AMS Fulfillment has long enjoyed a diverse workforce, in part due to the intentional efforts of management to give voice to communities experiencing difficulty in obtaining employment. AMS is one of a new wave of corporations committed to serving social goals as well as those of their customers and of company profit. We know that these three goals serve to enhance each other.
In February we join with other Americans in celebrating the many heroes too often overlooked: the men and women in Black History. Black history is American history, with effects that can still be felt today in underemployment in many communities. We have seen that this can change when opportunity is created.
AMS works with community groups that seek job training and placement for individuals facing obstacles to employment. We know that only by working with community groups and expanding our awareness of their needs can we develop programs to serve those needs.
Over the past few years AMS has proudly partnered with College of the Canyons (COC) to create college-level classes and programs to educate and train a community-based workforce, and to establish an employment program that creates a bridge over obstacles for job seekers.
We also want to see our employees grow and advance into management positions, even if it means they end up leaving us for better opportunities elsewhere. For AMS there is no better way to celebrate Black History Month than to increase our efforts in being a stepping stone in the slow and hard-fought progress written on every page of that history.
AMS CEO, Ken Wiseman, offered his thoughts on how businesses and corporations can bring change: “We know that in Black History Month, greatness can be measured at many levels of achievement, from recently having our first African American President to prestigious accomplishments throughout our country and the world. At AMS, we just focus on what we do best, and that is to be the best first rung on the career ladder that we can be.
“Unemployment of African Americans continues to be a higher percentage than any other race according to a Bureau of Labor Statistics current population survey 2015-2017. Our goal is to give people a job, the skills they need, and the encouragement necessary to reach higher than they thought possible. We appreciate that Black History Month reflects on a storied history of the pursuit of equality and achievement. Celebrating this month inspires all of us to be part of, and responsible to, attainment of that objective.”
This expressed intent is woven into the AMS mission and also into the mission of an increasing number of socially aware corporations; a trend celebrated and long awaited.