S3 takes center stage at tech talk on attracting, retaining and motivating talent

Automation Alley PLante Moran

Strategic Staffing Solutions (S3) took center stage at Detroit Athletic Club on August 26 for the Plante Moran Toast & Tech talk entitled “surefire ways to attract, retain, and motivate talent.”

S3 team members April Donaldson, Executive Vice President, Shalini Lawson, Detroit Branch Manager and Cheryl Adams Davis, Account Manager, shared their expertise and S3’s best practices to an audience that included members of the Metro Detroit business community.

The S3 panelists focused their presentation to how the company builds a global brand for retention and recruitment, as well as tactics when working in one geographic location and in industry verticals.

The audience asked the panelists many questions, from how S3 maintains a virtual network globally to tactics the company uses to engage and retain intern talent.  The S3 panelists provided answers from their unique perspectives, highlighting S3 corporate culture of high-touch customer and consultant-focused service.  The panelists also noted during the presentation the many internal practices that make S3 a workplace of choice, including highly competitive benefits, a strong internal support team and special holidays, awards and recognitions.

A round of applause to April, Shalini and Cheryl – you three were bold, you were excellent, you were S3!

S3 hosts 13th Annual Charity Golf Outing, raises more than $40,000

S3 employees pose behind sign

Four! Strategic Staffing Solutions held their 13th Annual Charity Golf Outing on Sunday, August 10th at The Inn at St. John’s.

Proceeds from this year’s golf outing support the Downtown Detroit Partnership’s (DDP) Safety and Security program, which implements and coordinates a private/public security strategy that provides a sustainable, safe environment in Downtown Detroit.

S3 CEO Cindy Pasky (left) with Paul Huxley (right)

Cindy Pasky (left) with Paul Huxley (right)

This year’s event was spectacular!  Moderate temperatures and clear blue skies throughout the day proved ideal weather for the over 140 golfers who participated.  And most importantly, S3 raised more than $40,000 to support DDP’s Safety and Security program.

S3 Executive Vice President Carl Bentley and Detroit Branch Sheena Wells, Resource Manager on the Consultant Care Team, along with the incredible Detroit Team coordinated the day.

“We are ecstatic so many golfers came out to help support the DDP and raise much needed dollars for our city,” said Bentley.

Headquartered in Detroit, S3 believes in giving back to the communities in which they do business. DDP also understands the importance in uplifting communities and creating opportunities.  Together, S3 and DDP will continue to build a partnership where corporate, civic and philanthropic leaders support, advocate, and develop programs and initiatives designed to create a clean, safe, and inviting Downtown Detroit.

Next year’s Annual Charity Golf Outing will be held on Sunday, August 9, 2015.  We look forward to seeing you there!

S³ sponsors Mosaic Singers trip to compete in World Choir Games in Latvia and they bring back gold

Strategic Staffing Solutions sponsorship of the Mosaic Singers trip to Latvia to compete in the World Choir Games paid off … in gold and silver and an experience of a lifetime for 26 young artists.

Mosaic Singers at the US embassy

Mosaic Singers at the US embassy

The Mosaic Singers, part of the Mosaic Youth Theatre, spent the last two weeks in Latvia competing in the World Choir Games with a side trip to Lithuania to meet the US ambassador to Lithuania and to sing in phenomenal places such as the St. Kazimieras Church in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, and the Concert Hall at the Marijampole House of Culture in the town of Marijampole. Both were standing-room only.

The concert at St. Kazimieras was broadcast live on the internet. It benefited the ExCel high-school exchange, a program that S³ also sponsors. That program brings Lithuanian high school students to study in the US and live with an American host family for one school year.

At Marijampole the audience stood and applauded non-stop for several minutes at the end until the choir did not one, but two encores.

“We got the response from many that “Mariajampole has never seen anything like this before,” says the Mosaic Facebook page.

As invited guests of the US Ambassador to Lithuania, Deborah A. McCarthy, they toured the US Embassy and put on a short concert there.

Cindy Pasky (far right) enjoying the concert in Marijampole

Cindy Pasky enjoying the concert in Marijampole

The Singers even performed the Lithuanian national anthem … in Lithuanian … perfectly on Good Morning Lithuania. That show reaches one million people.

