Aggregates Manager Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/777939
Community outreach can build community support OPERATIONS Developing B uilding community and neighbor relations may seem daunting for aggre- gates operators starting from scratch, but it can be as simple as channeling employees' passions into the workplace. "You don't need to have money to donate," explains Alan Burnette, director of resource development for Lehigh Hanson's South Region. "We found that in our own cataloguing and tracking of events, most people in our industry are already doing community rela- tions and just don't realize it. Even at the grassroots level, it is import- ant to be involved." Formation of a neighborhood advisory group for the homeowners and businesses surrounding Lehigh Hanson's Crabtree Quarry has been well received. It provides a forum for the quarry's neighbors to air concerns and provide feedback while involving employees. This has helped elevate community relations with quarry neighbors — and has become an important recruiting tool. "People's ears perk up when I share what we do in community relations," Burnette says. "It's a big part of attracting and retaining talents. We all want to be involved in something bigger than ourselves that is more than just a paycheck." Rogers Group's Rutherford Quarry and Pottsville Quarry hosts a "BBQ in the Pit" to build neighbor rela- tions and involve employees' fam- ilies. A big tent is set up in the pit, and a barbeque meal is served. "We invite all local politicians, neighbors, and employee families," says Derek Roberts, vice president of aggregates for the South Central Division of Rogers Group. "It lets everyone put their feet on the quarry fl oor and see what you are all about." Bringing people into the opera- tion like this has been invaluable, Roberts says, because it provides an avenue to start building relation- ships. "When you are ready to make something happen at your site, you may be in a bind if you don't have relationships because you aren't different from anyone else," he says. Rogers Group's Lawrenceburg Quarry in Lawrenceburg, Tenn., built neighbor relations while helping a dream come true for Abigail, a young girl with Down's Syndrome. She loves baseball and dreamed of building a rubberized ballpark for children with special needs so they wouldn't get hurt if they fell. The sales manager for the operation met Abigail's father when he inquired about stone for the fi eld and parking lot. He told the sales manager about her quest to raise money to make the ballpark a reality. Rogers Group decided to get involved, and with Abigail's parents, they raised more than $400,000 for the project. "We were able to donate all the mate- rials, all the stone needed under the fi eld, and handle the site work," Roberts says. "It was pretty amazing to be involved in a project like this." AGGREGATES MANAGER When initiating neighbor relations, begin with smaller organized events that provide face-to-face interaction, such as a cookout. From there, expand on what worked and revisit any areas that could use improvement. Smaller-scale events, such as a barbeque open house, allows attendees to give both positive and negative feedback so changes can be implemented to improve the overall community experience. During these events, be transparent about daily business operations. This is an opportunity to create knowledge about the ag- gregates industry and its processes and procedures, which will, in turn, help to ensure a lasting relationship between the producer and the community. Making monetary donations is important, but getting directly involved in projects builds relationships and helps the community view the supporting organization as an asset. On Earth Day, Rogers Group's Lacey Springs operation employees worked with third grade students at Lacey Springs Elementary to plant new fl owers and update landscaping in front of the school. Working with the kids during their classes not only contributed to the community, but allowed some of the employees to work alongside their own children. Get involved with schools Provide face-to-face interaction 1 4