get kinected

January

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Kinexus Group is committed to inspiring positive economic change, one person, one

business, one community at a time.

Kinexus Group at Silver Beach PizzaDecember 13, 2019

get kinected with...the person

Welcome to the Family: New Hires & Transfers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Celebrating You: Anniversaries and Birthdays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4A Part of Your World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

401K & Benefits Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Healthcare Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7A Word from Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Additional Business News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Kinexians Give Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Rake a Difference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

A Spirited Bunch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12A Happy Halloween . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Our Favorite Chili . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14A New Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15It’s all Fun & Games . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

the business

the community

our reflections

Bruce A.Driver

Quin B.Director, Operations Talent Team

Stephanie R.Academic Instructor

Annette W.Driver

Stephen R.Vocational Success Coach

Welcome to our Family!

Familiar Faces Going Places

Kelly W.Talent Development Specialist

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Aida N.Talent Development Specialist Paw Paw Service Center

Allie K.Director, Bridge Academy

LaRon H.Talent Development Specialist Benton Harbor Service Center

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Celebrating You

Orrin B.

Ryan S.

Maxwell S.

Evelyn C.

Elizabeth B.

Arnie R.

Terry S.

Jasmine B.

Stacy N. celebrated 25 years of service (November 20). Thank you for everything you do for Kinexus Group!

Hope R.

Rachel M.

Shameika J.

Melissa S. David O. Stacy N.

Paula P.

LaRon H. Barbara M.Allie K.

Dione P. [03/04/19]

Mandi S. [01/08/18] Molly V. [02/12/18]Al P. [03/05/18]

Mark O. [02/14/17] Terry S. [03/14/17]Paul B. [03/27/17]

Ryan T. [02/01/16] Mary F. [03/21/16]

Karla G. [03/09/15]

Dan P. [01/03/12]

Karen B. [03/01/11]

Josh C. [02/24/10]

Diane Y. [03/01/93]

We’ve been Kinected for years!

Thank you for your years of service!

Happy Birthdays to you!

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March

February

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A part of your world...

01 Redamak’s re-opens02-04 MSBOA District 6 Concert Band Festival (Lake Michigan College)05 MSBOA District 6 Concert Band Festival (Paw Paw)17 St. Patrick’s Day19 Spring begins

The Senior PGA returns to Benton Harbor, May 19–May 24. Love Golf, and want to Volunteer? Opportunities are available.

01-02 St. Joseph Ice Fest & South Haven Ice Breaker02 Superbowl Half-Time Show feat. Jennifer Lopez & Shakira09 Maker’s Ball (@ Inn at Harbor Shores), feat. Peat’s Original Cider14 Valentine’s Day or Single Awareness Day29 Leap Day!

11 Lake Michigan Vintners Welch Center Opening (at LMC)13 NCAA Football Championship (Clemson v LSU)17-19 Hunter Ice Festival (Niles)20 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day31 St. Joseph Ice Fest & South Haven Ice Breaker

Your events are important to us!

Are you involved with something awesome outside of work and want to show off or share with the team?

It’s a little late for this quarter, but if you’ve got something planned for April, May, or June...

Let Hillary or Tim know before March 31!

January 2020

February 2020

March 2020

Looking forward: May 2020

NeedYour

Help!

We

Yes, and...“Yes” means acknowledging and accepting an idea for exactly what it is worth, free of bias.

“And” takes the presented idea and builds directly off of it, without trying to change or inject bias.

“Yes, and...” can build trust and strengthen communication, facilitate exploration and creativity, alleviate conflict, and can create supportive and encouraging environments.

Source: Big Think

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401K & Benefits

Information and resources can be found on the HR SharePoint site regarding United Healthcare (medical), VSP (vision), Delta Dental and Mutual of Omaha (Life, AD&D, STD & LTD coverage). We have also recently added important information regarding Medicare Part D for eligible participants.

All Kinexus Group locations will be closed for the following 12 holidays in 2020:

WED, JAN 01 New Year’s Day

MON, JAN 20 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

MON, FEB 17Presidents’ Day

MON, MAY 25Memorial Day

FRI, JUL 03Independence Day

MON, SEP 07Labor Day

WED, NOV 11Veterans Day

THU, NOV 26 Thanksgiving

FRI, NOV 27Day after Thanksgiving

THU, DEC 24Christmas Eve

FRI, DEC 25 Christmas Day

THU, DEC 31New Year’s Eve

We are now fully enrolled with Principal!

Beginning January 1, 2020For all eligible participants, Kinexus Group will contribute 4% and match up to 3%!

