Businesses Giving Back
Each year, Truman Heartland recognizes a corporate citizen whose generosity in charitable giving tremendously impacts the region we serve. Our community is a generous one, and we consider it a privilege to recognize those companies whose philanthropy makes our community a better place to live and serve.
The 2021 Corporate Citizen of the Year is Continental Siding.
Continental Siding has been a fixture in the Independence community for nearly 40 years. With core values steeped in innovation and integrity, Continental Siding is a shining example of how generosity and compassion in business can make a positive change in communities.
While Covid-19 forced many businesses to lay off employees and shut down operations, Owner and President Alec Cook continued to pay his 2,000 employees, even if they were unable to work. To further ensure the financial stability of both his employees and those they know and love during the crisis, he gave each employee a bonus and an additional $500 to pay it forward and help someone in need.
When Covid impacted local fundraising events, like the SantaCaliGon Days Festival, Alec worked tirelessly to find additional resources to help the Independence Chamber of Commerce continue its good work. His generous efforts set a high bar for other Chamber members, bringing in more than $75,000 in annual memberships to help sustain the Chamber and protect jobs.
From funding scholarships for students at his alma mater, Truman High School, donating the company's advertising budget to bolster local charitable giving, or volunteering on numerous boards and attending charity events, Alec and Continental Siding are making a significant positive impact in the local community every day.