News

It is always inspiring for us when we take a moment to envision the good that can be created. AMS Fulfillment has, for quite a few years, worked with our local community organizations that assist individuals with disabilities through job training. We hire and welcome new associates from these organizations and make accommodations if needed. All of our employees contribute to the culture of AMS.

Purpose of NDEAM

October is Disability Employment Awareness Month, and we are happy to share some information about this commemoration, and what is hoped to be achieved through the commemoration. The following is what comes up in a Google search:

“Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), observed in October, is a national observance that celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities and promotes inclusive employment policies. The theme for 2025 is “Celebrating Value and Talent,” which encourages a focus on the diverse skills and talents people with disabilities bring to the workforce. NDEAM highlights the importance of equal employment opportunities, accessibility, and creating supportive environments for people with all abilities.”

The message goes on to say that raising awareness of issues is important as well as celebrating the contributions of workers with disabilities. They have created a theme for this year’s commemoration… “Celebrating Value and Talent.” At AMS we are more than happy to join in this purpose.

A Little History

We went to the website of the US Department of Labor [LINK] for the history of this commemoration.

“In October 2025, we celebrate the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), an annual recognition of the positive impact of people with disabilities in the American workforce. This yearly event began in 1945 as a weeklong national observance of the contributions of people with physical disabilities. In 1988, Congress designated the commemoration as NDEAM, which then evolved to acknowledge the importance of increasing opportunities for people with disabilities, including those with mental health conditions and other nonobvious disabilities, in the workforce. In 2001, ODEP was created and entrusted to administer NDEAM, including the selection and promotion of its annual theme.

“Leading up to the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, this year’s NDEAM theme and graphics will also honor the national milestone. NDEAM 2025 will recognize the value and talent American workers with disabilities add to our workplaces and economy and highlight their achievements both past and present. That’s the spirit behind this year’s official theme: “Celebrating Value and Talent.”’

AMS Fulfillment’s Story

A company’s reputation is shaped by what people say about it when they’re not in the room. In today’s world, delivering quality products and services is not enough – we’re determined to uphold a higher standard. This includes how well our organization reflects the diversity of our world, how inclusive our workplace is, and whether we stand for something beyond just profit.

As a certified B Corporation, people with disabilities are the same as anyone else in the workplace because they are individuals with unique skills and the same need for dignity and respect. Their disability is only one characteristic among many, just like any other associate. They have the same potential to be productive, accountable, and dedicated associates, and they deserve the same opportunities to succeed and contribute to their fullest potential. Societal attitudes and misconceptions are the main reasons why these similarities are often not recognized.

Many barriers stem from ableism, which involves stigmatizing preconceptions that can lead to the belief that people with disabilities are less capable or productive. There are unfounded fears that people with disabilities are less dependable, or that they will create problems in the workplace. At AMS, we recognize and remove these barriers. Here below we join in celebrating value and talent as well as achievements:

Mr. Bruce B., Operations Associate II, hired 05/17/2013 (Desert Haven)

“Bruce is an Outstanding Employee here at Livingston that comes to work every day with a Great attitude. The moment Bruce walks into the building, he is smiling, cares about everyone’s well-being, and will say hello and greet everyone he crosses paths with. Bruce gives 100% effort from the time he reports to work until the second he leaves work and always willing to help others. Bruce Volunteered to participate in Our New Website Project and was thrilled when asked to do so. Bruce loves talking about the history of AMS and is a very PROUD AMS Employee.” -Saul M., Operations Manager

People with disabilities bring unique talents and skills to the fore that drive creativity and innovation in the workplace. By advocating for opportunity to be accessible to all, they in turn drive innovation and expand client bases.

With Appreciation

Our business and our success in serving our clients is on the shoulders of the vital employees we refer to as associates. Disability Employment Awareness Month simply brings us to that place, once again, where we uplift and honor the men and women who give their time and labor to serve our clients. It goes without saying that at AMS Fulfillment, we honor and appreciate our associates with disabilities, and we thank them for choosing us.

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Please feel free to visit amsfulfillment.com and learn more about us. We’ve been doing eCommerce fulfillment for more than twenty years and we are a highly respected third-party fulfillment service (3PL) with many satisfied and successful clients.

A few weeks ago, we published a report on the commitment of AMS Fulfillment to the philosophy and practice of “Continuous Improvement.” AMS has been committed to operating with integrity for many years. We are here to serve our clients, value our associates, care for our communities and protect our environment. Knowing the ideals that are important to AMS, we feel it is time to look at our leadership.

Readers who are clients of AMS, employees or simply good friends from the community… our readers are aware that AMS wants to, and works hard to have a positive impact on this world we live in. AMS leadership has relied upon basic human values that make our culture and our impact positive… beneficial to all. From the beginning, nearly 20 years ago, AMS has operated with integrity thanks to values-based leadership.

Keeping our values a priority has made AMS highly regarded among mid-sized fulfillment services (3PL). We have been guided by leaders with principles, and core competencies; leaders that recognize the value of our associates, leaders who further the growth and development of our company while delivering an experience of true success for our clients.

Values-Based Leadership

Earlier we mentioned the term “continuous improvement” while pointing out that it is a philosophy as well as a structure of principles and practices. “Values-Based Leadership” is a similar term in that there is a philosophy, and a beautiful one, as well as principles to adhere to and practices. Forbes Magazine [LINK] has provided some very helpful information. Here’s their definition of the term:

“Values-based leaders have the ability to look at situations from different viewpoints and integrate diversity of thought from the team while leveraging the core values in all decision-making. They understand the value of each team member and therefore leverage the strengths of the team in all scenarios.”

