CONGRATULATIONS! AMS Employees of the Month for December, 2018!!
Every month, and especially after our busiest month of the year, it’s such a pleasure for supervisors to recognize a specific employee as having been outstanding. This month we are very pleased to recognize Veronica L., Pricilla R., Maria A., Jeff D., and Christine O.
There are a number of AMS facilities, with over 300 employees, and we value every one. From the beginning of AMS to this day we enjoy a close environment that takes note of and cares about employees, and their job satisfaction.
The nominations and comments below demonstrate that the employees being recognized did an outstanding job during the month of December. We truly appreciate them.
Veronica L: Purchasing and Billing Coordinator (August 2018)
HQ Office: 29010 Commerce Center Drive
Veronica demonstrates excellent customer service skills. She is always willing to go the extra mile to help the team, whether she’s assisting with ordering materials or covering the phones at the front desk, working with vendors or distributing supplies. She is an excellent employee and always demonstrates a positive attitude.
During this past Black Friday weekend Pricilla did an excellent job managing her replenishment crew. As we shipped 31k+ units daily she was able to replenish everything back to make it easier and run smoothly. Not only did her schedule change, and she had to adjust her personal life to the crazy schedule, she did it with no hesitation. Pricilla is a true team player.
Maria A: Scanning and Shipping Clerk (May 2005)
SCO3: 27801 Avenue Scott
Maria is a phenomenal scanning clerk who has been with AMS for 13 years. Ninety-six percent of all B2B orders out of SCO3 for our clients go through Maria. She is an excellent teacher and takes great pride in her work. Maria always goes above and beyond to ensure all orders are done and correct. She is more than willing to go to any department to help. SCO3 wouldn’t be complete without Maria.
Jeff D: Shipping Clerk (April 2016)
WIT: 28624 Witherspoon Parkway
Jeff does a fantastic job keeping our AMS Client’s inventory and aisles in immaculate condition. The aisle and inventory he is in charge of look like a retail store and I have received many praises on how easy it is to pick orders because of Jeff’s progress in efficiencies and organization.
Christine O: Shipping Clerk (June 2018)
WIL1: 28936 Ave Williams
Christine does an outstanding job with two of our clients. We all know it’s busy season and two of our clients from Williams got a big spike with orders. Christine was able to manage to get all orders out with no issue. She has been doing an excellent job staying on task and being efficient. She always shows up to work with a positive attitude and ready to work. We love having Christine as part of our Williams Team.
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Our ‘Employee of the Month’ recognition is meant to convey extra appreciation to individuals in the AMS Fulfillment Family! Whatever role they play, our employees are the reason for our success. Congratulations to this month’s honorees and Thank You!
December has been an exciting month at AMS. Early in the month we held our huge annual warehouse sale. It’s a big event for the community and for employees as well. AMS Associates happily take advantage of the huge discounts on products that they know are great brands. The sale was a super success with big crowds on both Saturday and Sunday, December 8th and 9th. Here’s photo of the happy shoppers.
AMS Warehouse Sale
A few days later our Pre-Apprentice Group took their OSHA Walk through the warehouse, which was the final test for their graduation from the Pre-Apprentice Program. AMS has been training employees in an OSHA Safety Program for two years, developing a monthly OSHA Walk with an employee representative from each of the four Warehouses. Since it is AMS’ busiest time of year, the group did a 5-hour crash course in 1½ hours by walking our Headquarters Warehouse with Ken Wiseman while pointing out and discussing safety expectations from the eyes of OSHA.
Congratulations to the Pre-Apprentice OSHA Walk Teams!
HQ Warehouse: Leticia O., Alejandra L., Matthew W., Norma N.
Avenue Williams Warehouse: Jose R., Wesley J.
