I would like to introduce Sherrie Storimans. She has been an integral part of the accounting department since May 2017.
Utilizing her skills and experience, Sherrie is responsible for the payroll for ASP, which includes 2,000 individual payments bi-weekly. It is no easy feat, but she captures all the nuances that exist with our unique operations, in addition to employee requests for vacation payouts or other changes.
With the COVID-19 impact, Sherrie has also needed to switch gears to ensure the employee Record of Employments are issued on a timely basis. Thanks for the support from Giselle Lopes and HR in getting this accomplished on a timely basis. Sherrie, I want to give a special thanks to all that you have accomplished.
By Jasmine Khimany and Neeru Panjwani, Managers – Human Resources
It is our pleasure to welcome Ms. Kristina Pawlak and Ms. Tanya Gautam to the ASP Family.
Kristina joined us as Human Resources Administrator in the Commercial and Residential division. She studied Human Resources at Seneca College. Kristina worked in Human Resources for over 2 years and gained expertise in full cycle recruitment, new hire orientation, HRIS data management and employee relations. She was also a certified Health and Safety Committee member in her past organization. Kristina is looking out to branch out to learn more about everything Human Resources has to offer. We are looking forward to her addition in the team.
Team YYC is excited to welcome their new addition in the Human Resources department. Ms. Tanya Gautam joined as Human Resources Recruiter and Coordinator for Calgary branch. In her role, she will be responsible for end-to-end employee life cycle management. Tanya studied Human Resources at York University, Toronto. She has worked as HR Generalist with Can Tech Services prior to joining us. Tanya also has over 5 years of training experience in the Hospitality industry in India and Middle East. With a wide range of experience and expertise in recruitment, training and personal management, we are confident that Tanya will bring in further advancement in the department.
By Sherrie Storimans, Accounting and Payroll Administrator
Did you have a birthday in January, February or March? Blow out your candles and make a wish! Look for your name in the following pages.
By Asad Abbas, RES/CIC Service Delivery Manager
As you are all aware, the world is going through some tough times. We are lucky enough to be a part of a family organization that has so many talented, hardworking and dedicated people that allow us to be second to none.
I wanted to take this opportunity to recognize a few staff who have been absolutely amazing and have sacrificed so much over the last couple of months. Both Ibrahim and Miguel have taken it upon themselves to not only do their jobs well, but also to support everyone else around them. They have sacrificed so much of their family and personal time to make sure the business continues to run at a high level.
Ibrahim Za’Balawi is working as the Site Supervisor at 33 Shorebreeze within ASP Security. He joined ASP in July, 2018. He was promoted to Site Supervisor of 33 ShoreBreeze in August, 2019. He has more than 9 years of security experience.
Ibrahim has shown great leadership and dependability for the past one and half years, with praise from both his coworkers and clients. He is instrumental in implementing new policies on site. He has introduced different initiatives on the site for his team, which is leading to better team morale and efficiency. He is always willing to go above and beyond in protecting ASP’s interest and reputation by helping his team and fulfilling the client’s expectation. He is a very important member of our ASP family and I wish him best of luck. Keep it up Ibrahim!
Miguel Bermudez is working as a Specialist at St. Lawrence Market. He joined ASP in November, 2017 as a concierege. He worked very hard and was promoted to Specialist position in September, 2018.
He is always willing to help his team to assist with taking the site to the next level. He proved himself as a highly reliable member of his team which is why his team members rely on him heavily. In these difficult times we had situations where some of our staff had been quarantined and Miguel stepped up and showed great leadership and knowledge. He not only helped his team, but he made sure client expectations were met. He worked long hours and despite tiring schedules; he is always ready to do more. He is definitely a rising star and great member of the ASP family.
By Deborah (Debbie) Ciccotelli, Vice-President, Strategic Initiatives
There have been many changes in our Human Resources Department in the first quarter of 2020! We now have an amazing new HR leadership team in place, who have both the strong formal HR education and practical hands on experience required to assist us in growing the company, while ensuring that we remain loyal to our cultural values of teamwork, integrity, fairness, compassion and respect.