That paragraph perfectly describes AMS leadership, especially leveraging the core values in all decision-making. We know that our clients come to us for top notch fulfillment services and more – the more we speak of is the subject of this writing – core values and leadership based upon those values. Let’s look at what Google says are the key characteristics of values-based leadership:

Key Characteristics

#1 Authenticity: Leaders are true to their core values and beliefs, acting consistently with them.

#2 Integrity: Decisions and actions are guided by ethical and moral principles.

#3 Purpose: Leadership is driven by a clear sense of what matters most, providing direction and meaning.

#4 Alignment: The leader’s personal values and the organization’s shared values serve as a framework for all behaviors and decisions.

#5 Transparency: Values are openly communicated, creating a shared understanding and commitment within the organization.

Benefits

What are the benefits of values-based leadership? Our common sense will tell us that the primary benefits to the leader and to the organization will be the fulfillment of desire – the heart’s desire of every leader and every organization is trust and respect. The leaders of AMS Fulfillment are trusted and respected men and women and we are proud to be able to say so. AMS as an organization is trusted and respected as well, and with that comes success.

Another benefit to the organization, the clients, the associates, and the communities is that decision-making is improved, and the results are uplifting. Employees are proud and engaged, and the workplace culture is positive due to fairness, accountability and shared values.

Building a Greater World

Let’s go to the Forbes magazine article for an expansive view of values-based leaders:

“They know when to lead, when to follow, and when to set the direction and get out of the way. Values-based leaders are more effective at decentralizing decision-making and leadership because higher degrees of trust exist up and down the chain of command.”

What more can we say… “higher degrees of trust exist up and down the chain of command.” Our dream is the dream of all – to have a positive impact on our world.

Leadership Training

AMS provides leadership training to our Operations Senior Leadership, utilizing a course created by the highly regarded Perritt Group. What follows is an overview of the scheduled 2026 training:

“Instructors will provide comprehensive classroom instruction supported by tailored follow-up, coaching, and strategic guidance designed to transform the AMS Fulfillment team into a market-competitive third-party logistics unit positioned for sustainable operating results and growth. The goal is to equip leadership with practical tools and insights that drive operational excellence and consistency across the business.”

The initial class will be a Senior Leadership session, including (but not limited to) two Vice Presidents and eight Site Directors.

1) Session length: 2.75 days of in-person instruction (approximately 22 hours). 2) High-Level Curriculum Content Key Leadership Traits. 3) Operations Excellence. 4) Contract & Client Relationship Management. 5) Real-World Case Studies (intensive application-based learning). 6) One AMS Fulfillment – Integration and Consistency. 7) Commitment to Lead and Act Differently.

Our Leaders

In the next blogs of the Values-Based Leadership series we’ll meet some of the men and women who lead AMS Fulfillment. Perhaps we’ll even get some quotes!!

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Please feel free to visit amsfulfillment.com and learn more about us. We’ve been doing eCommerce fulfillment for more than twenty years and we are a highly respected third-party fulfillment service (3PL) with many satisfied and successful clients.

Most people are familiar with the pink ribbon symbol and the designation of October as “Breast Cancer Awareness Month.” Believe it or not, 2025 is the 40^th year of this commemoration. The campaign is, and has always been, to increase awareness of breast cancer, to discuss early detection and to encourage women to get their annual exams.

After 40 years of pink ribbons and messages to “get your mammogram”, we’re sure our readers are aware of the purpose of this commemorative month. In this writing we would like to take our focus to an expanded view and a global perspective. But first, just a little information on the disease.

Risk Factors

As we have been told, there is no known cause of breast cancer but there are risk factors. The primary risk factor is a family history of this type of cancer. Women with breast cancer in the family are likely to be aware of their increased risk and watchful for any signs or concerns.

We asked Google about risk factors and here is the list offered, beginning with family history:

“Family history of breast cancer, especially in close relatives (e.g., mother, sister, daughter) 

“Gene mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 

“Hormonal Factors: Early onset of menstruation, Late menopause, Use of hormone replacement therapy, and High levels of estrogen and progesterone. 

“Lifestyle Factors: Obesity, Physical inactivity, Alcohol consumption, and Smoking. 

“Other Risk Factors: Age: Risk increases with age, Dense breast tissue, Previous breast cancer, and Exposure to radiation therapy. 

This Year’s Global Theme

According to the World Health Organization [LINK] the theme of this year’s international effort is… “Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters.” The World Health Organization (WHO) has this to say about their theme:

“Every breast cancer diagnosis is personal. Behind every diagnosis is a story — of courage, resilience, and hope. This theme reminds us that breast cancer touches the lives of women and their families around the world differently, and that every journey deserves compassion, dignity, and support. This year’s theme recognizes the diversity of experiences and reinforces the need for compassionate, timely and quality care for all—regardless of geography, income or background.”

We couldn’t have said it better… that statement is most certainly true. There will be women reading this blog who have survived breast cancer, and also women currently in treatment. Every story is made up of a journey, perhaps from the discovery of a lump, and then the diagnosis, perhaps the surgery is undergone, and the chemotherapy. The prayer will be for remission of the cancer and a life free of even the worry. The “discover the lump” story is familiar to more than a few women we know.