Pre-Apprentice Graduates
Right before Christmas AMS employees brought Christmas gifts to children and families in need. Every year, AMS employees hold a drive to collect contributions for both Thanksgiving and Christmas gifts to families in the community. The families are participants in the Santa Clarita Youth Activities League ‘Adopt a Family’ program. Officer Bryan Rooney of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Department runs the program and selects the families for both Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The gift-giving is something AMS employees have made into a tradition, and it is a very much enjoyed tradition by all of the participating employees. Betty-Lou Wiseman is in charge of the program, and Erica M. organizes a team, works on the fundraising, and enjoys experience of giving. In a previous blog Erica talked about how much she appreciates being a ‘giver’. Photos of the gifts, the givers, and the adopted families.
For AMS, the past year has been one of business growth, classroom learning, safety training, employee giving and much more. The ‘much more’ of our year comes from experiencing what it means to be a B-Corporation. The commitment of a B-Corp is to be good for the world, and this intention has been embraced by employees and management alike.
Overviews
AMS CEO, Ken Wiseman, offered his overview of AMS’ accomplishments:
In terms of workforce development, AMS has embraced the annual increasing minimum wage in many ways. We’ve put tremendous investment in technology to improve efficiency and reduce the labor associated with some of our core service areas, we’ve become much more careful in our recruiting process working with several organizations in LA County that focus on entry and re-entry placements into the workforce. This partnership has proven invaluable in creating a wealth of wonderful associate candidates.
Our in-house learning center continues to be a place for our associates to gather and celebrate events such as Employee of the Month recognition luncheons safety meetings, logistics and business skills courses taught by our local College of the Canyons, Apprentice and Pre-Apprentice meetings and training, and lots of other internal training, with a mock shipping, pick and pack and pick area available in the center to practice skills.
A team that is given respect, a safe workplace, and the opportunity of self-improvement, is a team that embraces continuous improvement in the workplace.
During the year AMS expanded its geographic footprint to better serve our clients. We became a bi-coastal fulfillment company, operating both in California and Pennsylvania. As we adjusted to the growth, we continued with all of the efforts and programs that make up the culture of our company.
AMS President, Jay Catlin offered his thoughts on growth and the improvements that have been achieved during the year:
“I’m extremely proud of how AMS has truly been able to balance our commitment to our Company, Organization, Community, Environment and Ourselves in 2018. From a Company standpoint, AMS has seen a tremendous positive impact from strategic initiatives that are now coming into fruition. It was in Q4 of 2015 that AMS endeavored to grow the business while shrinking our physical footprint by targeting a more ideal client profile of high-turn businesses selling smaller/low cube products. Within two years of setting the strategy, AMS has managed to reduce its square footage by nearly 30% and during the same span we have increased sales by nearly 40%. A key part of our strategy was to focus on bottom line performance, and to help us achieve measurable results,
“AMS has pursued technology advances to enhance our efficiency and effectiveness on the floor. Over the last year+, we fully rolled out our in-house software “WAMS” across the entirety of our business, including our Pennsylvania operation. Our Operations and Client Services team has done an excellent job working in tandem with IT to establish sound processes to go along with the software advances, and as a result we have been able to effectively manage our growth in activity and keep our services levels as high as they have ever been! Additionally, we have begun to launch our new shipping manifest software “ProShip” in 2018, and are thrilled with the results! Besides a far more speedy and streamlined process for label production, carrier selection and international compliance, our clients will soon benefit from our ability to rate shop multiple carrier options based on their goals for delivery time and the weight of the package. Going bi-coastal in 2018 was also a tremendous achievement for AMS and our clients seeking to reduce the growing impact of freight expense.
“As always, I give credit for all that we were able to achieve in 2018 to our fulfillment “gurus” at AMS who worked diligently as a Team to progress so much while continuing to provide great service to our clients on a day-to-day basis. Thank you AMS Team and AMS Clients for an amazing year of growth and advancement!”
Community Support and Events
Some of the outstanding events during the year were: Single Mothers Outreach event; Mayor’s Committee for the Employment of Individuals with Disabilities Luncheon; the Sheriff’s Foundation Volunteer Appreciation Dinner; Earth Day celebrations; AMS’ 16th Anniversary celebrations; Drive to support Bridge to Home; the Environmental Expo and River Rally Cleanup; The Sheriff’s Foundation Golf Tournament and Fundraiser; and the HUF Foundation Heroes Banquet.
