Elevate Nov/Dec 2024

10 Tips for

Winter Readiness

Pg 10

Social Engineering

Avoid Being Scammed:

Pg 9

Nov/Dec 2024

With warmth and gratitude,

Sarah Wolfersberger Sr. Training Manager

As the year winds down, we gather here, To reflect on the moments that brought us near, In virtual halls and bustling stores, Together we’ve achieved so much, and more. November greets us with crisp, cool air, Thanksgiving tables, and memories to share. December follows, with lights so bright, Filling our days with warmth and light. From winter readiness to learning anew, This season reminds us of all we can do— In reaching goals, staying safe on the way, Growing stronger together, day by day. To our Top Learners and those who shine, In every role, you inspire the climb. Whether it’s helping, teaching, or leading the team, You remind us all to follow our dreams. So here’s to the holidays, in all they bring— Moments of joy, time to pause and sing. May this season fill your heart with cheer, And set the stage for a bright new year.

Jen Hovestadt

Jennifer HovestadtSr. Training Manager

Letter from the Editor

Culture Calendars

NEEDS UPDATED

Tech Tips

Elevated Opportunities

Elevated Content

ElevateU Book Club

Mindful Moment

Trivia & Fast Facts

Winter Readiness

Avoid Being Scammed

ElevateU Book Club Winners

Top Learners

Employee & Dept Spotlight

Training Results Spotlight

In-Store Updates

Table of Contents

Updated ✅

September Top 5

Top Learners

Each monthly winner will be contacted by email from the University of Premium. Limit one prize per person, per year.

Donna Reckis

Christopher Chapman

Beth Reinhard

Janelle Weimerskirch

Shiela Wheeler

Updated ✅

October Top 5

Top Learners

Each monthly winner will be contacted by email from ElevateU. Limit one prize per person, per year.

Janelle Weimerskirch

Lucas Dotson

Mandy Snyder

Bradley Tannor

Jennifer Vance

Updated ✅

Assessing Your Strengths, Interests, and Values

6 Tips for Successful Peer-to-Peer Training

Scheduling 101: How to Prioritize Tasks and Avoid Procrastination

Ted Talks: How to speak so that people want to listen

Check out these new learning paths and courses. Did you know the ElevateU Team is regularly adding new learning content to help you reach your development goals?

Fresh Learning Paths & Courses

Plus, much more! Visit the Elevate catalog to see all of the latest releases and updates.

Elevated Content

to help you navigate your options!

Check out the course

"Key Terms for Comparing Health Insurance Plans"

It's Open Enrollment Season!

November

Culture Calendar

Explore the calendar below by selecting the icons to discover more about each unique observance!

Reflecting On Your Career Goals

Q4 is a time to review and reflect on your goal process this year--participate in this activity and earn 25 points towards rewards!

Cooleaf Activity:

Explore the calendar below by selecting the icons to discover more about each unique observance!

Culture Calendar

December

Who is most vulnerable to social engineering attacks?

How can I protect myself from social engineering attacks?

What is social engineering?

Are government agencies allowed to ask for payment through gift cards or cryptocurrency?

What should I do if I think I've been a victim of social engineering?

What are some common social engineering scams?

How do social engineers target their victims?

Check out the podcast below and take a moment to review the FAQs to safeguard yourself against social engineering scams.

Avoid being scammed: Social engineering

Social Engineering FAQs:

10

Keep your vehicle winter-ready

Adjust your schedule for daylight

Check weather conditions in advance

Prepare a Winter Emergency Kit for your car

Maintain comfortable footware

Know when to stay home

Prepare for delays

Layer up for comfort

Stay hydrated and fueled

Plan your route

As winter approaches, staying prepared is key for those who travel daily. From icy roads to unpredictable weather, winter conditions can be challenging—but with the right strategies, you can stay safe, comfortable, and efficient on the go. Check out these 10 essential winter readiness tips to keep your workday running smoothly, no matter what the season throws your way!

Winter Readiness

Gloria Montes Field Rep

Melanie Long Sr. Client Acct Mgr

Anna Creek Merchandiser

1-year Express Membership to the Next Big Idea Club!

Bonus Prize

1-year Full Membership to the Next Big Idea Club!

Grand Prize

Check out the next book we're reading and be sure to complete the accompanying course in ElevateU!

