Hello everyone.

I’m Bo McWilliams, Chief Technology Officer at First Rate. Like a lot of you, I’m working from my home since the authorities here in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area have issued shelter in place orders.

I wanted to send this message to let you know that the management team at First Rate and all our employees are thinking and praying for the health and safety of our friends, families, clients, employees, and communities. These are unprecedented times, and there are many opportunities to serve those in need. We are actively seeking ways that we can help. If we can be of any assistance, please let us know. We are here and will do what we can.

A small update on what’s happening at First Rate and what we are doing to support our clients and partners during this time:

We were fortunate that our business continuity plan included a pandemic response plan and we have tested it. We implemented our plan 2 weeks ago for our Arlington, TX headquarters, our offices in Hyderabad and Pune, India and in our Afghanistan office.

All of our employees are working remotely at this time. Our phones, computer systems, and data centers were designed to function through this type scenario. We are 100% operational and conducting business as usual, albeit remotely. You will experience the same high level of service and access to employees while we’re working remotely as you would if we were in the office. We are here and ready to serve.

Here is a link here to a page on our site that will keep you updated on all the happenings at First Rate during the crisis. It will keep you informed of First Rate announcements and any changes related to the virus quarantine and our response posture as an organization.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, one of our core values at First Rate is to have fun and enjoy. It’s easy to get caught up in all the depressing news and isolation, and we think that it’s important to stay connected with each other and take some time to connect with family and friends remotely. Send us a video or Skype us; we’d love to hear from you.

We will continually monitor the situation and the recommendations of authorities and will keep our website updated with any changes. We’re thinking about you and your families, and we’re praying for everyone’s safety and health and a speedy resolution to this crisis.