Sarah Northrup
Sarah Northrup joined ASP as our new Director of Human Resources on March 16, amidst COVID-19 pandemic preparations and response planning; she immediately fit in and supported the organization as if she had been with us for many years.
In her new role, Sarah oversees the day-to-day operations of human resources and acts as a key adviser to the senior leadership team. She also works closely with the human resources team to develop strategy and create a professional, integrated, customer-focused culture within the department and across the organization.
Sarah is an experienced and passionate HR leader who values integrity, respect, hard work and diversity, which makes her a perfect match for the ASP family. As the past HR Director of Sunwing, Sarah managed a team of seven HR Managers and Specialists working with a group of 25,000+ employees in Canada, the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean, where she was respected as thought leader in human rights, inclusion, diversity and employee engagement. Sarah has extensive experience in HR disciplines within both the Federal and Provincial labour codes and in an aviation environment, as well as in employee/labour relations, recruitment, collective agreement administration, and collective bargaining.
Sarah holds a Human Resources Management Certificate from Ryerson University and she is currently enrolled in Bachelor of Arts at Queen’s University. Sarah has her CHRL Designation, HRPA (CANADA) and SPHR Certification, HRCI (USA) and she has completed numerous HR Training programs including Predictive Index/Talent Optimization, Labour Relations and Workplace Investigation Training.
We are looking forward to continuing to evolve and enhance our HR Department; we are confident that Sarah will be instrumental in shaping our culture and supporting corporate goals by leading and delivering a relevant and influential HR Department.
Neeru Panjwani
Neeru joined ASP in 2019 and in January 2020 was promoted from her previous role as HR Generalist to HR Manager for our Aviation Division.
Over the course of 2019, Neeru was been instrumental in developing and transforming many ASP HR programs and processes which were critical to stabilize HR following the significant growth of the business. Neeru is highly respected at all levels throughout the organization and her dedication, effort and commitment to the company has been outstanding.
Prior to joining ASP, Neeru had 10+ years HR leadership experience in her home country of India, where she gained experience in recruitment and selection, performance management, talent development and employee relations.
Neeru has a Post-Graduation Diploma in Human Resource Management and in 2018, she completed the Human Resources Bridging Program at Humber College. She currently working towards her CHRL designation.
Jasmine Khimany
Jasmine Khimany joined ASP in February 2020 as our new HR Manager, Residential/Commercial Division and already she has demonstrated that she is a valuable addition to both HR and RES/CIC Departments.
Prior to joining ASP, Jasmine was the Site HR Manager for Concentrix. She is experienced in engaging both leaders and employees in the development and delivery HR processes, procedures, practice and in employee relations and engagement.
Jasmine holds a Bachelor’s in Human Resources Management from Ryerson University and an Advanced Diploma in Human Resources Management from Sheridan College. She is a Joint Health and Safety Certified Management Member and holds her CHRP designation.
ASP is extremely fortunate to have such brilliant HR leadership team members, who we know are as passionate as we are about the company and who are committed to making ASP an “Employer of Choice”. Please join me in congratulating Sarah, Neeru and Jasmine in their new HR leadership roles and warmly welcoming Sarah and Jasmine to the ASP family.
By Deborah (Debbie) Ciccotelli, Vice President, Strategic Initiatives
International Women’s Day was on March 8th and I felt that our Spring newsletter was the perfect time to show our appreciation and celebrate the women within our ASP family.
The photos with this article highlight just a few of the many women and the various roles they play within the company. As of last month, we had 1759 employees across the organization, of which 835 are female (almost 50%). We have also seen an increase in the number of females in our management level positions; we currently have 1 V.P., 1 Director and 11 female front-line managers.