Want a chance to win?

September/October Winners!

Book Club

Quiet the Noise: Learn to Harness the Power of Your Inner Voice

Select an option below to dive into this empowering content and start transforming your inner dialogue today!

Book Club

"Chatter" by Ethan Kross

View Course

(no points)

+55 Points towards Top Learner!

Take the Course

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the constant chatter in your mind? Psychologist and neuroscientist Dr. Ethan Kross offers a revolutionary perspective on how we can transform our inner critic from a source of stress into a tool for success. Based on years of research, Dr. Kross explains why we fall into negative thought spirals and shares powerful strategies to break free. In his insightful course, "Harnessing the Chatter in Our Minds for Good," Dr. Kross introduces practical techniques to quiet the noise and take control of your thoughts—leading to better decision-making, stronger relationships, and improved well-being.

Results:

Solution:

Issue:

PI success rate has hit an all-time high of 72.2% YTD vs 66.4% from last year!

Phantom Inventory not being reported correctly

Training Results Spotlight:

L'Oreal sees all-time high success!

Our experiences working with the training team has always been positive with their attention to detail & ability to turn our ideas into best in class training material! With the well planned out meetings, follow ups & reviews, the finished training is always a collaboration of all involved. The L’Oreal team knows the Training Team is our “GO TO TEAM” for our training needs & refreshes! My advice to any client team that is struggling with the desired results & getting mixed feedback from the retail team, would be to immediately set up a meeting with the Training Team to walk through your retail visit actions & put together a rep training! You have NOTHING to lose & IMPROVED results to GAIN!

Mark Smith Sr. Director Strategic Accounts

Update training to better identify PI reporting tools and process.

In her new role, she will focus on growing In-Store’s retail services to drive incremental revenue. Andrea brings extensive CPG experience and vast retail expertise to this new role. Starting her career as a Field Rep and working her way up to her most recent role of VP of National Retail Operations, Andrea brings an invaluable perspective that will help us build compelling strategic retail solutions for our current and potential new clients. She has been with Acosta Group for over four years and previously supported our Vertical Hispanic Team and Dedicated Bashas Reset Team.

On October 28, Acosta US Retail Syndicated and Premium Sales were centralized into one powerhouse team as part of In-Store’s ongoing retail evolution efforts. As part of this expanded network, team members have new opportunities to gain experience, develop new skills, and increase their knowledge of clients and retailers. The #BetterTogether Hub site is a one-stop shop for resources and information on this transition.

Over 13,000 Premium employees (US and Canada) transitioned to the Oracle HR platform on September 17, unifying all Acosta Group employees on one HR platform and creating a streamlined process for recruiting, development, and workforce engagement.

Andrea Adams has been promoted to Vice President of Business Development for In-Store Services!

In-Store Updates

My advice to anyone new is always stay teachable and never fear asking questions. Take pride in your work and know you are making a difference.

Perhaps the most important practice I have developed is persistence. Not being able to find something is not an option for me. Our clients pay us to help increase the sales of their products. I do not quit until until their product is placed and tagged no matter how difficult the backroom navigation or printer location may be.

I believe I have been successful by learning to communicate with store management, following through with integrity and always leaving the store in better shape than when I arrived. These actions have allowed me to develop relationships of trust in that the store staff know I have their best interests at heart so in return they allow me to service our client's product with visibility they deserve.

I have been employed by Premium 4.5 years with a start date of March 2020. My favorite aspect of the job is the flexible schedule, however, the people I have met both in Walmart and Premium are a very close second.

What advice would you give to someone who is new to the company and aspiring to make an impact like you?

What do you think has contributed most to your success in the field?

What skills or practices have you developed that you think others in the field could benefit from?

Michelle Heidebrink

How long have you been with Premium, and what's been your favorite thing about working in the Walmart PSP Team?

This issue’s Employee Spotlight shines on Walmart PSP Field Rockstar, Michelle Heidebrink! Known for her excellence in training new team members and fostering strong store relationships, Michelle continues to set the bar high in the field.

Employee Spotlight

Culture Team

Volunteers from Premium and Acosta took part in the St. Louis Meal Pack event for 9/11 Day, honoring and remembering those we lost by giving back and doing good. Our volunteers joined 25,000 volunteers nation-wide from 600 organizations in a spirit of service and unity to pack over 8.6 million meals for people in need.

