By Natasha Stephenson-Belle, Manager, Resource Planning
At the beginning of August 2020, Preet joined our team of Resource Planning. Since joining, Preet has hit the ground running. She has the initiative and drive to succeed.
Preet’s confidence on the phone while speaking to guards was phenomenal, despite being new. She cares about the guards she schedules and follows up with other departments as needed to help our employees. She never wants to leave anyone hanging. Often at night, I see Preet online afterhours. When I ask her why she is working so late, her response usually is that she received a last-minute book off that she has to cover. This goes to show Preet’s dedication and support of our daily operation. There were a few questions that I asked Preet that I thought I would share:
What are you enjoying the most in your current role?
“The thing I most enjoy about my current role is collaboration. I love my job because everyone shares the same vision and is dedicated to the mission.”
With your career, do you see opportunity to grow within ASP?
“I love doing what I do. I am really looking forward to being in management position one day. I still have a lot to learn from Natasha. I love the way she carries herself and being professional at the same time. Definitely looking to stick with the company and this company is expanding every day with new contracts. There will be many more opportunities that will come to fill – high hopes.”
What have you heard about contracts that we schedule that you are looking forward to?
“I am glad with the contracts that we have; we really take it seriously. We take into consideration the exceptions of our clients. On the other hand, we also take in consideration the rights of the guards. We make sure that our guards are happily willing to work with ASP, as we feel pride in operating the contracts and feel very confident that the hard work, we put in also brings us positive feedback. We make sure the reports are on time and accurate to keep our standards high. Resulting in contracts extending and want to continue business with us as ASP team puts their 100% efforts”.
From the moment I interviewed Preet, I saw her drive to succeed and excel. She is always willing to learn, and is constantly looking to perfect her scheduling strategies. I love watching Preet continue to grow in her role, and I look forward to her continued growth within our family here at ASP You might have already had the pleasure of speaking with Preet. If not, please feel free to reach out to her at. Here are her work contact details:
At ASP, we recognize and appreciate the importance of creating an environment in which all employees feel valued, included, and empowered to do their best work and bring great ideas to the table.
We recognize that each employee’s unique experiences, perspectives, and viewpoints add value to our ability to create and deliver the best possible service to our clients and partners.
In the last quarter, we founded our Diversity and Inclusion Committee. With a mandate to identify the strengths, issues, and opportunities within our organization, the committee is made up of employees and members of the leadership team. In our first few meetings, we’ve been talking about ways to identify needs and areas of concerns in the business and we’ve been exploring policies and practices affecting diversity and inclusion.
ASP Diversity and Inclusion Committee and members
The “ASP Diversity and Inclusion Committee” was launched on October 22, 2020. Committee members are:
Cliff Sampogna – Director of Operation, Residential and Commercial Division
Vince Bozzo – Sr. Director for Aviation
Sarah Northrup – Director, Human Resources
The Committee’s Mission Statement
Advancing the ASP mission of providing strategic, agile and responsive security services, the committee, made up of employees and members of the leadership team, will identify needs and areas of concerns and explore policies and practices affecting diversity and inclusion. We recognize that diversity in ideas, background and experience are essential to meeting our goals.
The committee will participate in Diversity and Inclusion initiatives aimed at:
Creating an inclusive environment where everyone is respected, valued and given every opportunity to succeed;
Fostering a culture where leaders do what’s right;
Creating opportunities to support diverse employees;
Educating our ASP teams on diversity issues; and
Improve employee engagement and feeling of belonging.
Diversity and Inclusion Survey and Feedback
As our first step, we conducted a company-wide Diversity and Inclusion survey. The survey wascentred around researched concepts of Inclusion, such as fairness, belonging, and voice. It was aimed at measuring the degree to which our culture creates an inclusive environment where people of all cultures, backgrounds and identities can thrive. We are happy to share the results of the survey with all of you.
The feedback from employees validated our belief that our employees share the same view as the management and that they support us in developing a safe work environment all our colleagues. Having said that, the survey feedback has given us insight into areas of opportunities, which will be taken up by actions from the committee and the leadership team in developing strategies and policies to address them.
Diversity and Inclusion Committee Contact
We are happy to tell you that you can reach out to the committee at inclusion@security-asp.com. We encourage anyone to reach out if you would like to get any further information on Diversity and Inclusion at ASP.