“The Mosaic Singers were awesome,” said Cindy Pasky, CEO of Strategic Staffing Solutions, who travelled to Lithuania to see the choir perform in Marijampole and Vilnius. “They showed the world what tremendous talent we have in the USA and Detroit. S³ was proud to sponsor them. They represent everything we stand for … determination, quality, professionalism and setting the bar high for success.”

Twenty-six young Mosaic singers, ages 14-18, made the trip and sang their hearts out every day … including impromptu concerts in the airport, on buses, public spaces and many other places.

“We have to thank Cindy Pasky, Paul Huxley and everyone at Strategic Staffing Solutions for their incredible generosity in making this once-of-lifetime opportunity possible for the young artists of Mosaic,” said Rick Sperling, CEO of the Mosaic Youth Theatre. “In addition to the World Choir Games in Latvia, it was an incredible experience having Strategic Staffing Solutions bring Mosaic to Lithuania as cultural ambassadors for the U.S. and Detroit.”

Mosaic Singers perform at CaimirThis World Choir Games competition is a big deal. Singers came from five continents and 73 countries. There were 460 choirs and 27,000 participants competed. Awards were presented in 29 categories.

“These accomplishments (of the Mosaic Singers) are the result of our emphasis on setting high expectations for Detroit youth and giving them the support and training needed to reach them,” said Sperling. “What these young people accomplished was not just a result of talent, but of incredible hard work, determination, resiliency and professionalism — qualities that will continue to serve them in whatever path they choose to pursue in life.”

Here’s a rundown of the medals won by the Mosaic Singers:

  • Gold in the Pop category
  • Gold in Gospel … Mosaic ranked 4th in the world overall in choral gospel
  • Silver in Spiritual
  • Silver in the Mixed Youth Choir Open Competition

The Mosaic Singers first won two silver medals but were not content. They wanted gold and vowed to get it. When the announcement came that they won the gold chants of USA, USA, USA could be heard drowning out the applause. Remind you of the Olympics? It should this competition is often referred to as the Olympics for Choirs.

During the Mosaic’s World Choir Games Qualification Concerts in Pop they quickly had the European audience clapping (unsolicited) and hooting and hollering. These are not the easiest performances because there is no audience, just three judges staring at you and taking notes. These young artists came through like pros.

“We are so proud of how the Mosaic young artists represented Detroit and USA at the World Choir Games,” Sperling said. “While we are proud of all of our awards, the Gold Medal in Gospel and Silver Medal in Spiritual are especially meaningful because they came in the Champions Competition where our 14-18 year old young artists were competing against the best choirs of all ages from all around the world.”

The Mosaic Singers also joined all the thousands of other singers at a major concert in the “Mežaparks,” a neighborhood in North Central Riga, Latvia, and other “friendship concerts” in Latvia.

The Mosaic Singers are no strangers to travel. They have performed in more than 25 states, at The White House and The Kennedy Center. Internationally, they have represented the United States at the World Festival of Children’s Theatre in Copenhagen, Denmark, performed at The Millennium Dome in London England, and participated in cultural exchanges with Dakar, Senegal and Singapore.

Since the Games were created in 2000 the worldwide operating organization INTERKULTUR from Pohlheim has been in charge of the program. The event takes place every two years in alternating cities. It was last held in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 2012. Previous hosts included Austria, South Korea, Germany and China.

We thought we would share some videos with you.

Singing Lithuanian National Anthem

 

Cindy Pasky tells DEC Young Leaders never put up a barrier

There is great power in “AND” vs. “BUT,” Strategic Staffing Solutions CEO Cindy Pasky told the Detroit Economic Club’s Young Leaders during a speech at Eastern Market in Detroit. S³ interns were among the 50 or so in attendance.

S3 CEO CIndy Pasky speaks to DEC Young Leaders Series at Eastern Market

S3 CEO Cindy Pasky speaks to DEC Young Leaders Series at Eastern Market

“Never put a barrier up in front of you,” Pasky said. In order to win, she believes you must work hard and outwork your competition. She did just that when she started S³ 24 years ago with little to no resources and has grown the company to roughly a quarter billion dollars.

A keystone of her speech was that there are three life lessons to achieve success:

  • Who are you looking to serve?
  • Why are you providing that service?
  • What’s the best way to execute the service?

Pasky also spoke about her struggles growing up. She said Eastern Market was her refuge and that she able to buy large portions of food for a cheap price.