Department Spotlights

Most Viral Moments

Best-Selling Books

of 2024

takes #1!

Inside Out 2

Academy Award

Best Picture

Most Streamed Song

of 2024

Most-Streamed Shows

Fun facts and trivia of 2024

of 2024

of 2024

The ruins of an ancient lost city were discovered in Ecuador. It is estimated the the city was built around 2,500 years ago. The extent of the city suggests the presence of a society as large as the Aztecs and Mayans.

The World Population has now reached 8.1 billion! Currently, the U.S. population is around 342 million.

According to the Chinese calendar, 2024 is the Year of the Dragon, which occurs every twelve years.

NASA’s Ingenuity helicopter took off for its 72nd and final flight on Mars.

Whether you're curious about film events, viral moments, or scientific achievements, these fun facts will give you a glimpse into the highlights that shaped this year.

iConnectYou app: Download the app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) and register using passcode: 254527

Learn More

• No cost
• Available 24/7

• Confidential
• 6 counseling sessions per issue, per year

Announcing a new employee assistance program

UPDATED

Anxiety is a feeling that can be caused by an unregulated nervous system. Feelings of anxiety can take away from enjoying everyday activities. Your mind will be on a continuous roll. However, you can restructure how your brain responds to anxiety with practices like this.

Mindful Moment

Select your device type below for a video demo:

bit.ly/welcometopremium

Check it out!

New Hire Microsite

Want quick access to a website you visit regularly? Add it to your homescreen!

Updated

Tech Tips

Become a Retail Training Specialist

Canada

UK + Ireland

USA

View Jobs

Join our dynamic team as a Retail Training Specialist, where you'll lead hands-on training programs to elevate merchandising standards and product knowledge across territories. Enjoy a collaborative, culture-driven environment while making a direct impact on our brand's success!

Shape the Future of Retail:

Elevated

Opportunities

Project Manager

Executive Editor

Keely Brubaker

Jennifer Hovestadt

Angela Eslick

Brian became part of the Premium team in 2022, attracted by its commitment to fostering personal and professional growth. Starting in client support, he swiftly transitioned to client services and is now embarking on a new journey as a Data Specialist. Throughout his time at Premium, Brian has been driven by a thirst for knowledge, seizing every chance to enhance his skills, resulting in his consistent recognition as a top learner. Beyond his professional endeavors, Brian finds solace in building Lego sets, where the process of following simple instructions to create something amazing mirrors the systematic approach he applies to his professional development.

Joining Premium in 2022 due to its reputation for encouraging personal and professional development, I quickly transitioned from a client support role to client services, and now I am moving into a Data Specialist position. Over the past couple of years, I have seized every opportunity to learn and advance my skills, highlighted by my consistent recognition as a top learner. On a personal note, building Lego serves as my therapeutic escape, where following simple instructions leads to creating something amazing, mirroring the systematic approach I bring to my professional growth.

Alex Marin

Proofreader

Jessica Venegoni

Fact-Checker / Analyst

Sarah Wolfersberger

Writer

Art Director

Editor

Brian Kruep

Staff

Meet the elevate

Keely is a dynamic professional with a rich background in training and tech, and a fervent passion for wildlife and nature. Starting her journey with Premium Retail in 2017 as part of the Pixel team, Keely swiftly climbed the ranks, transitioning through various roles before becoming an Instructional Designer in 2022. Alongside her professional endeavors, Keely finds fulfillment in volunteering at a wildlife center and indulging her love for birding with her kids. Now serving as the Art Director for FreshUp magazine, Keely brings a wealth of creative expertise and a dedication to excellence, promising to infuse each page with innovation and inspiration.

Alex has cultivated a dynamic career in sales, training, and education, marked by a trajectory progression. Beginning their journey in 2017 as a Google Area Manager, they swiftly distinguished themselves through their training strategies and leadership acumen. With a keen eye for identifying opportunities and driving results, they’ve earned recognition for their performance. As Alex’s career evolved, they transitioned to a pivotal role within the Premium Training Team. Their passion for education and development became evident as they imparted valuable insights and best practices, fostering collaboration and a culture of continuous learning and growth. When they are not working. they enjoys writing and playing music. As the FreshUp Project Manager, Alex brings that passion to the FreshUp team by spearheading initiatives aimed at bringing creativity and inspiration.