Outstanding Employees
Employee safety training was ongoing during the year; the AMS volunteer “Green Team” kept busy; AMS started an extra-curricular donation program for employees; employees continued their participation in adult education classes; and employees organized, raised funds, and donated holiday food and gifts to those in need.
The following excerpts from our blogs point to some of the highlights of the year. It has been good year for all of us at AMS, and we’re looking forward to many more achievements in the years to come.
Highlights of the Year
AMS Receives Social Enterprise Certification
January 25
AMS Fulfillment is proud to announce that it has been granted certification from LA County as a Social Enterprise. This great news stems from AMS’ successful efforts to serve the community through workforce development. AMS is a privately owned corporation headquartered in Valencia, California. Read More:
AMS: Logistics Apprentices Begin Classroom Training
February 1
AMS Fulfillment, in partnership with Employee Training Institute (ETI) and College of the Canyons (COC), has begun its first classroom training in their groundbreaking Nationally Certified Logistics Apprentice Program. This new apprenticeship, in Logistics and Warehousing, was announced in November of 2016 and began in early 2017. Read More:
AMS Employees Begin WMS Training
February 13
AMS is pleased to announce an exciting new class opportunity for employees! This is the first WMS (Warehouse Management System) training with AMS’ warehouse services software enhancements. The class will cover system navigation (InOrder, Warehouse Services) on processes related to Shipping/Picking & Packing, Receiving/Inventory and Returns/Cycle Counting. Read More:
AMS/COC Pre-Apprenticeship Program Set to Begin
June 4
At the beginning of 2018, AMS Fulfillment and College of the Canyons announced their intention to start a new Pre-Apprenticeship Program. Over the past few months they have continued their efforts until recently they met to discuss the launch of the Material Coordinator Pre-Apprenticeship Program. Once again we see the unique partnership between an employer, AMS Fulfillment, and a community college, SCV College of the Canyons, breaking new ground in workforce development. Read More:
AMS Earns “Best For The World” Recognition
July 3
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. Be The Change had this to say about AMS: “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 More:
AMS Assists In Redefining Reentry
August 2
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’. Read More:
Congratulations ESL Graduates at AMS!!
August 8
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! Read More:
AMS: Giving the Opportunity to Start
August 21
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 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. Read More:
B-Corp: When Balance is the Bottom Line
November 30
AMS Fulfillment is proud to be in the company of other B-Corporations such as Patagonia, and we are inspired whenever we see corporations creating a balance between profits and the future of the company, and community, employee and environmental needs. Profit is not the bottom line for AMS although our business is and has always been profitable, thriving and growing. We, like other B-Corps, intend to demonstrate that a company can be both good For the world, and profitable. Read More:
Something extra good is going on at AMS Fulfillment. For eight years, when holiday time comes around, a volunteer group of AMS employees gets busy organizing. They put up flyers and send out emails companywide, seeking donations to purchase Thanksgiving dinners for families in need.
This year the volunteers collected donations, reached in their own pockets, and 28 families were able to enjoy what most of us take for granted – Thanksgiving Dinner. Vallarta Supermarket (Valencia – Lyons) participated as well by offering the volunteers a 5% discount on the Dinners.
The families are participants in the Santa Clarita Youth Activities League ‘Adopt a Family’ program. Officer Bryan Rooney of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Department runs the program and selects the families for both Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The dinner give-away took place on November 21st at Val Verde Park and Recreation. AMS employees who had the honor of delivering the dinners to the families were: Betty Lou and Ken Wiseman, Erica M., Marco P., Eugene S., and Patrick R.
