Newsletter

Left to right: Christianne Grenier, Cherisse Andal, Giselle Kovary (Workshop Facilitator), Julie Legacy, Debbie Daigle, Sheri Heskins, Sandra Nakalamich, Angela Kruse, Kelsey Aud, Lindsay Van Dyke, Ashley Koruna, Chantal Dunn, Gustavo Caruso, Francois Houde, Mark Boileau

Left to right: Christianne Grenier, Cherisse Andal, Giselle Kovary (Workshop Facilitator), Julie Legacy, Debbie Daigle, Sheri Heskins, Sandra Nakalamich, Angela Kruse, Kelsey Aud, Lindsay Van Dyke, Ashley Koruna, Chantal Dunn, Gustavo Caruso, Francois Houde, Mark Boileau

Strengthening Resilience: HR Teams Converged in Toronto for Organizational Resilience Workshop

Left to right: Christianne Grenier, Cherisse Andal, Giselle Kovary (Workshop Facilitator), Julie Legacy, Debbie Daigle, Sheri Heskins, Sandra Nakalamich, Angela Kruse, Kelsey Aud, Lindsay Van Dyke, Ashley Koruna, Chantal Dunn, Gustavo Caruso, Francois Houde, Mark Boileau

HR Teams from across Canada and the United States gathered in Toronto in May for a collaborative workshop aimed at fostering resilience, innovation and best practices. The event provided a unique opportunity for networking, knowledge sharing, and exploring common challenges faced by HR teams in their respective locations.

The workshop was facilitated by Giselle Kovary, Head of Learning & Development at Optimus SBR, co-author of two books, and contributes to national publications and media outlets like CBC and CTV News.

3rd Annual IMG Gives Back Bags Tournament: It's Game Time!

The 3rd Annual IMG Gives Back Bags Tournament has officially kicked off! With over 30 teams geared up and ready to showcase their skills, this 6-week-long tournament promises to be a display of competitive spirit, incredible talent, and community unity like never before.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to every team, participant, and supporter who is part of this year's journey. Your energy, generosity, and competitive spirit are what make the IMG Gives Back Bags Tournament a highlight of the year. Together, we're not just playing a game; we're building a stronger, more supportive community, one bag at a time.

Health and Safety Corner

Team Focus

Mental Health First Aid Training for People Leaders in NB

Congratulations to the following people for completing the training: Daniel Duplessis, Edwin Andal, Claire Siochi, Daniel Arsenault, Georges Blanchard, Andre Doiron, Francois Houde, Mathieu Gallant, Kevin Carrier, Chantal Dunn, Marc Babin, Gerald Delhunty, Jason Gould, Remi Richard, Debbie Daigle, Cherisse Andal, Julie Legacy, Aris Siochi, Barry Richard, Duane Cochrane, Marc Hebert, Jeff Robichaud, Sandra Pettipas, and Ronald Martin.

In April and May, selected people leaders from Dieppe and Richibucto facilities underwent a 2-day Mental Health First Aid training, a pivotal initiative aimed at equipping them with the skills to support mental health in the workplace. Facilitated by the Mental Health Commission of Canada, the training empowered participants to recognize and respond to mental health crises, fostering a more supportive and understanding work environment.

Participants gained practical strategies for identifying mental health issues, offering initial support, and guiding individuals to professional help when needed. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the immediate applicability of the skills learned and the value of creating workplaces where mental health is prioritized alongside physical well-being.

Celebrating Achievement: Alton Leadership Team Completes Dale Carnegie Training

The Alton Leadership Team recently completed the Dale Carnegie Training program, a significant step towards enhancing leadership skills and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. This comprehensive training was a journey of self-discovery, skill enhancement, and team building for the participants. Through a series of interactive sessions, the team members were encouraged to step out of their comfort zones, reflect on their personal and professional lives, and embrace growth-oriented mindsets.

Congratulations to: Mary-Marie Randall, Steve Boomer, Dave Raynes, Jared Byrd, Angela Kruse, Craig Van Dyke, Bob Boettcher.

The highlight of this transformative experience was the recognition of seven outstanding individuals from the team who demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities. These participants were honored with a special award, acknowledging their dedication, initiative, and the positive impact they've had on their peers throughout the training.

As we move forward, the learnings and experiences from the Dale Carnegie Training will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future of leadership at Alton. We are proud of our team's achievements and look forward to witnessing the positive changes and innovations they will bring to our organization.

Congratulations once again to the entire Alton Leadership Team, with a special mention of the seven awardees, for setting new standards of leadership and excellence. Here's to many more milestones and achievements in our shared journey of growth and success.

