It’s enjoyable to review what has happened at AMS during the past year, as the story is inspiring. We have seen some of our past efforts come to fruit, and we have also seen some things entirely new, setting the stage for 2020 and beyond.
For example, in 2016 the groundbreaking Nationally Certified Logistics Apprentice Program was announced. In 2017 the program began. In 2018 Logistics Apprentices began their first classroom training. And now, in October 2019, we celebrated the graduation of 17 Logistics Apprentices. You can read about it HERE.
Another effort that has come to fruit is the re-entry of justice-involved individuals into the workforce. In 2018 AMS’ Ken Wiseman was asked to be an advisor for the CA Legislature’s Prison-to-Employment Initiative (P2E Initiative). Ken, along with other business leaders, took part in the Employer Engagement Workgroup. Now, in 2019, AMS has officially entered into a partnership under the P2E Initiative. We’re proud to be a part of the solution by offering employment to justice-involved individuals. You can read more about it HERE and HERE.
As a B-Corporation and Social Enterprise, AMS has focused on workforce development. (B stands for ‘Benefit’.) B-Corps work to benefit the world, and that certainly includes the employees. The benefit to employees and the community includes the Logistics Apprenticeship, Pre-Apprenticeship programs, ongoing safety training, educational classes on campus, the Prison to Employment Initiative, hiring individuals with disabilities and more. In addition to efforts already in place, in 2019 AMS offered Job Skills classes and hosted the S.T.R.E.A.M. student internships. Read more about it HERE and HERE.
Now for the big news! In 2019 we saw AMS change ownership and bring in an Executive Team to guide future growth. The announcement came as follows:
Valencia, CA May 8, 2019 – AMS Fulfillment, a recognized leader in 3rd party fulfillment, announced today that it has sold majority stake of the business to Fort Point Capital of Boston, a private equity firm that specializes in the logistics industry. Fort Point Capital will step in as a resource to help AMS expand in the rapidly growing and competitive sector of e-commerce, warehousing and fulfillment.
AMS’ new Executive Team is as follows: Fort Point Capital’s Principal, Christina Pai, serving as Chairperson of the Board; Jay Catlin as CEO; Betty-Lou Wiseman as President; Daniel Butera as COO; Sriram Kailasam as CFO; Jason Irwin as CIO and Ken Wiseman serving as Chief Workforce Development Officer. This group of highly experienced individuals will guide AMS’ new stage of growth.
The intention of Fort Point Capital in taking on majority ownership is to help fund and manage the growth of AMS. Logistics is one of the top global growth industries and we are excited to step up and meet the needs and opportunities of the time. Fort Point Capital is committed to continuing AMS’ achievement of B-Corp Certification and the company’s outstanding work as a Social Enterprise. You can read more HERE.
Congratulations to AMS for a great year in 2019. We’re looking forward to a fantastic 2020!!!