EPPICard users be aware!

The EPPICard is similar to a debit card, and is issued by a state agency for the purpose of receiving child-support payments.
Individuals have reported receiving e-mail or text messages indicating a problem with their account. They are directed to follow the link provided in the message to update their account or correct the problem. The link actually directs the individuals to a fraudulent Web site where their personal information, such as account number and PIN, is compromised.
Individuals have also reported receiving an e-mail message asking them to complete an online survey. At the end of the survey, they are asked for their EPPICard account information to allow funds to be credited to the account in appreciation for completing the survey. Providing this information will allow criminals to compromise the account.
EPPICard providers indicate they are not affiliated with survey web sites and do not solicit personal information via e-mail or text messages.
Be cautious of unsolicited e-mails. Do not open e-mails from unknown senders because they often contain viruses or other malicious software. Also, avoid clicking links in e-mails received from unknown senders as this is a popular method of directing victims to phishing Web sites.
If you have received an e-mail similar to this, please notify the IC3 by filing a complaint at www.IC3.gov.

AES Brings in the Groceries

AES employees turned out in full force on Saturday, May 10 to help Pensacola's Manna Food Bank in their annual postal service drive. Employees worked at post offices unloading postal trucks and sorting and loading donations. For the sixteenth year, US mail carriers collected food donations along their routes. The donations were brought to the post offices where volunteers sorted and loaded the supplies for delivery to the food bank.

AES' owner, Don Moore, grilled hamburgers and hotdogs for volunteers at the Food Bank.
"We had a great turnout in both people power and donations. We're always glad to help Manna and we enjoy a strong partnership with them," Don said.

  Thank You Letter From Manna

 

SAS 70 Audit Update

We are pleased to announce that the readiness report has been completed. This means that the controls and safeguards have all been identified and we are in the implementation phase of the audit process. Following the implementation phase will be the testing phase. AES' level 1certification will be completed in late 2008. SAS is an acronym for Statement on Auditing Standards. SAS No. 70 is titled "Reports on the Processing of Transactions by Service Organizations." Stay tuned for more updates on our progress.

AES to Use Email Encryption

 

 

Protecting the privacy and security of sensitive information is a priority at AES. In keeping with this commitment, AES will further protect our clients and employees through the use of e-mail encryption. Beginning in May 2008, all e-mails containing sensitive information will be encrypted.

AES's use of encrypted e-mail enables us to send quick, reliable communications while maintaining our commitment to protecting the confidentiality of client / employee-specific information.

What is encrypted e-mail?

Encrypted e-mail is scrambled by the sender's e-mail program, which renders it unreadable until it is descrambled or "decrypted" by the recipient. Unencrypted e-mail is similar to a postcard - the message can be viewed by anyone who picks it up. Encrypted e-mail is similar to a sealed letter -- the content cannot be viewed until the envelope is opened - except, in this case, the envelope has a lock on it to which only the recipient has a key!

How will AES's use of encrypted e-mail impact recipients?

• Whenever AES transmits sensitive information via e-mail, the e-mail will include a message indicating that the content has been secured via encryption.

• Encrypted e-mails from AES will instruct users to go to a secure website where they must sign in using a self created password to view their email document and any attachments.

• Anyone who receives an encrypted e-mail from AES will be able to send an encrypted reply.

 

 

AES Partners With AAA South

AES employees can now enjoy the benefits of the south's largest auto club at a discounted rate.
AAA South's basic membership includes nationwide emergency road service, discounts on everything from hotel rooms to eyeglasses and movie tickets, and trip planning assistance. For an additional fee, coverage will include towing, gas delivery and lockout service.
To enroll in AAA South, click on THIS LINK. If you have any questions, call AES Human Resources: Pensacola calling area: 477-4449. Outside Pensacola, call toll free 866-805-7129.

AES in Top 10 of Family-Friendly Employers

Families Count has awarded AES the distinction of a Top 20 Companies for Working Families. Families Count's mission is to work with families with children to prevent or end child abuse and neglect. Mike Cranmer, AES Director of Corporate Relations, accepted the award at the Families Count Awards banquet in Fort Walton Beach on March 21.
AES ranks in the top 10 of the Top 20 companies because AES employees enjoy 100% paid employee health and life insurance, flexible work schedules, paid holidays, and generous Paid Time Off. At least once a month, AES owner Don Moore hosts an employee lunch. He also hosts semi-annual employee picnics and an employee Christmas party. AES employees know that when child care emergencies occur, they are able to bring their children to the office.
"We are proud to be a part of the Top 20 Companies for Working Families," said AES owner Don Moore.
"Our employees know that we not only ‘talk -the- talk' about family values, but they see those values in action."

