Grateful for Strength After Hurricane Helene

ASHEVILLE, NC – November 26, 2024 – As we approach Thanksgiving, we are reminded of the importance of gratitude and unity we’ve experienced. For the PLI Asheville employees and the greater Asheville community, this time of reflection brings about a mixture of many emotions as they continue to recover and re-open from the devastation of Hurricane Helene.

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, the PLI family in Asheville came together in a way that reflects the true strength of our culture and community. We are extremely grateful for the safety of all our team members and their families, but nearly every employee was impacted by the storm in some capacity, whether it was damage to their homes, trees on their roofs or the loss of power and water. For many, daily life became a hardship in the blink of an eye with refrigerators full of spoiled food, no access to clean water, and days without basic necessities like showers. During such adversity, PLI immediately stepped up to provide support, offering financial assistance and supplies through the PLI Helene Help Plan.

Of the 150 employees, 26 requested aid from the fund, but that doesn’t tell the full story. Many of PLI’s team members, despite facing their own hardships, chose not to ask for assistance because they knew others had it worse. Their selflessness in wanting to make sure those most in need received aid is a testament to the care and camaraderie of our people. In times of crisis, employees showed that the PLI is more than just a company, it’s a community that takes care of one another.

The PLI Helene Help Plan included funds from the following sources of assistance - 84% accounted for the lost wages paid by PLI for all employees who were unable to work due to the storm. On top of that, PLI matched funds paid by PLI, resulting in 5% of the funds. Additionally, 6% of the funds were raised through a GoFundMe campaign, which helped to stretch our collective support even further, and 5% were raised through our One Team One Dream company program. Supplies such as food, water, fuel, chargers, flashlights and camping gear were provided. Employees also received assistance with practical needs, including insurance deductibles, tree and debris removal, chainsaws, and generators.

This season, we give thanks for our PLI Asheville family – for their safety, their strength, and for lending a helping hand to those in need. We are truly inspired by their generosity and determination to forge ahead. The support provided to help our employees was crucial as many are still navigating the tough road to recovery. PLI stands united during such circumstances, embodying resiliency and solidarity. In the face of such unprecedented circumstances, PLI is committed to assisting with the safety and well-being of its employees.

About Plasticard – Locktech International

PLI is the largest Closed Loop Gift, Loyalty and Hospitality card manufacturer in North America. PLI has been in business for over 30 years, specializing in end-to-end card marketing solutions including card production, design, packaging, displays, consulting and fulfillment services and capabilities. PLI has three manufacturing facility locations including two in Las Vegas, NV and one in Asheville, NC.