One Teaspoon at a Time: Saving a Company by Engaging the Community

Abstract

How does a grease recycling program pull a community together and help put a local utility company back in the black…or green? In 2005 a new manager was hired to manage risk and reputation, as well as increase profitability of a water utility company. While accomplishing that, the GM wished to improve the attitude, management, and branding of a utility company which had lost five million dollars over the course of 12 years. Several improvements and changes took place under new management. One of the many transformed areas was sewage spills. One sewage spill can cost tens of thousands of dollars to clean up. A $12,000 grease recycling program helped reduce the company costs through fewer sewage spills. The general manager used the program as an opportunity engage and bond with the community. Communication was the key and the General Manager had found a story about a teaspoon of grease that could be told in different ways to relate to and educate all age groups in the community. In the end, the company helped to successfully engage the community which improved the company’s worker morale, reputation, image, brand, and profitability.