Even in a diverse and open organization like ours, we know that there are still real challenges. Across our organization, we share moments with our co-workers, clients, and the public every day. It’s easy to overlook moments during your day that may seem routine, but that’s how systemic discrimination finds a way into our workplace. If you see or hear something that doesn’t seem right, we encourage you to speak with your manager or write to inclusion@security-asp.com.
We are in the process of developing a Diversity and Inclusion framework and policy to further build and reinforce our commitment to this initiative. The mission of the Diversity & Inclusion Committee will be to foster an environment that attracts the best talent, values diversity of life experiences and perspectives, and encourages innovation in pursuit of mission. We look forward to your support in realizing our mission.
By Sarah Jessop, HR Administrator and Jasmine Khimany, HR Manager - CIC/RES
It is our pleasure to introduce and welcome the following new team members to ASP. We are confident that with their rich experience and excellent professional attitude, they will contribute to the growth and success of ASP.
Laurel Woodhouse – Health and Safety Manager
Please join us in welcoming Laurel Woodhouse to the ASP team as our Health and Safety Manager! Laurel brings with her over 10 years of experience in the field of occupational health and safety, having worked in both advisory and consultancy positions. Laurel’s strong knowledge of both provincial and federal legislation has proven to be invaluable for ASP already, as she has begun advising and supporting our commercial, aviation and office divisions. Laurel is a Certified Health and Safety Consultant (CHSC), and we have no doubt that her expertise will allow ASP to achieve our health and safety goals. Her approachable, caring and confident attitude make her a great fit for the ASP management team.
Karim Khamisa – Site Manager, Greater Sudbury Airport
Karim Khamisa has joined ASP as our Site Manager for the Greater Sudbury Airport. He will be responsible for operations management, employee management, client and customer relations and government relations at YSB.
Karim has a strong operations management background in the hotel and hospitality sectors, having worked for the Four Seasons, Holiday Inn and the Chateau Lacombe Hotel, to name a few. His diligence, strong organizational skills and personable approach will allow for a seamless transition into the Site Manager position at YSB.
Yemisi Joshua – Payroll Specialist
Yemisi Joshua has joined ASP’s Accounting department as a Payroll Specialist. She has broad international experience in the accounting field, particularly in the areas of payroll administration, bookkeeping, accounts payable and customer service.
Yemisi has already hit the ground running in our Burlington office, assisting with recent pays and a variety of administrative tasks. She possesses an M.Sc. in Finance and Management from the University of Bedfordshire in the United Kingdom and she has completed the Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) program at Sheridan College. Yemisi’s flexible nature and positive attitude are just a few of the valued traits she will be bringing to her role.
Opeyemi Adeniji – Front Desk Administrator, Burlington
Opeyemi Adeniji has joined ASP as our Front-Desk Administrator in our Burlington office. He will be responsible for supporting the entire organization by managing a variety of administrative tasks and front-desk responsibilities.
Opeyemi brings strong experience in managing complex administrative duties to the role, having worked as an Administrative Assistant for the last six years. Opeyemi graduated with an MBA in International Business from Cardiff Metropolitan University and he possesses strong technical skills. His calm and friendly personality will undoubtedly be a wonderful addition to the ASP team.
Keba Walters
Keba Walters has joined the HR Team as a Recruiter in our North York office. She is responsible for full-cycle recruitment for the security contracts at our Residential/Commercial Division. Keba brings strong experience in screening, interviewing and hiring practices. Prior to this role, Keba worked as a Recruitment Consultant at Bilingual Source, where she successfully sourced candidates using social media and job boards. Keba is currently in the process of getting her Bachelor’s degree in Arts, English Language and Literature from York University and HR Management certificate from Fleming College.
Shakerah Bennett
Shakerah Bennett has joined the HR Team as a Recruiter in our North York office. She is responsible for full-cycle recruitment for the school crossing guard contract at our Residential/Commercial Division. In her previous role working as a Human Resources – Recruitment Specialist at Eagle Professional Resource Inc., Shakerah worked closely with the Account Managers to identify and understand the client needs to initiate and deliver recruitment campaigns. Shakerah possesses a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with Management Studies from University of the West Indies and a Graduate certificate in Human Resources Management from Centennial College. Shakerah is working on her Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) and Certified Personnel Consultant (CPC) designations.
