Written by: Birgit Fry
Have you ever wondered why you were asked to verify your address at the time of hire? Do you recall during your new hire orientation that Pearl is a considered a HUBZone certified small business? Continue to read on for answers to these questions, as well as, additional information on what HUBZone is and updates related to the certification process for 2022.
HUBZone stands for Historically Underutilized Business Zone. This program awards federal contracts to small businesses, like Pearl, that operate and employ workers in economically underdeveloped areas. This program allows Pearl to bring job opportunities to areas where jobs are limited and may create financial hardships for the residents.
For Pearl to be successful in the HUBZone program, we must maintain residency records of any of the employees that reside in these underdeveloped areas to meet the requirements set by the Small Business Association. This is where you, our employees come in!
If you have been identified as living in a HUBZone, you will receive an email from one of our HR Generalists in the coming weeks asking you for a valid driver’s license or State ID that reflects the address currently listed for you in our payroll system (Paycom). If you do not have a driver’s license that reflects the address on file, you can also provide ‘alternate” documentation to HR.
“Alternate” documentation includes a current lease agreement, deed or mortgage statement, and/or a utility bill. Please note that if you are submitting a utility bill it would have to be for one of the following: electricity, gas, cable, internet, or landline phone. If you are submitting ‘alternate’ documents, HR may also ask for an additional statement and will let you know if this is needed through a follow up email.
Thank you to all our HUBZone eligible employees for providing these crucial documents as quickly as possible, but also for helping to ensure that if a move has occurred, you are not only notifying HR as soon as possible but you are also processing the Address Change through the Information tab in Paycom. Your assistance with completing this certification allows Pearl to achieve its mission to reduce barriers to employment.