Berks & Beyond Blog

Stephani Williams Hired for Management Role
in Rapidly Growing Harrisburg Market

Wyomissing, PA – Berks and Beyond Employment Services, Inc. is pleased to name Stephani Williams as Branch Manager of their Harrisburg office.   In her new role, Williams will manage sales, customer service and day-to-day activities for the branch.  Additionally, she will ensure that Berks and Beyond sends out only the highest quality employees with the experience, skills and work ethic to consistently exceed clients’ expectations.

Although Williams is new to the company, she is not new to the staffing industry.  In fact, she spent five years successfully managing several of the Harrisburg area’s largest staffing accounts, both in an onsite capacity and remotely from a field office.  Her knowledge of all aspects of temporary staffing have helped her to reduce turnover, improve fill rates, increase productivity and identify qualified associates to join her clients’ workforces.

“We’re thrilled to have Stephani join the Berks & Beyond team,” says Chris Garner, President of Berks and Beyond Employment Services, Inc.  “Her strategic workforce experience, passion for staffing and strong work ethic will help us maintain our position as a staffing leader in the Harrisburg market.”

Williams is equally excited about the opportunity.  “I’m looking forward to working with all of the wonderful local companies by providing them with great staff and customer service,” she says.

Outside of the office, you can find Williams in Philadelphia cheering on her favorite sports teams, the Flyers and Phillies.  She is also an avid traveler, having visited nine countries in 2011, and she enjoys spending her downtime with her friends, family and puppy.

At Berks & Beyond, we respect and value our temporary employees!  As it turns out, they feel the same way about us.  Here’s what a few of our temporaries have to say about their experiences working with us:

From the Berks & Beyond Pottstown office:

“I am so happy with working with Berks and Beyond and I have NO desire to leave (even being on a temp-to-hire assignment).  I have the best employers at Berks and Beyond.  They have always taken care of me, even when I was down and out – they found me work very quickly.  I couldn’t ask for a more caring and understanding employer.”

–Tony Iannini

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From the Berks & Beyond Allentown office:

“I, Kindalyn Phelps, just wanted to thank Berks and Beyond for being a great place to work for.  When I didn’t have a job you employed me the same day I went in.  When I got layed off you found me a job that day or the next.  So thanks for being the best place I have ever worked for ”

–Kindalyn Phelps

Kindalyn is Allentown’s Employee of the Month for April!  She has an excellent attitude and is always willing to help wherever she is needed.  Find out more about her background and work ethic on Berks & Beyond’s Facebook fan page.

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From the Berks & Beyond Reading office:

“Thank you for your help in getting me a job I really like.  I want to work and Berks & Beyond has found me jobs in the areas I have been looking for.  I appreciate everything Berks & Beyond has done.  I want a good future and only Berks & Beyond can make that happen.”

–Oscar Castillo

At Berks & Beyond, we promise to match you with a great job – one that matches your skills, experience, and most importantly, your interests.  We’ll use a very specialized tool to help you find the right job – our ears!  It may seem a bit odd in the staffing industry today, but we’ll actually take the time to listen to you when you register with us.

In fact, we’ll spend a lot of time learning about your skills, experience and work preferences. We’ll ask you about your goals and interests, and based on what we hear, we will do our best to refer you to the jobs that you will enjoy most.

Berks and Beyond’s 2012 Open Enrollment for Field Employees Runs April 4^th – May 3^rd

Wyomissing, PA – Berks and Beyond Employment Services, Inc. is pleased to announce its annual open enrollment for health benefits offerings to temporary employees.   The leading Central and Southern Pennsylvania staffing service is holding open enrollment now through May 3, 2012, for their comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Special low group rates
• Single and family coverage
• Dental and Vision plan options
• Coverage for doctors’ visits
• Inpatient benefits
• No pre-existing condition limitations
• No health questions asked
• No waiting period on medical benefits

While offering health benefits is not mandatory, Berks and Beyond goes beyond the call of duty to create a win-win situation for everyone involved.  For staffing clients, benefits are a perk that helps Berks and Beyond attract the best and brightest talent.