Ryan Durkin
Ryan Durkin has joined ASP as Training Coordinator in our North York office. Ryan brings over 10+ years of security experience and has 7+ years of experience working as a Trainer. Prior to ASP, Ryan worked as a Self Defense Instructor at First Nations People, where he provided awareness and practical self-defence training to Youth, Seniors, Nurses and security personnel. He is a motivated, resourceful and tactful communicator with the ability to build productive relationship with persons of all levels, cultures and background. Ryan has completed Business Administration Management from George Brown College.
Amy Strachan
Amy Strachan has joined ASP as an Administrator for the crossing guard contract at our Residential/Commercial Division. Amy brings strong experience in administration and has worked in health care and food industries in her previous roles where she managed administrative processes and prepared key reports and documentation along with other administrative tasks. Amy graduated with a certificate in Immigration Consulting from CSIC-e-Academy and HR Management certificate from Seneca College.
By Asad Abbas, RES/CIC Operations Manager
We started the crossing guard contract in 2019 and since then, there are so many of crossing guard team members who work every day to ensure every child crossing the Crosswalk is safe.
Even in extreme cold weather and during this pandemic, our crossing guards made sure to show their dependability in keeping kids out of harm’s way in their communities.
I want to take this opportunity to recognize the crossing guard team. You all have made a big difference at our organization. You are not only active at your crosswalks, but also involved in providing your valuable feedback to your organization which led us to improve us immensely. Thank you for helping ASP reach its 2020 goals! Thanks for the hard work from all of you; we look forward to seeing what else we can accomplish together.
We usually know high performers when we see them, because their stars shine bright in the workplace. High performers know more than just the procedures their job requires. They know the reason their job exists, and that knowledge lets them suggest tweaks and innovations that let them work more effectively. We have so many high performers in our crossing guard team, but today, I want to acknowledge two of shining stars: Anastasia Maltezos and Amy Strachan.
Anastasia Maltezos, Crossing Guard at Alma Dr & Scarlett Rd
Anastasia Maltezosis currently working as crossing guard since 7th August 2019. She always gives 100 % in her job. Her desire for improvement and her commitment to provide excellent customer care led to a lot of praise from not only the crossing guard team, but also from the client and public. On multiple occassions, City of Toronto has shared compliments forwarded by the public for Anastasia. On 16th November, one of the members of public called the city and shared her admiring comments, which I want to share with all of you.
“Anastasia is an excellent crossing guard. She has done an excellent job, prompt, always smiles, always positive, even when others are rude to her”.
We are the best at what we do, because we have the best employees — like you, Anastasia. Thank you for your hard work, patience, and dedication. You are no doubt a very important member of our ASP family. Keep up the great work!
Amy Strachan is one of our newest member of the crossing guard team. She joined ASP family in November, 2020. She came with over 10 years of experience. In the first few weeks, she proved herself to be a valuable member of our team. Her positive attitude, welcoming smile, solution-oriented thought process and her energetic sense of humour always make her team members easy to work with.
She not only makes sure all her tasks get completed on time, but also makes herself available whenever any team members need help. She was instrumental in arranging holiday gift packages for crossing guards.
Amy, I appreciate the commitment and follow-through you’ve shown during your first month here. You’re a quick learner who always asks the right questions, which is leading to give our crossing guards the better experience. It is an absolute privilege to have you on my team. It’s hard to express just how much you’re valued at ASP
Thank You for Making Us Better Each Day!
Brian Joly, Training Manager, Res/CIC Division
Many exciting new things have been happening with the Residential Commercial Training Department.
As part of our Differentiated Learning Initiative, we have uploaded voice recordings to all our quiz questions. Now learners can have the question read to them with the tap of a button through our tablets. This is a game changer in allowing auditory learners the ability to truly understand what is being asked of them during quizzing. It also helps learners where English is their second language, as more understand English better when hearing it, as opposed to reading it. The training department has also recently launched “Stay Safe Instructional Programs” as their training module for Use of Force. Stay Safe puts a huge emphasis on non-violent de-escalation techniques. Guards learn about the different stages of a person in crisis and how to manage those stages. The feedback from our learners has been phenomenal.
