The Power of Partnership

IST's Gives Back

At IST, February is a month for reflection on what service means. Our CEO & President, Hal Blackman, details, "In celebration of Valentine's Day, I like to reflect on our customer service, which focuses on IST's mission to build lasting partnerships. The soul, the essence, lies in how we serve - with heart." This business philosophy seamlessly translates to our commitment to meaningfully connecting with our communities. At our core, we understand the power of creating relationships and partnerships centered on shared goals and passions.

PaYS Partnership

On February 1st, IST Management signed an exciting partnership with the Partnership for Youth Success (PaYS) Program in our Atlanta Corporate Cafe. Since 2000, PaYS has provided American Army, Army Reserve, Army National Guard, and ROTC Soldiers with the opportunity to secure employment after their service. Washington D.C. Regional Operations Manager Charles Riddervold shared, "One of the hardest things a Veteran will do in their career is transition to a civilian career after their service or training is completed. As a 28-year U.S. Army and U.S. Army Reserve Veteran who served as a Drill Sergeant and Recruiter, this partnership is a full-circle way to give back to the U.S. Army that gave me so much in my career."

Hiring veterans through the PaYS Program brings IST team members who are motivated, dedicated, professional, and share a heart for serving others. Each participant is guaranteed an interview and a chance at employment with over 1,000 partnered corporations, companies, and public sector agencies. IST provides about 2,000 positions in more than 40 cities nationally with dynamic work environments, flexible schedules, upward career mobility, and a culture centered around service led with heart.

Q1 #GiveHealthy Digital Food Drive

Lastly, we introduce our 2024 Q1 campaign focus – fighting food insecurity in America with a digital food drive. Hunger is a huge health issue in this country, with 42 million people struggling to access healthy meals consistently. This year, IST Gives Back strives to share efficient and innovative ways we can join together for a cause. Historically, food drives have been one of the most popular forms of giving in America, focusing primarily on non-perishable, shelf-stable items. These items are not always, but often, highly processed and not nutrient-dense. Thanks to our partner, #GiveHealthy, anybody in our IST Family can digitally donate healthy, fresh food to food bank organizations in ten cities nationally. Until March 31st, our virtual fresh food drive campaign will work towards our 2,000 lb. donation goal. It's been over a month and we have already raised over 1,900 lbs. of fresh food, shared on IST's Facebook Page, here.