401K Program has 2 entry requirements:1. Employee Contribution (21 years of age and can begin contributing 1 month from

hire - automatic enrollment)2. Employer Contribution (21 years of age and work 6 months)

Benefit Resources

Holidays! (Celebrate!)

401K Update

Reading this digitally? You can click the icon above to head straight to SharePoint!

If you have specific questions regarding your account, please contact the Principal Participant Contact Center via phone at 1-800-547-7754

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Healthcare UpdatesUnitedHealthcare has several new programs available to insurance recipients. More information is available on SharePoint, but here’s an overview:

Every drawing on this page links to a flyer to further discuss the service.

Preventative care can help you avoid potentially serious health conditions and/or obtain early diagnosis and treatment. Generally, the sooner your doctor can identify and treat a medical condition, the better.

Stop the sick before it happens!

This document discusses various vaccination types and where United Healthcare covers the vaccines.

Is there a Vaccine for that?

Get access to care 24/7 with Virtual Visits. A Virtual Visit lets you see a doctor from your mobile device or computer without an appointment.

Download the AmWell or Doctor on Demand app on your smartphone.

See a doctor whenever, wherever.

Real Appeal is an online weight loss program available to eligible UnitedHealthcare members. Participants have access to a Transformation Coach, Online Tools, and Success Kits for no additional cost.

Become a Loser this year!

When you stop smoking, the healthy rewards start right away. Most people need help to quit, and Quit for Life is offered to you at no additional cost.

It is okay to Quit.

Navigating healthcare can be complex and overwhelming. UnitedHealthcare advisors can help you navigate the complex medical world for many issues that you may be facing. Advocate4Me also has special assistance for families of children with special needs. For additional information regarding this service, visit SharePoint or ask Hillary.

Advocate4Me

It is normal to feel sad, frustrated, or down in the dumps. But, if you’re feeling this way often, it may help to talk to someone. UnitedHealthcare now provides telecounseling for depression, anxiety, addiction, and other mental health concerns.

Mental Health Matters

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Additional NewsA Word from Finance

Finance and Human Resources have joined forces to adopt Paylocity. By doing such, there will be a new site to enter time worked, paid time off (PTO) requests, to change banking information, collect finance-related information (such as digital W2 forms), and similar things.

More information on Paylocity will be available soon, so stay tuned!

As of January 1, all Kinexus Group employees have transitioned to bi-weekly pay. Employees will receive their pay every other Friday (see schedule listed).

In 2019, Kinexus Group contributed $9,950 to student loan repayment.

Paylocity

Bi-weekly Pay

2020 Pay ScheduleJan 03Jan 17Jan 31Feb 14Feb 28Mar 13Mar 27Apr 10Apr 24May 08May 22Jun 05Jun 19

Jul 03Jul 17Jul 31Aug 14Aug 18Sep 11Sep 25Oct 09Oct 23Nov 06Nov 20Dec 04Dec 18

Do you use Peanut Butter?

From these contributions alone, our employees will collectively save $28,444 over the life of their loans.

Paycheck amounts may be different than you previously received due to spreading your annual salary over 26 paychecks instead of the previous 24. Your salary has not changed.

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2020 Pay ScheduleJul 03Jul 17Jul 31Aug 14Aug 18Sep 11Sep 25Oct 09Oct 23Nov 06Nov 20Dec 04Dec 18

2020 Internship ProgramAccounting; Bridge Academy; Business; Communications; Economic Development; Human Resources; IT; New Business Development; Sector Relations; Talent; Youth Solutions

If you know of a student looking for an awesome internship opportunity in 2020, please refer them to our website to apply! (And quickly!)

We are reviewing applications daily and will schedule phone interviews as needed.

Internship opportunities for the following areas were recently posted:

It’s a New Year. Learn something new!

Haven’t receive a link to sign-up? Let Hillary Herman know!

Spread the word:

Don’t spread the flu:

Funny and Inspirational, Brian Lam returns to present several professional development workshops.

JAN 16 You’re Up: Confident PresentationsAPR 16 Improve Techniques for Effective Leadership

If you know any area leaders who would benefit from these sessions, send them to leadSWMI.org or Dan Peat.

Additional Business News

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Do you wish you knew more about [topic]?

It’s a sad fact of life: Illnesses increase in the winter.Hand Hygiene is the #1 way to prevent the spread of infections (CDC). Use soap and water (or alcohol-based rub) and wash for a minimum of 15 seconds. Sing yourself “Happy Birthday,” or half of the Jeopardy! theme.

If you are feeling ill, it may be best for you to work from home. Speak to your supervisor to discuss your options.