  Article in NW Florida's Business Magazine

 

AES Client is Chamber's Small Business For March ‘08

Ballinger Publishing of Pensacola, FL is the area's Small Business of the Month for March , 2008. The company publishes multiple periodicals that focus on various aspects of the northwest Florida community, including lifestyle, business, tourism, and health.
The Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce presented the award to Malcolm Ballinger, publishing company owner, on March 12. In accepting the award, Ballinger observed the phenomenal growth his company has enjoyed in its first five years of operation. He said the company has grown
AES extends its heartiest congratulations to Mr. Ballinger and his staff for their success.

Benefield Brings Expertise to Emerald Coast

Keith Benefield has joined AES' account executive team. Benefield has over 20 years experience developing national accounts in multiple industries. He has worked with the world's largest hotel chain, restaurants, service organizations and communications companies. He holds a bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from Auburn University.

"I am anxious to increase AES' partnerships with the Emerald Coast business community," Benefield said. Benefield said it is easy for him to see how businesses will benefit from partnering with AES. "Having worked with so many industries who share the common frustrations and expense of human resources, benefits and workers' comp, I know AES is an asset businesses can't afford to ignore." Benefield is based from AES' Panama City office.

AES Provides Free Worker Search

Looking for a new employee? Tired of spending money on ads that produce too many inappropriate applicants?

AES offers clients and other businesses free worker search services. AES offers its client companies the additional free benefit of pre-qualifying resume review and interviewing, when requested.

Any business that is an EEO/Affirmative Action employer may submit criteria to fill a vacancy for any job. The criteria are posted under AES' Job Opportunities web page for 30 days (Link is on the AES web site at the top). When job seekers submit a response to the vacancy notice, their responses are forwarded to the company with the vacancy.

AES also provides guidance to employers on how to determine minimum criteria and pay. To request a listing on the AES website, call 850-477-4449, ext. 302.

 

Family Leave Act Extended to Military

The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) has expanded to include active duty military service people and their families under certain conditions. This expansion benefits military families in two ways.

If a military person is on active duty or notified of pending call to active duty, and is otherwise eligible for the FMLA, he/she may be entitled for up to 12 weeks of FMLA leave. Secondly, workers who qualify for FMLA may qualify for up to 26 weeks in a 12-month period to serve as caregiver for a military service member who suffered an illness or injury while on active duty; if that illness/injury renders the service member unable to perform his/her job. Note, the injury/illness does not have to occur in the line of duty.

The caregiver benefit went into effect January 28, 2008. The call to duty benefit is pending regulatory language from the Secretary of Labor who requests employers immediately implement both benefits

AES Human Resources Department assists its clients in determining FMLA eligibility.

 

AES Participates in Food Bank Celebration

Manna Food Bank in Pensacola Fl celebrated its 25th Anniversary January 19. Food Bank supporters donated $25 each to choose a hand-thrown bowl and then sample soups from premier Pensacola restaurants. One of the restaurants that participated is also an AES client.

AES donated several hundred dollars to the cause. A number of AES employees, including those who work at the food bank on modified duty, participated in the Saturday event.

AES Launches New Website

We are very excited to launch our new and improved website. We worked long and hard to enhance our new site with even more valuable information, applications, resources and functionality. Tell us what you think.

AES Prepares for SAS 70 Certification

January 2008
To ensure the highest standards in internal controls, quality and security, AES Human Resource Solutions has partnered with the highly regarded CPA firm O'Sullivan Creel LLP, to conduct a SAS 70 Type II Audit. In January 2008 we will receive our readiness report and begin implementation. Certification will be completed in early 2009. SAS is an acronym for Statement on Auditing Standards. SAS No. 70 is titled "Reports on the Processing of Transactions by Service Organizations". Stay tuned for more updates on our progress.

Taking the Temperature of Small Business

Owners in Florida Say They're Squeezed Between Soaring Health-Care Costs and Going Uninsured. After pay, health insurance is the most important inducement small businesses use to recruit and keep workers. Yet more than half the 365 small businesses in a recent survey said their premiums rose as much as 10 percent this year. NAPEO's survey shows 71 percent will continue to insure their workers in the coming year - but another five percent remain unsure about continuing. The trade association surveyed members' clients in November and found that health care costs were their second-biggest worry after attracting workers. To review the NAPEO survey report, go to http://www.napeo.org AES would like to personally thank our clients that took time to provide their useful feedback.

AES Expands to Virginia

January 2008
AES, a Human Resource Outsourcing organization, announces expansion into the Hampton Roads, Virginia market in January 2008. This market consists of several economically vibrant cities within the Southeastern sector of Virginia and will enable AES to position itself within a captive region. AES is headquartered out of Pensacola, Florida with regional locations throughout the state. "It is vital to our future growth to continue our expansion into key markets that have positive economic indicators forecasted", said Ronald C. Tarkowski, Director of Business Development. The contact number for this area is (866) 805-7129.

Florida Minimum Wage Increase

Effective January 1, 2008, Florida's minimum wage increases to $6.79 per hour. http://www.floridajobs.org

Hands-Free HR

When does outsourcing make sense?
Read the full article here: http://www.businessweek.com