AVAIL NEWS -
The Availian
|
|
Message From the Executives
|
Year in Review
It’s November and we are quickly approaching the close of our 20
th year at Avail. It’s the perfect time to reflect on the past and plan for the future. You may recall Rick’s message at the beginning of the year about how Avail completed our best year ever in 2018 and how well positioned we were for an even better year in 2019. He talked about achieving success by coming together as a team and dealing with challenges along the way by pulling together. That is the Avail way and it has made us a strong and successful company.
At the beginning of the year we were well positioned. We hired new people, had a management team and structure in place, and the work (backlog) was ready and waiting to be executed. Unfortunately, we struggled with executing the work, faced some technical challenges on the products, and most importantly our leadership team was not effective in dealing with these challenges - and just to be clear I am part of that team and need to do better. As a result, we did not achieve the results we had anticipated and are taking steps to address those issues by reflecting on what occurred, coming together as a team and dealing with the challenges.
There are also many things to celebrate and to be optimistic about as well. Key projects such as Foothill and IndyGo are coming to a successful close. Foothill is in 40 day right now and the customer is excited to be closing out the project and already talking about doing more and being an advocate for Avail. Congratulations Foothill Team! The ERP team is developing much needed product knowledge training for our customers and we have new or ongoing projects in house such as St. Cloud, Montebello, and several PA properties that are in process. We hired new people across the organization to back-fill positions and add depth. Welcome on board Dietter, Frank, Ryan, Cassidy, Tim, Janet, Dee, William, Caleb, Deborah, Deni, Travis, Michael, Kevin, Kayla, Nathan, Vic, Kerry, Ivan, Barry, Lisa, and Mike.
Avail launched a new website and held our first National Users' Conference. The National Conference was very successful with 83 customers in attendance, who most importantly, felt that the conference was valuable and are looking forward to the next one. We have already set the date for our second User’s Conference in State College next year. Our product development efforts related to vehicle and fixed-end have resulted in some exciting new offerings for our customers enabling them to improve and efficiently run their operations. We completed three of the four SATs for PennDOT and this week the team is completing the last remaining Quick Start Agency which will enable us to begin full scale deployment of PennDOT in 2020.
Avail is making a significant investment in our infrastructure by deploying Dynamics. Earlier this year we moved to Dynamics for purchasing; this month we are adopting that same system for timekeeping; and by the end of the year Avail will be utilizing both PSA and BC for all of our internal financial systems. This is significant since a multitude of manual processes are eliminated and Dynamics provides much more accurate and timely financial data across the organization. Finally, we are making some tweaks to our organization structure to improve our focus in key areas and better support staff and customers.
Together we are talking steps to address our challenges and have made significant progress this year. Take time to reflect on those changes, be grateful and be optimistic for the future.
“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgiving, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” - William Arthur Ward
As Rick stated at the beginning of the year “Be passionate about what you do, exude positive energy and demand the same from your fellow coworkers and teammates. Take the time to truly understand our vision, live our core values, and embrace our mission and let it guide your daily actions.”
Have a Happy Thanksgiving,
Kevin McKay
|
|
 |
IndyGo (Indianapolis, IN)
|
PROJECT PHASE:
RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
- New updates increased on-time performance by 10%
NEXT STEPS:
|
|
|
|
MCAT (Manatee County, FL)
|
PROJECT PHASE:
- MessagePoint Media Pilot
- Fixed Route SAT
RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
- OEM delivery/Avail installation complete (Mark Hale on site)
NEXT STEPS:
- PASS-INFO Server (Trapeze) Development
|
|
|
|
|
NORWALK TRANSIT (Norwalk, CA)
|
PROJECT PHASE:
RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
- Continuing FDR feedback/review process and Monthly Project Progress visit in early November
NEXT STEPS:
- Formal FDR Review in late November
|
|
|
|
PROJECT PHASE:
RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
NEXT STEPS:
- Review and address post SAT items, Project Closeout
|
|
|
|
|
PROJECT PHASE:
RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
NEXT STEPS:
- Review and address post SAT items, Project Closeout
|
|
|
|
PROJECT PHASE:
- Quick Start Implementations
RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
- Passed LCTA SAT on 10/10/19
- Provided Closeout Reports to LCTA and IndiGO on the week of 11/5
- Working on process improvements for Round 2 (Training, FillyFab, Dynamics, Reporting, etc.)