ASP values workplace diversity and gender equality, which is evident in the number of women in our organization and the varying roles they occupy, ranging from Canine Handler, Security Specialist, Customer Service Agent, Resource Planner, HR Administrator, Recruiter to Security Guards, which is extremely impressive in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
Celebrating International Women’s Day is a great way to make our workplace and employment brand more inclusive. With the support of many across the organization, we have created a collage of the many remarkable and talented women within ASP and we wanted to take this opportunity to recognize the contributions that they have made to the company and our business.
As a woman and a member of the Senior Management Team, I am proud to work for a company that values gender diversity. As a company and as individuals, we must continue to champion and promote workplace diversity and gender equality, not just because it is the fair and right thing to do, but because gender diversity has a positive impact on the success of the company. According to McKinsey study, the most gender-diverse companies are 21% more likely to experience above-average profitability.
Shannon Jacobson, ASP Supervisor
Shannon Jacobson is a security professional with over 20 years of experience, with five of those years spent at YYC Calgary International Airport.
She started her career at the airport as an access control officer and through hard work and dedication worked her way up to a Supervisor position with ASP Shannon is an incredibly caring and dedicated supervisor, who takes her responsibilities and the wellbeing of her team very seriously. Shannon loves working at the airport because she is a people person and enjoys the opportunity to interact with the public and provide the excellent level of customer service that we pride ourselves on at ASP
ASP Customer Service Representatives (CSRs) at YTZ
Our Team of Customer Service Representatives (CSRs) are responsible for providing top-shelf customer service at Billy Bishop Toronto City Center Airport (YTZ) in both the CBSA Customs Hall, as well as greeting departing passengers and various reporting.
Fanny, Beth and Katherine joined the BBTCA Team in late 2018. They have been an integral part in the BBTCA operations since ASP began providing services at that site.
Left to Right – CSRs Fanny Tran, Katherine Cruz and Beth Bay.
Michelle Rieux, Supervisor, ASP Security Team at YSB
Our security Team at YSB is led by Supervisor Michelle Rieux. Michelle joined ASP in November of 2018 and is responsible for operational oversight at the Greater Sudbury Airport (YSB).
Michelle was one of the recipients of ASP’s CEO Award of Dedication, due to her unwavering dedication to the success of our client’s operation and to ASP as a whole.
Anissah Dia, Team Lead, CSR Team at YOW
Our Customer Service Representatives (CSR) Team at Ottawa MacDonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) is responsible for delivering world-class customer service to arriving passengers at our nation’s capital.
Anissah Dia is our Team Lead at the site. Anissah joined ASP in January of 2018 and has been paramount in the success of that contract. Anissah is a strong leader and has been an extremely important part of ASP’s success at YOW.
Viktoriya Gondarchyna Airside Supervisor– Toronto Pearson
Viktoriya Gondarchyna started with ASP in November, 2016 as an access control guard.
Since then, she has demonstrated great enthusiasm and commitment. Her motivation and enthusiasm earned her a lot of respect with her coworkers and the management. In July 2018, she was promoted to the role of Adhoc Coordinator.
In May 2019, she was promoted to the role of Airside Supervisor. ASP would like to express appreciation for all her hard work she has put in over the years. She continues to excel as an airside supervisor.
Nadan Rushmika, Terminal Supervisor– Toronto Pearson
Nadan Rushmika’ s journey started with ASP on January 31, 2008.
Since then, she set an example with her commitment, hard work and excellence that she has demonstrated over the years working with ASP.
She stood out while performing her duties as a supervisor for ASP at Toronto Pearson International Airport. Within a short period of time, she was promoted to the supervisory role. She was promoted to the role of terminal supervisor in April 2008.
She made a significant contribution as a supervisor. She always maintained a positive attitude in the face of challenging situations. She took active part in assisting management not only operationally, but also assisted scheduling whenever her assistance was sought. ASP would like to express appreciation for all her hard work she has put in over the years. She continues to excel as a terminal supervisor.
Celebrating Women in ASP!
Top row, from left to right: Alyssa Rizzo, Jasmine Khimany, Kasey Bremmer and Amika, Tamana Bhatia.