Angela joins the Fresh Up team with over six years of hands-on experience gained at Premium. In her role as a Zone Leader and her work with the Walmart PSP team, she's made significant contributions. Angela's dedication hasn't gone unnoticed, earning her the Premium Proud award five times. She's also been honored with the Duracell Diamond award twice, and has earned Top Learner from University of Premium. Angela's practical expertise and proven track record make her a valuable addition to the team.

I’ve worked for Premuim for a little over 6 years. I work in the field as a Zone Leader and also for the Walmart PSP team. I been awarded Top Learner also I’ve received Premuim Proud award 5 times also two Duracell Diamond awards.

Jessica Venegoni is a versatile professional known for her role as a meticulous proofreader for Fresh UP. With her sharp eye for detail, she ensures that every word is just right, captivating readers with clear, accurate, and polished content. In addition to her work as a proofreader, she also serves as a valued training specialist, sharing her expertise in language and cognition with aspiring writers and editors.Beyond her editorial duties, Jessica actively promotes inclusivity and understanding within Premium's cultural initiatives. She also enjoys teaching and sharing mindful practices and is committed to embracing diverse perspectives that resonate throughout the organization. Outside of work, Jessica loves snuggling with her cat, Nina, digging into new cuisine, and spending time outdoors soaking up the sun.

Check out Cooleaf to recognize a coworker, and spend your points!

Cooleaf

Missed an issue? No worries! We've got you covered; check out our previous issues from our archive catalog.

Previous Issues

Hey Field Teams: Did you know that you can access the Microsite unique to your In-Store group from the 360 Dashboard? Check out the "Training Resources" section, and click on "Start Here" to access it.

Microsite

Easy Reading

You can read Elevate on your computer or mobile device

Follow this link to add your phone number to our text delivery service.

Now you can also get it delivered to your text messages!

Read how you want

MyElevateU.com

See you next issue

Tell us how we did! Use this link to drop us a quick note of appreciation, inspiration, or anything else you want to share about your Elevate experience. We can't wait to hear from you!

Thank You!

Brian became part of the Premium team in 2022, attracted by its commitment to fostering personal and professional growth. Starting in client support, he swiftly transitioned to client services and is now embarking on a new journey as a Data Specialist. Throughout his time at Premium, Brian has been driven by a thirst for knowledge, seizing every chance to enhance his skills, resulting in his consistent recognition as a top learner. Beyond his professional endeavors, Brian finds solace in building Lego sets, where the process of following simple instructions to create something amazing mirrors the systematic approach he applies to his professional development.

Fact-Checker/Analyst

Brian Kruep

Writer

Check weather conditions in advance

• Stay updated on the forecast and road conditions.

• Use apps, such as Weather Channel or Accuweather, or listen to local radio for real-time information on snow, ice, and road closures.

Be skeptical: Verify requests for personal information, especially if they come through unusual channels or create a sense of urgency.Don't click on suspicious links: Hover over links to see the actual URL before clicking. Limit sharing personal information online: Be cautious about what you post on social media. Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication: Add an extra layer of security to your accounts. Educate yourself about common scams: Stay informed about the latest tactics used by cybercriminals.

How can I protect myself from social engineering attacks?

With over 1.4 billion streams, “Beautiful Things” by Benson Boone wins as the most streamed song of 2024.

Stay hydrated and fueled

Cold weather can be dehydrating. Drink water throughout the day, and pack high-energy snacks like nuts, protein bars, or fruit to keep your energy up during long sales shifts.

Social engineers use various methods to reach their victims, including phone calls, text messages, emails, social media, and even in-person interactions. They often impersonate trusted entities like banks, government agencies, or tech support to create a sense of legitimacy.

How do social engineers target their victims?

Jessica Venegoni is a versatile professional known for her role as a meticulous proofreader for Elevate With her sharp eye for detail, she ensures that every word is just right, captivating readers with clear, accurate, and polished content. In addition to her work as a proofreader, she also serves as a valued Training Specialist, sharing her expertise in language and cognition with aspiring writers and editors. Beyond her editorial duties, Jessica actively promotes inclusivity and understanding within Premium's cultural initiatives. She also enjoys teaching and sharing mindful practices and is committed to embracing diverse perspectives that resonate throughout the organization. Outside of work, Jessica loves snuggling with her cat, Nina, digging into new cuisine, and spending time outdoors soaking up the sun.