Employee Focus

Celebrating Success: Mary-Marie Completes TWI Train the Trainer Course


We have incredible news to share — Mary-Marie Randall has successfully completed the Training Within Industry (TWI) Train the Trainer course! This is a clear demonstration of her dedication to self-improvement and her strong commitment to enhancing workplace performance.

For those who are not familiar, the Train the Trainer course is a key part of the TWI program, specifically designed to equip professionals with the essential skills to effectively train others using the TWI methodology.

With this accomplishment, Mary-Marie is now fully prepared to take on the role of trainer, armed with all the necessary tools and knowledge to cultivate a culture of continuous improvement. This achievement is not only a huge milestone for Mary-Marie, but also a significant win for IMG. Her enhanced ability to conduct engaging and impactful training sessions will undoubtedly benefit the entire team. Congratulations Mary-Marie!

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Cherisse Andal Earns RPR Designation

Cherisse Andal, Human Resources Specialist for Atlantic Canada, has achieved another milestone by passing the Registered Professional Recruiter (RPR) exam in May, earning the RPR designation. Cherisse has continually sought opportunities to enhance her skills and knowledge, recognizing the dynamic nature of HR and the critical role it plays in organizational success. Cherisse’s achievement not only reflect her personal triumph but also elevate the HR team’s capabilities.

Congratulations Cherisse!

Mental Health Awareness Corner

Mental Health Awareness Corner

IMG is proudly launched IMG Together, our new initiative focused on mental health awareness. This campaign is aimed at fostering a supportive and understanding workplace environment. Through workshops, toolkits, and resources, we're creating an environment where mental well-being is a priority.

As part of this initiative, we have created a wellness hub for all employees. This hub contains comprehensive information, resources, testimonials, worksheets, EFAP information, and a support services directory. And if any employee wishes to talk, an IMG Together Ambassador, another initiative of the program, is ready to listen and provide support.

Together, let's prioritize mental health and well-being in our workplace community.

Together, let's prioritize mental health and well-being in our workplace community.
Together, let's prioritize mental health and well-being in our workplace community.

Wellness Corner

Embrace the Summer: 5 Wellness Ideas to Nourish Your Body and Soul

As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, summer offers us a unique opportunity to rejuvenate our bodies and minds. Here are five refreshing wellness ideas to make the most of this vibrant season:

1. Have Fun (or Just Relax) in the Sun

Get outdoors often, even if just to relax in a hammock or chaise lounger. If possible, seek opportunities to work outdoors. For example, if your workplace has an outdoor break area, you could work from your laptop at a patio table.

Simply being in the great outdoors offers significant health benefits, according to the University of California (UC Davis), including:

  • Improved mental health
  • Better concentration and focus
  • A more relaxed mind
  • Lower heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels
  • Reduced muscle tension
  • Higher Vitamin D levels

2. Don’t Forget your Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a must-have in the summer, even on overcast days since UV rays can penetrate the clouds. In fact, Stanford Medicine states that UVB rays – which cause sunburns and potentially skin cancer – are 400 times more intense during the summer months.

2. Don’t Forget your Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a must-have in the summer, even on overcast days since UV rays can penetrate the clouds. In fact, Stanford Medicine states that UVB rays – which cause sunburns and potentially skin cancer – are 400 times more intense during the summer months.

3. Stay Hydrated

Summer brings an abundance of delicious, nutritious fruits and vegetables. Embrace the season by indulging in colorful salads packed with leafy greens, berries, and tomatoes. Try refreshing smoothies made with hydrating ingredients like cucumber and watermelon. Incorporating seasonal produce not only supports local agriculture but also provides essential vitamins and minerals for overall wellness.

4. Seasonal Eating Delights

Summer brings an abundance of delicious, nutritious fruits and vegetables. Embrace the season by indulging in colorful salads packed with leafy greens, berries, and tomatoes. Try refreshing smoothies made with hydrating ingredients like cucumber and watermelon. Incorporating seasonal produce not only supports local agriculture but also provides essential vitamins and minerals for overall wellness.

5. Gardening

Gardening is a fantastic wellness activity with numerous benefits, according to The Ohio State University:

It stimulates the brain, keeping it active.

Studies suggest it may lower the risk of dementia by up to 50%.

Gardening increases cytokine levels, which activate serotonin, the "feel-good" hormone, improving mood.

Furthermore, gardening provides daily exercise and makes it simple to enhance your diet with fresh, pesticide-free vegetables. It's also a cost-effective way to support financial wellness, allowing you to grow your own food rather than purchasing it from stores.