■ Diversity , Equity & Inclusion
Continued From Page 8 business forward . We believe that as we embrace
diversity and inclusion it will fuel innovation and innovation is essential to our future success .
Lakeland Bank By Alethea M . Batts , SHRM – SCP , SVP Learning and Organization Development , Chief Diversity Officer
At Lakeland Bank we are incorporating diversity , equity and inclusion initiatives to ensure our associates are well-informed , that they are heard and that they can feel comfortable in bringing their “ whole self ” to work to deliver a top-notch client experience . Diversity training is conducted at all levels of the organization , but one of our key initiatives is our Diversity Task Force . This balanced team of associates , managers and senior leaders has developed programs and practices designed to increase D & I within the bank . We believe it is vitally important to hear from our associates , so we implemented a monthly Listening Series called “ Diversity Speak : Share Our Voices ,” which is open to all associates . We also created a D & I Resource Page where associates share comments , give feedback and offer suggestions . And we use our Diversity Resource Calendar as a tool to share and celebrate cultural differences and to understand and respect religious observances . All of these initiatives are helping to strengthen our workplace culture ; and with Lakeland ’ s robust recruitment , promotion , retention and leadership initiatives , we will ensure the sustainment and growth of a diverse population of associates .
Hiring from local communities helps banks create a family atmosphere in their branches .
Peapack-Gladstone Bank By Brydget Falk-Drigan , EVP , Chief HR Officer
At Peapack-Gladstone Bank , we strive to recruit from the communities we serve to mirror the diversity in population . Our hiring practices aid in preventing unconscious biases . For example , we remove names from resumes and ensure diverse interview panels . We broaden internal awareness and encourage inclusion and respecting differences through mandatory training and by celebrating diverse holidays and significant historical events . In 2019 , we formed a Cultural Ambassador Committee , which is dedicated to instilling the bank ’ s core principles , and a subcommittee dedicated specifically to diversity and inclusion that concentrates on offering diverse and inclusive employee events bank-wide . Recognizing , celebrating and encouraging all employees to share their thoughts and perspectives promotes diversity of thought and encourages the spread of new ideas , ultimately enhancing client service and creating a winning workplace culture .
Valley Bank By Tammy G Mata , SVP , Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer
As a relationship-focused community bank , Valley has long believed that it is the strength of our workforce that allows us to meet the needs of the communities we serve . Valley is committed to encouraging , expanding and maintaining a truly inclusive work environment that is focused on one guiding principle — we all belong . Cultivating our diverse and inclusive workplace is essential not only for Valley ’ s growth , but also for the personal and professional growth of our employees . By embracing our diversity and igniting our inclusive work culture , we enhance our ability to bring new ideas to the table , raise new questions , innovate our practices and products , and gain new insights about the world around us . These insights and enhancements help strengthen our connections with our communities and , ultimately , our ability to serve as a better partner to our customers .
ENVIRONMENTAL BUSINESS
Concrete Washout Systems By Bill McGuire , Marketing Consultant
As a family-run business in the city of Paterson , Concrete Washout Systems serves the local construction industry with a safe , responsible and environmentally friendly way to recycle concrete materials and wastewater from a job site . We understand the importance of hiring to reflect the diversity within our community . More than half of our staff are from minority populations . What we are most proud of is how many of our employees often start as laborers and soon work their way up to more senior positions such as fulltime drivers , pump truck operators , and site managers . We have found by simply allowing someone to learn and advance in their job , they end up being higher performers and have become valuable team members within
Continued On Page 12
10 COMMERCE www . commercemagnj . com