PAI Employee Connect – Q4 2025
Observances:
October:
- October 13 – Indigenous Peoples’ Day
- October 15 – Boss’s Day
- October 31 – Halloween
November:
- November 2 – Daylight Saving Time ends
- November 11 – Veterans Day
- November 27 – Thanksgiving Day
- November 28 – Black Friday
- November 30 – Small Business Saturday
December:
- December 1–8 – Hanukkah
- December 21 – Winter Solstice
- December 24 – Christmas Eve
- December 25 – Christmas Day
- December 26-Jan 1 – Kwanzaa begins
- December 31 – New Year’s Eve
PAI Office Closures
- November 27 – Thanksgiving Day
- November 28 – Black Friday
- December 24 – Christmas Eve
- December 25 – Christmas Day
🌟 Employee Kudos Spotlight: Gertie Farnum 🌟
If you haven’t met Gertie, you’re truly missing out! After “retiring” as a supervisor in our Self-Funded call center, Gertie barely took a week off before jumping back in to help with refunds and special projects—proving we just can’t do without her.
She sets an inspiring example of positivity, professionalism, and genuine care for others. As George Stiles, President & COO, says:
“Gertie is a clear example of what we mean when we talk about making benefits better.”
Kerri Flowers, Assistant Vice President, echoes that sentiment:
“Gertie has a gift for relationships, which go beyond the workplace… Thank you for the positive energy you bring… you truly embody the values that PAI stands for and we’re lucky to have you as part of our team!”
Britt Cobb, Director of Self-Funded Operations, adds:
“She’s one of a kind. She makes a positive, lasting impact on all the people she helps and works with… Great job, Gert! You deserve the great praise.”
Our partners notice Gertie’s special touch, too. Rita Marshall from Conway Hospital shares:
“Gertie is a great listener; an attribute not often found in insurance personnel… Gertie’s calls, regardless of the reason, made me smile.”
And every day, her coworkers feel her support. Kim Stroman, Claims Customer Service Advocate II, says:
“She is an uplifting, encouraging cohort and mentor in my life… Her life experience is a shining example of what can be a rewarding human experience, no matter what!”
Thank you, Gertie, for continually inspiring and encouraging everyone around you. You truly make PAI a better place for all of us!
🚀 PAI Highlights: Big Wins, Bold Partnerships & Industry Impact!
PAI Property & Casualty + Workers Compensation
Thrilled to share some exciting news: PAI Property & Casualty + Workers Compensation officially won back a valued client we previously worked with — and we couldn't be more proud!
This comeback wasn’t luck. It was the result of listening, understanding deeper, and delivering better. To the client who chose to give us another shot: thank you for your trust. To our team: your persistence, professionalism, and commitment made this possible.
PAI’s Heath Ward and PJ Rescigno attended the American Staffing Association’s Staffing World 2025
October 6-8, at booth 805 alongside our partners from BCS Financial Corporation. Attendees explored new insurance options for part-time and hourly teams and discovered how CareBasic simplified benefits and helped protect workforces.
Smart Data Solutions #SmartHorizons Symposium
George had a great t
ime sharing the stage with James Geraghty, PMP, at the Smart Data Solutions #SmartHorizons Symposium. Thanks to April Gill for inviting us to step outside our usual TPA focus as we discussed how technology helped payers navigate the intended and unintended consequences of the healthcare-related provisions in The OBB.
While there’s still more progress to be made, we explored how emerging technologies supported efforts to address challenges in healthcare delivery and payment systems. The consensus was that these improvements need to be driven by the private sector, with collaboration between payers, providers, and tech companies paving the way forward.
Health Care Administrators Association® (HCAA) TPA Summit
PAI was happy to send George Stiles to HCAA to learn more about how we can make benefits better.
One of the great things about attending conferences like the Health Care Administrators Association® (HCAA) TPA Summit is the opportunity to hear from some really smart folks and take some time away from the daily hustle and bustle to think about what’s going on in our industry.
MDI NetworX Client Innovation Council.
MDI NetworX welcomes George Stiles, President of Planned Administrators, Inc.® (PAI), Inc. (PAI), to its Client Innovation Council.
This addition further strengthens the Council’s expertise within the healthcare industry and brings significant depth in benefit plan administration and flexible client solutions.
Read the full announcement here: https://lnkd.in/dFFTaJJw
🚀 Help Us Grow & Be In The Know!
Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook for behind-the-scenes highlights, company news, and industry tips. Don’t miss out—join our online community and support us with a follow!
Spotlight & Shine: Celebrating Promotions and Big Wins This Quarter!
What’s Happening in South Carolina 🎉
From Fall Festivals to Holiday Happenings—Your Guide to South Carolina’s Best Food, Fun, and Festivities!
- 🎃🎡🍤🎶👻 October in South Carolina: Fairs, Food Fests, Music & Spooky Fun!
SC State Fair (Columbia, 10/8–19): Rides, games & nightly fun!
Beaufort Shrimp Fest: Shrimp celebration downtown.
