🎉 Quarter 3 2026: What We’re Celebrating 

Summer adventures, long weekends, and the start of fall—Q3 gives us plenty of reasons to celebrate. Whether you're soaking up the sunshine or counting down to sweater weather, here’s what’s coming up!

Upcoming Holidays

• September 7 – Labor Day 
  A well-earned long weekend to relax, recharge, and maybe enjoy one last summer cookout.
• September 11 – Patriot Day 
  A day to remember and honor those affected by the events of September 11.
• September 22 – First Day of Fall 🍁
  Bring on the cooler weather, cozy vibes, and pumpkin-flavored everything.

🎈 A Little Q3 Reminder
Between summer getaways, holiday weekends, and the excitement of a new season, don't forget to take time to recharge and enjoy the little moments. Here's to a fantastic quarter filled with laughter, connection, and plenty of reasons to celebrate! 🎉🍂☀️

🏢 PAI Office Closure – Labor Day

Monday, September 7 – Labor Day 🇺🇸

Just a friendly reminder that the PAI office will be closed on Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day.

We hope everyone enjoys a well-deserved long weekend—whether that means spending time with family and friends, catching up on a favorite hobby, getting outdoors, or simply relaxing. Sometimes the best plans involve no plans at all!

We'll be back in the office on Tuesday, September 8, refreshed and ready to take on the fall season. 🍂✨

Quarterly Recap Events:

Exciting News: PAI Partners with Zakipoint Health

We're excited to announce a new partnership with Zakipoint Health, a healthcare technology company focused on helping people better understand and use their healthcare benefits.

This partnership brings new tools and resources that will help members find answers, better understand their benefits, compare healthcare options, and make more informed decisions about their care.

For PAI employees, it means having additional resources to support members, answer questions, and help guide people through what can often be a complicated healthcare experience. These tools will help our teams continue providing the high level of service our clients and members count on every day.

Most importantly, this partnership is about making healthcare easier—for the members we serve and for the employees who support them.

👉 Read the full story

🎉 Congratulations to our Q1 Quarterly Recognition Award Winner, Bridgett Cunningham! 🎉

We are proud to recognize Bridgett for her outstanding leadership, compassion, and ability to create a workplace where people truly feel supported, valued, and heard. Her impact is felt every day, and her colleagues say it best:

Bridgett has been a breath of fresh air since I changed departments. I was concerned about whether she would be able to accommodate me on some issues I've encountered. Since I arrived this has not become the case. I love that she responds from a place of understanding as we all may face difficulties in life versus being a supervisor with no compassion. From day one she has done a phenomenal job training me and I immediately felt a part of the team. She deserves this nomination because there are not many people let alone supervisors who can create a safe working environment and make their employees feel seen and heard.

Thank you, Bridgett, for leading with empathy and making a meaningful difference for your team. This recognition is well deserved! 🌟

👋 Get to Know Kristin Scott!

• What’s your all-time favorite movie? Pretty Woman
• Favorite local restaurant? If I get to pick, it’s Lula Drake. My family go-to is J.R. Cash.
• Your go-to cafeteria lunch order? I can’t resist burrito day!
• How long have you been part of the PAI team? I started in February 2022.
• What’s your favorite way to spend a day off? In the mountains of Western North Carolina
• Any hobbies or activities you’re passionate about? Hiking, biking, and wellness. 
• What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? To never expect to get what I want from someone else and to work for it myself.
• What’s something on your bucket list you hope to do someday? Visit Egypt 
• What’s your favorite season—and why? Fall! I love sunny, cool weather.

• What’s one thing you wish more people knew about you?  My house is a zoo! I have a daughter, two stepsons, two large dogs, and three cats. All of us love animals.

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  🍂 Fresh Starts + Fun Facts: Fall Into Q3 2026! 🍁

  Summer may be winding down, but Q3 is packed with opportunities to recharge, refocus, and enjoy the season. Here are a few fun facts and wellness reminders to keep you inspired through July, August, and September!

  ☀️ July

  🎆 Did you know July is National Picnic Month? Whether it’s lunch at a local park or dinner in your backyard, spending time outdoors can help reduce stress and boost your mood. Fresh air and sunshine are a winning combination!

  🚶‍♂️ Small movement, big benefits. Taking short walks throughout the day can improve focus, creativity, and energy levels. Challenge yourself to take a quick stroll during a break—you might return with a fresh perspective.

  🍉 Fun Fact: Watermelon is about 92% water, making it one of summer’s most refreshing snacks. Staying hydrated helps support concentration, energy, and overall wellness during the hottest months of the year.

  🌞 August

  📚 Did you know August is often considered a month of transition? As summer wraps up and routines begin to shift, it’s a great time to revisit personal goals and celebrate progress you've already made this year.

  💡 Try a "brain break." Research shows that stepping away from a task for just a few minutes can improve productivity and problem-solving. Grab a coffee, stretch, or chat with a coworker before diving back in.

  😴 Fun Fact: Quality sleep is one of the most powerful wellness tools available. Even a small improvement in your sleep routine can positively impact mood, focus, and performance throughout the day.

  🍁 September

  🍂 Did you know September is often seen as a second New Year? With changing seasons and fresh routines, many people find it easier to set new goals and build healthy habits this time of year.

  ❤️ September is Self-Care Awareness Month. Self-care doesn't have to be elaborate. A short walk, healthy lunch, reading a book, or simply taking a few deep breaths can help you reset and recharge.

  😂 Fun Fact: Positive social interactions—even brief conversations—can improve mood and increase feelings of connection. A friendly check-in with a coworker may brighten both your day and theirs!

  🌟 Q3 Challenge

  What's one thing you'd like to accomplish before the end of September?

  Whether it's learning a new skill, improving a wellness habit, taking more walks, drinking more water, or simply making more time for yourself, Q3 is the perfect opportunity for a fresh start.

  🍁 Small steps today can lead to big wins tomorrow!