Congratulations to all of our employees with December anniversaries. We appreciate your dedication to JSG and all of your hard work. Please join us in celebrating our tenured staff this month!
The 2020-2021 flu season will be challenging due to the current battle against the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) emphasizes that getting a flu vaccine is more important than ever this year. It is essential to protect yourself and the people around you from the flu and help reduce the strain on healthcare systems responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Contact your PCP (primary care physician) and speak with them about obtaining your flu shot today! Now more than ever, please make your health and safety a priority! For more information on flu prevention and the flu vaccine, please visit the CDC’s website.
Below are some resources from the CDC that share the importance of receiving a flu shot this year to help us stay healthy and safe.
Pregnant? You Need A Flu Shot!
Flu can be a serious illness, especially when you are pregnant. Getting the flu can cause serious problems when you are pregnant. Even if you are generally healthy, changes in immune, heart, and lung functions during pregnancy make you more likely to get severely ill from the flu. Pregnant women (and women up to two weeks postpartum) who get flu are at high risk of developing a serious illness, including being hospitalized.
The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones against influenza (flu) are to get a flu vaccine every flu season. Flu is a contagious respiratory disease that can lead to serious illness, hospitalization, or even death. CDC recommends everyone six months and older get an annual flu vaccine.
Here are some key reasons to get a flu vaccine this year.
Influenza Vaccine: Who Should Get It, And Who Should Not
Everyone 6 months and older is recommended for annual influenza vaccination, with rare exceptions. For the 2020-2021 flu season, ACIP recommends annual influenza vaccination for everyone 6 months and older with any licensed, appropriate influenza vaccine (IIV, RIV4, LAIV4, or nasal spray) with no preference expressed for any one vaccine over another. Some vaccines are not recommended in some situations and for people of certain ages or with certain health conditions, and some people should not receive influenza vaccines at all (though this is uncommon).
Different flu shots are approved for people of different ages. Everyone should get a vaccine that is appropriate for their age.
If you want the flu to stay away, go and get your flu shot today!
https://jsginc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/bigstock-Get-Your-Flu-Shot-Card-In-Hand-382079543.jpg10671600Matthew Bennetthttps://jsginc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/JOHNSON-SERVICE-GROUP.pngMatthew Bennett2020-09-29 14:03:012020-09-29 14:03:01Be a FLU FIGHTER This Year
Please welcome us in introducing Tiffany Record, JSG’s new Benefits Administrator! Keep reading to learn more about the newest member of our Human Resources team.
You have an impressive career in Human Resources! Tell us more about your professional journey so far.
My journey has been an adventurous one since the start of my career. I have worked in various roles in the HR industry and enjoyed every minute of it; however, the one position I loved the most is “Benefits Admin and/or Open Enrollment.” I have had excellent opportunities to work for prominent companies on both a full-time and contract basis. What I enjoyed most of my journey is the people I have met along the way. My lifelong goal is to do what I love; work for a company, servicing people with standards of excellence, and a motivation to be the best employer in their field.
What do you like most about working in HR?
What I like most about HR are employee relations and benefit relations aspects. I enjoy helping, so it comes naturally to me when there is a need to be met. I love being part of an (HR) team who is the heartbeat of the company, working together as a team to service our internal and external clients.
What attracted you to Johnson Service Group?
The first thing is the company’s success and to have 35+ years in the industry is quite impressive. Also, the warm Katie Plzak, JSG’s Corporate Recruiter, made it all worthwhile, especially while interviewing during the COVID-19 crisis. Finally, after I met with Susan Sproule, HR Manager, and Sean Nash, VP of HR/General Counsel, I was sold on their warm, inviting personas. It was also pleasant to see that they weren’t just concerned about my resume and skills, but also cared about me as a person; it was refreshing to see their noteworthy interest in the company’s success from an HR perspective.
What will your primary responsibilities be as a member of our HR Team?
I will be responsible for employee relations regarding our benefit programs, handling the HR communication, and transactions related to benefits. I am also responsible for assisting our brokers and vendors with any benefit relations items, such as managing enrollments and advising employees.
What do you like to do for fun outside of work?
I am ideally a homebody because I enjoy my “me” time. I also love to travel and visit my (4) grandchildren in Sacramento, CA (which has been limited right now). But overall, I enjoy gatherings with my family and friends. I like surfing on Eventbrite and attending different business network events and seminars. When I am not busy with my friends or family, I enjoy reading books and visiting bookstores. I also love working with young women and mentoring them through life’s journey.
Congratulations to all of our employees with July anniversaries. We appreciate your dedication to JSG and all of your hard work. Please join us in celebrating our tenured staff this month!