Proofreader

Jessica Venegoni

New Year's Eve marks the end of the year and the beginning of a new one. The occasion is celebrated with a variety of traditions, customs, and events, and holds significant importance in many cultures worldwide. People typically gather with family and friends to honor the past year and welcome the new one with hope and positivity.

New Year's Eve

Social engineering is a manipulation tactic used by cybercriminals to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords, bank details, or personal data. Instead of hacking systems directly, they exploit human psychology, using deception, persuasion, and intimidation to gain trust and achieve their malicious goals.

What is Social Engineering?

Maintain comfortable footwear

Short winter days mean less daylight. Schedule your travel between locations to maximize daylight driving and avoid being on unfamiliar or icy roads in the dark.

Adjust your schedule for daylight

Short winter days mean less daylight. Schedule your travel between locations to maximize daylight driving and avoid being on unfamiliar or icy roads in the dark.

The most streamed shows worldwide included The Gentleman, Bridgerton, Fallout, House of the Dragon, and Shogun.

Contact your bank and credit card companies immediately: Report any unauthorized transactions.Change your passwords and security questions: Secure your accounts. Report the incident to the authorities: File a report with the police and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

What should I do if I think I've been a victim of social engineering?

The origins of Thanksgiving Day date back to the early 17th century when English Pilgrims held the first feast in 1621 at Plymouth, Massachusetts, to express their gratitude to the Native American Wampanoag people who had helped them survive their first year in the New World. The tradition of giving thanks for a successful harvest had long been established in Europe; however, it was not until 1863 that President Abraham Lincoln declared the last Thursday of November as a national day of Thanksgiving to foster unity in a divided country during the Civil War. Since then, Thanksgiving Day has become an integral part of American culture.

Thanksgiving Day is focused on giving thanks for the blessings of the harvest and the preceding year. It is an observance that holds significant cultural and historical relevance for millions of Americans. The celebration often entails families gathering together to share a festive meal, traditionally including a roasted turkey and festive side dishes.

Thanksgiving Day

Plan your route

• Give yourself extra time to get to your destination. Winter conditions can slow down your commute, and rushing in snow or ice is dangerous.

• Know alternative routes in case of road closures.

Anyone can fall victim to social engineering, but older adults are often targeted due to their perceived vulnerability. Scammers may assume they have significant savings, limited technological knowledge, or a greater tendency to trust authority figures.

Who is most vulnerable to social engineering attacks?

Jen started with Premium as a part-time Brand Ambassador over 12 years ago. Since then, her passion, grit, and dedication to continual learning and helping others achieve their goals have brought Jen to her position as Sr. Training Manager for Premium. Jen also credits her career growth with her personal development strategy as a lifelong learner. She believes that by continuously learning, any person can better themselves and increase their ability to accomplish their goals in life.

Executive Editor

Jennifer Hovestadt

Know when to stay home

In cases of extreme weather such as snowstorms, ice, or freezing rain, prioritize your safety. If travel is too risky, contact your supervisor or clients to reschedule your visit.

10 inches of snow melt down into only 1 inch of rain.

On the Winter Solstice, there are 24 hours of sunlight in the Antarctic Circle, and 24 hours of darkness in the Arctic Circle.

The Beginning of Winter, also known as the Winter Solstice, marks the astronomical start of the winter season. Observed worldwide, it is the time when the tilt of Earth's axis is farthest away from the sun, resulting in the shortest day and longest night of the year. The solstice has been celebrated for millennia by cultures across the globe, serving as a significant event in various religious and cultural traditions.

Winter Solstice

Black Friday is one of the busiest shopping days in the United States. It is marked by massive crowds and discounted prices that mean the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. Black Friday events in the United States date back to 1932. There are two ideas as to the origin of the name Black Friday, the first one is thought to have originated in Philadelphia, where it was used to describe the burden of traffic that left black track marks on roads. The second claims that Black Friday may also have stemmed from business accounting in the 1930s. During this time, businesses noted losses using red ink and their profits in black ink. Therefore, Black Friday may have been used to imply that businesses became profitable on this day as they go from being in the red to the black. According to IBM, for the first time in history smartphones and tablets outpaced desktop computers for generating consumer traffic to websites during Black Friday in 2015. According to consumerreports.org, heavily discounted televisions and other electronic items sold on Black Friday can be derivative models. Derivatives are products that have been manufactured specifically for sale at events like Black Friday. These products vary in specifications, quality and have less features than standard merchandise sold all-year long. According to Forbes, in 2020, American consumers spent a total of $10.8 billion in online sales on Black Friday.