Khalil Naim showcases accessory company

Khalil Naim showcases accessory company

At the conclusion of the talk, those attending had the opportunity to check out some Eastern Market vendors. Eastern Market veteran Khalil Naim of Creator of Unique Designs was one of them. Khalil says he’s been in business for more than 15 years with his African-inspired accessory company. His continued mission is to inspire people through his accessories.

“I like designing things and I like what I do. I was once told, ‘find a job you like and you will not see it as work,'” he said.

L to R:  S3 interns James Maier, Ashley Terry, Evan Taylor, Jamie Wheatley, Frank Hope, Natasha Modi

L to R: S3 interns James Maier, Ashley Terry, Evan Taylor, Jamie Wheatley, Frank Hope, Natasha Modi

Khalil credits his longevity to persevering over challenges and not giving up. Eastern Market is not only a place for vendors to sell products but a mecca for hope and an important hub of the Detroit community.

For more information on the DEC Young Leaders Series, click here. For more information about Easter Market, click here.

Since its inception in 2011, the DEC Young Leaders Series is held approximately every month at Eastern Market. The series has its DEC board members speak about their company and experiences and offer tips in moving forward in chosen career fields. The Young Leaders are business professionals under the age of 36.

S3 interns attend After 5 program kickoff

This year’s After 5 program kicked off at the beautiful Campus Martius Park. Festivities included an ice cream social, ping pong games and a networking scavenger hunt.

L to R:  S3 interns James Maier, Ashley Terry, Evan Taylor, Jamie Wheatley, Frank Hope, Natasha Modi pose for a photo op

L to R: S3 interns James Maier, Ashley Terry, Evan Taylor, Jamie Wheatley, Frank Hope, Natasha Modi pose for a photo op

Interns from various companies in the Downtown Detroit area attended the event.

Created four years ago, the After 5 Program was established to retain young talent in Detroit. The program puts together activities where interns participate in fun, engaging networking events where they can form relationships in hopes to create a future in Detroit.

James Maier, S3 intern, reconnects with his intern friends

James Maier, S3 intern, reconnects with his intern friends

Some of the events include a loft party, dinner with the executives of various companies, and a town hall meeting with Michigan’s Governor Snyder.

At this year’s kickoff, S3 interns met with other interns to discuss their experiences and future plans within the city.

“It is a great first event. I am able to relate to other interns my age and network,” said Max McCain from BillHighway, reflecting on the success of the event.

Interns play an intense game of ping pong

Interns play an intense game of ping pong

If you didn’t know, BillHighway is a cloud-based financial solutions company.

Asia Ross, intern at S3, enjoyed the experience.

“This (After 5) program integrates all interns in the Detroit surrounding area. It allows us to socialize and build relationships with people who we wouldn’t normally interact with. I also appreciate the fact that people are exposed to the beautiful culture of Detroit versus the negativity we are always shown on the news,” said Ross.

The After 5 Program kickoff solidified its kickoff as a success amongst interns. Check out other events and photos regarding the After 5 Program here.

Detroit’s Mosaic Youth Theatre is dancing in the streets of Europe

mosaicworldchoirgamesAs you may or may not know, the talented student members of the Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit are visiting Latvia, Lithuania, and the World Choir Games. It really is a case of Detroit vs. Everybody as there are more than 500 competing choirs.

However, along the way, there has been a lot of singing and dancing breaking out, and we just had to share it!

Check out the the video below sent back from Europe. It’s on the streets of Riga, the capitol city of Latvia. It’s exciting to see Detroit represented in such a great way by such gifted young people. Follow the action with the hashtag #MosaicWCG14 on social media and we’ll also be posting some updates here.

S3 sponsors annual career day at Clippert Academy

Local radio and TV personalities and many others joined the S3 staff as they spoke to students at Clippert Academy about their chosen career fields.

Guy Gordon talking about being a reporter and anchor to 8th graders

Guy Gordon talking about being a reporter and anchor to 8th graders

Vickie Thomas rewards a 6th grader will a blow-up ball

Vickie Thomas rewards a 6th grader will a blow-up ball

Guest speakers included WDIV’s Guy Gordon, WWJ News Radio 950’s Vickie Thomas, and Elise Ramsey from the Michigan Humane Society, to name a few.

This event was an opportunity for students to be exposed to different careers while witnessing what was required for each professional to obtain their position.

