Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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Focus on Benefits Skills Enhancement Program is offered Clinton Mills employees are being given a second cnance to obtain an education. Many are returning to the classroom to complete the education they once Under the Company's Skills Enhancement Program, instructors give students an opportunity to improve their basic skills through classroom instruction and special homework assignments. The program has attracted several hundred employees since it was formally introduced during the 1988-89 school year. The emphasis in Skills Enhancement is a result of the efforts throughout the state of South Carolina to raise the educational level of the general population. According to the most recent census report, 46 percent of all South Carolinians twenty-five and older have less than a high school education. In order to reach as many prospective applicants as possible. adult education centers are being operated in every local school district and almost 600 outreach centers, such as businesses and industries. National Guard Armories, and local school sites. Twenty-two employees received their GED during 1989. According to participants in the program, the skills enhancement activities provide an opportunity most would not take advantage of under any other circumstances. Adults students have expressed many reasons for taking advantage of the program. Some participants achieve a sense of accomplishing a long sought after goal. Others want to be able to say "1 made it." A large number feel the skills enhancement program will enable them to better perform their job at Clinton Mills. Anyone interested in the Skills Enhancement Program should contact the Personnel Department. Program offers assistance with education The Company's Educational Assistance Plan provides financial assistance to eligible full time employees who want to take educational courses which will benefit them in the performance of their present job or prepare them for a possible promotion from within. All full time employees with one (1) year or more continuous service are eligible to apply for educational expense reimbursement. The Company will reimburse the employee seventy-five percent (75%) of the total cost of the approved course, including tuition, registration fees, book, lab fees, etc. A grade of "C" or better is required before reimbursement will be made. The maximum payment to any employee during any 12 month period is $1,000 and a total maximum reimbursement is $4,000. Educational reimbursement may be taxable. If so, applicable state and federal taxes will be withheld. Clinton Mills Educational Assistance Plan gives employees a cost-effective opportunity for career development. Clinton Mills Personnel Director James Buchanan, Bob Dettmar (Geneva), and Shirley Weeks (EFA) will be pleased to answer any questions about the program. There are four types of schools in which any employee and enroll and qualify for educational assistance. These include approved correspondence schools, high school courses, technical and vocational schools, and college and graduate school courses. Questions most frequently asked about your group insurance By Truman Owens Q. If I want to be admitted to the hospital, should I notify Provident? A. No, you should present your Proview card to your physician or his secretary and have them to make the call to prevent the penalty. Q. Can I cover my dependent children if they do not live with me? A. Only if you have a court order directing you to cover your child, will the insurance pay. Q. Can I cover my mother, father, or brother on my insurance? A. No, only your spouse or eligible children. Child support deductions growing, fee to be charged The number of court ordered child support payroll deductions has been growing rapidly since the law was enacted in 1985 requiring employers like Clinton Mills to withhold continuing child support payments from employee wages. Family Court Systems have in creased their reliance on employ ees to deduct the payments. Clinton Mills makes deductions for six or more counties' Clerk of Courts who in turn disburse the funds to the proper parties. The Company will implement a $3.00 per deduction charge as pro vided by South Carolina law. The fee is per deduction; thus, if an employee has deductions each week, the charge will be applied accordingly. Fees charged by Clinton Milk will be in addition to 3% collected for court costs. Anyone needing additional in- Buchanan. James Q. If I am out on leave of absence, how do I keep my insurance in force? A. You must pay your premiums each week at the personnel depart ment or your insurance could be cancelled. Q. Does my insurance pay for x-rays and lab work? A. Yes, it pays 80% of reasonable and customary charges. Q. Are my prescription drugs covered? Yes, but only after you have satisfied the $200.00 deductible. You should hold those until you have sufficient amount to turn in. Employees to receive Wal-Mart gift certificate Eligible employees will receive a Wal-Mart Store gift certificate for Christmas thk year instead of making their selection from the pick-a-gift selection catalogue. The Company had participated in the pick-a-gift program for about 25 years. During this time, employees enthusiastically selected the item of their choice from the color booklets and brochures. In recent years, employees have changed their shopping habits and today's discount stores offer thousands of useful items at everyday low prices. Attracted by these type retailers, many employees requested a change in tne program. Many long service employees asked for a program where the choice would be expanded. In response to these requests, Clinton Milk, Inc., has chosen a new program from which you will receive a special gift certificate redeemable at a Wal-Mart store most convenient to you. It can be redeemed anytime in a 360 day period. Sam's Wholesale Club will ako honor the certificates. 3 ClothMaker