like my shadow behind me, urged me to enter the house. My MSP revolver was loaded with simuniton. The bullets looked real except the lead of the bullet was a brightly colored; actually a material akin to hardened detergent. The bullets shatter on impact, and later wash away.

The armed assailant I saw lurking in the hall was actually a Deputy armed with a fake gun and dressed in a suit that would protect him in the scenario if he were shot. The real Deputies go through these simulations, sometimes openly receiving return fire from the mock assailants. Some of the Deputies will show you the healed welts they received in their years of practice.

I entered the hall and cleared a room to the left, keeping a wary eye on the end of the hall and the door to the right where the assailant was last seen. First room was clear, and I moved to the second room. Light appeared, only where I pointed my gun, as the fixed light focused my attention on a widening circle of light, the center of which had the potential of being someone aiming back at me. As I peered into he room, there was a silhouette of a man pointing a gun at me. I shot 2-3 times at his chest.

Outside of the continued calm and mentoring voice of the training Deputy, I could hear my heart beats pounding in my chest. “Okay keep going, what do you do next?” Everyday responsibilities of being a CEO just don’t include situations anything like this. I turned and moved down the hall to turn into the room the armed man had disappeared into. “Finger off the trigger.” I was reminded. “There is no immediate threat.” I turned the corner. I didn’t shoot. The lady standing there looked like she was handing me a beer. I think in her fear she was holding it out like a shield. The finger off the trigger allowed me to evaluate the threat and not react.

“Now what are you going to do,” said my mentoring voice. “Continue clearing the house?” I said, half with authority and half with a question mark. “Have her get on the floor and put her hands on her head. She is still a threat.” The steel eyes of the female cut out stood in silence, only my imagination seeing her follow my instructions and get on the floor.

I continued past her and cautiously began to clear another room on the left. Another armed figure lurked in the corner. Bam, Bam, Bam – my finger dropped from the revolved chassis and hit the trigger. Silence then broke as a moving figure appeared in the adjacent room coming at me. I turned and 3 more shots rang out. The armed assailant slumped against and slid down the wall to a sitting position, gun laying across his lap. My mentor voice said, “He could still be alive, let’s move back now and keep an eye on him as we wait for back-up.” I slowly backed down the hall with my gun fixed on the last assailant.

Walking back to the staging area, Mike Delorenzo, fellow Foundation Board Member and President of SCV Studios, commented to me, “This was the most awesome part of our evening – I can’t imagine doing this for a living.” Focusing his comment to the two Deputies waiting with us, “I have so much more respect for what you guys go through in your job.”

September 6, 2018

AMS Holds ‘Leader vs Manager’ Luncheon

In June of this year the AMS Executive and HR teams organized a Team Breakout Lunch for Managers, Directors and Executives with the goal in mind of improving communication. On August 29th another Team Breakout Lunch took place in the on-campus Advance My Skills Learning Center where the objective of participants was to learn about and discuss the differences between being a leader and a manager.

The teams were:Operations, Client Services, Sales, Finance, Facility & Core Operations, IT, and Human Resources. Facilitators for the meeting included CEO, Ken Wiseman, President, Jay Catlin, Carmen Kernek, HR Director, and Lesa Evans, Recruiting Manager.

After enjoying lunch and team discussions, the teams completed an exercise to expand and refine their knowledge of what leadership looks like in different scenarios, and a second exercise asking how they would demonstrate specific leadership skills such as integrity, team building and communication in their daily work.

They then discussed concepts from a document entitled, How are Leadership and Management Different? Articles on the subject were also distributed to the teams covering, among other things, the differences between managers and leaders, leadership skills that managers need for success, and the differences between a boss and a leader.

Attendees found the luncheon to be very interesting and beneficial.

AMS HR Director, Carmen Kernek, expressed her appreciation of the luncheon saying, “We had great examples and discussion regarding how leaders are more visionary and strategic while managers are normally more tactical. We also discussed the fact that a good leader may have both attributes, which makes them have the potential of being a very valuable asset.”

Michael Gumm, Senior Account Manager on the Client Services Team, offered some of his favorite quotes from the event.
“Leaders create the vision, Managers create goals.”
“Leaders take risks, Managers control risk.”
“Leaders create the process, Managers enforce the process.”

