Hello August and the end of Summer! Our August Holidays bring us wonderful opportunities to recognize our surroundings and the people we see and speak to every day.
This month is National Black Business Month, National Immunization Awareness Month, Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month, National Wellness Month, World Cancer Support Month, National Breastfeeding Month, Air Force Day, Coast Guard Birthday, Purple Heart Day, National Airborne Day, National Aviation Day, and Women’s Equality Day! In this month’s edition of Positively Pearl, you can expect to see the following:
• July Recap – Independence Day & Virtual 2024 Olympics
• CCO Onsite Ice Cream Social, School Supply Drive, & Quality Olympics
• August Awareness: A Month to Reflect, Support, and Engage!
• National Black Business Month
• Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month
• Purple Heart Day
• Women’s Equality Day
• National Wellness Month
• Employee Recognitions
• What’s Coming Up
• The Unofficial Pearl Joke Book
• Your Pearl Pets
July Recap – Independence Day & Virtual 2024 Olympics
In July, the Employee Engagement Department celebrated Independence Day by sharing delicious recipes that brought a festive spirit to our Pearl Interactive Network family. Our virtual cookbook featured everything from classic BBQ favorites to innovative twists on patriotic treats. To explore all the mouthwatering recipes, visit our company newsletter website at Favorite Recipes. Additionally, we kicked off the first two events of our much-anticipated Virtual 2024 Olympics, which continued into the middle of August and have been a great success with lots of fun for all participants.
The first event of the Virtual 2024 Olympics was a series of fun questions that sparked lively discussions and showcased our diverse interests. When asked, “Summer or Winter Olympics? Why?” our responses were evenly split, with many favoring summer for the warm weather and outdoor activities, while others preferred winter for the cozy vibes and exciting snow sports. The question “What is your favorite Olympics movie?” saw the 1993 classic “Cool Runnings” emerge as the most popular choice, a nod to its heartwarming and inspirational story. Lastly, the question “Which fictional character would you like to see compete in the Olympics?” brought a range of imaginative answers, from cartoon characters and literary heroes to a notable number of superheroes, with Wonder Woman being a particularly popular choice.
The second event of the Virtual 2024 Olympics was the Typing Test Event, where participants put their typing skills to the test. Participants were sent a link for typingtest.com and encouraged to submit screenshots of their typing speeds. This event highlighted the impressive talents within our team, with an average typing speed of 49 words per minute (WPM). The standout performance was an incredible 103 WPM, showcasing both speed and accuracy.
The third event of the Virtual 2024 Olympics was the “Guess That Nation’s Flag” challenge, where participants tested their knowledge of world flags. This event brought out the geography enthusiasts in our team, as everyone worked to identify the flags of various countries. It was a fun and educational experience, with some flags proving to be quite tricky! To see how well you did, here are the answers: 1.Malawi, 2. Estonia, 3. Brazil, 4.Palau, 5. Uzbekistan, 6. Italy, 7. East Timor, 8. Zimbabwe, 9. France, and 10. Kiribati. Great job to everyone who took part, and we hope you enjoyed broadening your global awareness.
The fourth event of the Virtual 2024 Olympics was the “Olympic Trivia” challenge, where participants demonstrated their knowledge of Olympic history and facts. This event was highly engaging, with everyone eager to show off their Olympic expertise. The trivia questions covered a range of topics from the origins of the Games to their modern-day significance. Here are the answers to the trivia questions: 1. Greece, 2. Every four years, 3. 776 BC, 4. 1896, 5. Athens, Greece, 6. Baron Pierre de Coubertin, 7. “Citius, Altius, Fortius”, 8. “Faster, Higher, Stronger”, 9. Blue, Yellow, Black, Green, and Red, 10. Joy of effort, fair play, respect for others, pursuit of excellence; and balance between body, will, and mind. Great job to all participants for their impressive knowledge!
The fifth and final event of the Virtual 2024 Olympics was the “Word Jumble” challenge, where participants tackled a series of Olympic-themed anagrams. This event tested our problem-solving skills and brought a fun, competitive spirit to the end of our virtual games. Everyone did an excellent job unscrambling the words. Here are the answers to the jumbles: 1. ATHLETE, 2. SPONSOR, 3. OLYMPICS, 4. COMPETE, 5. ANTHEM, 6. RECORD, 7. CHAMPION, 8. MEDALIST, 9. VICTORY, 10. NATIONAL. Congratulations to all who participated in the Virtual 2024 Olympics! Your enthusiasm and teamwork made these events memorable. Stay engaged and keep the spirit of friendly competition alive as we look forward to more exciting activities ahead in August!