Today let’s go beyond the borders and remember that the stories are quite different for women in different parts of the world. We join with the World Health Organization in calling for compassionate, timely and quality care for all, regardless of geography, or income, or background. We want the best treatment available for every woman dealing with breast cancer.

The Disparities

The article from the WHO talks about numbers and mortality around the world. The following paragraph is impactful:

“Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide. In 2022, approximately 2.3 million women were diagnosed and another 670,000 died from the disease. These are not just numbers but mothers, sisters, daughters and friends that deserve hope and dignity. While the 5-year survival rates in high-income countries exceeds 90%, the figures drop to 66% in India and 40% in South Africa. These disparities are driven by unequal access to early detection, timely diagnosis and effective treatment. If the current trend continues, the incidence and mortality are projected to rise by 40% by 2050 hence the need for urgent and coordinated action. Indeed, where a woman lives should not determine whether she survives.”

Fortunately, the World Health Organization has structured an approach to strengthen health systems around the world with the goal of reducing breast cancer mortality. We encourage a visit to the linked website for more information on that effort as well as ways to get involved. We’ll conclude with a quote from the article encouraging women to share their stories:

“Be a champion for breast cancer awareness and equity in access to care: share your story or amplify others’ to inspire and inform; organize awareness events in your community or workplace; advocate for policies that improve access to breast cancer services; or support your local organization through donations or volunteering.”

Recognizing Our Own

To the much-appreciated women of AMS Fulfillment, please do take this pink ribbon month as a reminder to visit your doctor and get your annual exams. And if you wish… wear the pink ribbon to work and encourage others to get their checkup. Breast cancer can be overcome, and there are more than a few among us who have done exactly that.

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THANK YOU, AMS for being an annual Signature Sponsor, for our Team’s luminarias donations, to our valued clients for their inventory donations to the survivors, and to our Activities Committee’s hard work in raising $1,095 towards the American Cancer Society.

Perhaps readers have heard companies talking about their commitment to ‘Continuous Improvement’. Continuous Improvement is not just a phrase; it is an established process adhered to by companies with integrity. We could even call it a philosophy. Ask any AMS Fulfillment executive and you will hear that YES – this is a process AMS is committed to. But what, exactly, does it mean? What does it mean to our clients? What does it mean to our associates? What does it mean to our communities?

We begin by asking Google the ‘what is’ question. We received this answer:

“The continuous improvement process helps organizations by fostering innovation, increasing efficiency and productivity, enhancing product/service quality, boosting customer satisfaction, and empowering employees. By systematically identifying and addressing problems and opportunities, businesses can adapt to market changes, stay ahead of competitors, reduce costs, and build a culture of excellence and sustained growth.”

The Principles of Continuous Improvement

Let’s look into the aims and goals of the Continuous Improvement process, beginning with the quality of the services.

#1) The first goal is to reduce errors. How is that done? When an error occurs, we look into it to see why and how. When we know why and how, we make the necessary changes to ensure that error does not occur again. Reducing errors improves the quality of our services, and that’s the point. Continuous improvement equals = give our clients the highest possible quality of services.

#2) The second goal is to become as efficient and productive as possible. When there are means to increase efficiency and productivity with some investment and training, that opportunity is taken. Becoming increasingly efficient and productive is a benefit to both our clients and our employees.

#3) The third goal is to create greater client satisfaction. AMS is already very much focused on client services, and yet there is always room for improvement. The recommendation is to give thought to every client and anticipate their needs. By doing so, there may be improvements that come into view. The goal is a fully satisfied and successful client.

#4) Goal number four is to embrace innovation and be adaptable. Solutions come from innovative problem solving and new ideas bring about adaptability to changing conditions. Conditions will change… that is reality. When AMS is innovative and adaptable, opportunities leading to success can be the outcome of changing conditions.

#5) The fifth goal is to serve and respect our employees – our teams of associates who are providing services to our clients. Continuous Improvement involves listening to our associates – listening to their concerns and to their ideas on changes or improvements that could positively impact their job performance. Also, it is a goal to involve our associates in decision-making and undertake to fulfil their recommendations.

When Goals Become Outcomes

The next four goals are not only goals but outcomes of Continuous Improvement. A company that is keeping its focus on ways to improve will have very positive outcomes, well worth the focused effort.

#6 The sixth goal and outcome is… simply stated… a competitive advantage. Companies that focus on Continuous Improvement really see improvements in their operations that bring about the following: Very satisfied loyal clients, well-trained and happy associates who stay with the company for years, and appreciative communities where the company is located. Companies making comparisons between eCommerce fulfillment services will see that AMS has the competitive advantage.

#7 This goal is also an outcome of Continuous Improvement… cost reduction. When the second goal of improved efficiency and productivity is successful, the cost to the clients will be reduced and of course this leads to greater satisfaction as well as new clients and growth.

#8) When a company is doing what we mentioned in goal #1 – reducing errors – that company will see an outcome of problems solved. It’s called proactive problem solving. Proactive means being continuously on the lookout for challenges and for opportunities to handle the challenges before they become issues.

#9) Finally, Continuous Improvement leads to a company culture of excellence. We are very proud of our culture. Our associates know they are highly valued, both as persons and as helpers of our clients. The AMS culture is very strong and positive. We commit significant time and attention to employee safety, and we offer benefits that are truly beneficial. Do we dare say ours is a culture of excellence? Let’s put it this way… we are a company committed to Continuous Improvement.

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Please feel free to visit amsfulfillment.com and learn more about us. We’ve been doing eCommerce fulfillment for more than twenty years and we are a highly respected third-party fulfillment service (3PL) with many satisfied and successful clients.