He also offered some of his take-aways:

* Leaders have the ability to establish good positive rapport with all types of people. They know that creating a good rapport with various types of employees, peers, managers, and directors will lead to a positive overall outcome.
* Depending on the situation, leaders can resolve issues and disagreements without escalating or involving too many people.
* Managers are good at focusing on repeating a process, leaders focus on improving the process and questioning the process.

Michael said, “This was my favorite of all the lunches yet. A lot of the qualities and tendencies that we talked about made me feel confident that I am a leader. I also heard some that presented areas for improvement. Very much enjoyed this discussion!”

August 29, 2018

Well Done! Thank You AMS Employees – August 2018

Congratulations to Samantha H., Rosa B., Carlos C., Leonard L. and Charles F. These employees have been selected for Employee of the Month recognition. Thank you!

Every month the supervisors in the various AMS facilities nominate a team member who has provided outstanding service to our clients, our company and their team. The nominations and comments demonstrate that the individual being recognized has been an example of ‘outstanding’!

AMS Fulfillment is a large company with a number of facilities and several hundred employees. Our primary facilities are located in Valencia, CA, City of Santa Clarita. Even though we are large, we have nurtured a corporate family culture and a close environment that takes note of and cares about the people, their wellbeing, and their job satisfaction. Thank you honorees!

Samantha H., Sr. Administrator, Human Resources (May 2018)
HQ Administration, 29010 Commerce Center Drive

Sam previously came to AMS in 2011, as HR Coordinator, then after several years she moved on. She returned to the AMS Family as Sr. Administrator HR Benefits in May 2018. Although she has been back at AMS for a short while, she has made a huge impact! Sam has taken on the scheduling of all meetings and luncheons for New Hires, Employees of the Month, Apprentices, Aisle Zone, Team Breakout, ESL and scheduling the No Loss Time/No Injury Drawings. She also coordinates all employee activities such as the Water Challenge, Fitness Challenge, Leadership Classes and off-site, including Volunteer Groups, Dodger Night and the list goes on! Also, she makes her emails colorful and fun to read! Sam inspires people to want to join in. She is a very hard working, dedicated to HR and to AMS, has a positive attitude and is so friendly to everyone. Sam is absolutely amazing and is a great asset to AMS. She is truly a pleasure to work with.

Rosa B., General Warehouse (September 2016)
HQ Warehouse, 29010 Commerce Center Drive

I would like to nominate Rosa B. from HQ. Rosa has perfect attendance and is fully responsible for her job all of the time. She has a positive attitude towards her co-workers and her work is consistently excellent. Rosa is a great co-worker. Any time we need help she is always there to give us a hand. She has stepped up to be a good team leader when our supervisor is not available. Rosa is so happy and joyful always and a pleasure to work with.

Carlos C., Inventory Clerk (November 2011)
WIT2, 28624 Witherspoon Parkway

Carlos always comes to work ready to go and does an excellent job with the client receiving. Carlos was recently assigned to a large inventory consolidation job he has done exceptionally well. Carlos is always willing to help other departments and he is a great member of our WIT2 team.

Leonard L., Inventory Lead (June 2017)
WIL, 28936 Ave. Williams

Leonard came to us on loan from another building to assist in a large reset at HQ. He has been a great asset, willing to work weekends as well as to assist in receiving, cycle counts and replenishment as needed. His knowledge of warehouse services and desire to increase his understanding of in order has been very helpful to the team. He has a terrific attitude and is always is respectful to his co-workers.

Charles F., General Warehouse (July 2015)
SCO3, 27801 Avenue Scott

Charles is always a hard working member of our team. He is great at showing new people our process and is always available to stay late and work weekends. Our team would not be complete without him. He is polite, professional and a great asset to have at AMS.

* * *

No matter which department they work in, which task they do, or which AMS facility we find them in, our outstanding employees are the reason that we succeed so well and continue to grow. Employees of the Month recognition is meant to be a sincere Thank You from the entire AMS Fulfillment Family! You are the reason for our success!

August 22, 2018

SCV: 12th Annual Golf Tournament

SCV Sheriff’s Foundation & Search and Rescue 12th Annual Golf Tournament

This Year, we are Honoring the Fallen LASD Officer Deputy Arthur Pelino ~ EOW: March 19, 1978 ~ with the Pledge of a $2,000 Foundation Scholarship to be shared by Four, Deserving, Local Students.