Middle row left: Marianne Morales. Right: Lisa Marsan.
Bottom row, from left to right: Maria Cristina Vibar, Karen Swanston, Kristina Pawlak.
Operational Service Representatives (OSRs) – Toronto Pearson
From left to right:
Cristina Siason, OSR Agent Since November 2016;
Sushana Lindo, HR Admin Since June 2017;
Jennie Bernard, OSR Agent Since November 2016;
Mina Khani, Training Coordinator Since April 2017;
Harprit Kaur, OSR Shift Manager – Since June 2017;
Vianna White,OSR Agent – Since November 2016.
From left to right:
Charbonneau, Heather, OSR Agent Since Nov 2017;
Erlinda Golecruz, OSR Agent Since October 2017;
Conteh, Asuma, OSR Agent September 2018;
Shu Wang, OSR Agent Since November 2016;
Mercy Capilli, OSR Agent Since November 2016;
Rohini Maharaj, OSR Agent – Since November 2016;
Sonia Borlagdan, OSR Agent Since November 2016.
Sonia Borlagdan, OSR Agent Since November 2016
Cordella Hyde, OSR Agent Since June 2018
Karen Mahabir, OSR Agent Since November 2016
Devegee Rangasamy, OSR Agent Since November 2016
Canine Handlers
Emily Sutherland started in May 2015 as a K9 handler. Her education in veterinarian-technology and police foundations made her a perfect fit for our K9 unit. Pictured with her dog Jordan, Emily was the first female K9 handler hired with ASP Her strong leadership and independence are what makes the K9 team such a cohesive unit.
Katrina Strachurski joined ASP’s Commercial K9 Unit in March of 2019. Katrina and her four-legged partner Cody conduct EDD sweeps at some of our most crowded venues in downtown Toronto and are shining examples of why we have a “paw” up on the competition!!
Kacey Bremmer joined our “pack” in 2017 as a Handler in our Commercial K9 Unit. Kacey and her EDD partner Amika are responsible for keeping Toronto and its visitors safe at our city’s premier event venues.
Resource Planning Team
Left to Right: Anne Kumar Gwen Simon, Tamara Juniper, Seemal Khurshid and Natasha Stephenson-Belle (Manager).
By Sarah Northrup, Human Resources Director
I hope that everyone is keeping well and staying happy and healthy. I joined ASP at a time when all of us, everywhere in the world, are going through things we’ve never experienced before, and it has been inspiring to be a part of the ASP family.
Each of us has new responsibilities and challenges in our work and personal lives and sometimes it’s hard to stop and take care of our own needs. Below I’ve shared information from LifeWorks, our employee support program, that addresses a couple of common wellbeing themes.
Additional resources available to ASP employees from LifeWorks online:
Strategies for Financial Planning Financial planning is important, no matter how much money or income you have. It’s about setting realistic goals and targets and then figuring out the best way to reach them. Basically, it’s a road map that will help you get where you want to go.
Your financial plan should have three main parts:
Managing debt to achieve freedom and flexibility
Saving for financial security in the immediate future
Investing for long-term future growth
Five Ways to Take Your Mind Off COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Need a break from discussions of COVID-19 (otherwise known as “Coronavirus”)? Here are five ways to bring some healthy escapism into your life.
Thank you to everyone in the ASP family for working hard and caring passionately about what you do. Let’s continue to take care of ourselves and each other.
By Michael Moledzki, Training Coordinator
During these trying times, it is important to protect yourself. We all need to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), along with washing your hands with soap and water to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
All guards should be putting gloves on for protection during every shift and putting on new gloves every time you return from break. See pictures below, to properly take off and dispose of the gloves. Please make sure you understand when taking off your first glove, you do so without touching your skin. Next, crumple it up into the second glove and remove the second glove while not touching the outside of the glove, putting your finger(s) underneath the rim of the glove and remove slowly to minimize anything from getting on your clothes or person. Make sure both gloves are thrown out in an appropriate container. Keep safe all and see you soon.