By Vasilis Androutsos, Manager, Operations, Residential and Commercial Division
Over the past number of months, the Security portfolio in our RES/CIC division has experienced an enormous amount of growth.
Our increase in the number of Respite Centres we provide security services for, as well as the screening guard requirements that we have added with our TTC clients, have all contributed to this expansion. Understanding and identifying the management and maintenance needed to meet the demands, A.S.P Security has always been at the forefront of heavily investing in the infrastructure of the company and utilizing various forms of operational support, which enables the team to cater to our guards and clients.
I have the absolute pleasure working daily with our two Service Delivery Managers, Rachel Raposo and Josh Holowatenko. With both being fairly new to their roles, they have taken on the challenges of providing high-quality and efficient services to be an integral part of our operations, as we meet the demands and challenges of our guards and clients. Both have extensive security experience, with a diverse range of knowledge and skill set that allow them to make significant contributions to the team. I thought this was a great opportunity for many of our readers to really get to know both individuals on a more personal level by spotlighting them in a Question & Answer feature. I hope many of you enjoy getting to know both Rachel and Josh; I anticipate many of you will really see why I am so proud to work alongside these two colleagues.
Rachel Raposo
What does your job entail?
My job entails consistent communication with all guards, day in and day out, resolving any issues that may arise, coordinating with multiple departments to find a corrective plan.
What do you like most about your job?
What I like most about my job is my constant interactions with the guards in the field, ensuring them they are taken care of
What is the best career lesson you’ve learned so far?
Make connecting with others a priority.
What’s a fun fact about you many people may not know?
I hate flying, but love to globetrot the world. I don’t like heights and any turbulence makes me think the plane is about to crash. Not a good flier at all. (Considering how often I fly)
If you could meet anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Elvis Presley, because he had a major impact on pop culture during the mid-1950s with the younger generation. He knew his music could change America, which it did. His music still influences today’s music. Cool dude. And handsome.
What’s the best thing about ASP
Team dynamic.
Words of wisdom for your fellow professionals?
“If you think you are too small to be effective, you have never been in bed with a mosquito.”
– Betty Reese
Josh Holowatenko
What does your job entail?
Working with colleagues to better service all accounts within ASP, by having direct conversations with both clients and security personnel, visiting sites, meeting a variety of people, working in a fast-paced environment, and coaching/counselling to provide room for growth and advancement.
What do you like most about your job?
Using my critical and creative thinking to solve issues that arise in a fast-paced and ever-growing environment. As an SDM, you have your hands in everything, so to speak, and quick thinking is crucial for success.
What is the best career lesson you’ve learned so far?
No one person can complete everything alone. Teamwork is extremely vital in any role you are being placed in and trusting the members you work with to assist you is imperative.
What’s a fun fact about you many people may not know?
I overcame a very serious injury several years ago. I was once an actor who attempted his own stunts and failed landing on a crash pad during one of these stunts. This left me hospital ridden with a broken back and shattered heel. Instead of being defeated and seeing this as a tragic incident, I liked to see this as a challenge to better myself.
This incident ultimately led me to where I am today, an SDM with ASP, a Team Canada dodgeball player, and a more patient person.
If you could meet anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
I would like to meet one of two people.
“Myself in five years – I would like to see where my success has brought me andask for advice from myself.
2. I would like to meet Vince Lombardi. Not only was he a very successful coach for my favourite NFL team (Green Bay Packers), but the Super Bowl trophy is named after him. He was clearly a very influential, smart, and great leader. This is a trait I would like to hone and better myself on; Vince would be the perfect person to have his brain picked regarding being a better leader.”
What’s the best thing about ASP?
“I enjoy coming to work in the morning. At the office, I feel like part of a family. It sounds cheesy, but it’s true. We joke around and have fun in our office, all while we buckle down and get our work done (all while keeping a safe distance). Any person in this office is willing to come in after hours to help; it may sound small, but to me that is a very big deal. I can rely on my “family” to help me at any time and they can rely on me.”
Words of wisdom for your fellow professionals?
“Find a workplace you enjoy coming to. Find colleagues who will fight just as hard as you will to complete not only their own tasks, but to help you complete yours. Create a work environment of both fun and hard work.”
