Community Relations Department at TDW connects people to performance in a unique way. As such, the value of Community Relations is both visible and measurable.
The mission of the Community Relations Department is to contribute funds, volunteers, and support to the communities where TDW employees work and live. The return on this investment impacts the company by ultimately reducing costs for TDW, retaining good customers, reflecting TDW values, and helping reinforce TDW’s Partner of Choice Strategy.
How does this work? The Community Relations Department Strategy is two-fold:
Focus on building strength and commitment internally throughout TDW, especially relevant as we grow and globalize the organization. Basic programs include:
- Volunteer opportunities with existing community outreach, for example, UW Day of Caring, mentoring with Partner in Education schools, informing a future employee base with JA teaching, and more
- Leadership opportunities for employees that they might not get within their job description, which can later be used in performance evaluations and opportunities for development. Employees get experience when they take the time to submit and research a Charitable Contribution proposal, and by following through with practicing teamwork on committees and project management capabilities by completing a TDW employee-suggested community project. Examples include Sub for Santa (SLC), Stand Up for Kids (CA), Family and Children Services, Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl for Kids’ Sake, March of Dimes Walk America, United Way Chairman (Tulsa), and others
- Health Education and Incentives: promoting a healthy workplace
- LifeTAPP opportunities to support employees in emergency situations
- Employee appreciation and recognition programs
Research and examine community strengths and weaknesses and wisely contribute to create stronger communities by following TDW/CR guidelines. Additionally, to create dialogues and partnerships with other funders, companies, and foundations in order to have a larger impact. These programs benefit TDW by:
- Contributing to community strength by donations to the food banks, baby clothing drives, and other recognized needs; investing in community strengths that provide culture, history, and education, and improve quality of life
- Building a future workforce by guiding students to make choices early that affect their career path
- Visibility as a community leader in providing solutions both in industry and stewardship
- Reinforcing TDW’s reputation for integrity, initiative, and interdependence both with customers and community and potential/existing employees
- Creating community and employee awareness: inviting or challenging other companies to step up per example