Students took notes as they listened attentively to the skills and classes needed to pursue each career.

“Career Day gives these young people building blocks upon which they can start developing their own careers,” said Cindy Pasky, S³ president and CEO. “Our hope is the careers these children choose will become a passion, not just a paycheck. Having people share their passion for the work they do will help achieve that goal and give these young people a look into what the future might hold for them.”

In 2013, Clippert Academy was recognized as one of the top Detroit schools by Excellent Schools Detroit.  Located in Southwest Detroit, this multi-cultural school offers a college-preparatory curriculum for grades 5-8.

ester Bryant listens to students questions about his position at the Michigan Chronicle

ester Bryant listens to students questions about his position at the Michigan Chronicle

Here’s how it worked.

The speakers went from class room to class room talking to small groups of middle schoolers about their profession, what they do, how they got started and what they did to prepare for a career in their chosen field.

Liz Blondy accompanied by her two dogs, Bunny and Argon, were a student favorite

Liz Blondy accompanied by her two dogs, Bunny and Argon, were a student favorite

One of the speakers included Lester Bryant of the Michigan Chronicle. Speaking on behalf of the career day, he said, “I’ve been going [to Clippert Academy] for the last 4-5 years.  The kids are always interested in the money I make, how it’s made and the process I used to get to where I’m at now.  It’s a good program.”

A student favorite was Canine to Five’s owner Liz Blondy.

Liz opened Canine to Five in 2005, which is now considered Metro Detroit Area’s finest dog daycare, boarding and grooming facility, to help pet owners and their dogs live a more balanced life together.  She spoke to the students about her love for dogs and her commitment to supporting small businesses.

S3 believes academic excellence is the foundation for a thriving community. Its people donate their time and resources to cater to the future of Detroit, starting with the youth.

 

 

S³ donates hundreds of books to Carver Elementary School

For more than 10 years, S³ has donated books for elementary school students to the Detroit Public Schools. This year Carl Bentley, executive vice president and Shalini Lawson, Detroit branch manager, were on-hand to deliver hundreds of these books to Carver Elementary School on Detroit’s west side.

arl Bentley and Shalini  Lawson presented books to Carver students

arl Bentley and Shalini Lawson presented books to Carver students

The books were donated by guests attending the S³ annual holiday party last December.

It was ideal timing for the delivery as a group of fourth and fifth grade girls of the LitWorld literacy program happily greeted Bentley and Lawson. Flanked by Principal Sabrina Evans and other Carver Elementary staff, the young hostesses of the LitWorld program listened intently to Bentley and Lawson as they spoke about the importance of literacy and S³’s role in helping promote that mission.

Bentley believes that S³’s continued dedication to improving literacy in students will be beneficial to the city of Detroit as a whole.

“Our commitment to academic excellence in the classroom helps instill discipline in our young people which in turn makes for better leaders in the community,” he said.

Principal Sabrina Evans and Carl Bentley

Principal Sabrina Evans and Carl Bentley

Principal Evans welcomed S³ executives with opened arms. “We are excited for the opportunity to have more books added to our accelerated readers’ inventory,” she said. She also spoke highly of the LitWorld program, “Our girls love it. I want the program to be extended to boys so they can also grow a love for reading.”

Detroit Public Schools teamed up with LitWorld, an international non-profit literacy organization, to enhance literacy in metro Detroit. LitWorld has established programs that encourage self-confidence and leadership in students. There are eight LitClubs in the district at Carver, Davison, Detroit International Academy for Young Women, Earhart, Garvey, Gompers, MacKenzie, and Palmer Park Academy.

Shalini Lawson helps stack books with students

Shalini Lawson helps stack books with students

Lawson was hands-on with the students. She shuffled through stacks of books as the girls looked on with excitement.

“This is what community service is all about,” said Lawson. “I love that I work for a place that can create this much enthusiasm for reading.”The program has positively impacted the girls at Carver.

“It’s great for kids my age,” said Adriana Smith, a fifth grader who loves the program. It teaches you about literature.”

The girl’s LitWorld group at Carver also helps organize the other students in the lunch room and auditorium. Because of this program Adriana says she wants to help more people in the future.S³ is committed to its mission in furthering culture, helping children succeed and giving back to the communities in which it does business. The company fulfilled a bit of that mission at Carver Elementary School.  With the company’s unwavering dedication to charity and community work, the S³ team looks to continue donating books to schools in the metro Detroit area.