On the flip side, health benefits come at time when Berks & Beyond field employees need them most. “Offering medical benefits to our employees gives them peace of mind that their families are covered and protected, be it routine or unexpected,” says Chris Garner, President of Berks and Beyond Employment Services, Inc.  “Due to the economic downturn, many former full-time employees find themselves working temporary or temp-to-perm jobs again, usually without benefits.  That’s not the case with Berks and Beyond employees.  Our employees are offered health benefits with no waiting period.  We are finding that by offering these benefits, we are able to attract a more diversified and skilled work force.  Berks and Beyond has had this program in place for over a year, and it has been a positive experience for everyone involved.”

In addition to health benefits, Berks and Beyond also offers Direct Deposit, to simplify banking and ensure field employees are paid in a timely manner.  New enrollment employees should contact their Branch Managers for more information.

Leading Central PA Staffing Firm Secures Three-Year Contract with America’s Largest Off-Price Apparel and Home Fashion Chain

Wyomissing, PA – Berks and Beyond Employment Services, Inc. is pleased to announce their newest onsite staffing client, Ross Stores Inc.  Beginning April 1, 2012, the leading Central and Southern Pennsylvania staffing firm will enter into a three-year contract with the Fortune 500 apparel and home fashion chain’s Carlisle Distribution Facility.  This partnership truly puts Berks and Beyond “on the map” in the Carlisle market, securing their position as the largest staffing company in the area.

Berks and Beyond will hire three additional full-time employees to handle the new account and dedicate an onsite representative to manage temporary employees at the Carlisle Distribution Facility.  The Berks and Beyond onsite manager will streamline staffing for Ross Stores Inc. by: handling scheduling and daily deployment of temporary workers to get them on-task quickly; ensuring contingent workers stay productive; recruiting new temporary employees onsite; and managing day-to-day work issues.

“Ross is a first class organization, and we are very excited to have been selected to work with such a great company.  Together, I believe our partnership will benefit everyone involved,” says Chris Garner, President of Berks and Beyond Employment Services, Inc.  “Our rapid growth in the Carlisle, PA market shows our continued dedication to local businesses and job seekers alike.”

Berks and Beyond will be staffing Ross’ entire Carlisle Distribution Facility on both shifts, from production positions to warehousing and supervisors.  Anyone who is interested in working for Berks & Beyond at the Ross Distribution Center in Carlisle should contact them at www.berksandbeyond.com or call 717.218.5011.

About Berks and Beyond Employment Services, Inc.

Berks and Beyond Employment Services, Inc. opened its first office in 1998.  Since then, they have become one of the largest staffing services in Southeastern Pennsylvania.  The company specializes in temporary, temporary-to-permanent and permanent employment within the clerical, technical, industrial and managerial fields.

With offices in Reading, Allentown, Pottstown,  York, Harrisburg and Carlisle, Berks and Beyond is able to serve all of its clients’ temporary and permanent staffing needs throughout Berks, Lehigh, Montgomery, York and Dauphin Counties, as well as their surrounding areas.  Follow this link to learn more about the Berks and Beyond team.

Whether job seekers are looking for temporary or permanent work, either part- or full-time, Berks and Beyond’s recruiters will match their skills, qualifications and interests to the perfect opportunities.

If you would like more information, or want to schedule an interview with Chris Garner, please call Berks and Beyond at 610.376.9675 or e-mail Chris at chris@berksandbeyond.com.

At Berks & Beyond, we’ve always been a little different – but that’s why our clients like us!

Our approach to staffing is unique.  Here are just a few of the ways being different can benefit your company:

• We start at the finish.  Rather than focusing on “filling orders,” we first seek to understand what our clients want to accomplish.  Then, we help them determine the smartest ways to achieve their goals.
• We’re not (just) about speed.  Sure, we can fill last-minute staffing needs.  We pride ourselves, however, on taking the time to carefully match people and job opportunities.  We want to get it right the first time, rather than just refer someone fast.
• We won’t refer anyone until we understand your business.  We’re unique, and we know that our clients are, too.  That’s why we begin every client engagement with a tour of the workplace.  By taking the time up front to accurately evaluate our clients’ needs, we can ensure we consistently refer the best candidates.
• We’re tough, but fair, in how we assess people.  By asking LOTS of questions, conducting skills tests, and checking backgrounds and references, we get a much deeper understanding of the people we represent.  That’s why we’re always confident that the people we refer will be a great fit.
• We’re strict (okay, a little obsessive) about following up.  We know that our service only begins when we place someone.  We check in with clients to find out if every employee is meeting their needs and satisfying their expectations.  And if they’re not, we want to make things right as soon as possible.
• We’re not some bureaucratic or gigantic firm bound to policy.  We work here.  We live here.  We’re committed to providing great service to the people of Berks, Lehigh, Montgomery, Dauphin and York Counties and their surrounding communities.