Congratulations to all of our employees with June anniversaries. We appreciate your dedication to JSG and all of your hard work. Please join us in celebrating our tenured staff this month!
Dale Slater, Founder & CEO of Johnson Service Group, wanted to take a few moments to reflect his gratitude to our entire staff and share a message of support during this challenging time.
A message from CEO Dale Slater
“I would like to thank all employees of the JSG family for what you have done and continue to do to weather this crisis and to help our company cope with this situation. Our IT staff worked diligently, and continues to do so, to ensure each and every employee has the ability to work remotely in the safest manner possible. Each of our offices has shifted to working remotely seamlessly. All your efforts have enabled our employees hours to be transferred to the accounting department accurately and timely each week to make sure payroll and billing can be done as usual. Over the past month, our day-to-day business has continued. The sales staff has been proactive in keeping in touch with their clients, and the recruiters are actively staying in touch with their candidates.I commend each and every one of you for your dedication and hard work.
As always, JSG’s main concern is for the well being of all of its staff and their families. We encourage everyone to abide by the safeguards set in place by the State and local municipalities you live in. As States begin to open, each area will be handled on an individual basis, but be assured that the well-being and safety of all is paramount, and every company-wide decision will be made with that in mind.
The global coronavirus has had an enormous effect on every one of us. It has been life-changing, and we all have had to manage our work and private lives like never before. No one knows how long it will take to get back to what we considered normal, but if we continue to take the necessary steps that we are committed to, I am convinced that we will come out of this a stronger and better company.
On a slightly different note, a month or so ago, I was pleased to see the participation in JSGInk’s work from home photos. Our Marketing group has done a wonderful job over the years in coming up with ideas to bring all the JSG family together; this was just another example of their ingenuity. Those who have participated in the past, please continue to do so. For those that have not yet done so, please join in.”
Dale W. Slater, Founder & CEO of Johnson Service Group, Inc.
https://jsginc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/May-Newsletter-Cover.png6271200Patrice MacMillanhttps://jsginc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/JOHNSON-SERVICE-GROUP.pngPatrice MacMillan2020-05-04 12:34:422020-05-04 13:14:40A Few Words Of Encouragement From JSG's CEO, Dale Slater
We’re going on month 2 of working from home here at Johnson Service Group, and the one thing I think we can all agree on is that our pets are living their best lives!
To demonstrate that we are stronger together as a JSG family, we have continued to collect the best working from home pictures from our teams throughout the U.S. and Canada. The results? Lots of furry new “coworkers,” and a few creative tactics for finding a quiet spot to make phone calls.
Executive Vice President Ken Slater with his work buddy Zeke.
Chief Financial Officer Jim Filarski practicing social distancing working from his home office.
Moose trying to get into a chair with wheels to help with recruiting!
This is a pic of my workmate. I start my days in my house but then move to my patio in the afternoon.
There’s a new furry four legged puppy in our family and she’s helping me work. Her name is Bailey and she is a 9 week old Golden Retriever.
I don’t have a home office, so I decided to build a desk for my living room!
Welcome to my humble recruiting abode, running fast furious. Meet my recruiting partner “Mikey.”
Well this is my working from home scenario…..in a nutshell !!! 😊
Who said working from home meant you have to be stuck inside and can’t enjoy some beautiful, sunny Florida weather?! Fortunately I have my own “Escape Room” as I call it, but when those perfect days come around, my twin toddlers Bennett and Brighten, along with our furry family friend Dewey the Doodle (Golden lol), soak it all in and live life to the fullest at lunchtime!
It’s been very quiet working at home, as I live alone. I have been working in my living room, where I can open my sliding glass door with lots of sunlight, fresh air, and I can hear the birds singing. About five weeks ago four zoo friends appeared one morning, and haven’t left my desk since. A tiger (Leo), reindeer ( Ziggy), bear (Angel), and giraffe ( Zoe)
I was quite surprised!! They are my furry coworkers for now, and they bring some sunshine to this “work at home and crazy pandemic”.
Meet my new coworkers, Penny and Walter! Walter says the commute is killing his little legs!
Trying out new mask that was made by a family member; so comfortable I just left it on even inside the house (lol)
My coworkers (?) are Ginny & Freyja, who hang around until the morning sun is no longer on their chair, then I’m left alone.
One of my coworkers… he takes a lot of naps, so excuse his bed head. 😊
My kids showing off their homeschool work! MaryGrace kindergarten and George preschool. Then becoming my assistants!