When we looked into October commemorative days, the first “day” to show up was a very pleasant surprise!! October 2^nd is designated as a day to recognize and thank our custodial associates! At AMS Fulfillment we appreciate the exceptional human beings who help us recycle right (our ‘green’ champions), who humbly sweep the warehouse floors, who help us avoid tripping hazards, promptly clean any spills and make the restrooms and lunchrooms sanitized and safe. It is an absolute privilege and pleasure to thank them now.

Thank You!!

To all of our custodial associates, in the AMS warehouses and offices, we say Thank You for making our spaces safe and clean and Thank You for keeping them that way! Today, and every day of the year we see you, we appreciate you and we respect you.

We are reminded by an article in National Today [LINK] that we can show our respect for our custodial associates by ‘keeping it clean’ ourselves. From the article we read the following: “We can all do our part to help custodians do their jobs. Keep our work stations neat. After a break, pick up after ourselves in the lunch/break room. We can even do some light dusting around our desks, office or cubicle. There is no reason to leave a mess for anyone else when we can simply do our part to help. If you know a custodial worker, THANK THEM today!”

More About the Work

The previously mentioned website offers even more reasons to be grateful as follows:

“Custodial work is physically demanding. Depending on the position, custodial workers may work varying shifts and possibly in several locations. They may be part of a team or work independently. No matter where they work, this day recognizes their dedication and hard work. 

“Many custodial workers require specialized training. In fact, custodial workers take pride in the skills they acquire to do their job effectively. Their skill saves businesses and organizations money. They maintain carpets and surfaces so they last longer and provide building updates so they run more efficiently. As a result, the buildings are safer and healthier for those entering them. They also free-up time for the rest of the organization to focus on growing a business, teaching students, or caring for others.”

Recognition Day

Thursday, October 2^nd is the established “National Custodial Workers Recognition Day.” Google tells us that the commemorative day… “encourages appreciation to the employees who keep our schools and workplaces across the nation running smoothly. Custodial workers operate behind the scenes. Oftentimes, they are under-appreciated for the hard work they do day after day, too. While delivering outstanding services and running a well-maintained building, these superheroes contribute to critical first impressions and the success of any business. They’re the people we call on to give our brick and mortar businesses a polished look to efficiently keep everything in top condition.”

That’s the truth. Those who give us an orderly and clean environment also give us peace of mind. It works that way. Thank you to our AMS Custodial Associates – your work matters.

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Please feel free to visit amsfulfillment.com and learn more about us. We’ve been doing eCommerce fulfillment for more than twenty years and we are a highly respected third-party fulfillment service (3PL) with many satisfied and successful clients.

We mentioned in an earlier blog that the Fall season is extra meaningful to an eCommerce fulfillment company. It means that the time has come to prepare for Peak Season. What does Peak Season actually mean? It simply means the busiest season of the year. Peak Season requires some very vital planning and preparation. After more than 20 years of growth and expansion, serving clients as a third-party fulfillment service (3PL), AMS does have more than a little experience in preparing for ‘Peak’.

Planning and Forecasting

When approaching the months of Peak Season the first thing an eCommerce fulfillment company will do is to look back at the previous seasons, analyze the data, and establish some expectations based on the data. What were the order volumes last year and in previous years. Have there been significant changes during the year? Based upon history and changes, and based upon market trends, the first task is to do some forecasting.

Experience puts AMS Fulfillment at an advantage. We know that if we examine the data and forecast the season, as well as engage in preparation and planning with each client, that we, and they, will have a successful Peak Season. Of course, we cannot control disruptions in the supply chain due to events taking place around the world, but we can prepare for the season.

Examining Operations

Common sense tells us to look into our operations to see if there is anything that needs to be handled prior to Peak. Is there anything of concern in the warehouses, anything that may need attention? Is all of the equipment in good condition, are any supplies needed, does anything need to be replaced? How about bottlenecks… any concerns there?

How about the technology systems – the warehouse management system, inventory management and order management technology – will the systems handle a heavier load with ease? Everything must be checked out and if any issues are seen, the problem must be handled immediately and thoroughly.

Optimizing Inventory

Having looked into the data from the past years, and having completed the forecasting, the next step is to look into the clients’ inventory and confer with the clients with regard to the forecast. Is there enough inventory to complete the anticipated sales, including any new products being marketed over the season.

Sufficient inventory is a very vital forecast and quite a lot of thought and research will go into answering it. Thought and planning will also go into which warehouse location is closest to the client’s customers, so that the inventory will be in the right amount in the right location to assure customer satisfaction.

Seasonal Staffing

Decisions will need to be made as to how much seasonal staffing is needed. When Peak Season approaches, the hiring and training must begin. Forecasting data should point toward where there are needs as well as the number of additional associates that must be hired.

Managers will then incorporate and train the new team members in the various positions. It is wise as well to cross-train a number of current associates in order that they can be moved about to handle several different positions if needed. The team that handles returns must be fully staffed and prepared in order to efficiently handle the increased volume in returns as well.

Relationships With Carriers

During Peak Season the carriers (companies that transport the packages) are as busy as the eCommerce fulfillment service. The relationship of the fulfillment service with the carrier is extremely important. The AMS Fulfillment shipping team has excellent relationships with all of the carriers and this only intensifies during Peak.

Communication with the carriers is vital and any changes or requirements that the carriers make must be recognized and respected by shippers. It is vital as well to share the fulfillment forecasts with the carriers so that they will be prepared to meet the demands of the season.

