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October 28, 2025
Open Enrollment Begins TOMORROW, October 29!
Open Enrollment kicks off TOMORROW – Wednesday, October 29!. If you missed the original announcement, you can find that message here. Please take a few minutes to review the materials and familiarize yourself with the available resources.
🎥 New Video Resource: A new Open Enrollment overview video is now available through NSM University. This optional training is open to all employees.
Visit the WNSM Open Enrollment page for more information. This page includes a link to our 2026 Benefits Guide and instructions on how to access the enrollment system.
All benefits eligible employees must complete enrollment, even if you plan to keep the same plans or waive medical coverage.
If you have any questions, please reach out to the NSM Benefits Team at benefits@nsm-seating.com.
COMPANY
Spark Tank Innovation Challenge: Your Ideas are Igniting Innovation!
We’re blown away by the incredible response to Spark Tank, NSM’s company-wide innovation challenge! Since launch, we’ve received over 145 ideas — including an impressive 35 submissions in just the first four hours.
At NSM, innovation starts with you — the people who know our work best. Your creativity, insight, and passion are what move us forward. Every idea, big or small, helps shape the future of how we serve our clients and each other.
💡 Don’t forget: Spark Tank is open through November 25, and up to five winners will each receive $2,000.
There’s still time to make your mark — submit your ideas HERE!
Reminder: Please Keep Your Telehealth Schedules Full!
Telehealth extensions are expected to move forward in Washington, D.C., once the government shutdown ends, with strong bipartisan support behind the bill.
In the meantime, our partners—Integrated Clinix, Wheelchair Clinic, and Telehealth Evals—continue booking appointments. Please verify that your therapists are currently accepting telehealth visits, and if not, connect with your RAD so we can find a replacement quickly.
Have questions? Reach out to the NSM Market Development Team: Steve Asbury, Jodi Smilgeski, or Cassandra Kinnamon.
We’ll keep you updated as the situation evolves..
Your Ask Makes an Impact: Let’s Keep the Google Reviews Rolling!
As October wraps up, we’re closing the month with 164 total Google Reviews and a 4.3 overall rating — a dip from 221 reviews and 4.4 overall average in September and 230 reviews and 4.4 overall average in August. Every review represents a client’s experience and helps shape how people view NSM.
Our online reputation is a powerful tool, and clients trust Google Reviews as one of the most authentic ways to evaluate businesses. That’s why your continued effort to “just ask” happy clients for reviews makes such a big difference.
October Google Review Rating Update by Division
- Access Standalone: 5.0 (4 total reviews)
- Canada: 4.2 (17 total reviews)
- North Division: 4.6 (45 total reviews)
- South Division: 4.4 (67 reviews)
- West Division: 3.7 (31 reviews)
2025 Year-to-Date Google Review Rating Update by Division
- Access Standalone: 4.7 (76 reviews YTD)
- Canada: 4.8 (298 reviews YTD)
- North Division: 4.4 (517 reviews YTD)
- South Division: 4.5 (781 reviews YTD)
- West Division: 4.0 (323 reviews YTD)
Branch Performance Snapshot
- 56% of NSM branches are hitting 4.0–5.0
- 15% of NSM branches are on the cusp of our 4.0 average goal at 3.5–3.9
- 29% of NSM branches are below 3.4
💡 Pro Tip: A quick “Would you mind leaving us a review?” can make a big difference. Keep asking happy clients — it works!
Helpful Links
- Click here to download and view the current leaderboard.
- Click here for helpful Google Review Resources.
Promote Helpful Client Resources with Every Email! New Email Signature Options
We’re excited to introduce two new email signature designs that highlight our Getting Your Chair section on NSM-Seating.com and MyNSMOrder.com — both designed to make it easier for clients to access information and support.
These updated signatures are a simple, effective way to share helpful tools, reinforce our commitment to client care, and keep our brand message consistent across every email you send.
Check out the updated Email Signature Job Aid on WNSM to view the new designs and choose the one that works best for you.
PEOPLE
Winter Weather Ahead: Stay Safe, Stay Ready
As temperatures drop and winter weather sets in, it’s important to stay alert — both on the road and around the workplace. A little extra caution can go a long way in preventing injuries and keeping everyone safe.
What You Already Know
🚗 Driving:
Winter driving conditions — snow, ice, sleet, and slush — dramatically increase the risk of accidents and injuries. Slow down, give yourself extra time, and stay aware of changing road conditions.
🚶♀️ Walking & Other Travel:
Icy sidewalks, steps, and parking lots can be just as dangerous. Even a quick trip outside can lead to slips, trips, or falls — so take it slow and watch your footing.
Did You Know?
Accidents and injuries are more common than most realize:
- ❄️ Over 70% of U.S. roads are in snowy regions that receive more than five inches of snow each year.
- 🚘 24% of all weather-related vehicle crashes happen on snowy, slushy, or icy pavement, and 15% occur during active snowfall or sleet.
- ⚠️ Each year, more than 1,300 people are killed and 116,000+ are injured in vehicle crashes on winter roads.
- 🧊 The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports over 20,000 workplace injuries each year related to ice, sleet, and snow.
(Source: Federal Highway Administration & U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Simple Steps to Stay Safe
- Clear and salt entrances and exits.
- Dress for the conditions — warm, slip-resistant footwear.
- Move slowly when getting in or out of vehicles.
