A word from our president
June 4, 2020
Friends and Colleagues,
We are living through an unprecedented time of sickness, fear, uncertainty, and hardship because of the COVID-19 pandemic. 2020 will certainly be remembered for the impact that COVID has had on our world and our lives and will be an event that none of us will forget. However, a vaccine will be developed, COVID will pass and at some point in the future we will rebuild, the economy will restart, and we will move forward to the new normal.
There is another sickness in our world that is far more insidious, has caused far more suffering and death, has existed for far too long, and for which there is no vaccine on the horizon. That sickness is racism, and the only vaccine for it must come from within each member of society, from each of us. The horrific and senseless killing of George Floyd is a violent and graphic example of the racism that impacts so many in their everyday lives. We need to recognize it, acknowledge it, and stand together against it if we are going to change it. It has gone on long enough.
At Laurentide, one of our values is that People Matter. In this time, I would like to be more specific and clearly state that Black Lives Matter at Laurentide. To our employees and colleagues in the Black community – we hear you, we see you, and you are valued. We chose you to work at Laurentide, you chose to join our team, and we are committed to you in all ways. We condemn any and all discrimination against the Black community anywhere, and especially at Laurentide.
We view diversity in all aspects including color, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, culture, and language as strengths that make us better together. Diversity should be embraced and celebrated, and not discriminated against. And so, to all of you who bring diversity to our society and to Laurentide, thank you and believe that we support and encourage all of you equally.
As a society, as a company, as friends and colleagues, and as individuals we must commit to eliminating racism and discrimination in everything we do. I ask all of you to actively take this on. Only by doing so will be make a lasting change where truly All People Matter.
Steve Dustin
President & CEO
Friends and Colleagues,
We are living through an unprecedented time of sickness, fear, uncertainty, and hardship because of the COVID-19 pandemic. 2020 will certainly be remembered for the impact that COVID has had on our world and our lives and will be an event that none of us will forget. However, a vaccine will be developed, COVID will pass and at some point in the future we will rebuild, the economy will restart, and we will move forward to the new normal.
There is another sickness in our world that is far more insidious, has caused far more suffering and death, has existed for far too long, and for which there is no vaccine on the horizon. That sickness is racism, and the only vaccine for it must come from within each member of society, from each of us. The horrific and senseless killing of George Floyd is a violent and graphic example of the racism that impacts so many in their everyday lives. We need to recognize it, acknowledge it, and stand together against it if we are going to change it. It has gone on long enough.
At Laurentide, one of our values is that People Matter. In this time, I would like to be more specific and clearly state that Black Lives Matter at Laurentide. To our employees and colleagues in the Black community – we hear you, we see you, and you are valued. We chose you to work at Laurentide, you chose to join our team, and we are committed to you in all ways. We condemn any and all discrimination against the Black community anywhere, and especially at Laurentide.
We view diversity in all aspects including color, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, culture, and language as strengths that make us better together. Diversity should be embraced and celebrated, and not discriminated against. And so, to all of you who bring diversity to our society and to Laurentide, thank you and believe that we support and encourage all of you equally.
As a society, as a company, as friends and colleagues, and as individuals we must commit to eliminating racism and discrimination in everything we do. I ask all of you to actively take this on. Only by doing so will be make a lasting change where truly All People Matter.
Steve Dustin
President & CEO