Collaborate With Clients

The most important task, from the beginning of Peak Season forward, is to communicate and collaborate with the fulfillment clients. What do they anticipate for the season? Share with them the forecasting based on history and together the client and the fulfillment service will find the very best avenue into a successful Peak Season with lots of satisfied customers.

Last But Not Least

Monitor the results of your planning from day one. Track the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) throughout the entire Peak Season for future use. The point is to learn about the decisions made and use what is learned in the future. Peak Season is a very significant test of the experience, skill, integrity and commitment of the fulfillment company.

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If you want your Peak Season to be all that it can be, we invite you to partner with amsfulfillment.com where we combine our experience and your ideas to bring to life a partnership that will bring success to your organization, your customers and your brand. We’re the Peak Season partner you’ve been looking for!

When the Fall or Autumn season arrives, for the eCommerce fulfillment service it also means that some very busy days are ahead – and coming soon! The first day of Fall is September 22^nd. Halloween is next month, on the 31^st and of course Thanksgiving follows November 27^th. After that we have a whole lot of holiday celebrating. The celebrations include Kwanzaa, Christmas, Bodhi Day, Hanukkah and New Years Eve.

And… on a spectacular Monday, December 21^st, we have the long-awaited Winter Solstice. What makes this date worthy of all of the celebrations? It’s the time when days begin to get longer until the day and night are equal in length – and the next season begins with another equinox!

According to Google the autumnal equinox will happen at 11:19 a.m. PT/2:19 p.m. ET. What does that mean? We asked the Farmer’s Almanac [LINK] and they explain it well:

“For those in the Northern Hemisphere, when the Sun crosses the equator going from north to south, this marks the autumnal equinox; when it crosses from south to north, this marks the vernal equinox. In the Southern Hemisphere, it’s the reverse.

“After the autumnal equinox, days become shorter than nights as the Sun continues to rise later and nightfall arrives earlier. This ends with the winter solstice, after which days start to grow longer once again. 

“The word “equinox” comes from Latin aequus, meaning “equal,” and nox, “night.” On the equinox, day and night are roughly equal in length.”

The Harvest Moon

OK, we can say goodbye to our long days and welcome our long nights. The Almanac mentions the Harvest Moon, offering us some trivia surrounding the equinox: “The Harvest Moon is one of only two Moon names that are astronomical terms and aren’t tied to one specific month. Because the full Moon nearest to the equinox is always called the Harvest Moon, either September’s or October’s full Moon can take on the name.

According to the article, the light from the full moon helped farmers extend the hours of harvest into the night, and thence the term Harvest Moon.

More About the Season

When Fall comes around, third-party fulfillment services (3PLs) start making their plans and preparing for the entire holiday season, beginning with Halloween. Orders increase, reaching the apex at Christmas. There must be the proper amount of inventory, and sufficient workforce to provide excellent service to the eCommerce fulfillment clients and their customers.

With client sales rocketing, leadership responsibilities increase as well – our team leaders are preparing for ‘Peak’ in order to assist our teams of associates. AMS is a full-service eCommerce fulfillment service, and our teams handle the many different tasks that come with full-service.

‘Peak’ is where our focus will be as the days become shorter, the temperature gets lower, and the plants go through beautiful changes. We will be making the preparations for a super successful holiday season for our clients. One more thing that adds to our smiles… it’s a lot easier to cool the warehouse.

A ’Clock’ Reminder

Checking the Farmer’s Almanac again we see an important reminder:

“And don’t forget about the end of Daylight-Saving Time, when we “fall” back, setting our clocks back one hour and regaining an hour of precious sleep!

“Plants and trees are slowing down to get ready for the colder season ahead as sunlight decreases. In the garden, asters and chrysanthemums bloom beautifully as orange pumpkins and corn mazes abound.

“Football season is warming up, and so is sweater weather.”

Alright! Let’s close with recognition that… Yes!! It’s football season. From the professional leagues to the high school games… all we can say is… Have Fun! Let the worries go for a few hours and Just Have Fun!

Fall is here… the nights are long… the leaves turn to gold… the clock goes back… the celebrations begin… and we will be getting ready for Peak!!!

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Please feel free to visit amsfulfillment.com and learn more about us. We’ve been doing eCommerce fulfillment for more than twenty years and we are a highly respected third-party fulfillment service (3PL) with many satisfied and successful clients.

What does the World Peace Day have to do with AMS Fulfillment? Does the UN establishment of a day of ceasefire and end of conflict affect an American fulfillment service? Well, truthfully, yes it does. Peace affects international businesses, shipping, commerce, tariffs, blockades… and it affects every one of us as persons. Can we imagine a world at peace for one day? Kudos to the UN for its attempt to give the world that gift!

Coming up on Sunday, September 21, 2025, we celebrate the International Day of Peace. This day we join with the United Nations to promote peace, end conflict, and foster global cooperation.

Promoting Peace

Our first search took us to this information from Google: “World Peace Day is important because it provides a global call to action for strengthening peace, a time for a global ceasefire and non-violence, and a platform for promoting peace through education, public awareness, and addressing key drivers of conflict like inequality, racism, and climate change. It also fosters global solidarity by recognizing our shared responsibility to build inclusive, resilient societies and work toward a future where peace, justice, and equality thrive.”

On this date, September 21, the UN calls for a day of non-violence and a ceasefire across the globe. Countries are encouraged to lay down their weapons for this one day.