By Sean Gallagher, HR Recruitment Manager
2020 has been a year in most cases the world would like to forget, except in ASP Recruiters’ cases. We have had over 70 employee referrals sent in over the past few months and they do not seem to be stopping any time soon!
I would like to thank all employees who have been sending their friends, family, and colleagues to our North York office for security and crossing guard positions. Without your help in these tough times, we might not have found the quality of guard you have sent us, so THANK YOU.
I would also like to mention that the referral bonus has been sent out to numerous ASP employees and will continue during the next couple of weeks left in 2020. This being said, we are still welcoming employee referrals for all open positions and we have made the process even easier.
If you contact your Recruiter for your division or any of the Operation Managers, they all have ASP Hiring cards on them that have a “Refer a Friend” area on the back of the card, like so.
By Dean Lovric, President and CEO
Thank you! The preceding two words can never capture my true gratitude for the men and women at ASP Security Services and their journey over this past unimaginable year.
The strength of character so many of you showed in remaining on the front lines and continuing to provide the critical service our clients depend on, has been monumental. I have been touched by your wherewithal and mostly by the trust you showed towards your colleagues and your leadership teams. Throughout this difficult time, a special bond has been created amongst us. That bond of camaraderie and devotion has resulted in highlighting all your dedication to ASP and to each other. This is one of the many reasons I am so very proud of all our committed professionals. So again, and I emphasize…
ASP has a rich tradition of support and flexibility towards its workforce and a deep dedication to our clients. For the past 20years, I have been constantly impressed with the impact our employees have on each other and our clients. Collectively, during 2020, I believe our entire team at ASP reached a miraculous accomplishment. Through your hard work and dedication, our business demonstrated its core values of integrity, honesty, transparency, accountability and support of diversity all through our response to the trials and tribulations of COVID and the effect it has had on our clients and company. We are one of the few organizations fortunate enough to experience this positive dynamic during these difficult times. For this, I am grateful.
In a strange way, I found that the COVID pandemic had a serendipitous effect on all of us during this muted 20th anniversary of A.S.P. Inc. It proved to us that we are doing the right things and behaving in a way that demonstrated the true character of this business, which incorporated in 2000. We may not have had an elaborate celebration to commemorate our 20th this year, but we did receive this special and intangible gift of proof of character we can all take pride in equally.
So, as we bring 2020 to a close, we can confidently say that the end to COVID is in sight. Airports, airlines and sports facilities will once again become busy and we will most certainly continue to provide exceptional service to these and all our clients.
For all our employees with whom we have not had the opportunity to celebrate our milestone with, I will commit a ‘ASP DAY’ at Canada’s Wonderland in late 2021, which will include a private dinner, full day at the park and a exclusive use of the rides to ASP employees and family once the park closes. This day will commemorate our 20th and celebrate those who are most important to the success of the business………you, our front-line workers.
By Petra Nash, Executive Assistant
ICTS Europe is the parent company of ASP
Virusight Diagnostic is a newly formed Joint Venture of Sheba Medical Center’s ARC Innovation Center & Newsight Imaging. The pilot is due to start at airports in the EU.
(Ramat Gan, Israel, September 22, 2020)– In a ground-breaking effort to keep international airports open and providing safe travel for both tourists and business executives in the COVID- 19 era, Virusight Diagnostic, a newly formed AI (Artificial Intelligence) healthcare venture between Sheba Medical Center’s ARC Innovation Center and Newsight Imaging, has signed a strategic LOI (letter of intent) for rapid screening of airline passengers with ICTS Europe, a leading security provider at major airports across the globe.
Virusight obtained the rights to use the SpectraLIT™, Newsight Imaging’s portable and accurate spectral analysis device, empowered by Virusight’s software solution combining Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. The method has been clinically proven at Sheba Medical Center, the largest hospital in Israel and the Middle East to identify viruses such as COVID-19 in seconds – using a simple oral mouth rinse. The company is now joining forces with ICTS Europe to implement the technology and screen thousands of passengers in airports worldwide.
ICTS Europe is an international group with over 30 years’ experience in providing security solutions to organisation within the Aviation, Public Transport, and Corporate sectors. ICTS operates in 23 countries, covering over 120 airports and 300 operation centers across Europe, North America, and the Far East.