Date and Location:

Monday, September 17, 2018
THE OAKS CLUB AT VALENCIA
26550 Heritage View Lane
Valencia, CA 91381 – Phone: 661-288-1995

Sponsor Opportunities:
Individual
$350
Foursome
$1,200
Sponsorships
$5,000 / $2,500 / & Others

Schedule of Events:

8:00 – 9:45 AM: Registration / Hot Breakfast, Bloody Marys, Cigars
9:45: Golfers at their Carts
10:00 AM – 3:30 PM: Tee off! / BBQ Lunch, Drinks
1 hour following rounds: Open Bar (placement of Opportunity Drawing tickets)
3:30 – 6:00 PM: Dinner and Awards

Format:

This event will feature a four-person scramble format where each player must contribute a minimum of three drives to the team’s score.
Mulligan package available!

Sponsor Opportunities:

$ 5,000 ‘Eagle’/ Dinner Sponsor Includes Foursome
$ 2,500 ‘Diamond’ Sponsor Includes Foursome
$ 2,500 BBQ Lunch Sponsor Includes Foursome
$ 1,200 Sponsor a Foursome for Station Deputies
$ 1,200 Foursome
$ 350 Individual
$ 500 Sponsorships: Cigar, Bloody Mary, Longest Drive, Closest to the Pin, Tee

Mulligan & Opportunity Drawing Ticket package (Optional – Can be purchased at the event)
Per Player: $50 x __ = $_____

Not able to attend:

I’m not able to attend but please accept my $ ________ contribution to the Sheriff’s Foundation & Search & Rescue Team.

NAME ON CREDIT CARD
ADDRESS
MC/AMEX/VISA CC # _________________ _ _ Exp. date: ___ Total: $___

To Register, or for questions, call: 661-775-0611 – Ask for Ken Wiseman or Margie Meléndez
OR EMAIL: Margie Melendez: [email protected]

SCV Search & Rescue Non-profit Tax ID#: 95-6208022 ~ SCV Sheriff’s Foundation Non-profit Tax ID#: 95-3995398

Registration:

Company / Individual:

Contact Name: __________________________
Address:
City ____________ State ___ __ Zip Code _________

Daytime Phone Number: ____________________

Golfer Info:

Player #1 Name: ___________________ E-Mail: ___________________ _
Shirt Size (circle one) S – M – LG – XLG – XXLG

Player #2 Name: __________________ E-Mail: ___________________
Shirt Size (circle one) S – M – LG – XLG – XXLG

Player #3 Name: __________________ _E-Mail: __________________ _
Shirt Size (circle one) S – M – LG – XLG – XXLG

Player #4 Name: __________________ _ E-Mail: ________________ _
Shirt Size (circle one) S – M – LG – XLG – XXLG

To guarantee your foursome, please mail form and fee to:

SCV Sheriff’s Foundation & Search And Rescue
Golf Tournament
29010 Commerce Center Drive
Valencia, CA 91355

OR EMAIL to: [email protected]

August 21, 2018

AMS: Giving the Opportunity to Start

The workforce at AMS is diverse in so many ways, as it includes many individuals who, in the past, may have had difficulty obtaining employment. Our workforce includes individuals with disabilities, at-risk youth, the homeless, justice-involved individuals, military veterans, seniors and single parents having difficulty retaining a job.

AMS Fulfillment has long known the value of individuals with disabilities in the workforce, and the company has enjoyed great success in working with organizations such as Pleasantview Industries.

Pleasantview has been involved in many successful placements in the SCV community for the past 13 years. The success of an AMS employee named Tim is a perfect example of how an individual with a disability can be successfully incorporated into the workforce to the benefit of the company and of the employee.

Tim had never had a job. Pleasantview connected him with AMS for an assembly line job opening. AMS CEO, Ken Wiseman, saw hiring Tim as a good business opportunity, and Tim got his first job. Pleasantview provided job coaching to Tim and on-the-job support to AMS. As with all Pleasantview clients, the job coach assisted Tim from day one. Each month as he became more proficient in his tasks, the coach decreased the time spent with him. There was no charge to AMS for the job coaching services and continued ongoing support.

