A Message to the Community from Brad Thorlakson, Tolko’s President & CEO.
I want to highlight the importance of supporting people in the communities where we work and live during these challenging times. As we continue to adapt to the temporary “new normal,” we clearly see the value of Tolko and our communities working closely together. More than ever, we depend on each other to stay safe, healthy, and thrive.
Supporting the communities where we operate goes beyond creating employment. Giving back has always been essential to us, and this will continue despite the current circumstances. Our community investments help support youth at risk, forestry education, local First Nations organizations, youth sports, boys & girls clubs, women’s shelters, and more. Above all, our employees contribute in many ways from volunteering to leading committees to coaching local sports. Some great examples of employee commitment were just highlighted this week with our 2019 Community Citizen Award winners. Congratulations to Jamie Beaulne and Michael Morgan who have both made meaningful impacts in their communities. Thank you for living our values and offering your support and skills. They were just two of a dozen entries this year that illustrate how employees are contributing in their local areas. Many more deserve credit and recognition.
Company and personal contributions, large and small, go hand in hand with the work we do at Tolko to provide essential services and vital supplies to the community. You may have heard that our Heffley Creek division got involved with Meals for Truck Drivers BC last week and sponsored 125 meals for the truck drivers who are essential to our business, transporting raw materials, and keeping our products flowing to customers. Our products and co-products continue to play an important role in the production of pandemic supplies, paper, and personal hygiene products.
Our priority remains staying connected with our communities and engaging with municipal leaders and indigenous communities to ensure we’re keeping them informed and offering support, especially during this time. Vernon Mayor Victor Cumming recently commented, “On behalf of The City of Vernon, our Council and staff, we would like to express our strong appreciation for the efforts made by each Tolko employee, in each of your Divisions, for the work they are doing to stay operational and stay safe at work and at home — thank you!”
I know that dealing with change demands a lot from everyone. We’re here for the long run, and the way to ensure that is to remember that we’re in this together. I’m proud of how we’ve adapted while keeping our focus on safety, and I’m impressed by the innovative ways that our teams are working to deliver to our customers, help our partners and vendors stay successful, and remain on track with the work that needs to be done.
To the communities in which we operate, whose support is vital to our continued success, and to our employees for their continued effort and dedication to staying safe and healthy, I thank you.
Brad Thorlakson
Tolko President & CEO