About the event, Erica said, “The best thing about giving families a Thanksgiving Dinner is seeing the big smiles on the faces of the kids and parents. We know they all appreciate it a lot! If you would ask me what is the best thing about giving out dinners, I would say it’s the moment that comes when handing them their dinner, and knowing it is going to be shared with their family. I would take time back just to see their faces all over again and their appreciation. It is an AWESOME feeling to give.”
Betty-Lou Wiseman is in charge of the program, and Erica is recognized as the engine that drives this activity. Betty-Lou promised more to come: “Holiday Season warms all of our hearts to give, our Christmas families are next!”
Thank you to this wonderful group of AMS employees as we all get ready to make Christmas really special for more children and parents in our community.
There’s something strange going on in AMS’ hometown of Santa Clarita, just in time for the holidays. Apparently some UPS packages are being delivered by alternate means! It’s not by sleigh though, and not on horseback, not on foot, but by bicycle!
As we at AMS Fulfillment well know, more and more people are choosing to do their holiday shopping online. Our logistics expert, John B., recently wrote about an increase, beyond what was anticipated, in e-com and m-com. So AMS has a lot of orders to fill for its clients and UPS has a lot of packages to deliver.
We hope all holiday shoppers thoroughly enjoy this season and everybody’s packages arrive right on time, by whatever delivery method works best, including the truck, the car, the golf cart, the bicycle, or the sleigh!
UPS To Deliver Packages In Santa Clarita On Bicycles During Holidays
With the holiday season in full swing and a spike in online ordering, UPS is delivering packages in Santa Clarita with more than just their regular trucks.
The unusual delivery method has caused the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station to receive calls from residents inquiring about whether UPS uses bikes, as they have spotted individuals hauling trailers full of packages and boxes on Santa Clarita streets, said Shirley Miller, a spokesperson for the station.
“During the busy holiday season, UPS may deploy deliveries using a variety of different modes of transportation,” Miller said. “Some drivers may have bicycles or golf carts, and in some rural areas, personal vehicles are even sometimes utilized.”
For Santa Clarita residents who want to know how to verify if a person is indeed a UPS driver, UPS drivers are set to always be readily identifiable by their clothing.
“Drivers will either wear branded uniforms with the company logo in the form of the traditional brown UPS uniform, or they may be wearing a neon yellow safety vest with the UPS logo. If you are unsure of their identity, feel free to ask for a photo ID,” Miller said. Read more.
When the creators of the B-Corp concept first discussed their mission, we can easily believe that at the core was recognition of personal responsibility for our world. Can we set a standard that is greater than profit for the sake of profit?
Certainly they had seen that the ‘profit above all’ model is destructive to us all, and they sought to prove the value of balance. The standard was set: We believe that business can and should operate in a way that is good FOR the world.
The decision of a company to be a positive force involves many choices; from the products that are manufactured, to the resources that are utilized, to the impact on the environment, to the treatment of employees, to the profits and wellbeing of the business. With all factors considered, the bottom line has to be Balance: consider the impact of your decisions and find a balanced way forward.
Regarding AMS’ decision process, CEO Ken Wiseman said, “Our mission statement points to the balance between Customer, Organization, Community, and Self. When the weight of importance of all you impact is part of your core mission, your compass keeps you true to your path.”
Recently we heard from the automaker, Chevrolet, that they will close number of manufacturing plants in the US. The reason given was restructuring. The corporation is turning its concern to innovation with plans for the cars of the future requiring more computer coders but fewer engineers who work on internal combustion engines. As we know, their decision will affect the lives of workers, families and communities. Many workers will be laid off, some will accept buy-offs, and time will tell what the result will be.
We’re not analyzing GM’s executive choices or decisions as only they know all the facts. But we do encourage GM and any other automakers following this track to do their best to bring about a positive outcome for the community and the employees as they adjust to this change. Let Balance be the bottom line.
The Ventura-based company, Patagonia, recently made a decision that offers inspiration to other B-Corps and the world. Patagonia, recognized as the first California B-Corp, started out years ago making mountain-climbing equipment, and then they moved forward due to ‘changing times’. Gradually they began making outdoor clothing and gear, and they continued to grow.