Tim’s job at AMS worked out amazingly well. He always arrived on time, showed up every day, and was a hard worker. He stayed on the job for two years, until he was offered the opportunity to enroll in a machinist program. After completing the program, he is now working with a machinist company at a higher rate of pay.

Tim reported that it was his first job at AMS that gave him the confidence to try a program that would lead him to a career. He was proud of his work, both as an individual and as part of the team. Because of this job he had developed the skills and abilities to take on something new and challenging. Although the schooling was intense, he had confidence in his ability to succeed.

Of course AMS doesn’t want to see a great employee leave, but we do want to see great people grow and succeed. Tim’s success has been an inspiration to his co-workers and supervisors, and to the executives who hired him.

There are other success stories for individuals with disabilities at AMS as well. Eight years ago AMS hired an individual who has, over the years, learned and taken on every task in the warehouse with the exception of the forklift. His longevity, dedication and attitude – everything about him inspires the people who work with him. Two more employees from Pleasantview have worked at AMS for four years. They no longer need job coach support, having become completely independent employees, on time, trustworthy and an integral part of the team. They still can check in and turn to a job coach for help if they need.

When given the opportunity to start somewhere, an employee with a disability can be more than a great asset. Not only will the employer have a hardworking, loyal, on time employee, they will have lower turnover and an increase in overall morale of all employees.

AMS Fulfillment joins with the Mayor’s Committee on Employment of Individuals With Disabilities in encouraging businesses to work with organizations like Pleasantview Industries. We also encourage businesses to contact the Mayor’s Committee for information on different types of services and programs available to employers in the Santa Clarita Valley.

August 16, 2018

Congrats Winners of AMS ‘No Loss Time’ Drawing

Safety is a vital concern in a warehouse, and the AMS focus on safety training is very strong. In 2016 we began to train employees in an OSHA Safety Program, and that has been a great success. Keeping the focus on safety, AMS has developed an incentive program as well. When there are zero accidents resulting in days missed, the building is eligible for a catered lunch and a cash prize drawing! It’s called the “No Loss Time” drawing.

In the month of July both the HQ Warehouse and the SCO3 Warehouse had no injuries resulting in time away from work! Congratulations to our Winners in the “No Loss Time” July Incentive Drawing!

HQ Warehouse received ten $100 Target gift cards representing ten months of no lost time injuries:
1. Jerry F.
2. Natalio M.
3. Fidencio G.
4. Javier E.
5. Angelic A.
6. Ignacia M.
7. Mayra C.
8. Teresa G.
9. Alma C.
10. Nicolas P.

SCO3 Warehouse received a catered lunch for keeping up with their Aisle Zone Sheets, and six $100 Target gift cards representing six months of no loss time injuries:
1. Jammal Y.
2. Mariel G.
3. Honorio R.
4. Manuel M.
5. Alexis M.
6. Aurora G.

Aisle Zone Winners:
1) $500 Target gift card awarded to Maria A.
1) $100 Target gift card awarded to Ivan R.

SECOND DRAWING

The following employees at the WIT Warehouse received ten $100 Target gift cards representing ten months of no lost time injuries:

Gloria J.
Robert N.
Mayra A.
Vanessa H.
Brent C.
Mayeli F.
Rogelio D.
Marilyn M.
Maria L.
Brandon N.

Two employees at WIL received $100 Target gift cards representing two months of no lost time injuries:

1. Silvia P.
2. Ana C.

Thank You to all of the winners and congratulations!

August 8, 2018

Congratulations ESL Graduates at AMS!!

In 2016 an English as a Second Language course (ESL) began at AMS, and 23 students signed up. After two years of dedicated hard work, nine of those individuals have completed eight separate ESL segments, or the equivalent of 2.5 semesters. Congratulations to the Graduates! We are so proud of you!

The highly beneficial ESL class began on the AMS campus two and a half years ago as part of the ongoing collaboration between Santa Clarita’s College of the Canyons (COC) and AMS. Our joint intention was to provide adult education non-credit courses that will have a benefit to the individuals, the company, the college and the community.