NEXT STEPS:
- SAT and FAT Specification Retest to take place at York from 11/12-11/15
- Receive sign-off on Closeout Reports to transition agencies to M&S
- Submit Quick Start Summary Report
|
|
|
|
A quick documentation update for those who need this information. These guides are available on the
Product Documentation site. Click the Public User Guides link, and then click the specified sub-folder.
- ERP guides: All the of latest ERP guides are now available in the documentation library! Find them in the ERP folder.
- Fixed Route Driver Book v3.2: Updated! Find it in the InVehicle3.2 folder.
|
|
Open enrollment (your time to select your participation for 2020) for your Medical FLEX Spending (Med-FSA) and Dependent Care (DCAP) program is from
11/11/2019-12/13/2019. If you want to participate in
2020, YOU MUST ENROLL DURING OPEN SEASON. If you miss this opportunity to enroll
through Dec 13, 2019, a qualifying life event must occur (marriage, divorce, adoption, birth, or employment changes) and reported within 30 days of the event for you to be able to make a change to the 2019 plan year elections.
What are FLEX-SPENDING and DCAP?
Flex-Spending allows you to use pre-tax dollars to pay for most medical, dental, and vision expenses.
Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP): Expenses that are for the care of your “qualified dependent.”
What is the limit in participation for each?
- Flex-Spending – As of 11/11/2019, employees can set aside up to $2,700. This may go up; if you elect the maximum amount, and IRS decides to increase the maximum amount, you will have the opportunity to increase your total amount.
- DCAP – Up to $5,000 ($2,500 if you are married and filing a separate return)
Printed material will be available on the kitchen bulletin board.
What do you need to do?
If you are currently participating in FSA and wish to continue your participation, you can log in to your account at
www.flextoday.com and make your election for 2020 between
11/11/2019-12/10/2019.
If you are electing to participate for the first time, please send an email to Vijaya with an intent to participate and the amount elected. We will need to add your name in the Flexonline system in order for you to go in and create your own account.
If you choose not to participate in the FLEX Spending and Dependent Care program, please send Vijaya an email.
An informational session will be recorded later this week and placed on the SharePoint HR page. Once the recording is available, HR will send out an email.
If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact Vijaya or Gail Keller.
|
|
Save the Date! Our 2020 National Users' Conference will be held June 15th-17th in State College, PA at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center. More information will follow in the coming months.
|
|
Newsletter Submission Deadline
If you would like to share any content or information in the December newsletter please submit to
Christine no later than
Friday, December 13th. Thank you!
|
|
2020 United Way Campaign Kickoff
|
|
Nov. 18th is the official kickoff for Avail’s 2020 United Way Campaign.
A representative from the Private Industry Council of the Central Corridor (PICCC) will be here to talk to us about how the United Way helps them. Join us for some pastries and juice!
WHEN: Monday, Nov. 18
th
@ 10:00 AM
WHERE: Avail Kitchen
As part of our annual campaign we will also be conducting a raffle to encourage participation. Here is what you can win:
- Sign-up during kickoff or before - 4 tickets - $50 gift card - Must be present to win (unless remote or travel)
- Sign-up by 3 pm 11/19 - 3 tickets - $30 gift card - Name drawn 3 pm on 11/19
- Sign-up by 3 pm on 11/20 - 2 tickets - $25 gift card - Name drawn 3 pm on 11/20
- Sign-up by 3 pm on 11/21 - 2 tickets - $25 gift card - Name drawn 3 pm on 11/21
- Sign-up by 3 pm on 11/22 - 1 ticket - (3) $10 gift cards - Name drawn 3 pm on 11/22
- Sign-up by 3 pm on 11/25 - 1 ticket - (3) $10 gift cards - Name drawn 3 pm on 11/25
- Sign-up by 3 pm on 11/26 - 1 ticket - multiple giveaways - Name drawn 3 pm on 11/26
Your tickets will remain in “the pot” …so the earlier you register the better chance you have to win!