From the UN website [LINK] we find out the background: “The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly. Two decades later, in 2001, the General Assembly unanimously voted to designate the Day as a period of non-violence and cease-fire.”

Global Participation

We asked the Internet if the governments of the world had ever cooperated with the UN and given the people of the world a day of peace. This was our answer:

“Yes, the countries of the world have officially cooperated with World Peace Day, also known as the International Day of Peace, since it was established by a unanimous United Nations (UN) resolution in 1981. The observance is a global, shared effort with official participation from UN member states.” 

Moving down the page we read… “Many countries and international bodies, including the European Union, actively participate by promoting the day and reaffirming their commitment to peaceful diplomacy. A 2017 survey by the Culture of Peace News Network found reports of celebrations in 127 countries. 

“While many nations actively cooperate and participate, the effectiveness of the global ceasefire on any given year can be limited by ongoing political tensions and conflicts. The day serves as a symbolic and practical platform for advancing the goal of global peace, backed by official international cooperation.” 

Act Now for Peace

The theme of the day for 2025 is “Act Now for a Peaceful World.” How can we act for a peaceful world?

We recently heard that 94% of the people believe company culture is critical to its success. Does company culture contribute to a peaceful world? The answer is absolutely yes. Returning to the article from the United Nations, we find the following language:

“From peacekeepers on the front lines of conflict, to community members, to students in classrooms around the world, everyone has a role to play. We must speak up against violence, hate, discrimination, and inequality; practice respect; and embrace the diversity of our world.”

The article continues with encouragement to not allow discrimination in the workplace, and it encourages people to purchase from brands that promote sustainability and human rights. This language actually describes the culture of AMS Fulfillment.

As our clients and associates know, AMS does not practice or allow discrimination, we are committed to sustainability, and we highly value human rights. We have clients who choose us not only for top-notch full-service eCommerce fulfillment services, but for being a business with integrity: Integrity in the way we do business, integrity in the way we appreciate and support our associates and integrity in the way we protect the environment.

A Harmonious World

Imagine a day where not one person loses their life or sustains injuries in war. Isn’t that an amazing thought! Now imagine a week, or a month of not one death. Now imagine a harmonious world. We invite our associates, our clients and all readers to join us in that vision – where not one weapon of war is fired.

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Please feel free to visit amsfulfillment.com and learn more about us. For businesses looking for third party fulfillment services, please investigate the many services offered by AMS. We’ve been doing eCommerce fulfillment for more than twenty years and we are highly respected with many satisfied and successful clients.

We’re happy to let our readers know that from September 15 to October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month. At AMS we very much appreciate our Hispanic American associates and we celebrate their contributions to AMS, to the AMS clients and to the AMS culture.

The story behind Hispanic Americans is somewhat complex and very expansive. We asked Google about it and got this answer:

“Hispanic Americans are people in the United States with cultural ties to or who are descendants of Spanish-speaking countries, including Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Central and South America, and Spain itself. The term is an ethnicity, not a race, meaning Hispanic Americans can be of any race but share a common cultural or linguistic background. They represent a diverse population with roots in various parts of the world, with many identifying more closely with their family’s country or region of origin.” 

According to Wikipedia, the Hispanic and Latino population is more than 68 million persons, representing the second-largest group, with the larger group being the non-Hispanic White population.

Who Established the Commemoration

We asked Google who started the month of recognition and celebration, and why the date is from mid-September to mid-October. We got this answer:

“Hispanic Heritage Month was created by U.S. Congressman George E. Brown who introduced the legislation for Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968, which was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on September 17, 1968. The observance was later expanded from a week to a full month in 1988 by Congressman Esteban Torres and signed into law by President Ronald Reagan.

When looking into it further, we see that September 15 is the anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. September 16^th is the Independence Day for Mexico, September 18^th for Chile and September 21 for Belize.

Okay, that information makes sense and independence is definitely worth celebrating. Our next question is about the terms Hispanic and Latino – is there a difference?

Hispanic or Latino

In our search for an answer, we found some excellent information at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino [LINK].

“What is the difference between Hispanic and Latino? Hispanic and Latino are the two most used terms to describe Americans with Latin American and Caribbean ancestry. You may often see these terms used interchangeably, but different people understand and use these terms differently. The National Museum of the American Latino uses the term “Latino” to describe the diverse residents of the United States with cultural or ancestral ties to Latin America or the Caribbean. For many, the term “Latino” also creates room for acknowledging Black, Indigenous, Asian, and other heritages on equal terms with European ancestry. The term “Hispanic” is used to signal a connection to Spain or the Spanish language.”

How Do We Celebrate?

It makes sense to celebrate the culture with cultural events – we love the food, the music, the dancing, the parades and the people, so celebrating this commemorative month is a natural. Our Hispanic associates have been integral to the success of AMS Fulfillment and we thank and appreciate them.

Let’s enjoy the events in celebration of this month, including the parades and the food fairs! Yes, food fairs offer the best in the kitchen!

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Please feel free to visit amsfulfillment.com and learn more about us. We’ve been doing eCommerce fulfillment for more than twenty years and we are a highly respected third party fulfillment service with many satisfied and successful clients.

September is recognized as National Suicide Prevention Month. There is nothing more heartbreaking than suicide and for that reason, at AMS we must recognize this national commemoration. We care about our associates, their health, their satisfaction, their mental health and the well-being of their families as well.