Each of the winners will be receiving a custom $25 SugarWish order. We are thrilled to announce the winners of the 2024 Virtual Olympics:
🏅 1st Place Fun Olympic Questions: Latreese Greer
🏅 1st Place Typing Test: Chae Cunningham
🏅 1st Place Flag Guess: Jenn Stein
🏅 1st Place Olympic Trivia: Kenntrice Dunston
🏅 1st Place Word Jumble: Melissa Coulter
Congratulations to our winners, and a big round of applause to everyone who took part! Your participation is what made this event a success.
CCO Onsite Ice Cream Social, School Supply Drive, & Quality Olympics
At Pearl Interactive Network, our commitment to fostering a vibrant and engaged workplace shines through in everything we do. This summer, our Kentucky team came together for three fantastic onsite events that brought a lot of smiles, support, and friendly competition. From enjoying sweet treats at the CCO’s Ice Cream Social to giving back with our School Supply Drive and showcasing our skills in the Quality Olympics, our team exemplified the spirit of Pearl Interactive.
Scroll down to relive these moments with photos capturing the highlights of each event!
We had the Fourth of July week. We had theme days for each day of the week so everyone could dress up to celebrate Independence Day.
America Monday:
Stars and Stripes Tuesday:
Shannon Davis
Melinda Holt
Matthew Thacker, Brittany Cole, and Kathy Sliver
Kelly Bailey
Kathy Sliver, Brittany Cole, and Jessica Spears
Kathy Sliver and Brittany Cole
Brittany Cole and Jessica Spears
Tonya Baker
Wednesday Mismatched Clothes and Crazy Socks:
Friday – Hats off to our heroes:
We also are currently having two quality Olympic games a month that are run by Operations Manager Heather Gross. This is from the last one on 7/26. We called the name of this game “The strong man competition”! One agent per team was given the opportunity to play and represent the whole team. The agent had to wear a pair of oven mitts and open as many pieces of candy as possible in one minute. The winner was Mary Powell on Melanie Owens’ team.
This is from the school supplies drive we hosted. We gathered a grand total of 3,849 items to donate to Clark County Public Schools.
These are from the ice cream social we had here.
Everyone was given the opportunity to pick an ice cream of their choice. This wasn’t for a special day or anything. Just to be nice and help boost morale within the call center. =-)
August Awareness: A Month to Reflect, Support, and Engage!
August is here, and it’s a month brimming with opportunities to raise awareness and celebrate diversity, health, and well-being! At Pearl Interactive Network, we’re excited to spotlight several important causes. It’s National Black Business Month, a time to recognize and support the achievements of Black entrepreneurs. National Immunization Awareness Month reminds us of the critical role vaccines play in our health. Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month shines a light on this rare genetic condition, encouraging understanding and support. National Wellness Month inspires us to prioritize our physical and mental health. World Cancer Support Month emphasizes the importance of support systems for those affected by cancer. Lastly, National Breastfeeding Month celebrates the benefits of breastfeeding and supports nursing families. Join us in embracing these causes and making a positive impact this August!
Empowering Our Community: Celebrate National Black Business Month
August is National Black Business Month, a time to recognize and support the invaluable contributions of Black-owned businesses. At Pearl Interactive Network, we encourage everyone to engage with and uplift these businesses, which are essential to our economy and community. Black-owned businesses, especially those led by women, are some of the fastest-growing sectors, driving innovation and job creation.
We can all make a difference by intentionally choosing to support Black-owned businesses, attending community events that showcase their offerings, and amplifying their stories on social media. This month, let’s celebrate and champion Black entrepreneurs, ensuring they continue to thrive and inspire future generations. Together, we can build a more inclusive and vibrant economy.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month: Understanding and Supporting Those Affected
August is Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about this rare genetic disorder. SMA is a neuromuscular disease that affects the motor neurons in the spinal cord, leading to progressive muscle weakness and atrophy. It is one of the leading genetic causes of death in infants, but it can affect individuals of all ages. There are several types of SMA, with Type 1 being the most severe, often diagnosed in infants, while other types may present milder symptoms that develop later in childhood or even adulthood.