Bluffton Halloween Bash: Kid-friendly at Martin Family Park.
Fish & Grits Music Fest: (Lowcountry Celebration Park)
BBQ Events: Cookin’ on the Creek (Bay Creek), Squealin’ on the Square (Laurens, 10/17), Jackson Hook & Cook (Jackson, 10/17)👻 Haunted Attractions: Swamp Fox Terrors (Marion, 10/17), Boo in the Zoo (Greenville 10/15, Columbia 10/17)
Infamous Stringdusters (Spartanburg, 10/29)
SC Jazz Fest (Cheraw, 10/17)
Coastal Carolina Fair (Ladson, 10/30)
Pawleys Island Music & Art Fest (10/18)- 🎭🏈🎶✨ November in South Carolina: Sports, Stage, Music & Holiday Lights!
Charleston Scottish Games (11/1)
Dracula Ballet (Beaufort, 11/1)
The Wizard of Oz Stage Show (Conway, 11/1)
Swamp Rabbits vs. Stingrays Hockey (Greenville, 11/1)
Charleston Literary Fest (Starts 11/7)
College Football: JMU @ Coastal Carolina (Conway, 11/29)
Forest Forms Expo (Anne Springs Greenway, thru 1/11/26)
Holiday Festival of Lights (James Island, 11/13–12/31)
Sound of Charleston Holiday Concert (11/28–12/30)- 🎄🏃♂️🩰🏀🎉 December in South Carolina: Lights, Markets, Shows & Holiday Cheer!
Festival of Lights & Sound of Charleston continue!
Reindeer Run (12/1)
Mt. Pleasant Holiday Market (12/12)
Myrtle Beach—holiday events & mild temps (~60°F)
Nutcracker Ballet (Charleston, 12/1+)
Seussified Christmas Carol (Summerville, 12/12)
Santa Crawl on the MarshWalk (Murrells Inlet, 12/11)
Christmas on Main Matinee (N Myrtle Beach, 12/4)
College Basketball: USC Upstate @ SC State (Orangeburg, 12/16), VT @ Clemson (Clemson, 12/9)
NYE on the MarshWalk (Murrells Inlet, 12/31)
Save the dates—lots happening statewide! Want details on any event? Just ask!
Blockbuster Season Preview: Must-See Movie Trailers for Fall & Holiday 2025!
This showcases trailers for some of the most anticipated upcoming movies in October-December 2025
October 2025
- The Smashing Machine: Dwayne Johnson stars as MMA fighter Mark Kerr in this drama directed by Benny Safdie. (October 3)
- TRON: Ares: Jared Leto stars in the new installment of the Tron franchise. (October 10)
- After the Hunt: A thriller from director Luca Guadagnino starring Julia Roberts and Andrew Garfield. (October 17)
- Black Phone 2: The sequel to the popular horror film. (October 17)
- Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere: A biographical drama about Bruce Springsteen. (October 24)
- Bugonia: A new film from director Yorgos Lanthimos starring Emma Stone. (October 24)
November 2025
- The Running Man: A new adaptation of the Stephen King novel. (November 14)
- Now You See Me: Now You Don't: The third film in the heist series. (November 14)
- Wicked: For Good: The live-action adaptation of the popular musical. (November 21)
- Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery: Rian Johnson's latest entry in the Knives Out series. (November 26)
- Zootopia 2: The sequel to the Disney animated film. (November 26)
December 2025
- Five Nights at Freddy's 2: The sequel to the horror film based on the video game. (December 5)
- Avatar: Fire and Ash: The next installment in James Cameron's Avatar saga. (December 19)
- The Housemaid: A thriller based on the novel by Freida McFadden. (December 19)
- Is This Thing On?: A new comedy from director Adam McKay. (December 19)
- Marty Supreme: A new film from director Marty Supreme. (December 25)
Spice Up Fall 2025: Easy Leftover Recipe Makeovers 🍂👩🍳
Ready to turn holiday extras into wow-worthy bites? Here are fresh, buzzworthy ideas—with global flavor trends, creative sweet & spicy mashups, and some healthy comfort food twists to make your fall table stand out.
Candy Bar Brownies: Chop up mix-and-match candy bars (think Snickers, Twix, Butterfinger) and mix into brownie batter. Epic surprise in every bite!
White Chocolate & Candy Corn Cookies: Upgrade standard cookies with candy corn + white chocolate chips = instant autumn magic.
Sweet & Salty Popcorn Remix: Melt chocolate and drizzle over popcorn, then toss in M&Ms or candy corn for shareable snack packs.
Frozen Candy Banana Boats: Split bananas, spread with peanut butter, sprinkle with chopped candy, then freeze—totally craveable!
DIY Candy Bark: Melt chocolate, spread on parchment, sprinkle with all your leftover bits, chill, then smash for a party treat.
Turkey Shepherd’s Pie: Shred turkey, mix with gravy + roasted veg, top with mashed potatoes, bake till golden.
Crunchwrap or Casserole Remix: Layer turkey, stuffing, taters, and gravy in a dish or wrap in a tortilla, bake or crisp. Totally no leftovers left!