Please note: for those employees that do not live in Centre County, or in PA, the Pledge Card does provide a space for you to identify where you would like your contribution to be designated.
|
|
Sam's Club Open Enrollment
|
|
It's open enrollment/Membership Renewal time!
This will apply to:
- Existing Avail Memberships
- Existing personal Memberships expiring soon
- New Memberships
Below is a link to the sign-up sheet. Please place an X next to your name if you are a new member or will be renewing. If you will not be available on Wednesday, November 13th for any reason, contact Nicole Auman who will be able to get the information to the representatives for you as long as you sign-up on Sharepoint.
Avail Technologies and Sam's Club have joined forces to bring you membership benefits.
- Avail will accommodate the $45 basic business membership fee.
- To keep your membership active, you MUST use your membership at least once a year.
- You will have your own primary account and will enjoy benefits such as discounts on eyeglasses, tire and battery center, club pickup and much more!
- The membership is your. If you should leave Avail, you assume all membership fees.
Open Enrollment Membership Renewal is:
Wednesday, November 13th
10:30 AM - 3:00 PM
In the Kitchen
This is open to
ALL employees.
|
|
Clallam County jury sides with transit system in...
Virginia and Roger Moon of Sequim exit the Clallam County Courthouse on Monday as a jury deliberates on their lawsuit against the Clallam Transit System. The couple sued after Virginia Moon fell over a tree box at the Sequim Transit Center in 2015.
Read more
www.peninsuladailynews.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
ODOT announces nearly $105 million in grants for public...
COLUMBUS - Public transportation agencies across the state will soon benefit from millions of dollars to help with operations and improve mobility throughout Ohio. Nearly $70 million will come from the state general revenue fund. These funds were ...
Read more
www.dot.state.oh.us
|
|
|
|
|
|
The AMPERSAND
The ampersand has its roots in the Latin word “et,” which means “and.” The E and the T that form the word "ET" were sometimes written together. This is called a ligature (a character consisting of two or more joined letters). Writing "ET" this was like a form of shorthand because it saved the writer time since one letter flowed into the next. You can think of it as a form of cursive.
No one really knows when the ampersand symbol was first written down, nor does anyone know what it was originally called, but it is quite old. An example of the symbol was found on a wall in Pompeii that was preserved by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79AD.
A thorough history of the ampersand and its development was documented in 1953 by Jan Tschichold, who was a typographer born in Leipzig in 1902. Tschichold wrote all about the ampersand in his little book, "The Ampersand: Its Origin and Development.” Tschichold "collected hundreds of examples of the symbol throughout history, recording its development from the piece of ancient graffiti to the modern ‘&’ used today. Within this collection are examples from the eighth century which are already recognizable as the modern ampersand."
The name "ampersand" to describe the symbol is fairly modern. It was first recorded in the late 18th century, and it was derived from an alteration of the saying “and per se and.”
According to historians, when reciting the alphabet in English-speaking schools, it was customary practice that any letter which could also be used as a word in itself (such as “A” and “I”) was repeated with the Latin expression per se (“by itself”). This was useful for students when spelling things aloud and the word or syllable was repeated after spelling. For example, saying "c-a-t: cat" would be clear but saying “A—a” would be confusing without using the clarification “per se." Apparently, it was also customary practice to add the “&” sign at the end of the alphabet as if it were the 27th letter. It would be spoken aloud as the Latin ET or in English as AND. As a result, saying the alphabet aloud would end like this: “X, Y, Z, and per se and”. Over time, that last phrase was often slurred together to sound like “ampersand” and so term was coined and became common English usage by 1837. Unlike the other letters in the alphabet, the "&" has no corresponding speech sound.