It makes sense that this business, focused on outdoor gear, has a commitment to the environment and environmental issues. Recently Patagonia donated the $10 million it saved from tax cuts to non-profit environmental groups.
The company’s website explains their position: “For-profit firms face legal pressure to forgo social goals in favor of maximizing profits. Current law requires corporations to favor the financial interests of shareholders over the interests of workers, communities and the environment. And nonprofit organizations and charities are often needlessly restricted in their ability to raise capital when they need to grow.”
Perhaps one of the answers to balance is to be able to see in the long-term. On the day that the business signed up to be a B-Corp, the founder, Yvon Chouinard said, “Patagonia is trying to build a company that could last 100 years.”
AMS Fulfillment is proud to be in the company of other B-Corporations such as Patagonia, and we are inspired whenever we see corporations creating a balance between profits and the future of the company, and community, employee and environmental needs.
Jay Catlin, founder and AMS President, offered the following: “Becoming a B-Corporation has aligned our direction as a company with many of the greats. Patagonia certainly exemplifies the character of a B-Corp as they inspire others, including AMS, to operate with a greater social consciousness.”
Profit is not the bottom line for AMS although our business is and has always been profitable, thriving and growing. We, like other B-Corps, intend to demonstrate that a company can be both good For the world, and profitable.
Congratulations to AMS’ November 2018 Employees of the Month! We are very pleased to recognize Layal K., Javier E., Ana T., Rogelio D. and Aurora G.
AMS Fulfillment employs several hundred people, in warehouse and HQ facilities located in Valencia, CA. Each month supervisors at our facilities nominate individuals who are doing an outstanding job for the clients. The months of November and December are especially busy for AMS employees and we are grateful for their outstanding efforts.
With appreciation for all, we are pleased to recognize the following outstanding Employees of the Month:
Layal K., Account Support (March 2018)
HQ Admin: 29010 Commerce Center Drive
Layal is a hard-working, smart employee with a very positive and happy energy about her. She is kind to everyone she works with and has a great rapport with all departments. Layal has done a great job learning various AMS accounts and is always eager to help where she can. She arrives ready to work every morning and never fails to finish the tasks presented to her. She has the great ability to stay calm under any situation and is a pleasure to have on the Client Services team. “
Javier E., General Warehouse (June 2018)
HQ Warehouse: 29010 Commerce Center Drive
Javier has been a great addition to our receiving team. He is always willing to work and go the extra mile in all of our different tasks. He always comes to work ready to learn and is always is willing to help not just in our department but in all other departments. Javier is respectful and has a good relationship with his peers. He is a pleasure to work with and has a great future ahead of him in this company. Excellent employee and team-mate.
Ana T., General Warehouse (January 2017)
WIL1: 28936 Ave Williams
Ana is an excellent worker. She has 100% commitment to do the job correctly and in an efficient way the first time. She always has a positive attitude that spreads across to other AMS co-workers. We appreciate her commitment to her work.
Rogelio D., Inventory Lead (July 2016)
WIT2: 28624 Witherspoon Parkway
Rogelio is always willing to go the extra mile to help the team and assist other employees. He is flexible with his schedule and is always willing to take on any project big or small. Rogelio always comes to work positive and ready to complete all of his work, and it’s a pleasure to have him as part of our team.
Aurora G., General Warehouse (February 2011)
SCO3: 27801 Avenue Scott
I’ve seen Aurora work very fast in her order picking, scanning and packing. She follows orders well and she is always on time as well as stays late if we need her to. She is a hard worker and I like having her on our team. Aurora is a team player.”
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In the fulfillment industry, dedicated employees are vital to the company’s success. At AMS we often feel like a family. So it is with the spirit of family and the spirit of the holidays we offer a sincere Thank You! No matter which department or which task our outstanding employees are honored for, we know they are the reason that AMS succeeds so well and continues to grow.