If we can do nothing else with this writing, we would like to remove the stigma with regard to mental health. Depression is not uncommon, and perhaps the prevalence of depression can be attributed to the challenges of our world at this time. We understand the impact of stress and anxiety. We need to support each other and stay away from judgement.

Employee Assistance Program

At AMS we offer our associates a very helpful free benefit called the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). We mention it in commemoration of those we love, lost to suicide, and those who find themselves currently dealing with a mental health issue or crisis. The EAP provides help. Let’s begin with a google description of the program.

“Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) provide confidential and free support to employees and their families for personal and work-related issues, including mental health counseling, financial guidance, legal advice, caregiving referrals, and stress management.”

If an AMS associate, or someone in the associate’s family experiences a crisis, counsellors at the EAP will help. Their support is confidential. The issue needing support could be a need to deal with health issues, financial issues, legal issues, issues at the job, or the crisis could be related to the prevention of suicide.

Suicide Prevention

In our desire to properly cover this issue, we turned to some helpful advice from the National Today website [LINK].

“Everyone is affected by suicide, not just the victim. Suicide impacts family and friends long after the loss of a loved one. On average, one person commits suicide every 16.2 minutes. Two-thirds of the people who commit suicide suffer from depression.

“One way to help prevent suicide is to increase access to treatment for depression. However, identifying depression can be difficult. Not all people who suffer from depression show signs. The first step in identifying someone who is suffering from depression and contemplating suicide is to see how serious the issue is. Talking to the person involved and asking about their thoughts will decrease the trigger of suicidal action. Suggesting a counselor or treatment for depression might also help. Often, people who are depressed need a caring friend. A common fallacy is that people who talk about suicide never act on it. If a friend or loved one is talking about suicide, it’s time to get help for that person.”

A Caring Friend

As any caring friend will make clear… there is no shame in seeking help. There is also no shame in mental and/or emotional struggle or crisis. We are living in a time of challenges to our emotions and spirit. We encourage AMS associates to remember there is help available through the EAP and it’s free. Simply contact Human Resources for the phone number. Below is one more brief quote from the aforementioned website:

“The mental health of yourself or a loved one can never be taken too seriously. Whether the weight of a long-term struggle or a crisis weighs you down, allow friends, family or a profession to lighten the burden by finding support.” 

How Else Can We Help?

In addition to providing the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), how else can employers help? We found some recommendations at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The first recommendation is to create a supportive and open work culture, fostering an environment where associates feel safe discussing their mental health without fear of judgment or retaliation. The second recommendation is to promote work-life balance and reduce job strain. The third recommendation is to offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).

The article goes on to recommend that the company’s health insurance plan includes high-quality, comprehensive coverage for mental health and that the managers listen to feedback from associates. Also, they wisely recommend that associates receive support during life transitions, such as the loss of a family member. Finally, we must include mention of these essential resources: The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988) and the Crisis Text Line (text TALK to 741741).

At AMS we do fulfill these recommendations for our associates. As we have said many times, we value our associates highly and we support their health, including their mental and emotional health. Suicide prevention is a subject vital to our well-being as persons and as a company. We not only encourage our associates to utilize the EAP but we also encourage them to talk with the persons in the position of management if feeling stressed, overwhelmed or depressed. We will listen, and we will provide the helping hand if at all possible.

Contact AMS Fulfillment [LINK] for top-notch eCommerce fulfillment services.

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We’re about to enter Labor Day Weekend. This national holiday is the first Monday of September… September 1st!! Honoring the laborers is something we enjoy and fully support. What would AMS Fulfillment be without the men and women who come to work and give their time and energy to bring about our success? We thank them, every single one, whether they labor in the warehouses or in the offices – we thank them for their time, their energy, and their dedication.

We want AMS to be the place where our employees get some enjoyment in their job as well as fair pay, health benefits, and a safe environment.

The History of Labor Day

A quick search tells us that Labor Day was created by the labor movement in the late 19^th century, and it became a federal holiday in 1894. Obviously, there is a story here… what was the labor movement? Why was there a labor movement? We went to history dot com [LINK] for some history.

“In the late 1800s, at the height of the Industrial Revolution in the United States, the average American worked 12-hour days and seven-day weeks in order to eke out a basic living. Despite restrictions in some states, children as young as 5 or 6 toiled in mills, factories and mines across the country, earning a fraction of their adult counterparts’ wages.

“People of all ages, particularly the very poor and recent immigrants, often faced extremely unsafe working conditions, with insufficient access to fresh air, sanitary facilities and breaks.”

Well, that answers the question of what and why. Apparently when more manufacturing began to be done, labor unions started to form. The article continues with a story about labor unions from that time period:

“As manufacturing increasingly supplanted agriculture as the wellspring of American employment, labor unions, which had first appeared in the late 18th century, grew more prominent and vocal.

“They began organizing strikes and rallies to protest poor conditions and compel employers to renegotiate hours and pay. Many of these events turned violent during this period, including the infamous Haymarket Riot of 1886, in which several Chicago policemen and workers were killed. Others gave rise to longstanding traditions: On September 5, 1882, 10,000 workers took unpaid time off to march from City Hall to Union Square in New York City, holding the first Labor Day parade in U.S. history.”