Black Friday

Keely is a dynamic professional with a rich background in training and tech, and a fervent passion for wildlife and nature. Starting her journey with Premium Retail in 2017 as part of the Pixel team, Keely swiftly climbed the ranks, transitioning through various roles before becoming an Instructional Designer in 2022. Alongside her professional endeavors, Keely finds fulfillment in volunteering at a wildlife center and indulging her love for birding with her kids. Now serving as the Art Director for FreshUp magazine, Keely brings a wealth of creative expertise and a dedication to excellence, promising to infuse each page with innovation and inspiration.

Art Director

Keely Brubaker

Cyber Monday is a popular online shopping event that offers consumers a chance to secure exclusive promotional deals and discounts. This highly anticipated occasion encourages online retailers to launch significant sales on various products, spanning categories such as electronics, clothing, and home appliances, among others. These promotions serve to drive online revenue and customer engagement at an accelerated pace, as shoppers are enticed by the potential of big savings on their purchases.

Cyber Monday

Layer up for comfort

• Dress in layers for warmth and flexibility.

• You may go from a cold parking lot to a warm office or retail location, so wearing thermal base layers under your regular clothes keeps you comfortable without overheating.

• Bring a waterproof, insulated jacket, and wear warm gloves and a hat.

Christmas Eve

Social engineering scams take many forms, including:

• Phishing: Deceptive emails or websites designed to steal credentials.
• Vishing: Phone calls from scammers pretending to be from banks or other institutions.
• Smishing: Text messages containing malicious links or requests for personal information.
• Tech support scams: Fake warnings about computer problems that lead to fraudulent services.
• Romance scams: Building relationships to exploit victims emotionally and financially.

What are some common social engineering scams?

Election Day is a staple in the democratic process in which citizens of the United States actively participate in selecting their representatives, ranging from the seats of local government to the presidency. This fundamental aspect of American democracy is rich in history and purpose, symbolizing the power handed to the people to determine their country's future course.

Election Day

No. Legitimate government agencies will never ask you to pay fines, taxes, or fees using gift cards, cryptocurrency, or other unconventional methods. These requests are a clear sign of a scam.

Are government agencies allowed to ask for payment through gift cards or cryptocurrency?

Daylight Saving Time Ends, commonly known as "fall back," is the annual practice of moving clocks one hour backward in order to allow for more daylight in the evening during the warmer months. This change effectively shifts the hours of daylight to better align with the hours when most people are awake and active, providing additional daylight for work, leisure, and energy conservation. The primary purpose of this time shift is to make better use of daylight and reduce energy consumption, as well as to decrease the number of traffic accidents and crime rates.

Daylight Saving Time Ends

Saint Nicholas Day is celebrated to honor the good deeds and miracles of Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of children, the needy, and sailors. This observance encourages acts of charity, gift-giving, and goodwill, which are often associated with the figure of Santa Claus. The customs and traditions surrounding this festival differ in various countries, but the spirit of generosity and compassion unites them all.

Saint Nicholas Day

Prepare for delays

Traffic and weather delays are more common in winter.

• Factor extra time into your schedule so you’re not rushing between locations.

• Contact stores ahead of time to let them know if you’re running late due to conditions.

Oppenheimer was the winner of this year’s Academy Award for Best Picture.

Prepare a Winter Emergency Kit for Your Car

• Include items like an ice scraper, snow brush, blanket, flashlight, spare gloves, bottled water, snacks, and jumper cables.

Hanukkah (Hebrew: חנוכה), also known as Chanukah, is an eight-day Jewish festival that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem following the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire. The festival is observed by lighting the menorah, a unique nine-branched candelabrum, with one additional candle lit each night. Other significant aspects of Hanukkah include the recitation of prayers and blessings, singing traditional songs, and indulging in foods fried in oil, such as latkes and sufganiyot, to remember the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days when there was only enough for one.