By Petra Nash, Executive Assistant
Job Satisfaction can be defined as the sense of contentment one feels as a direct result of being an employee in a particular role.
Employee engagement can be defined as the level of involvement and connection one feels in their job. Various forces shape engagement, including the leadership and sense of community in the workplace.
In 2020, ASP is focusing on Employee Engagement and will be utilizing best practices to ensure our employees feel valued at work and are satisfied with their job.
ASP has been providing more training to our employees and building processes for developmental growth. Employee Satisfaction surveys have also been conducted with our front-line staff. At ASP, we strive to make every day enjoyable for our employees and will continue to so.
Factors Affecting Employee Engagement
Factors Affecting Job Satisfaction
Employee Engagement Starts at the Top: Company leaders must be collaborative, regularly interacting with their workforce, sharing ideas with them, and soliciting their contributions before making a significant decision. This makes employees feel like they are involved in the company’s growth and keeps them engaged.
Compensation: The first, and probably the biggest, driver of job satisfaction is compensation. Remember two things here. One, the pay scale must be positioned competitively against similar roles. Two, employees should be able to maintain an above- average quality of life with the compensation provided.
Career Development: LinkedIn’s 2019 workforce learning report found that the No. 1 reason employees quit is the lack of learning and career development opportunities.
Benefits: Supporting the advantages of good pay, you can offer a comprehensive benefits package that takes care of physical and mental well-being, financial wellness, childcare, and family coverage.
Internal Communication: Communication plays a significant role in how engaged your employees are, especially if you have a large distributed workforce. The ability to connect in real time, receive regular updates from the company, and quickly resolve issues (no matter how trivial) is critical to enabling an engagement-friendly workplace.
Work-life Balance: 62% of workers feel the work-life balance is most important for a company culture that fosters success. Shorter commutes, the freedom to work from home, paid leaves, and mandatory vacation days, among other things, can ensure a positive work-life balance for your workforce. They will have more time to spend with family or in personal pursuits, thereby improving the quality of life.
A Culture of Diversity: This means that the company is open to new ideas from every employee, proactively prevents bias, and ensures equal opportunity for all. Diversity must be embedded within the company values, covering every minority group as well as generational divide.
Recognition: Every employee wants to be appreciated for their contribution. You can adopt a formal structure of recognition, with annual reviews and appraisals, or an informal one, where achievements are acknowledged in the moment.
By Petra Nash, Executive Assistant
Social media has proven to be beneficial over the last several years
For businesses, social media has created a way to send a brand’s messaging to the right people. There are a lot of benefits to be had from using social media. Below are some of the top benefits of using social media.
Networking & Partnership Employees or customers can contact a customer service representative faster and easier now than ever before thanks to social media. Businesses can also receive, review and respond to employees questions or concerns faster and more effectively using social media platforms.
Communication In addition to the simplified lines of communication, there’s the aspect of general availability. Social media helps connect us easier than ever before. Building quality relationships becomes a lot easier with the streamlined communication we get from social media and building relationships with key businesses earns a lot of value for your brand.
Increase Website Traffic Social media channels are supplemental to the brand’s website. Social media is intended to reach different audiences in a personable, useful, and entertaining way and refer those potential customers you may not have ever had the chance to engage with previously to get to know and try your services.
Customer Feedback In the world of business, sales, and profits, regardless of what your industry is and who you are marketing and selling to, the focus has to truly be on the employee. Success, both digitally and traditionally, is achieved by understanding – and delivering the best quality customer service possible and doing everything in your power to ensure your employees and potential prospects have the best experience.
Keeping Potential Customers Keeping in line with maintaining your brand’s respected reputation is the opportunity to impress potential customers with how you’ve handled other, typically unrelated customer interactions. People often turn to – even rely – on social media and outline-review sites to get a good idea of just who a company truly is.
Each business has different goals and ways it measures success. Social media can help achieve those goals, but it’s important to stick to the basics and encourage employees to actively check out social media platforms for news and information.