S³ sponsors 5K race on Belle Isle Grand Prix track to raise money for downtown Detroit safety effort

On Saturday, May 24 runners and walkers participating in the Grand Prix Shakedown 5K Run and Family Fun Walk can take a spin around the 2.3 mile Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix race track. The Grand Prix cars can do it in about a minute. A fast runner can do it in about 16 minutes and you get to see some terrific scenery.

580417_166456936865761_1121691927_nThe run and fun walk is not just about enjoying the scenery, checking out the race track or getting the fastest time. It is about helping the community. That’s the reason Strategic Staffing Solutions (S³), the Downtown Runners and Walkers, the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix and Penske Corp. host the annual race.

Those participating in the event are also part of the ongoing efforts to improve safety and security in Detroit. All proceeds from the race go to the Downtown Detroit Partnership’s Safety and Security Program, a private/public strategy and implementation plan that provides a sustainable, safe environment.

GPSThe Shakedown 5K Run and Family Fun Walk, now in its 21st year, has always been a community/charity event. Contributions from corporate sponsors and run fees have helped the Shakedown raise nearly $500,000 for charities and community efforts since it began.

“Safety in Detroit, above all else, is essential to our city’s continued transformation,” said Cindy Pasky, founder, president and CEO of Strategic Staffing Solutions.  “S³, like other Downtown businesses, is committed to making our Downtown and our neighborhoods safe and secure. The dollars raised by the Shakedown will help the Downtown Detroit Partnership provide residents, employees and visitors with that safe environment.  Our goal is make all of Detroit clean, safe, and inviting.”

The Grand Prix Shakedown 5K Run and Family Fun Walk is Saturday, May 24. The walk starts at 8:30 a.m. The run starts at 9:00 a.m. What a way to begin Memorial Day weekend. You can register and get more information as well as ongoing updates by clicking here. The cost is $25.

S³ adopts all five horses in the Detroit Police Department’s Mounted Unit

Strategic Staffing Solutions (S3) has adopted the Detroit Police Department’s Mounted Unit for one year.  S3 will pay for the general care of the Mounted Unit’s five horses for the entire year, including hay, feed, vitamins, medications, bedding, vaccinations and vet costs, and new shoes and trim every six weeks. Care for one horse per year costs $7,500.

Cindy Pasky checks out the horses

Cindy Pasky checks out the horses

“Detroit must be safe and secure to attract the businesses and talent it needs to grow and continue on with its transformation,” said Cindy Pasky, president and CEO of Strategic Staffing Solutions. “The Mounted Unit plays a key role in that attraction through crime prevention and detection as well as community engagement. S3 is glad to help support the men and women of that unit as they work every day to keep our city safe.”

The Mounted Unit rides 365 days a year unless weather does not permit (below 15 degrees, heavy rain, lighting or ice storms).

They maintain police presence through daily patrols around busy Downtown and Midtown areas.  At night, the unit patrols entertainment districts and the Detroit RiverWalk.  Officers and horses also patrol neighborhoods and parks as needed based on crime activities.

DPD_Mntd182The unit patrols major sporting events at all three sports venues downtown (Comerica Park, Ford Field and Joe Louis Arena) and is on site during any concerts held at these venues, as well.

Additionally, officers and horses attend hundreds of school and community events as requested, as well as career days and block parties.

“The Mounted Unit represents an important branch in Detroit’s Police Department, including Search and Rescue and crowd control,” said Mounted Unit Sergeant Erik Eide.  “We are beyond humbled by Strategic Staffing Solution’s generosity in helping us care for our horses.”  The Mounted Unit is comprised of Big Baby, Elmo, Ivan, Tiny and Vader.

Cindy and Sgt. Erik Eide

Cindy and Sgt. Erik Eide

Sgt. Eide first met representatives from S3 in December at the Detroit Public Safety Foundation’s Above & Beyond Awards Ceremony, resulting in S3’s interest to adopt the horses.

“The service provided by the Detroit Police Mounted Unit to our citizens is immeasurable,” said Chief James Craig. “The very generous donation and adoption of our horses by S3 is more than just a financial pledge – it is a strong commitment to the community in which we all serve.”

The adoption was made through the Detroit Public Safety Foundation.