- Watch out for teammates and speak up if you see a hazard.
Be Vigilant. Be Safe.
We want every member of our NSM team to stay safe this winter season — at work, on the road, and at home.
Have You Completed the Flu Vaccine/Waiver?
Flu season is coming, and NSM wants to keep everyone healthy! Influenza can cause serious complications, especially for children, older adults, and the medically fragile populations we serve.
Get Vaccinated:
- NSM strongly encourages the flu vaccine, but it is not required.
- Cost is likely covered by your benefits.
- Vaccines are available at local pharmacies (Walgreens, CVS, grocery stores) and doctors’ offices—often with perks like gift cards.
- Employees may get vaccinated during working hours for convenience.
Who Should Avoid the Flu Shot:
- Children under 6 months
- Anyone with life-threatening allergies to the vaccine
- Individuals with a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome (consult your doctor first)
The flu vaccine is safe, low-risk, and far safer than getting the flu.
Important: While vaccination isn’t required, submitting your Influenza Vaccine Acceptance/Waiver form is mandatory each year. It’s fully electronic - click here to submit your response.
Let's Get Moving Journal Spotlight: A Promise Kept - Jerry Donovan's Mission to Help Others Thrive
Twenty-five years ago, NSM client Jerry Donovan made a promise—and he’s spent every day since keeping it.
Back then, Donovan worked for Boston Gas, fixing gas leaks throughout the city. In 1999, while driving his truck, his blood sugar suddenly dropped, causing a serious accident. The crash left Donovan—a Type 1 diabetic—with a T-6 spinal cord injury.
“In the ER, a priest came in, and I was an altar boy, so I knew why he was there,” Donovan recalls. “He was coming to give me my last rites. I made a promise to God: If you keep me alive, I promise I’ll do some good stuff.”
It’s a promise he’s been living out for the past quarter century, as Donovan says, “for people in my position, for people going through traumatic life changes, for people who recover and for the ones who don’t.”
“People need people,” he said. “We pick each other back up when all the cards are down.”
Click here to read more and discover more great content — and don’t forget to share it with your clients and referral partners!
This Year, Let's Make Trick-or-Treating Accessible & Inclusive for Everyone!
As Halloween quickly approaches, many are looking forward to the costumes and candy that come with celebrating the spooky season. However, for those living with disabilities, the holiday and surrounding traditions can often present challenges.
Treat Accessibly is an initiative that encourages the accessibility of trick-or-treating by eliminating barriers for those with disabilities. The program encourages homeowners, or those passing out candy, to place a sign in their yards labeling their home as an accessible location. The sign is the homeowner’s commitment to giving out candy from a bottom step or garage door location that would be easier to access for someone needing accommodations. The campaign ensures a safe and accessible path for children with disabilities to be able to enjoy the festivities. Tips for creating an accessible trick-or-treating location include:
- Provide barrier free access by creating a clear path to the house or door
- Create a safe environment by eliminating obstacles and dangerous situations
- Be aware that everyone is different and may require separate accommodations
For more safe and inclusive Halloween suggestions or to download a lawn sign to print for your home, visit the treat accessibility site.
October Employee Milestone Anniversaries
Click here to see which NSM employees are celebrating a September milestone anniversary of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 or 35 years. Congratulations on your anniversary. Thank you for your service!
PURPOSE
Mission Moment: Buzzing with Inspiration this Halloween
This Halloween, NSM client Laura and her husband Edward are spreading smiles in their adorable matching bumblebee costumes!
Laura lives with Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP)—a rare condition that presents incredible challenges. Yet her positivity and strength shine through every day. With Edward’s love and her family’s support, Laura continues to inspire teens with disabilities and remind us what true courage and joy look like.
Thanks to
Alan Channin (ATP, Bronx, NY) and her Invacare Aviva Storm RX power wheelchair with Motion Concepts seating, Laura enjoys the comfort, mobility, and independence she deserves.
Here’s to Laura and Edward for reminding us all to keep buzzing with positivity and love this Halloween!
5-Star Google Review Shoutouts
5-Star Shoutout for Branch 125 (Pomfret, CT)
Great company to work with for a stairlift I need to be able to stay in my home. The staff is friendly, efficient, and of high quality. The Bruno Elan stairlift they installed is fantastic. The sales process was also super easy with a no-pressure consultation, which I appreciated without a high pressure. They also allowed our family to see a chairlift in their Showroom in Pomfret, CT. If you live close enough to their showroom I would highly recommend doing that. Kudos to their manager (Orville) for taking the time to meet with us on a Friday. Also, Kudos to our salesperson, Matt, and to our great installer, Clark. Thank you so much for your help!
5-Star Shoutout for Branch 280 (Salem, OR)
Kind, efficient, knowledgeable, and quick to get the job done, Cindy is an expert in her field with extraordinary compassion. Technician Zane was fun to work with and knew how to make my new chair fit perfectly. All went smoothly and couldn't have been better.
5-Star Shoutout for Branch 5 (Atlanta, GA)
From start to finish, NSM made the whole process of getting a Cubby Bed a breeze. Shout out to Patti, Russell and DJ. We began obtaining clinical documentation in July and just received our Cubby Bed today (October 15, 2025). This bed is amazing and will give our son a safer environment and a better chance at normal sleep. We are beyond thankful and we can’t thank them enough for their help through this process.
View more 5-star Shoutouts on the Google Review WNSM page.