Revolutionary Advancement

Labor Day commemorates a revolutionary and welcome advancement in American culture. Laborers were exploited and the work environments weren’t safe. The inhumane and unfair treatment of labor was confronted and through the unity of laborers, things were eventually made right. Violence sadly occurred, many wrongs were done, and yet here we are today, honoring our laborers. Here is just one story among many:

“On June 26, the American Railroad Union, led by Eugene V. Debs, called for a boycott of all Pullman railway cars, crippling railroad traffic nationwide. To break the Pullman strike, the federal government dispatched troops to Chicago, unleashing a wave of riots that resulted in the deaths of more than a dozen workers.

“In the wake of this massive unrest and in an attempt to repair ties with American workers, Congress passed an act making Labor Day a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories. On June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed it into law. More than a century later, the true founder of Labor Day has yet to be identified.”

The Outcome

And there we have it. The story of how laborers fought for fair treatment. These efforts were more than 130 years ago. Has fairness been achieved? There are numerous employers that respect and appreciate the men and women working for the success of their business, so we would answer yes, in many ways fairness has been achieved.

AMS Fulfillment is proof that a business can consider employees stakeholders and still be successful. In other words, a business can do right and benefit from it. AMS considers its clients stakeholders, its employees stakeholders, our beautiful Earth a stakeholder and AMS itself a stakeholder – we have four and we see it as a recipe for success. A stakeholder means that when decisions are made, the well-being of clients, employees, the environment and the business itself are taken into account.

Have a Great Weekend

We asked Google about labor day parades – are there any going on: “Yes, you can find Labor Day parades in many cities across the country, as parades are a traditional part of Labor Day celebrations. To find a parade near you, you should search online for “Labor Day parades in [your city or region]” closer to the holiday, or check community event listings for your area.”

To all readers, we wish you an enjoyable Labor Day and thank you for your labor.

Readers are welcome to contact us at amsfulfillment.com.

There is an important anniversary coming up soon in August, marking a profound historical victory. August 26^th celebrates Women’s Equality Day!! What does that mean? It’s the day that the 19^th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was certified – the Women’s Suffrage Amendment. After a long and hard battle, in 1920 women in America achieved the right to vote. From Google we read:

“The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states that the right to vote cannot be denied or abridged based on sex. It essentially granted women the right to vote. More specifically, it says, “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.” 

Young women in today’s world most likely experience and expect equality. On the other hand, women with a few decades of life experience do remember a time when there were few, if any women doctors, lawyers, corporate executives and other professionals. Yes, we, as a culture, have been slowly and surely rising above many hundreds of years of patriarchy.

August 26^th

The efforts that led to the ratification of the Women’s Suffrage Amendment are referred to as the Suffrage Movement. The word ‘suffrage’ simply means the right to vote in political elections. Here is what Google says about the movement:

“The women’s suffrage movement was a decades-long fight to secure voting rights for women. In the United States, it culminated in the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920, granting women the right to vote. This movement involved various strategies, including protests, lobbying, and legal challenges, and was part of a broader global effort to advance women’s rights.” 

The Women’s Suffrage Amendment was certified in 1920, but it was not until 1973 that the date was commemorated with “Women’s Equality Day”. The Congresswoman who fought for and gained the commemorative recognition was Bella Abzug from New York. From Google we read:

“Women’s Equality Day, celebrated annually on August 26th, commemorates the 1920 certification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which prohibited the denial of the right to vote based on sex. The day was officially designated by Congress in 1973, largely due to the efforts of Representative Bella Abzug.”

As we mentioned, chances are there are young women in today’s world who seldom think about the oppression of the past. Yes, once upon a time in the U.S. women could not vote. Sad fact is that women could not own property either, and that was not so long ago. Even if a woman inherited property, she could not own it in her own name or pass it on to heirs. The Fair Housing Act, passed in 1968 said ‘no more’ to discrimination against homebuyers and renters based on sex.

Let’s Look at AMS

AMS Fulfillment is a bi-coastal mid-size 3^rd party fulfillment center, also known as a 3PL (3^rd Party Logistics company). If we had women’s equality issues at AMS, we would avoid covering this commemorative day.

AMS has amazing women in leadership serving in various capacities from our board, senior executive team, and at every level of our leadership in our corporate headquarters, warehouses, and offices. Over the years and most recently we celebrate the promotions of multiple women to positions in the manager, director, and vice president levels. It is also exciting to share that we have highly qualified women representing our brand on the senior team and at our ownership level.

When we describe AMS Fulfillment as a top-notch full-service fulfillment service with integrity… we can thank these women and many more for being a vital part of creating that “top-notch with integrity” reality.

Present Day Issues

We presume there are still companies with inequality issues, but it appears the number is not high. In today’s culture the contributions of women are apparent everywhere. We can choose a woman doctor, or lawyer, or other professional without a second thought. Yet, there are still some issues to be dealt with.

Here’s what Google says: “Women’s Equality Day serves as a reminder of the progress made in achieving gender equality and the continued need to address issues like pay disparity, gender-based violence, and underrepresentation.”

Yes, it is sadly true that with some employers, women are paid less than men when doing comparable work. Also, in some companies women are underrepresented in executive positions. Gender-based violence is a subject worthy of its own blog. It is a sad reality that must come to an end.

Celebrate With Gratitude

A wonderful way to celebrate on August 26^th is to take a moment to think about a woman you admire and write a little note of gratitude. We found this quote at [LINK]: “Women’s Equality Day is all about uplifting and empowering women, and marveling at how far women have progressed, defying all odds and oppression.”

If you’re looking for a top-notch full-service fulfillment company with integrity, please feel free to contact us at amsfulfillment.com. Our clients are very well-served and proud to partner with us.

Happy Women’s Equality Day!!