The Reason for Our ESG Report: A Message from the President
Since 1921, each generation of Demere leadership has worked hand-in-hand with our employees to define the Colonial legacy by living out our core values of Service, Integrity, Entrepreneurship, and Family. While our facilities, operations, and lines of business have expanded, our guiding principle has always remained: lasting success is built on the bedrock of honesty, trust, and relentless hard work. To further strengthen that trust, our leadership team felt it was pertinent to invest in and share an annual ESG report.
An ESG report serves simply as a formal way of asking, “How is this company and its leadership team making an impact both on the environment and in its community?” While we’ve always been proud of Colonial’s story, we haven’t been the greatest in sharing it. Our team is grateful this report allows us to present a more comprehensive picture of how we've been investing in our people, our community, and our future aspirations to do more.
Service & Integrity
Service is woven into every aspect of what we do. Serving our customers, our community, and one another are all foundational elements within the Colonial culture. Our products and services deliver, but our passion to serve is what makes the real difference. How can we better serve one another? This question isn't just for our employees; it's the foundation for attracting and retaining the best talent. Every role here is designed to empower individuals to reach their full potential so that we can better serve our customers, each other, and our community. This year alone, our team connected with over 40 nonprofits! I'm incredibly proud of their dedication to creating positive change.
Integrity is the cornerstone of Colonial, ensuring every action builds trust and lasting relationships. No matter how large our company becomes, size won’t compromise our character. Integrity is the compass that guides every decision. From our investments in fleet upgrades and technology that prioritize driver safety to our investments in renewable diesel, we empower our team with trust, fostering open conversations about growth and a collaborative spirit that propels us forward together. Integrity sets the stage for this collective magic to unfold.
Entrepreneurship & Family
In recent years, Colonial Group has expanded in almost every aspect of our business. With the desire for continued growth, staying nimble is critical. Our ambition isn't just to keep up, it's to be leaders in our industries. This drive is rooted in our values, where empowered employees become leaders. We make strategic, intentional moves, allowing us to capitalize on opportunities that create long-term value. The question we ask ourselves isn't "Can we do it?" but "Will it propel us forward?" When the answer is yes, we’re ready to get the job done.
At Colonial Group, we cultivate more than colleagues – we build a family. Daily interactions spark engagement and genuine friendships. As a privately held company, we have the agility to make unconventional decisions, fostering a spirit of trust and camaraderie. It's this family atmosphere that fuels our success, and it's a core value we'll carry forward as we grow.