The ampersand is formed a few ways. It can be made to look like the traditional glyph (&). Sometimes it looks like a large lowercase epsilon (Ɛ). It is often simplified as a backwards 3 superimposed by a vertical line or as a backwards 3 with a vertical line above and below it or a dot above and below it.
You routinely find ampersands in business names that form some sort of partnership, such as “Johnson & Johnson.”
The phrase et cetera (“and so forth”) is usually written as "etc." It can also be written as "&c." This represents the combination of et + c(etera).
The ampersand may still be used as an abbreviation for “and” in informal writing regardless of how “and” is used.
|
|
Agency Comings and Goings
|
|
Peter Walcott - Opertations Manager left BJCTA
Toney Chestnut - IT Manager left BJCTA
Mickiah Mellott - IT Manager left Capital Area Transit (CAT)
|
|
*If you know of any agency's staff comings or goings please submit to
Christine for upcoming newsletters. Thank you!
|
|
NOVEMBER
- 13-15 - California Transit Association 54th Annual Fall Conference - Monterey, CA
- 20-22 - Louisiana Public Transit Association Annual Conference - New Orleans, LA
JANUARY
- 12-16 - Transportation Research Board - Washington DC
|
|
Caitlyn Ingram
How long have you been working at Avail?
1.5 years
What's your title at Avail?
Sales Specialist
So tell us, What does that mean you do here?
I work to build relationships with new agencies around the US to help them determine where we can fit into their business. I am often at tradeshows, demos, and oral presentations in an effort to bring on our next customer.
What's your favorite thing about your job?
Travelling to new cities and meeting new people. It’s always nice to have new experiences in new cities around the US, but it is also pretty cool to meet so many new people and hear their stories.
How did you get involved with Avail?
David Mugica and I worked together for about 5 years at another company. We kept in touch after he moved over to Avail, and one day he sent me an opening that he thought I’d be interested in.
|
|
Why do you believe in Avail?
At Avail we practice what we preach. The success of our customers always comes first and we are constantly working to find new ways to define that success for them.
What's your favorite beverage and why?
Water! It’s the cure for everything, I’m sure most of you have seen that meme 😊
What are your favorite websites, books, places and why?
Google and Instagram- 1 provides answers and 1 provides entertainment
I don’t have a favorite book but I’m currently reading The Handmaid’s Tale.
Savannah! We’ve got beach life and (small) city life within a 20-minute vicinity.
What's your favorite season and why?
When I lived in NY, it was the fall. There are so many fun activities to do and the weather and scenery are beautiful. In GA, it’s probably the spring. Typically, in April we can start hitting the beach!
What do you do for fun?
With fall in full swing, I’ve had a lot of Gymnastics, Soccer games and Lacrosse games to attend to cheer on my niece and 3 nephews. I am also working to get back into running by training for a half marathon. Some days it’s fun, some days it’s a full on struggle.
What do you consider the greatest human invention of all time?
Google. I will google absolutely anything from a quick question to a how-to video.
What's your weirdest quirk?
I am a LOUD talker and most of the time I don’t even realize it! Midway through a conversation I’ll notice that I’m yelling and need to apologize to everyone else in the conversation haha!
What's your personal goal?
To lead a life where I’m always challenged personally and professionally.
“We don’t grow when things are easy; we grow when we face challenges.” Anonymous
|
|
Annual Chili Cook-off - November 14th
|
Great Bowls of Fire!
It's time for Avail's Annual Chili Cook-off! If you think you can spice up the competition, sign-up on Sharepoint to compete. The cook-off will take place on
Thursday, November 14th
at noon in the Kitchen. All other employees are welcome to attend without signing up. Chili should be homemade – no store bought or pre-made. 1
st
place winner will receive a $50 gift card!
|
|
|
Annual Christmas Party - January 4th
|
Giddyup Jingle Horse, Kick up your feet!