Recent advancements in research have brought hope to those affected by SMA. Treatments have been developed to modify the disease course, particularly when administered early in life. Gene therapy and other innovative treatments are also being explored, offering the possibility of further improving outcomes for individuals with SMA. However, early diagnosis and intervention remain crucial for these treatments to be most effective.
To learn more about Spinal Muscular Atrophy, its symptoms, and the latest research, you can explore resources like the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), the Cleveland Clinic, and the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). These organizations provide comprehensive information on SMA, offer support to those affected, and connect families with the latest treatment options and research developments.
Honoring Our Heroes on Purple Heart Day
Each year on August 7th, the nation comes together to honor the bravery and sacrifices of the men and women who have earned the Purple Heart. This prestigious medal is awarded to those who have been wounded or killed while serving in the U.S. military. The history of the Purple Heart dates back to August 7, 1782, when General George Washington established the Badge of Military Merit, the precursor to the modern-day Purple Heart. Washington’s Badge of Military Merit was revived in 1932 as the Purple Heart, making it one of the oldest military decorations still awarded today.
Recognizing Purple Heart Day is crucial as it offers a dedicated time to reflect on the cost of our freedom and the sacrifices made by our nation’s combat-wounded veterans. The day also serves to remind us of the nearly two million service members who have received this honor since World War I. Events like those hosted by the National Purple Heart Honor Mission provide a platform for Purple Heart recipients to share their personal stories, ensuring that their experiences are remembered and honored. The mission also plays a significant role in educational programs that promote awareness about the significance of this medal and the heroes who wear it.
For more information on the history of Purple Heart Day and to learn about the National Purple Heart Honor Mission’s ongoing efforts to honor these heroes, visit the National Purple Heart Honor Mission and USO. Additionally, the American Legion provides an insightful look into the significance of this medal and its recipients, which you can explore here.
Celebrating Women’s Equality Day: Honoring Progress, Continuing the Journey
As we approach Women’s Equality Day on August 26th, it’s important to reflect on the significance of this day, which commemorates the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920, granting women the right to vote in the United States. Women’s Equality Day not only honors this pivotal achievement in American history but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality in all aspects of life. This day encourages us to recognize the progress made while acknowledging that the journey towards full equality is far from complete.
The observance of Women’s Equality Day is more than a celebration of past victories; it is a call to action to continue advocating for women’s rights in every sphere. Despite the hard-won right to vote, women still face significant challenges, including disparities in pay, representation in leadership roles, and access to healthcare. The day highlights the need to address these ongoing issues and to push for policies that ensure equality for all women, regardless of race, class, or sexual orientation.
At Pearl Interactive Network, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every employee feels valued and empowered. On this Women’s Equality Day, let us reaffirm our dedication to gender equality, not just as a historical milestone, but as a present-day priority. By supporting each other and advocating for equal opportunities, we can help build a workplace and a world where gender does not dictate one’s opportunities or rights. For more information about the importance of Women’s Equality Day, check out the websites below.
- Women’s Equality Day | National Women’s History Museum (womenshistory.org)
- Why is August 26 known as Women’s Equality Day? | Constitution Center
- Women’s Equality Day – National Women’s History Alliance (nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org)
Get Moving with Our Virtual Summer Wellness Challenge!
The Employee Engagement Department is excited to announce the Virtual Summer Wellness Challenge, running from August 18th to August 31st! This all-virtual challenge encourages everyone at Pearl Interactive Network to get active and enjoy the outdoors. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a peaceful yoga session in the park, or a bike ride around your neighborhood, we want you to embrace the summer while boosting your wellness. Simply capture a photo of yourself engaging in any outdoor activity or exercise and email it to EmployeeEngagement@pinsourcing.com by August 31st. Send a photo of your activity each day to earn extra entries into a raffle, where one lucky participant will win a $50 gift card!
This challenge is a great opportunity to refresh your mind, body, and spirit while working from home. Not only will you have the chance to win a prize, but you’ll also be investing in your health and well-being. The more you participate, the better your chances of winning, so make the most of these last days of summer. We can’t wait to see all the ways you’re staying active, and we wish everyone the best of luck in the raffle!
9/1 – 9/30 Pearl’s 20th Anniversary Celebration
Expect to see various activities, games, and much more!