Another great turnout for the 12th Annual SCV Sheriff’s Foundation & Search and Rescue Golf Tournament fundraiser, held on September 17th at the Oaks Club Valencia.
The tournament has become quite an AMS Fulfillment tradition as many of their key vendors, associates and clients participate in the event, while the AMS associates also play an important role in gathering raffle gifts, arranging the sign printing, making the gift bags and so on.
At the event, golfers were treated to a full breakfast, BBQ Lunch, and Dinner along with an Opportunity Drawing. The greens at The Oaks were in perfect shape on what turned out to be a beautiful, although very hot, day for golf. Once again, the tournament was graced with the Laker Girls who mingled with the golfers, taking photos and signing autographed photos. But the biggest award for everyone is that a record $40,000 + will now go to our SCV Sheriff’s Station, and Search and Rescue Team, for the purchase of lifesaving, law enforcement equipment and volunteer training.
The SCV Sheriff’s Foundation, was formed in 1984 by local citizens. Their intention was to assist local law enforcement and station volunteers in a tangible way, purchasing equipment and crime prevention materials, as well as raising funds to help community service programs at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station. AMS CEO, Ken Wiseman, is president of the Foundation.
The Santa Clarita Valley Search & Rescue Team is a volunteer group formed to assist the Sheriff of Los Angeles County in search and rescue operations or any other governmental agency, upon request. They also promote wilderness recreation safety for the people of the community. The SCV Search & Rescue Team, of which Ken Wiseman is a member, works under the direction of the SCV Sheriff’s Station.
Regarding the success of the tournament, Ken said, “This event goes a long way in showing our Deputies and SAR volunteers just how important they are to this community.”
Significantly, the event gave tribute to fallen officer, Deputy Arthur Pelino, who was killed in the line of duty on March 19, 1978. In his honor and memory, a $2,000 scholarship was presented to the Hart Union High School District representative, Susan Reynolds, to be shared with four excelling students.
AMS joins the organizations in offering thanks to the major sponsors, and the many, many others who have lent their support to the success of the tournament. Many of the sponsors of the event have been supporting the Foundation and the Search and Rescue Team for all eleven years.
For participation in this event next year, either as a sponsor or a golfer, please contact Ken Wiseman, SCV Sheriff’s Foundation President, at [email protected].
Thank You to Sponsors: Global Trade Marketing/Ziglift, Sun Valley Paper Stock, Inc., Six Flags Magic Mountain, AMS Fulfillment, Vance Wealth, Coyle Reproductions, Numatic Engineering, Santa Clarita Studios, Pape Material Handling, California Resources Corporation, Auto Dealers Association of Santa Clarita Valley, Merchants Bancard Network, Augusta Financial, Accurate Freight, International Airport Centers, PPOA/Professional Peace Officers Association, Musella Group/Chiquita Canyon, City of Santa Clarita, Exact Staff, Crissair, Santa Clarita Studios, Cliff Wong, Citizens Business Bank, Wolf Creek Brewery, Princes Cruises, Bruce & Gloria Fortine, Steve & Debbie Leach, StayGreen, Dominie Luxury, Cigar Clientele, James Forsyth, Doug Sonderegger, NLFL/National Lift Fleet Leasing & Sales, Boston Scientific, Corben Optometry, Kaisee’s Bookkeeping Service, Coast To Coast Computer Products, DHL eCommerce, Brightview Landscape.
On November 11th, millions of Americans take time out to honor veterans of military service, and AMS management and employees join in this time of recognition. We, like many other Americans, realize that military service can be a great benefit to an individual, with training, bonding and experience that strengthens and empowers a young man or woman for life. On the negative side, military service can also involve a sacrifice of health and wellbeing along with other unanticipated challenges.
As we become aware of critical issues that veterans face after discharge from service, we look for ways to help members of the military who are returning to civilian life, and their families and communities. For most citizens, the desire to help is a natural outcome of honoring our veterans.
