Rogers Group Inc. of Gallatin, TN, is the winner of National Asphalt Pavement Association’s (NAPA) 2005 Community Involvement Award.
The company received its award at a special ceremony at the association’s 51st Annual Convention, “Ride the Pavement,” in Hollywood, FL.
NAPA presents its Community Involvement Award to hot-mix asphalt (HMA) companies that serve their communities through outstanding programs and projects.
“NAPA understands how important it is for the companies in our industry to participate in and support their communities,” said Richard F. Moore Jr. 2005 chairman of the NAPA board of directors. “This award reflects the high priority that the Rogers Group Inc. places upon its relationship with its neighbors.”
The company won the award for its involvement in numerous community events and activities in Sumner, Robertson and Davidson Counties. These counties are home to four of the Rogers Group’s quarries and asphalt plants as well as its corporate office.
“We strive to be good neighbors,” said Judy Bowling, the company’s administrative assistant and community relations coordinator. “It is a high priority with our company to do whatever we can to help our community.”
The company’s primary commitment is to education, and it has assisted several area schools with materials and services. It contributes money for school supplies for students, is an active participant in the COMPASS (Community Outreach Making Partnerships at Sumner Schools) program, and supports school and community sports teams. It helped plant shrubs at one school and filled in a dangerous ditch at another.
Rogers Group provided financial assistance to a cheerleading squad composed of special needs children, to an early learning center, and to various youth development programs. It supports drug- and alcohol-free prom and graduation nights at area high schools.
In addition, company representatives have made presentations to students about the hot-mix asphalt industry on career days, providing insights into the many types of careers (besides road construction) that are available in the industry.
“We really put education at the top of our list, because our children are the future leaders of our community and of the Rogers Group as well,” Bowling said.
The Rogers Group is a leader in its communities’ civic and business development. It is active in various Chambers of Commerce as well as in organizations such as Hendersonville Industrial Development Board, Forward Sumner and the United Way.
The company is always on hand with volunteers and loaned equipment (tents and grills, for example) at festivals, parades and school events. Its support through volunteers and donations touches youth sports, hospitals, local arts programs, fire and police departments and organizations that support medical research.
“We want to be part of more than just one event,” said Bowling. “We try to stretch our money and to help as many schools, civic organizations and community events as possible.”