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Kinexians Give Back

To help a large partner of our, Kixenus Group employees were asked this past quarter to donate to United Way of Southwest Michigan. Employees could donate through pledges, payroll deductions, and participation in various activities.

The funds have been tallied, and:

Skeeter Syndrome is a relatively rare inflammatory reaction to mosquito bites. Symptoms include a large area of swelling, heat, redness, and itching/pain which mimics an infectious process.

We raised $17,982.16!

Your guide, Fred, was suffering from Skeeter Syndrome! For help, you had to radio your location: 46.3N, -85.6W.It’s a good thing you bought and ate that 18 pack of popsicles!

#liveunited

11Update: Mary found her keys!

Is this Rake-Affect

Snow?

We Raked a DifferenceOn November 07,

#liveunited

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We’re a Spirited Bunch

Best Costume: Individual

Best Costume: Group Most Seasoned Kinexians

#liveunited

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We belong to...

TOP (L to R): Gill K., Kristin H, Sam G.MIDDLE (L to R): Erin W., Hillary H.BOTTOM (L to R): Caleb W., Molly V.

A Happy Halloween!

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Add additional remaining ingredients to dutch oven. Use diced tomato can for easy water measurement.

Stir to incorporate and bring pot to boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for about three hours, stirring occasionally. Remove lid for final 30 minutes cooking.

* As written, this recipe is spicy! This recipe can easily be adjusted to your spicetolerance. Instead of hot sausage, use additional italian sausage or ground beef.Remove jalapeño seeds for less heat. To remove seeds, cut jalapeño in half, length-wise, and scoop seeds out with a spoon. Be careful!

Tabasco, Frank’s Red Hot, and Cayenne Pepper can be used at your discretion.

Editor’s Note: The original recipe called for sautéing the garlic before the peppers and onion. A good rule of thumb: never do that. Garlic is fragile and burns quickly!

In a large skillet, brown and crumble the meat in a pan over medium heat. Drain excess fat. Add chili powder, cumin and basil to the meat. Stir into meat, until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Transfer meat to dutch oven or stock pot.

Do not clean large skillet.

In the same large skillet (used above), sauté green pepper and onion, until onion is translucent. Add olive oil if necessary. Add jalapeño, saute until tender. Lastly, add garlic, and sauté until fragrant, 30 seconds to 1-minute. Add sautéd vegetables into dutch oven.

1 lb Italian sausage, ground1 lb hot sausage, ground*½ lb ground beef1/3 cup chili power1½ tsp ground cumin1½ tsp dried basilSalt and pepper

1 large onion, chopped1 large green pepper,

chopped1 jalapeño, diced*6 garlic cloves, mincedOlive oil

1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes, with juice

1 4-ounce can diced green chile peppers (drained)*

1 15-oz can tomato sauce1 tbsp white vinegar1 tbsp worcestershire sauce3 tbsp brown sugar28 ounces Water

To taste:1 tsp Tabasco*1 tsp Frank’s Red Hot*Cayenne Pepper*Salt and Pepper

#liveunited

Voted: Best ChiliKinexus voted, and Molly V. made our 2019 favorite Chili!The recipe is printed here with Molly’s permission.

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Here’s to a New Year!

Marketing is looking to increase social interactions and web engagements by showcasing our people. Tim will be posting surveys throughout 2020 to Slack, to survey our company on various topics. We’ll be looking for recommendations, opinions, thoughts, advice, and more that we can share with our public audiences. Your participation is optional, but highly encouraged.

be happyeat healthier recycle

express more gratitude

the best thing you can dois try your best.

–Avina Celeste

be more present

reboot & update

travel more

pay off debt

do a handstandlose weighteat less snacksput more love

into the universe

run 300 milesIn 2020, #teamkinexus resolves to:

2020in

16 Did we miss anything? Let us know!

Let’s Have Some Fun!

INTERNSHIPUNITED HEALTHCARECONTRIBUTIONSWELLNESSTAX RETURNSUNITED WAYTEAM OF TEAMSPAYLOCITYPRINCIPALBENEFICIARYCOMMUNITYWORKFORCEPROFESSIONALDEVELOPMENTANNIVERSARIESBIWEEKLYINSURANCEDOCTOR ON DEMANDLINKEDIN LEARNINGVACCINATIONS

A. What do you call asleeping dinosaur?

B. How does avampire start a letter?

C. How do you throwa party in space?

Words may be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal, and may be spelled forward or backward.

A. A Dino-Snore! B. Tomb it may concern: C. You planet.

That’s Hillary-ous!

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