Easy Pot Pie: Leftover turkey or ham + creamy sauce + pre-made crust or cheddar biscuits = comfort in a pan.
Cranberry Brie Melts: Stack turkey, cranberry sauce, and brie on bread, grill for ultimate melty vibes.
Cranberry Sauce Upgrades: Bake into crumble bars, swirl into cheesecake, or whip up a feta cranberry dip for snacking.
Ham & Cheese Bread Bowls: Stuff bread rolls with creamy ham & cheese, bake till gooey.
Classic Ham & Bean Soup: Use the holiday ham bone for hearty soup with veggies & navy beans.
Holiday Strata: Leftover meats + crusty bread + eggs & cheese = next-level breakfast bake.
Ham & Cheese Potato Pancakes: Stir ham cubes and cheese into mashed potato cakes, fry to perfection.
Pan de Jamón (Venezuelan Twist): Roll up ham, olives, and raisins in festive bread for a global holiday spin.
Ham Sliders: Load ham and cheese into rolls, brush with a savory glaze, bake in the oven—IRL party favorite.
👀 Pro tip: Show off your creations—email us and let us know which recipe you tried first! Want more tasty ideas and healthy hacks? Drop us a note and we’ll send some your way!
#FallFeast #NoLeftoverLeftBehind
🎉 Guess the Celebrity! Shocking & Fun Facts Edition
Take a break and test your pop culture IQ with bizarre jobs, hidden secrets, and superstar surprises—can you guess them all? No Googling! 😉
Ready for a little break? Test your pop culture smarts with these wild, true stories about famous faces! From weird first jobs to totally unexpected habits, this quiz is here to brighten your day. See how many you can guess right—no Googling! 😉 Send your answers to marketing@paisc.com. The first person to get them all right wins a prize!
- 💈💀 Life & Death Hairdresser
Who once worked as a hairdresser for the living…and the dead—before hitting it big in “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” and “Twins”?
A. Bill Murray
B. Danny DeVito
C. Steve Martin
D. Jack Black- 👨👩👧👦🤔 Family Secrets Unveiled
This screen legend believed his grandmother was his mother—only to find out as an adult his “sister” was actually his mom. Who is he?
A. Robert De Niro
B. Clint Eastwood
C. Jack Nicholson
D. Al Pacino- 🐶🧬 Dog Cloning Diva
Who cloned her dog Samantha twice after her passing, using cells taken from her mouth and stomach?
A. Barbra Streisand
B. Cher
C. Celine Dion
D. Mariah Carey- 🦁🎪 Teenage Lion Tamer
Which actor tamed lions in a circus during his teenage years?
A. Christopher Walken
B. Harrison Ford
C. Liam Neeson
D. Jeff Goldblum
Fall & Winter Wow Facts
October
🎃 Did you know Jack-o’-lanterns were originally carved from turnips in Ireland? When Irish immigrants came to America, they found pumpkins more plentiful—and easier to carve! Next time you light up your Jack-o’-lantern, you’re part of a centuries-old tradition with a twist.
🍎 October is National Apple Month—the average American eats about 16 pounds of apples each year! From classic apple pies to a grab-and-go snack, apples are packed with fiber and Vitamin C. Try adding apple slices to your lunch for a sweet and healthy boost!
🏃♂️ Did you know taking a brisk 10-minute walk can help boost your mood and energy as days get shorter? Fall is a great time to explore the changing colors and get fresh air. Even a short walk outdoors can help shake off stress and keep your mind sharp—give it a try this week!
November
🦃 Did you know the first TV dinner was inspired by Thanksgiving leftovers? In 1953, a food company accidentally ordered too much turkey and created packaged turkey dinners to avoid waste—sparking the TV dinner craze! So, the next time you heat up a frozen meal, you’ve got Thanksgiving to thank.
🍁 November is National Diabetes Awareness Month—a quick daily walk after meals can help regulate blood sugar. Even 10-15 minutes makes a difference by helping your body use glucose more effectively. Invite a coworker for a post-lunch stroll—it’s good for your health and your mood!
💡 Did you know gratitude journals can improve sleep and lower stress? Writing down 3 things you’re thankful for each night can make a real impact on mental well-being and positivity. This month, give it a try—your mind (and maybe your pillow) will thank you!
December
☃️ Did you know more than 2 billion Christmas cards are sent in the US each year? Sending cards is a heartfelt way to stay connected, even in a digital world. Consider sending a surprise note to someone who wouldn’t expect it—a small gesture goes a long way.
🧤 December is Safe Toys & Gifts Month—check for safety labels when buying gifts for kids. Did you know toys are tested for small parts and sharp edges before they land on the shelf? A quick safety check helps keep holiday smiles bright and accident-free.
🕯️ Did you know lighting candles is a tradition for not just Christmas, but also Hanukkah and Kwanzaa in December? Candles bring warmth and meaning to seasonal celebrations around the world. Try adding a cozy candle-lit moment to your winter evenings, whatever you celebrate!