As always, food and drinks will be provided and you may bring a guest. Entertainment includes Pre-recorded horse races where you can participate to win great prizes and more!
More information to come soon!
If you plan on attending please sign-up on Sharepoint.
|
|
|
If you have any questions about these events please contact the
FEW Crew
.
|
|
Milo Thomas - 11/03
Sean Andrews - 11/06
Krishna Hill - 11/08
Ryan Harshbarger - 11/12
Ivan Sukovatitsyn - 11/14
Carly Doublodky - 11/17
Tim Wilson - 11/18
Nicole Auman - 11/19
Jim Frost - 11/20
Joel Christensen - 11/21
Ryan Sweitzer - 11/21
Gina Hess - 11/30
|
|
|
|
|
12 Years
Paula Glenn
3 Years
Jere Warner
1 Year
Brittany Harris
Chris Szymarek
Dan Ring
Ethan Wawrynovic
|
|
Karen Minnick - 12/06
Clive Newell - 12/07
William Storten - 12/11
Nick Krueger - 12/13
Ryan Eisenhower - 12/16
Patricia Dodd - 12/19
Reece Bly - 12/27
Lisa Jimenez - 12/28
Travis Caro - 12/30
|
|
|
|
|
11 Years
Tim Glenn
4 Years
Sean Andrews
1 Year
Diana Bonson
Krishna Hill
Neal Castles
|
|
|
|
Shannon Haney - FAST™ Professional Services Engineer
|
|
November 13 | Sam's Club Open Enrollment
November 13-15 | CTA Annual Fall Conference
November 14 | FEW Chili Cook-off
November 18 | 2020 United Way Campaign Kickoff
November 20 | All Hands Meeting
November 20-22 | Louisiana Public Transit Association Annual Conference
November 22 | Expense Reports Due
November 25 | Timesheets due by Noon
November 28 | Company Holiday - Happy Thanksgiving!
November 29 | Company Holiday/Pay day
December 6 | Expense Reports Due
December 13 | December newsletter content due
|
|
Just like a stuffed mushroom, this finger food has a delicious filing of bread crumbs, Parmesan, and minced garlic.
|
PREP TIME: 30 Mins
TOTAL TIME:55 Mins
YIELDS: 6 servings
|
INGREDIENTS:
- Cooking Spray
- 1 lb. Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1 c. ricotta
- 1/2 c. freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for sprinkling
- 1/4 c. Italian bread crumbs
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
|
*If you would like to share your favorite recipes in upcoming newsletters please submit to Christine.
|
|
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat oven to 400º. Grease a large baking sheet with cooking spray. In a large pot of salted boiling water, blanch Brussels sprouts until bright green, 2 minutes. Rinse under cold water, then drain.
- Using a small spoon, scoop out insides of sprouts (reserve for another use), then transfer hollowed sprouts to a prepared baking sheet.
- In a medium bowl, stir together ricotta, Parmesan, bread crumbs, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper. Spoon mixture into Brussels sprouts, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with more Parmesan.
- Bake until ricotta mixture is warmed through and Brussels sprouts are crispy, 20 to 25 minutes.
|
|
A new pastor was visiting in the homes of his parishioners. At one house it seemed obvious that someone was home, but no answer came to his repeated knocks at the door. Therefore, he took out a business card and wrote 'Revelation 3:20' on the back of it and stuck it in the door.
When the offering was processed at the next worship service, he found that card had been returned. Added to it was this cryptic message, 'Genesis 3:10'. Reaching for his Bible to check out the citation, he broke up in gales of laughter. Revelation 3:20 begins 'Behold, I stand at the door and knock.' Genesis 3:10 reads, 'I heard your voice in the garden and I was afraid for I was naked.'
|
|
Contact Marketing:
Please contact us if you have any content that you would like to include to upcoming newsletters.
Many thanks to everyone for the great submissions we've received to date! We appreciate all of your contributions!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