The following employees have conquered the learning challenges, made it to the finish line of the 8th and final segment in this program and passed their final exams:

* Alicia G., Receiving Supervisor, Williams Location
* Andres C., Production Lead, Williams Location
* Beatriz H., Operations Supervisor, Scott Location
* Cirino B., General Warehouse, Scott Location
* Jacqueline G., General Warehouse, Scott Location
* Mayra A., Operations Lead, Witherspoon Location
* Yadira S., Operations Supervisor, Scott Location
* Yesenia P., Assistant Operations Manager, Witherspoon Location
* Fidencio G., Shipping Clerk, Headquarter Location

The ESL course has four levels, with two segments per level, and these employees have completed all four. From the beginning they found the course to be beneficial with regard to their work, in that most of the positions in the company do require an ability to communicate in English, especially with regard to correspondence. In addition, with a greater command of English, new opportunities within the company and within COC do open up.

Oscar Ruiz, Director of the program, had the following to say: “I am proud to see the long-time ESL employees grow and become the best version of themselves.”

Yesenia, who is an Assistant Operations Manager, offered these words: “Overall, I have a better life now, inside and outside of work. It was rough, but it was the best decision I could have made.”

Alicia, who works as a Receiving Supervisor, commented: “The ESL Class helped me improve in my personal life, as well as work. I get to speak to my co-workers now in English better than I ever have before.”

Once again, Congratulations from AMS!!!

August 2, 2018

AMS Assists In Redefining Reentry

AMS Fulfillment is a business recognized as a trendsetter in workforce development. For many years the company has seen the value of developing an inclusive and well-trained workforce, and of hiring individuals in the SCV community that face barriers in finding and retaining employment, such as the homeless, individuals with a disability, at-risk youth, single parents, individuals affected by ageism and persons reentering society after having been ‘justice-involved’.

“They don’t hire people with a record,” is an all too common refrain heard among job seekers. Like elsewhere across the country, individuals in SCV encounter closed doors for years after they have been involved in the criminal justice system. AMS CEO Ken Wiseman doesn’t see this as a ‘fair chance’, and neither does the company’s HR Department. AMS is a company that keeps an open mind, and is ready to open doors for individuals who are ready to overcome challenges.

Because of Ken’s dedication and AMS’ example, LA County and the Department of Workforce Development, Aging and Community Service (WDACS) invited AMS to assist in an upcoming media campaign. Ken was more than willing to help. As a fair chance employer he has seen the strong contribution of employees with barriers to the success of AMS, and he is more than willing to encourage other businesses to open their doors to the reentry population.

The WDACS media campaign is called “redefining reentry.” ‘Reentry’ is understood as entering once again into the workforce after having either been incarcerated or having a criminal record that impacts employment. The media campaign is intended to inspire a more honest narrative that may begin to remove the stigma of being justice-involved. To accomplish this, they will be highlighting the personal stories of those who have successfully reentered, the services available to support reentry, and advocating for increased opportunities for this population.

Thank you to Alex-Handrah Aime and Casswell Goodman, the FUSE Executive Fellows with LA County’s WDACS division who have designed the campaign. AMS agrees that removing the stigma is fundamental to establishing a fair playing field for individuals with justice-involved backgrounds. The reentry stories of several AMS employees as well as the stories of Ken and the HR team will be featured in the campaign, which is set to launch later this year.

July 18, 2018

Thanks!! AMS Employees of the Month – June 2018

Congratulations and a very big Thank You to these outstanding members of our corporate family: Bryanna A., Carmen A., Vanessa H., David R., and Gloria V.

In the fulfillment industry employees are much more than human resources. They directly serve the company’s clients, making their efforts vital to the growth and success of the business. AMS Fulfillment is a large company with a number of facilities and several hundred employees. Even though we are large, we make it a point to get to know and appreciate individual employees and celebrate their achievements.

Each month the supervisors or team members within AMS’ Valencia CA facilities nominate an employee who has provided outstanding service to the clients. The nominations and supervisor comments demonstrate that the individual being recognized has gone above and beyond, and deserves special recognition!

It’s our pleasure to recognize the June Employees of the Month:

Bryanna A., Account Support, (January 2017)
HQ Administration, 29010 Commerce Center Drive

I would like to nominate Bryanna for Employee of the Month. She goes above and beyond. She is always willing to help and she has a tremendous positive attitude. She is kind and genuine to everyone. Bryanna gets the job done for AMS!