These new furworkers sure are supportive! Always on the hunt for top talent
Coworking with the spouse! Every office has that one lazy coworker. Alex does not like corporate life!
Here is my home work station and my little helper that keeps me company
Harry and PJ like to observe and “help” me in between their naps.
Me and Carson, hard at work! Carson is a piece of work. He sleeps over 12 hours a day and gets pretty much anything he wants and never has to pay bills or work. Does it get any better?
Since the weather has been nicer, we have an indoor and outdoor work space! My coworker keeps me on my toes while helping brainstorm new Marketing ideas!
She’s even managed to help send a few unfinished emails early!
Spring time in Illinois is one of my favorite times, so happy to be able to work from my balcony and enjoy these beautiful days!!
Taking advantage of working at home to get a little exercise in. Tell Amanda not to worry as I am wearing steel toe shoes!
“Barking for more candidates.” – Miss Lucina Dao
Here are my Quarantine Study Buddies when I am working from home. The kids continue with their online school, and Holly…well, she’s not so interested. She was upset with me for disturbing her sleep.
My assistant isn’t much help! It is a good thing she is cute!
Working from home has been challenging yet fun, I get to spend more time with my fur children! 😊 My cats have a habit of blocking my work space at times and demanding I pay attention to them 😃 Arya and Tyrion just love to get cat hair all over my paperwork. I don’t have a photo/video, but my dog also tends to bark every single time I am on a conference call! Thankfully, there is a mute button for this reason 😊
Working from home has been a pleasant and also bitter sweet since I have not seen my team. Definitely has been a big help with daycare expenses for my 3 year old.
Thank you JSG for allowing us to still make it happen on our end from home and keep workflow going. I had to attach my 3 year old in this since he is the one that watches me work and when on break tells me to go back to work.
My little bit of Organized Cluttered Chaos amidst the hub of activity in our home. Lets just say there’s not much I miss throughout the day!
Here are a couple of my work from home pictures this week. My mascots weren’t very cooperative but they are wearing their JSG shirts!
My furbaby cannot help but bother me when I’m working.
I don’t have fur babies or children working at home with me but I do have birds, squirrels, rabbits, stinky skunks (unfortunately), opossum’s, coyotes, deer, turkeys, foxes (which are really cute until they kill my rabbits) but I couldn’t get any of them to pose for my picture. ☹ (And they all live outdoors. None of them live indoors with me. LOL!) But I just wanted to say that I have truly enjoyed working from home. There have been so many times that my co-workers and I have come back from lunch and made the comment, “it’s so nice outside, we should be working out there”. Well while I’ve been working from home, there have actually been some days that have been nice enough, that I have been able to work from the porch. It really does lift your spirits and I really appreciate this opportunity that JSG has given me to be able to work from home, and from the porch. Thank you to everyone that has worked so hard to make this all possible and I hope everyone is staying safe!
I had heard of a dog that was in need of foster care because she is due to have puppies. Well I put a few things together one, I have two girls that are more than capable of helping right now and two, a lonely dog that follows me around endlessly lol, so I thought, you know what? We can step up! The neatest thing in the world was all the people who helped to get her here!
Here is my setup! Complete with my assistant, Gracie!
Since my husband took the whole living room area, I’m stuck using the kitchen table as my “home office” 😊. This has been my working area since the lockdown, 03/17.
Since I started working from home, five different birds build their nests around our house (4 in the backyard & 1 by the front door).
But the most hilarious thing that happened so far was when I gave my husband a haircut. I had him promise before I started working on his hair that no matter what happened, he cannot get mad 😊.
Everything was going good until he asked me if I knew how to “fade”. I was like “of course I do”, LOL. And so, that’s when everything turned ugly!
https://jsginc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Work-From-Home-Feature.png10281600Patrice MacMillanhttps://jsginc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/JOHNSON-SERVICE-GROUP.pngPatrice MacMillan2020-05-04 11:59:282021-01-22 12:52:15More JSG Adventures In Working From Home
Over the last month, most of us have found ourselves in the uncharted territory or working from home for Johnson Service Group while juggling family, schooling, and social distancing guidelines. Well, just because we are (at least 6-feet) apart, doesn’t mean we are alone!
To demonstrate that we are stronger together as a JSG family, we collected the best working from home pictures from our teams throughout the U.S. and Canada. The results? Lots of furry new “coworkers,” and a few creative tactics for finding a quiet spot to make phone calls.
Senior Vice President Ed Zetusky with his helpful coworkers; Cooper, Roxie, Sophie, and Chance.