The two companies agreed to start a set of supervised pilot programs at targeted airports in an attempt to release the world from the pandemic travel lockdown. Tests will be immediate, affordable and monitored, so that airports and airlines can optimize the level of safety by mitigating the risk of COVID-19 infection. Following the pilot’s completion and analysis, a wide deployment of the technology is expected in airports across ICTS Europe’s existing infrastructure, utilizing Virusight’s Imaging technology backed by ARC at Sheba Medical Center.
ARC (an acronym for Accelerate, Redesign and Collaborate) has made headlines around the world during the pandemic, by introducing a range of digital and tele-health solutions to deal with COVID-19.
Oren Sapir, ICTS Europe’s President & CEO, commented, “Since the outbreak of COVID-19, ICTS Europe has played an important role in supporting the aviation community, by assisting with recovery via our Back in the Air initiative – a package of innovative solutions aimed at boosting confidence amongst passengers and stakeholders.
As travel restrictions are gradually lifted, innovation and technology will continue to be central to the industry’s recovery, and so we are proud and extremely pleased to join forces with Virusight to unveil SpectraLIT™ – a groundbreaking COVID-19 screening solution, powered by unique machine-learning and AI capabilities.”
Sapir added, “Thanks to its flexibility, SpectraLIT™ can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each individual airport, airline or any other organization who may be looking to integrate screening capabilities into its operations. SpectraLIT™ not only complements our existing range of solutions, but also has all the required components to become a key feature in our Back in the Air initiative. We chose Virusight due to its proven diagnostic track record. Combined with ICTS operational expertise, SpectraLIT™ is set to become the industry’s benchmark for passenger screening against COVID-19.”
Eli Assoolin, CEO of Newsight and Board Chairman at Virusight Diagnostic said, “We are very pleased to sign this important LOI with ICTS Europe, just a few weeks after we have formed our joint venture with Sheba Medical Center. Our solution for COVID-19 is currently in the process of receiving regulation approval and is ready for deployment in COVID-19 hot-spots such as airports. Our strategy is to enable a return to a normal lifestyle by selecting the best-in-class partners in each domain. ICTS Europe is a leader in their field, with wide-spread proven success and brilliant solutions which are currently already deployed in many places. The two companies will strive to cope with the challenge of mass screening of airline passengers, and we are keen on seeing the world of travel getting back to a normal routine.”
Dr. Eyal Zimlichman, Chief Medical Officer and Chief Innovation Officer at Sheba Medical Center stated, “This agreement, is an important milestone for the company, digital health will transform healthcare and this is yet another example of leveraging AI technology to mitigate COVID-19. We formed ARC, our innovation model with the aim to accelerate innovation through redesign healthcare by collaborating with partners. This is an active example of the model at work.”
Referral Bonus
ICTS Europe, owned by the French holding company Sofinord, is a leading supplier of security and passenger processing solutions, providing a broad range of services and technologies across a variety of industries. Leveraging its global network of operational hubs, in-depth industry knowledge, and technological capabilities, ICTS Europe protects organisations’ most valuable assets end-to-end. Combining extensive experience and specialised skills, ICTS offers a comprehensive portfolio of targeted solutions that span across its clients’ value chain – from flow facilitation, explosives detection and X-ray screening, through to risk resilience, compliance and process optimisation.
With more than 16,000 employees worldwide, working in more than 120 airports in 23 countries, ICTS continues to work closely with its airport, airline, and high-end corporate clients, developing the next generation of responses to evolving security needs, emerging threats and changes in the operational landscape – a company committed to continuous innovation.
Virusight is an AI software company, using unique spectral acquisition and analysis technology, for pathogenic diagnosis.
The company is developing revolutionary COVID-19 rapid tests, based on Newsight Imaging’s spectral technology while using a noninvasive oral rinse. The technology allows for an immediate, affordable, and portable solution, which will be able to identify other viruses in the near future.
Founded in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Virusight was created to develop an accurate, real-time virus diagnosis solution. The company is a result of mutual collaboration between Newsight Imaging and ARC at Sheba Medical Center, the largest hospital in Israel and the Middle East and recognized by Newsweek Magazine as one of the Top 10 Best Hospitals in the World.