According to a report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA), some of the greatest issues that veterans face are suicide prevention, the effects of trauma, involvement with the justice system, housing and homelessness, and economic and employment challenges.
It is understood that combat can cause loss and fear, and injuries surely take an emotional toll on not just the service member, but on the extended family and the community. The physical handicaps due to injuries sustained in combat can include disfigurement, amputation, and scarification.
We have all heard the reports that approximately 22 veterans end their life by suicide every day. Most of these veterans were diagnosed as having a mental health condition. SAMSHA lists the psychological effects as PTSD, survivor’s guilt, depression, and inclinations towards substance abuse/addiction.
We also know that due to mental health and substance abuse issues, veterans can and do become involved in the criminal justice system. Thankfully the courts do recognize the interconnection between criminal justice and behavioral health care for veterans, and these connections can be kept in mind in order to bring about true justice.
Reports also indicate that around 10% of homeless people are veterans. Among this group, three out of four experience mental and/or substance use disorders. About one fifth of veterans in substance use treatment were homeless. These facts are painful to see, but they are also circumstances that we as citizens and employers can seek to change.
One of the biggest challenges faced by service agencies is helping homeless and vulnerable veterans find and keep good jobs. This is where our employment practices and workforce development comes into play.
With the assistance of partners in the community, AMS has opened the door to hire and train veterans, individuals who are homeless, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with criminal justice involvement. This is not something we do to our detriment. The rewards of hiring with the intention of a social enterprise are great, in that we benefit ourselves with top notch employees, and we benefit our community with prosperity.
On this Veterans Day, 2018, we honor the veterans in our employ, and all men and women who took service to their country on their shoulders. Rather than looking toward government as the exclusive source of a solution for veterans, we recognize that business and community working together can have the power to change things for the better for our Vets.
In the fulfillment industry employees are much more than human resources. Fulfillment employees directly serve the company’s clients, making their efforts vital to the growth and success of the business.
Each month the supervisors within AMS’ Valencia CA, City of Santa Clarita facilities nominate, as Employee of the Month, a person whose work has been outstanding. The nominations and supervisor comments demonstrate that the individual being recognized deserves Special Thanks!
It’s our pleasure to recognize the following Employees of the Month for October: Kathy B., Joovany G., Ana M., Pablo S. and Mariela M.
I would like to nominate Kathy B. from Client Services. Kathy gives her all to her clients and becomes part of their business. She has had some clients that can be challenging personalities but she always seems to please them. She cares about the people she works with, her clients and the company. Kathy is funny, serious, professional and a partner to AMS and her clients. Thank you Kathy for the hard work you do for the Client Services team and for AMS!
Joovany is reliable, dependable, honest, loyal, trustworthy, a leader, intelligent, a great communicator and very much deserving of Employee of the Month honors.
Ana M., Receiving Lead (November 2005)
SCO3: 27801 Avenue Scott
Ana is the Quality Control Lead for one of our valued clients. She works directly with the clients’ staff onsite and offsite. Her QC inspections are always exactly what our client is expecting which has lead to zero orders being rejected by their customers. We have received numerous emails thanking Ana for the great job she is doing. She also takes on any other QC projects that our other clients may have and always delivers great results.
Pablo S., General Warehouse (January 2017)
WIL1: 28936 Avenue Williams
I nominate Pablo for October Employee of the Month. He is an excellent co-worker. He has 100% commitment to do the job correctly and he is fast and efficient. Pablo always has a positive attitude and it spreads across to other co-workers. He takes the initiative, accepts all challenges and carries out additional responsibilities. His attitude is bar none. Pablo is a key team player in Williams and we appreciate his commitment to his work.
Mariela M., Shipping Clerk (December 2008)
WIT2: 28624 Witherspoon Parkway
Mariela has the knowledge of all processes. She has great attendance and a positive attitude. I can always count on Mariela to get the job done!
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No matter which department they work in, which task they do, or which location or warehouse we find them in, our outstanding 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! You are the reason for our success!
