CEO Message to Partners

To My Partners,

This is a painful time for our country and for us. On top of the stress of the pandemic, the recent events going on around us are heartbreaking and inexcusable, so I want to share a few thoughts with you.

Like so many of you, I am very sad and angry by the senseless deaths of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Breonna Taylor in Louisville, Ahmuad Arbery in Georgia, Atatiana Jefferson in Fort Worth, and Botham Jean in Dallas, and the many others that reflect the deeply ingrained racial prejudice and injustice that still exists in our communities today.  

This is driving strong emotions, which it should. The unnecessary and unjust killing of anyone is unacceptable. The issue of race and the horrific experiences of too many people of color cannot be ignored. We owe it to ourselves, our customers and our communities to be very clear in condemning these acts of violence. They represent a disregard for basic human rights that has no place in our communities. We must support the reaction of peaceful protests and know that they can have a positive impact for change and a better future.

TDIndustries has long believed we are all better and stronger from the diversity that exists within our workplace and communities. Our Core Value of "Celebrate the Power of Individual Differences" has served us well and sets a high bar for continuing to improve. It calls us to create a culture of collaboration and inclusion and to learn from each other's perspectives. We need to keep actively working to make things better, which is why we will continue to invest in the strength that comes from diversity and inclusion. It begins not only by speaking out, but by listening. Listening to each other in dialogue about what it's like to be a person of color in our country today. "Seek first to understand" is why God gave us two ears and only one mouth. Servant Leaders seek to bring people together, not to drive them apart. We need caring leadership now more than ever.

If you really want to learn more about race in America, I urge you to read "White Fragility: Why It's so Hard for White People to Talk About Racism." Doing so will help us all to have deeper conversations about race and become a positive catalyst for change. Our conversations will lead to action, so we can follow in the footsteps of our founder Jack Lowe Sr. He was an amazing man who gave his life up early through intense community work to help peacefully desegregate Dallas schools in the late 1970’s. He was a true servant leader who always sought to give back and improve opportunities for everyone. He left us big shoes to fill and I know that we can keep building on that legacy. 

Our Partnership and Spirit of Inclusion will serve us well in continuing to be an industry and community leader for positive change. Thank you for all that you do to give back and help fight racial injustice.

Stay Safe.  #TDStrong!

Sincerely,
Harold

- If you want a little more, I was deeply moved by this message from George W. Bush.