Over the years, we’ve been called a lot of things (thankfully, most of them are nice!).  We’ve been called a partner, a friend, and once in awhile even a lifesaver.  But what we’ve never been called is ordinary.  We must be doing something right, because we’ve grown to become one of the largest staffing companies in Central and Southern Pennsylvania.

What can Berks & Beyond do for you?  If you need top talent in Berks, York, Dauphin, Montgomery or Lehigh County, give us a call!  We’d be happy to show you how “different” can be good for your business.

Chamber of Commerce Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Leading Central and Southern Pennsylvania Staffing Firm

The Greater Carlisle Chamber of Commerce recently helped Berks and Beyond Employment Services, Inc. to formally open their new branch in Carlisle’s Historic Business District by holding a ribbon cutting ceremony. Berks and Beyond was officially welcomed to Carlisle by Chamber President Michelle Crowley and Perry Heath, the Chamber’s Director of Business Development.

The new branch, located at 300 South Hanover Street, was a necessary move for Berks and Beyond. The staffing and placement firm, which currently serves much of Southern and Central Pennsylvania, needed a larger office to keep pace with the rapid growth they have experienced in the area. The Historic District, with its Colonial and Victorian era architecture and storied history, provides an attractive, exciting and central location from where they can expand their service area.

“It’s been great to see the support from the Carlisle community for our new office,” said Chris Garner, President and CEO of Berks and Beyond. ”From Careerlink, the Chamber of Commerce, our existing customers and our recruiting partners, there has been an overwhelming level of support for us to open this office. We are anxious to return the favor by bringing our top level customer service to the area.”

Mr. Garner, Ms. Crowley and Mr. Heath were joined at the ribbon-cutting by Ed Kauffman, the Carlisle branch manager, as well as the rest of the Carlisle office staff.

“I’m very excited about this opportunity to establish Berks & Beyond as an integral part of the Carlisle community,” said Mr. Kauffman. “At this new office, we’ll strive to achieve the same goals of service and quality that our president, Chris Garner, has established throughout our entire corporation.”

While Berks & Beyond currently provides staffing solutions to employers throughout much of Central and Southern Pennsylvania, the new location will further broaden the company’s service area to include the following towns and cities:  Harrisburg, Camp Hill, Mechanicsburg, Middlesex, Mount Holly, Boiling Springs, Shippensburg and Newburg.

Diane McDonnell Promoted to Management Role in Well-Established York Market

Wyomissing, PA – Berks and Beyond Employment Services, Inc. is pleased to name Diane McDonnell as Branch Manager of their York office.   In her new role, McDonnell will manage sales, customer service and day-to-day activities for the branch.  Additionally, she will ensure that Berks and Beyond sends out only the highest quality employees with the experience, skills and work ethic to consistently exceed clients’ expectations.

While McDonnell is relatively new to the company, her determination and management skills propelled her to the top of Berks and Beyond’s candidate list.  “Diane has worked with Berks & Beyond for a short period, but in that time she has demonstrated a great desire to go the extra mile for each of our clients and employees,” says Chris Garner, President of Berks and Beyond Employment Services, Inc.  “We considered outside applicants for this position, but felt that there was nobody better qualified to represent our company than Diane.  I am looking forward to having her continue to build a strong team in one of our longest-standing markets.”

McDonnell is excited about the opportunity to manage and grow the York branch.  “I look forward to developing new client relationships and building on the existing ones,” she says.  “The staffing industry is fast paced and continually presents new challenges.  I am thrilled to begin working in my new role, meeting the dynamic needs of both our clients and employees.”

Outside of the office, McDonnell attends school full-time, working towards completing her B.S. in accounting.  She is actively involved in her children’s sports and can often be found at the local baseball fields during the spring and fall.  In her spare time, she enjoys reading, working on her home and caring for her family’s pets.