Carmen A., Custodial (September 2011)
HQ Office, 29010 Commerce Center Drive

Carmen was first chosen as Employee of the Month in January of 2015. I feel she deserves the title once again! She is such a hard worker – constantly striving to keep our office, kitchens and restrooms clean. She goes about her work quietly, doing anything that is asked of her. She truly is a nice person, always friendly with a smile for everyone. Carmen truly cares about AMS. We are so lucky to have her here at HQ!

Vanessa H., Lead, Returns & Data Entry (July 2017)
WIT2 28624 Witherspoon Parkway

I would like to nominate Vanessa for employee of the month. She has been a great addition to the WIT2 team and has continued to push to move up, learn more and help others. She currently is leading the Returns/Vas Departments and she never backs down from a challenge. She has great attendance and gets along with all fellow employees. Vanessa continues to take on more and more clients and handles her communication professionally and promptly.

David Patrick R., General Warehouse (March 2018)
SCO3: 27801 Avenue Scott

I nominate David for Employee of the Month. He always shows initiative at every task given to him. He continuously makes suggestions and looks for ways to make things more efficient. He has quickly become one of our top pickers. David is training to become a shipping clerk and has made it known he wants to learn everything about our operation.

Gloria V., Shipping Clerk (March 2014)
WIL1: 28936 Avenue Williams

Gloria is a multitasking type of employee. She goes above and beyond to get her job done. She helps all of us and is very detail oriented; she is consistently amazing to work with. Gloria is always on point and organized. When it comes to scanning and shipping tremendous numbers of orders, she will be on point with all clients at WIL. She is serious and meticulous about her job and overall an awesome person.

***
Whether these outstanding employees are part of the management team, client services, technology, accounting, fulfillment operations, facilities, the warehouse team, taking inventory, answering the phone, training people, making decisions, doing payroll… they are the reason that AMS succeeds so well and continues to grow.

Once again… a sincere Thank You from the AMS Fulfillment Family!

Not pictured: Vanessa H. and David R.

July 11, 2018

Congratulations! Employees of the Month for May 2018

Congratulations to the AMS Employees of the Month for May 2018! We are very grateful for your efforts! Thank you Stacy C., Veronica C., Robert N., Jammal Y., and Tanner D.

Every month the supervisors in our various facilities nominate a team member who has provided outstanding service to the AMS clients. The nominations and comments demonstrate that the individual being recognized deserves to be thanked and appreciated for not only doing a job well, but for caring enough to go above and beyond. Nominations are listed according to the facility that the employee represents. All of the AMS facilities are located in Valencia, CA, City of Santa Clarita.

Stacy C., Account Manager (April 2016)
HQ Administration, 29010 Commerce Center Drive

Stacy is an outstanding client services employee. Although I don’t work directly with her, I hear her manage and see her interact with her manager, her clients and her peers. She always has time to assist her team and with any task needed. I have witnessed her coaching methods when she is assisting a new employee, she is always patient. She takes time to ensure that they fully understand. Many times I hear her say, “How can I help?” Stacy is kind, has a pleasant warm personality and is a great asset to AMS, the client services department, and it’s a pleasure to have her in the office.

Veronica C., General Warehouse (November 2017)
HQ Warehouse: 29010 Commerce Center Drive

I would like to nominate Veronica as Employee of the Month. Veronica is a GREAT employee. She is willing to take on any task and works her hardest to make sure that it is done accurately and in a timely manner. She shows good communication skills and asks all the right questions when starting something new. Veronica truly deserves the title of Employee of Month.

Robert N., Receiving Clerk (August 2017)
WIT: 28624 Witherspoon Parkway

I would like to nominate Robert, because he is always pushing himself to get the tasks done on time. He shows leadership when working with the team. Robert has initiative to get the receiving team to warm up and stretch before unloading containers to prevent injuries. He is always willing to help his co-workers. He brings up ideas on how to do tasks more efficiently and is always ready and prepared to start a new day with a positive attitude.

Jammal Y., General Warehouse (March 2018)
SCO3: 27801 Avenue Scott

I would like to nominate Jammal for Employee of the Month. He has the most positive energy and drive and spreads it to each one of our employees. I feel he has such a great respect for everyone on our team and greets us with a “good morning” every day. He takes safety to heart and works very hard to keep our building safe. Jammal is one of our best pickers and we are so happy to have him as part of our team.

