The votes are in.
And we picked our winning stories: Straight talk (yes, that’s MJ), Native American Heritage Month and a big recognition.
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Grab some water and stretch your calves – Jen Marin’s running down the news on Up To Speed, including:
🌽November is Native American Heritage Month
The Native Americans of Verizon (NAV) ERG invites you to get involved in celebrating Native American heritage this month with “Woven Together,” a celebration of the rich traditions of indigenous people and Verizon’s ongoing commitment to helping tribal communities thrive now and in the future.
Two important ways to get involved:
- Verizon Hosts Hesperus’ National Forum at the White House - November 14, 3:45 - 4:45 PM ET: Join a virtual conversation with Michelle Cober, Senior Director - Strategic Alliances, and non-profit organization Hesperus on the future of Native American communities.
- Blanket making and Native American Storytelling (in-person and virtual) - November 6, 2-3 PM ET: NAV ERG is partnering with Native Health to provide domestic violence survivors with hand-tied fleece blankets for winter, and you can help. Pick up a blanket-making kit from a participating location, or join virtually and listen to Kristopher Dosela from the Pima Tribe share his traditions through story, song and dance.
Get the details on these and all events happening during of Native American Heritage Month at Verizon.
🏁 Straight Talk Wireless 400
Verizon Value organization, Straight Talk Wireless was the entitlement partner at NASCAR’s recent Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
What does being an entitlement partner mean?
In addition to being a titled sponsor, Straight Talk Wireless brought fans the ‘Real Unlimited Fan Experience,’ with exclusive activations throughout the concourse, and a chance to win great merchandise.
What else did we do for fans?
VIP fans got to meet and get autographs from NASCAR legends like two-time winner Kyle Busch, Daniel Hemric, Chase Elliott and Zane Smith.
What about employees?
Employees also participated in VIP offerings, from pace car rides and behind-the-scenes garage tours to a pit stop experience.
Were there other partnerships?
The Straight Talk team was also accompanied by VICE TV, who captured behind-the-scenes content to share with their millions of followers on IG and TikTok.
What is the Family Dynasty Plan Sweepstakes?
One lucky fan will soon be announced the winner of The Family Dynasty Sweepstakes, and will receive the value of 100 years of wireless service from Straight Talk Wireless!
Face of the sweepstakes is Kyle Busch, whose wife Samantha and 9-year-old son, Brexton (already following in his dad’s racing footsteps), were there to participate in a fun-filled photoshoot, highlighting Straight Talk Wireless’s commitment to family.
V Team Life
Raquel joined Jen from our V Team life red chair to share an exciting win, the start of year-end’s and a reminder to vote.
- Our win - Verizon was named a 2024 American Opportunity Index Top 100 Employer of Choice. The index measures how well America’s largest companies drive economic mobility and positive career outcomes for their employees. We rated #24 overall, and second in our industry.
- Accomplishments - Starting tomorrow, November 6, and running through November 20, management V Teamers will be able to add accomplishments to the performance management system for their performance reviews. Now is your chance to be specific about what you achieved and how you got there.
- People leaders will see that in response to their feedback, we’re evolving how we do year-end ratings and moving from a 3-point scale to a 5-point scale for 2024. It is a more nuanced way to reflect how employees are performing against goals, and allows for better feedback on strengths and areas of opportunity. The 5-point scale also creates an opportunity for employee recognition for contributions and achievements in a more specific way, better supporting a culture of continuous improvement and ongoing feedback.
- Election Day - Be sure to get out and vote! Verizon is providing up to four hours of paid time off for US employees scheduled to work today. Be sure to make your voices heard.
Click here for a transcript of the episode.
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