Allentown Office Beats Out Seven-Time Winner for Coveted Morning Call Award

Allentown, PA – Berks and Beyond Employment Services, Inc. is pleased to announce that their Allentown, Pennsylvania branch was named a winner of the Morning Call’s annual Readers’ Choice contest.  The staffing and placement firm, which currently serves much of Southern and Central Pennsylvania, won in the Services/Employment Services category – and caused a bit of an uproar by beating the previous seven-time winner.

Katie Barker, Branch Manager for the Allentown office, says that both staff and customers are responsible for the victory.  “I would like to thank all of our customers who voted.  It really means a lot to be voted the best at what you do each and every day,” says Barker.  “All of our staff members here at Berks & Beyond are amazing.  Your team is only as strong as the weakest link, and I’m proud to say we do not have a weak link on our team.”

Chris Garner, President of Berks & Beyond, is overwhelmed by the level of enthusiasm his employees displayed to earn this award.  “Our staff at the Allentown branch went above and beyond all of our expectations in recruiting votes,” states Garner.  “We are extremely proud of what they’ve accomplished and are already looking forward to defending our title next year.”

Winners of the annual Readers’ Choice contest were chosen based on the number of community members’ votes they received from Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton and surrounding areas.  Votes were cast through ballots in the Morning Call and on themorningcall.com in July and August of 2011.

Berks and Beyond Employment Services, Inc. Relocates Carlisle Office to Accommodate Rapid Growth

Carlisle, PA –Berks and Beyond Employment Services, Inc. is pleased to announce the relocation of their Carlisle, Pennsylvania branch.

The staffing and placement firm, which currently serves much of Southern and Central Pennsylvania, is moving its Carlisle office to keep pace with the rapid growth they have experienced since opening just eight months ago.  Located in the Historic District, the new Carlisle location will provide greater visibility and much-needed room to grow.

Although relocating so soon after opening was not Berks & Beyond’s original plan, President Chris Garner couldn’t be more pleased with the turn of events.  “The support that our clients in the Carlisle area have shown us has been tremendous,” states Garner.  “In return, we are renewing our commitment to this market by expanding our staff and office space.  The new Carlisle office will help us supply our valued customers with the quality of employees they have come to expect from Berks & Beyond.”

Berks & Beyond’s new Carlisle branch will open after the Labor Day weekend at 300 South Hanover Street, Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013.  The larger facility will create two new full-time positions and will continue to provide clerical, industrial, managerial and technical staff for temporary, temp-to-perm and direct placement.

While Berks & Beyond currently provides staffing solutions to employers throughout much of Central and Southern Pennsylvania, the new location will further broaden the company’s service area to include the following towns and cities:  Harrisburg, Camp Hill, Mechanicsburg, Middlesex, Mount Holly, Boiling Springs, Shippensburg and Newburg.

Edwin Kauffman Promoted to Management Role in Expansion Location

Wyomissing, PA – Berks and Beyond Employment Services, Inc. is pleased to name Edwin Kauffman as Branch Manager of their Carlisle office.   In his new role, Kauffman will manage sales, customer service and day-to-day activities for the recently opened expansion branch.  Additionally, he will ensure that Berks and Beyond sends out only the highest quality employees with the experience, skills and work ethic to consistently exceed clients’ expectations.

“Ed has proven to be a great asset to our team, rising very quickly through the ranks at Berks and Beyond,” says Chris Garner, President of Berks and Beyond Employment Services, Inc.  “His passion for staffing and strong work ethic will help our newest branch grow to become the leading staffing service in our newest market.”

The Carlisle branch, which opened earlier this year, is the seventh location for the leading Central and Southern Pennsylvania staffing firm.  Located at 1 Alexandra Court, Carlisle, PA 17015, the branch is part of Berks and Beyond’s strategic plan to open offices where their clients are located – to recruit the best candidates locally and deliver superior customer service.

When interviewed, Kauffman humbly stated, “I’d like to thank Chris Garner and Berks and Beyond Inc. for giving me the opportunity to prove myself as an asset to a company that values and rewards hard work and dedication.”

Outside of the office, Kauffman plays bass guitar in a band, listens to music and enjoys going to see shows.  He spends most of his free time kayaking, camping, fishing, hunting and participating in other outdoor activities.