In many communities, large construction companies play an important role. Yet despite their size and impact, they go virtually unnoticed. Some companies like it that way while other leaders and their teams see things differently. They believe that community involvement can pay big benefits. Making it easier to hire and retain employees is just one of the benefits of being engaged with local communities.
O&G Industries, headquartered in Torrington, Conn., has won several awards for its community involvement. According to Brad Oneglia, vice president of O & G, being involved in the community is "simply the right thing to do," he said.
In 2023, the team decided to use community involvement as a way to showcase the company's 100th anniversary.
"We wanted to make a concerted effort to the towns where we live and work that we couldn't have been successful without their support," he said. "We hire from these towns and do projects in these towns. So, it was natural to give back to the schools and do projects in those communities. We didn't want our efforts or money to go to out-of-town organizations, but instead to make an impact in those communities that are most important to us."
O&G decided to work through local nonprofits or aid projects that employees were already supporting. O&G looked at communities where the company's asphalt plants, masonry showrooms, quarries or concrete facilities already were operating. The contributions were significant, including such things as donating a forklift to a local food bank.
"It became an exciting year for us in many ways," said Oneglia. "For some of us it was the highlight of the year. I remember one instance where we were able to help a family whose child had a severe illness. It was thrilling to see the smile on the face of the child as he came home from school to see a completely remodeled backyard that we had assisted in building."
Local communities have expressed their gratitude for these efforts.
"Corporate America is coming to realize the importance of giving back to the community," he added. "Helping out Little Leagues, emergency services and other projects is gratifying. And, of course, our employees enjoy their participation."
Lehman-Roberts, a Granite Company, is another construction business that has been repeatedly recognized for its community involvement. For 11 years, the company has partnered with sister company Memphis Stone & Gravel to make a maximum impact in the community for the annual Martin Luther King Day of service. The service projects now extend beyond just a single day and last as long as a month.
"We had 275 employees participate last year in an outreach that took over two months to plan and execute," said Taylor McPherson, director of communications and engagement. "It was an honor to work with 15 nonprofits to partner in projects across Memphis and Northern Mississippi. Just like our mission statement says, our goal is to help the communities where we live and work to thrive."
The community projects embraced diverse efforts and included helping local food pantries, community development and education.
"We continue to see more and more team members submit and lead projects of their own," said McPherson. "The work is great for building morale and camaraderie among our people. Our goal with these projects is to grow capacity of the organizations we are supporting."
Lehman-Roberts employs a number of veterans, and the team was able to connect for significant work at the Alpha Omega Veterans Services headquarters building in Memphis.
"Our team members who were veterans have led projects there in recent years and supported the start of a vegetable garden."
Some estimates within the industry reveal that nearly 500,000 new workers will be needed this year to keep pace with construction trends. Also, nearly one-fourth of the workforce is expected to retire in the next 10 years. Clearly, attracting and retaining workers to the construction industry will continue to be important.
Companies like O&G, Lehman-Roberts and others have successfully raised their profiles in local communities. The results have included benefits for the employees, their families and the communities. CEG
