Tilcon believes that being a good neighbor is essential to the success of our company, and to the industry as a whole.  We go about the business of being a good neighbor in a very proactive manner. Our programs vary at different locations and we have designed them to be flexible in order to meet an individual community’s needs. 

Community Participation and Service

Building goodwill by developing collaborative efforts with local communities is a key element of our programs.

1. Community Patrol – Tilcon’s commitment to the community has included the patrolling of access roads in an identified company vehicle with a flashing light.  This is a way of monitoring our independent owner/operators for compliance, and upon request to add visibility in areas such as school zones during arrival and dismissal.  These efforts are appreciated by the community.
2. Police Training – Tilcon’s Safety Department conducted safety training for a local Police Department.  Over the course of six weeks, all Rockaway Township Officers received an hour session on potential hazards at mining operations and were familiarized with the site in preparation for future situations that may require on-site assistance.
3. Township Projects – The company’s generosity includes partnering on projects for the betterment of the community.  Most recently, Tilcon has become involved in the building of a new Public Safety Complex for the Borough of Bloomingdale.  Our NJ Construction Team is doing the site clearance, excavation and grading, removal of soil, installation of drainage, sanitary sewer and water lines, and supplying asphalt materials and lay down for the installation of a 1,055 square parking lot – all at no cost to the Borough.

Education

We use the slogan “If it can't be grown, it has to be mined." to educate the public about the importance of our natural resources. Open Houses – Each year we host two open houses for the public; one in NJ and one in NY.  These events provide an opportunity for neighbors, Boy and Girl Scout troops, and other interested groups to tour our facility, learn about our operations, meet our employees, and enjoy a fun-filled day. All food, refreshments, entertainment and activities are free to the public. Scholarships – College scholarships have been part of our outreach program in several communities, such as Prospect Park, NJ, where we have quarry, asphalt and recycling operations.  Each year we select two graduating seniors and present them with a check towards their college tuition. NJIT Annual Tours - The New Jersey Institute of Technology visits our Mt. Hope, NJ facility each fall as part of a class on construction materials. This partnership has been on-going for almost ten years and is beneficial to both sides as the college provides a source of potential Tilcon employees.

Monetary Donations

Monetary donations help the community in many different ways.  

1. School traffic safety sign – Parents at an elementary school about a half mile from one of our NJ facilities expressed concerns about the speed of trucks coming past the school.  Tilcon listened and offered to donate a solar paneled speed limit sign which reminds all drivers of the 25mph school zone speed limit.  The sign has contributed to a greater sense of safety in the immediate area and demonstrated our commitment to being a good neighbor.
2. Hudson Ferry-Go-Round – Tilcon sponsored an event in Rockland County, NY which featured ferries to transport guests between four towns on the Hudson River.  Tilcon’s $10,000 sponsorship was earmarked for the entertainment at the various stopping points in town.
3. Civic Organizations – From sports teams to church groups to Police Athletic Leagues to schools, Tilcon generously supports organizations that benefit communities from Poughkeepsie, New York to Keasbey, New Jersey.

Material Donations

1. Habitat for Humanity -  Tilcon supplies aggregate materials and labor for various Habitat for Humanity projects in NJ and NY.
2. Eagle Scout projects – On a more local level, the company helps Boy Scouts who are working on their Eagle Scout projects.  Many of the projects involve the improvement of a public area such as a park, and require stone products.
3. NY/NJ Trail Conference – Work is underway at Bear Mountain State Park on a five-year+ program of trail building, rehabilitation and ecological restoration.  The project necessitates crushed stone to improve conditions on one of the most frequently hiked mountains in the country.  Tilcon is supplying 350 tons to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy at a significantly reduced price.  

Communication

1. Residents – We believe that open and honest communication with residents is important.  Tilcon meets with residents to address issues and concerns.
2. Community Leaders – Tilcon builds relationships with community leaders and looks for ways in which we can use our resources to benefit the community.
3. Local and State Government – Getting to know the local governing body is a good way to learn what is important to a particular community and makes it easier to work through issues as they may arise.