Since we knew we would be home awhile, my boyfriend and I decided to foster a dog because all of the shelters around us were closing during this time. We got a call one day after filling out and application and were picked to foster a dog named Jessie! She has been such a good girl since we brought her home and has been keeping me company by laying right next to me all day long. Even occasionally jumping on my lap to check and make sure I am getting my work done. Jessie has made her self comfortable and fits right in our home. We are making plans with the shelter to adopt her once all of this craziness is over.
This is my little set up for working from home, featuring our morning meeting board! Dept 100 has been working from home great, we have been utilizing Microsoft Teams for all our meetings. We still continue on with our morning meeting every day, and we have check-in points with the team throughout the day. Our productivity and communication are sky high! We even have guest appearances in meetings from pets and kids! It’s been a great experience so far, but we all miss working within steps of each other!
My coworkers, Maggie & Miller
Picture 1 -My new coworker, Macy. She’s slightly distracting, and she isn’t good at paying attention to detail, but she boosts company morale and her excel skills are on point! Picture 2 – My son (who turned 5 during this whole ordeal) learned how to write “mom” and “dad”. Pretty soon he will be ready to join the JSG workforce!
Quarantine life is ruff. Penny is enjoying having both mom and dad work from home!
Working from home – Moose wanting to help?
With 4 young kids at home, the quietest place is in my closet.
This is Lolli and Shelby working from home, as you can see, they love it!
Working from the lake condo for now!
With my husband and I both working from home during all of this with 2 energetic dogs and 5 month old, we have become expert multitaskers!
I think Little Joe is just a tinnnnnnnny bit jealous of my laptop.
Daddy working from home juggling office space and Emmie’s American Doll Nursery
There are my new coworkers. They love to wait for me to print something and nap next to me while working. I occasionally have to break up their fights; good thing I’m in HR!
I forgot my standup desk at work – thank goodness I’m an avid reader and love puzzles! The second picture is Bosley the blanket stealer!
This is my big dog MAC celebrating with me after locking down a new order at a company!
Since Ariel has more time on her hands with Gonzaga track & field cancelled, she’s running up the JSG social media game to the next level!
Here’s my pup Oso helping me out here at home with payroll!
My favorite part about working from home, more time with my family!
My coworker Boots helping me out working from home
With working at home for 7 years prior to this position most everyone in my house is used to me being locked away in my office alone aside from the occasional cat lazing around nearby snoring and purring. Unfortunately, not everyone fully understands the memo that I sent out that I need some space while working from home.
As I try to leave my office for the occasional stretch break or lunch I become crowded with wagging tails as they have laid in front of my office door the whole workday waiting for me to finally be done “hiding from them” despite the others in the house who beg them to go play outside or snuggle with them on the couch. My boys never want to miss the opportunity to be right at my office door as soon as I open it and plead with a passerby to let them in.
https://jsginc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Work-From-Home-Feature.png10281600Patrice MacMillanhttps://jsginc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/JOHNSON-SERVICE-GROUP.pngPatrice MacMillan2020-04-03 17:07:322021-01-22 12:52:39JSG Adventures In Working From Home
SoFi hopes you and your loved ones are staying safe and healthy during this unprecedented time. With nearly a third of Americans unable to produce funds for unexpected emergencies, SoFi believes it can help your employees take steps to prepare for their financial future. And it starts with us. We are currently doing everything possible to provide security and stability for our members and our team.
Below, we’ve provided information regarding our response to the COVID-19 situation, our associated business continuity planning, and an update on our response to President Trump’s student loan interest waiver.
Support for Our Members:
Amid evolving news surrounding COVID-19, we have sent an update to our members and applicants to address their questions and advise them of how to reach out for support. We have also added a FAQ section to our website regarding the support SoFi is offering to members impacted by COVID-19. SoFi is committed to maintaining clear communication with our members during this time of uncertainty.
Our messaging focuses on the relief we can provide to those adversely affected by COVID-19. If any members are experiencing difficulty making their payments due to COVID-19, we urge them to contact us at (833.277.7634) to discuss forbearance options available to temporarily postpone monthly payments. We are also fielding questions via email (partner@sofi.com) and social media.
Business Continuity:
In parallel, our U.S. Risk Management team and Business Continuity Working Group at SoFi have been working around the clock to enact, monitor and assess all needs across the business in real-time for our team members, our infrastructure, our investors, and members for potential impacts to our business operations as a result of COVID-19. We fully recognize the importance of ongoing communication, as this situation is unprecedented and constantly evolving. We want to reinforce that at this time SoFi remains fully operational. Those who have the ability to work from home are doing so, and we do not anticipate operational capacity issues at this time.