Tanner D., Custodial (August 2015)
WIL: 28936 Avenue Williams

I would like to nominate Tanner because he is an outstanding hard-working employee. As soon as he walks into the facility he is ready to work with a positive attitude. When there is a new employee working in his area he is always willing to help and train them, so they can do the job as best as they can. He is very responsible for his team and himself. Tanner is a caring person and we are so grateful to have him as part of our team.

…

As one can see from the supervisor comments, AMS has nurtured a culture that depends upon and places great value in employees. We call it an ‘AMS Family’ culture that takes note of and cares about the people who work here, their wellbeing, and their job satisfaction. No matter which department they work in, which task they do, or which location we find them in, our employees are the reason that AMS succeeds so well and continues to grow.

Employees of the Month recognition is meant to be a sincere Thank You from the entire AMS Fulfillment Family.

July 11, 2018

Sheriff’s Foundation Holds “An Evening with the Captain”

The SCV Sheriff’s Foundation held a very special event in June in order to develop and encourage community support of the SCV Sheriff’s Department. The event, called “An Evening with the Captain”, offered an opportunity for guests to become Associate Members of the Sheriff’s Foundation.

The Sheriff’s Foundation is a volunteer organization that assists the SCV Sheriff’s Station in purchasing equipment, supplies and training for Deputies and Volunteers. The Foundation supports our Sworn Officers, station administration, Civilian Volunteers, Explorers, the Search & Rescue Unit and Reserve Deputy Programs.

The event was held at the estate of Moe & Linda Hafizi. Seventy-five guests were invited to enjoy wine and delicious hors d’ oeuvres, and meet with Captain Robert Lewis, who took over the post in 2017. Captain Lewis has spent more than 30 years in law enforcement, about half of that in the Santa Clarita Valley in several different capacities.

Guests were able to get to know Captain Lewis on a more personal level and discuss various topics of interest in their community. He spoke to the group about the new sheriff´s station which is coming soon. He also discussed safety and crime statistics and how crime is down in Santa Clarita due to the hard work of the men and women of the Sheriff´s station. The Captain also took questions from the guests including questions on drugs in the SCV and safety issues on school campuses.

Guests were pleased with the opportunity to chat with the Captain and some of his staff in this very informal and relaxed setting. As a result, many guests became Associate Members of the Sheriffs Foundation, and the Foundation gained a number of new Citizen and Business Associate Board Members as well.

During the evening, Captain Lewis expressed the gratitude of the entire Department for the generous support of the community and the dedicated efforts of the Sheriff’s Foundation and the Foundation’s leadership.

There are plans in place for more “Evenings with the Captain” in different areas of the Santa Clarita Valley.

The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Foundation began in 1985 as the Sheriff’s Booster Club. It was created by a group of residents who wanted to assist local law enforcement in a tangible way. In 2009, the group reorganized as the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Foundation to reflect the growing breadth and scope of its ongoing support. Through the generosity of SCV residents it continues its valuable work.

July 3, 2018

AMS Earns “Best For The World” Recognition

Congratulations to AMS Fulfillment for earning a spot on the Be The Change organization’s “2018 Best For the World” list! To earn a place on this list a company must score in the top 10 percent of all B Corps on the Community section of a test. This section evaluates a company’s supplier relations, diversity, and involvement in the community.

According to their website, “The Community section also measures the company’s practices and policies around community service and charitable giving, including whether a company’s product or service is designed to solve a social issue, such as access to basic services, health, education, economic opportunity and the arts.”

We’re very proud that AMS has achieved this coveted recognition.

Please enjoy the following article, published on the Be The Change website, discussing some of the reasons AMS Fulfillment is a “Best for the World” business.

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Fulfillment Company’s Mission Is to Do More Than Fill Orders
AMS Fulfillment Provides Employment and Education to a Challenged Workforce

By Katy Ibsen

Advantage Media Services Inc. (AMS), founded in 2002, is a company specializing in the distribution of consumer products both to the traditional retail sector as well as directly to consumers who have made orders via client websites. Serving clients in industries such as cosmetics, footwear, apparel and technology, the company recorded about $45 million in sales in 2018.

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.

Read the full article here.

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