SCV Means Business, the official podcast of the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation. President and CEO Holly Schroeder interviews business leaders in the SCV community in order to highlight the ways that businesses make a difference in the community.
Recently Holly interviewed Ken Wiseman, CEO of AMS Fulfillment. Ken talked about the growth of AMS into a full 3PL servicing the needs of 62 companies, in 580,000 sq. feet of warehouse space with over 300 employees. In this interview Ken and Holly discuss the ‘Amazon effect’ and direct-to-consumer shipping and the expansion of AMS to the East Coast.
Ken goes on to talk about AMS’ innovative workforce development, how AMS is using the power of partnership to meet logistical challenges, and why the company decided to become a Certified B Corporation. He explained the AMS philosophy and mission statement, and how this mission naturally led to becoming a social enterprise (B-Corp), joining the ranks of only 2,300 businesses in the world that are committed to operating ‘For the world’. Ken reveals the long-term benefits of investing in employees in the way that AMS has invested, through training and education.
Members of the SCV Community recently came together for an inspiring annual event, the SCV Heroes Banquet, to benefit the L.A. County Fire Department Foundation, and the SCV Sheriff’s Foundation. The Banquet was organized by the Human Ummah Foundation (HUF) of Newhall, California. HUF is a highly regarded community organization comprised of individuals and families of the Muslim faith. In attendance were Sheriff’s Foundation Chairman, Captain Rob Lewis, President, Ken Wiseman, his wife, Betty-Lou, along with other Board members, Neil Fischer, Bruce Fortine, and his wife, Gloria Mercado-Fortine.
As in past years, HUF planned the Heroes Banquet as a means of highlighting the work of First Responders, and showing their appreciation for these heroes. The event began at 5:00 p.m., with a bazaar for the adults and children to enjoy, with raffles and booths with clothes, jewelry, art and Ramadan decorations, face painting and henna, plus a photo booth. Hors d’oeuvres included samosas, kebabs, pastries and other delicious foods unique to the culture.
The bazaar was followed by a catered dinner and presentations from the SCV Fire and Sheriff’s Department Chiefs, community leaders and leaders of HUF. Dinner guests learned about how the heroes respond during an emergency, and they also learned how their donations are used by the SCV Sheriff’s Foundation. Zara Dhar, Salma Metwaly and Asad Yazdani served as emcees for the evening, and Rehan Wani lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
Ken Wiseman, President of the Sheriff’s Foundation, wrote the following in his thank you message to the HUF Board:
“This innocence and simplicity seemed to be with us throughout this evening. The event’s stated purpose of thanking First Responders was clear; the organization’s mission of community involvement radiated throughout the event. Children were beaming as they looked at the vehicles or saw the helicopter circling above. Adults beamed too, as we got to be up-close and personal with those that look after our safety. We were in good fortune when so many uniformed First Responders were with us, smiling and snapping photos. Saturday night, we were together in fellowship and there was peace in Santa Clarita.”
The Sheriff’s Foundation is deeply appreciative of the generous HUF families for helping us in our efforts to assist the SCV Sheriff’s Station in purchasing equipment, supplies and training for Deputies and Volunteers. In organizing the Heroes Banquet, HUF is supporting our Sworn Officers, station administration, Civilian Volunteers, Explorers, the Search & Rescue Unit and Reserve Deputy Programs.
On behalf of the SCV Sheriff’s Foundation, our deepest condolences go out to HUF for the recent passing of Ayub Dhar. He was a greatly valued member of the HUF organization and the Sheriff’s Foundation. His warm personality, his energy, his very presence will be profoundly missed.
There’s something strange going on in AMS’ hometown of Santa Clarita, just in time for the holidays. Apparently some UPS packages are being delivered by alternate means! It’s not by sleigh though, and not on horseback, not on foot, but by bicycle!
Members of the SCV Community recently came together for an inspiring annual event, the SCV Heroes Banquet, to benefit the L.A. County Fire Department Foundation, and the