Christmas in America celebrates cherished beliefs, family traditions, and the spirit of giving for people of all ages to enjoy. The observance reflects cultural diversity encompassing everything from religious ceremonies to new traditions, such as the display of decorations, gift-giving, and festive meals. This celebration also serves as a reminder of peace and goodwill.

Christmas Day &Hanukkah Begins

Angela joins the Fresh Up team with over six years of hands-on experience gained at Premium. In her role as a Zone Leader and her work with the Walmart PSP team, she's made significant contributions. Angela's dedication hasn't gone unnoticed, earning her the Premium Proud award five times. She's also been honored with the Duracell Diamond award twice, and has earned Top Learner from University of Premium. Angela's practical expertise and proven track record make her a valuable addition to the team.

Writer

Angela Eslick

Project Manager

Alex Marin

Alex has cultivated a dynamic career in sales, training, and education, marked by a trajectory progression. Beginning their journey in 2017 as a Google Area Manager, they swiftly distinguished themselves through their training strategies and leadership acumen. With a keen eye for identifying opportunities and driving results, they’ve earned recognition for their performance. As Alex’s career evolved, they transitioned to a pivotal role within the Premium Training Team. Their passion for education and development became evident as they imparted valuable insights and best practices As the Elevate Project Manager, Alex brings that drive into the Elevate team by heading initiatives aimed at bringing creativity and inspiration. When they are not working, they enjoy reading, hiking, and going on road trips with their sweet Aussie pupper, Ozzy.

Inside Out 2 became the highest-grossing animated film ever, earning $1.462 billion worldwide and surpassing Frozen 2, which previously held the record with $1.453 billion.

The Women (by Kristin Hannah), Funny Story (by Emily Henry), and Bride (by Ali Hazelwood) took the top three spots for best selling books for the year.

Stephen Nedoroscik (Known as Pommel Horse Guy or Clark Kent), Australian breakdancer Rachael Gunn, Snoop Dogg, and American Rugby player Ilona Maher had the most viral moments in both news media and social media platforms.

Veterans Day is a federal holiday dedicated to honoring and expressing gratitude to those who have served in the country's armed forces. This observance is an opportunity for Americans to recognize veterans for their courage, sacrifice, and dedication to protecting the freedom and values of the nation. Various events, such as parades, ceremonies, and commemorative activities, take place throughout the country, with many individuals also using this time to visit and support veterans in medical facilities or retirement homes. The history of Veterans Day dates back to the aftermath of World War I, with the original celebration known as Armistice Day, commemorating the signing of the armistice which marked the end of hostilities between the Allied nations and Germany on November 11, 1918. In 1954, following the service of many American soldiers in both World War II and the Korean War, the U.S. Congress approved replacing "Armistice" with "Veterans" in the holiday's name, officially recognizing the observance as Veterans Day. Today, the nationwide events and activities pay tribute to not only those who have served in past conflicts but also the men and women currently serving in the military.

Veterans Day

Sarah has 10 years of industry experience with Premium, first as a Marketing Manager and most recently leading Premium’s Culture Team – both under Marketing & Communications EVP Brian Cameron. With solid writing skills and a background in recruiting, proposals, project and strategy management, and internal/external communications, Sarah’s talents are a tremendous asset to Acosta and our team. From her time in Culture, Sarah’s unique associate lens deepens her ability to connect with our internal audiences.

Editor

Sarah Wolfersberger

Giving Tuesday is a global philanthropic movement that encourages individuals, communities, and organizations to show generosity in myriad ways. Its purpose is to galvanize people from all walks of life to support charitable causes and give back to their communities. It's a day dedicated to humanity, bringing together individuals to help people and organizations in need. Giving Tuesday emerged in 2012 as a simple idea - a day aimed at generosity, nestled amidst the rush of post-Thanksgiving sales. Brought to life by the 92nd Street Y, a community and cultural center in New York City, and the United Nations Foundation, it has rapidly caught up to become a worldwide phenomenon.

Giving Tuesday

Keep your vehicle winter-ready

• Ensure your car has snow tires or All-Season tires if necessary.

• Top off fluids, especially antifreeze and windshield washer fluid, and keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid condensation.