Federal Loan Interest Waiver:
Lastly, the Trump administration recently announced plans to freeze interest on student loans for a period of time. While we wait for additional details to become available around the logistics of this program, we are actively considering how such a plan might impact the guidance we provide applicants and any implications for our members. We will keep you posted as we learn more – but know that we are committed to providing unbiased guidance to potential borrowers and want applicants to do what is best for their individual situation.
We understand that communication is extremely important at this time, and we are available and here to help.
https://jsginc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/SoFi_Social-Share.jpg6301200Patrice MacMillanhttps://jsginc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/JOHNSON-SERVICE-GROUP.pngPatrice MacMillan2020-04-01 15:50:192020-04-01 15:50:19Financing Updates From SoFi
JSG has partnered with SoFi to offer flexible financing options for student loan refinancing and personal loans. Whether you want to lower your monthly student loan payment, save money on your total debt, or use a lower-cost private loan to pay off a high-interest credit card or make a major purchase, SoFi can help reach your financial goals faster.
SoFi Student Loan Refinancing: SoFi’s refinancing can help those with student debt save money on total interest, make lower monthly payments, or shorten the duration of their loans. SoFi can refinance both Federal and/or private student loans into a single loan with one monthly payment as well as offer low fixed or variable rates with flexible loan term options (5-20 years). For more information and to qualify for a $300 dollar welcome bonus1when you refinance a new loan, please visit sofi.com/JSGinc.
SoFi Parent PLUS Loan Refinancing: Like those who have existing student loans, SoFi can help save money and simplify payments for those who have an existing Federal Parent PLUS loan by consolidating and refinancing these existing loans. For more information and to qualify for a $300 dollar welcome bonus1 when you refinance a new loan, please visit sofi.com/JSGinc.
SoFi Personal Loans: The SoFi Personal Loan is designed to help you borrow money for any kind of personal use such as paying off credit card debt, investing in home improvements, or paying for an unexpected medical expense. Unlike many credit cards, a SoFi Personal Loan has an interest rate under 15%. Additionally, a SoFi Personal loan can be a great alternative to a 401(k) loan which can negatively impact one’s retirement savings. For more information and to qualify for a $200 welcome bonus2when you take out a loan, please visit sofi.com/JSGinc.
SoFi’s welcome bonuses are available to all JSG employees as well as their family member & friends as long as an application is started initially through sofi.com/JSGinc.
Additional benefits include:
Serious savings: Members save thousands by refinancing.
Low rates: Low variable and fixed rates with options for short and long-term repayment periods.
No extra fees: No application fees, no origination fees, and no prepayment penalties for paying off your loan early.
Easy Experience: Apply in minutes online to refinance your loans or borrow for any kind of personal use.
Support when needed: Access to live customer support 7 days a week.
Membership perks: Exclusive networking events, access to free financial planning, educational workshops and more.
Questions about these SoFi products? Visit sofi.com/JSGinc to start an application then contact SoFi customer service by calling 833.277.7634 or emailing partner@sofi.com.
1Additional terms and conditions apply. If you apply and are approved, the interest rate shown in the Final Disclosure Statement will include an additional 0.25% rate discount because of your involvement with a SoFi partner company at the time of loan origination. Offer good for new customers only. Cannot be combined with other rate discounts, with the exception of the 0.25% AutoPay rate discount. SoFi reserves the right to change or terminate the Rate Discount Program to unenrolled participants at any time with or without notice.
2Additional Terms and conditions apply. Offer is subject to lender approval. To receive the offer, you must: (1) register and/or apply through the referral link you were given; (2) complete a loan application with SoFi; (3) have and provide a valid US bank account to receive bonus; (4) and meet SoFi’s underwriting criteria. Once conditions are met and the loan has been disbursed, you will receive your welcome bonus via automated clearing house (ACH) into your checking account within 30 calendar days. Bonuses that are not redeemed within 180 calendar days of the date they were made available to the recipient may be subject to forfeit. Bonus amounts of $600 or greater in a single calendar year may be reported to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as miscellaneous income to the recipient on Form 1099-MISC in the year received as required by applicable law. Recipient is responsible for any applicable federal, state or local taxes associated with receiving the bonus offer; consult your tax advisor to determine applicable tax consequences. SoFi reserves the right to change or terminate the offer at any time with or without notice.
https://jsginc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/SoFi_Social-Share.jpg6301200Patrice MacMillanhttps://jsginc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/JOHNSON-SERVICE-GROUP.pngPatrice MacMillan2020-03-05 16:12:502020-03-05 16:12:50JSG Partners With SoFi To Help You Save Money On Your Student Loans
