Social Responsibility

The confluence of a global pandemic, gender and racial inequality, and systemic inequities in society have contributed to a new, more mindful, operating normal for organizations around the world. At LRS, the implementation of Social Impact initiatives has served as a valuable, natural extension of our footprint in the neighborhoods and communities we serve.

LRS thrives on the passion and work ethic of more than 2,000 people across nine U.S. states: Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Kansas, Arkansas and Tennessee. Our employees represent the best of LRS, forming a rich mosaic of lived experiences that serve as the fabric and strength of our organization.

Through our diversity we find commonality, and an underlying unity that enables us to go above-and-beyond in providing exceptional customer experiences.

LRS continues to attract and retain top talent through transparent hiring processes that embrace gender equality, racial diversity and age inclusivity. We also prioritize hiring veterans who served in our nation’s armed forces, persons with disabilities, and offering second chance career pathways for incarcerated populations.

LRS also impacts and uplifts marginalized or underserved communities through service-based employee volunteering, mentorship, funding and education within the neighborhoods and communities we serve. A sampling of these initiatives includes:

Training and developing a skilled workforce: In partnership with Universal Technical Institute (UTI), LRS pairs mentor mechanics with talented UTI student mechanics leading to future employment with LRS and a partial subsidy each year toward their tuition.

Partnering with Habitat for Humanity to build new homes in dilapidated communities.

Donating resources to combat food insecurity in select communities where cost of living challenges remain prevalent.

Annual fundraising events from organized employee walks, charity golf tournaments and employee donations to fuel the fight against Lupus.

Promoting employee wellness at Wellness Fairs each fall, offering employees the opportunity to donate blood, get flu shots, access to mental health resources and

Cultivating and empowering the next generation of problem solvers at Northern Illinois University’s College of Business through our Business In Action and Experiential Learning Center programs. These frontline experiences challenge students to solve real-world, complex business issues and recommend solutions; both programs reach more than 100 business students per academic year.

Extending a hand up to empower the next generation: LRS recently launched an endowed scholarship program for promising business students struggling with financial hardship. In addition, LRS CEO Alan Handley, a 2021 Distinguished Alumni Award Winner, joined forces with the College of Business to launch the LRS Student Success Center at Barsema Hall in 2022.

Developing the next generation of environmental stewards:  LRS is the waste and recycling partner for Chicago Public Schools, the nation’s third largest school system. As part of our commitment to support the District’s zero waste goals, LRS has introduced composting in 24 CPS schools. We continue to educate students through virtual and in-person presentations, promoting zero waste programs in schools and being mindful of how we discard the waste we generate.

#BeyondWaste #Mindfulness #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion #Empowerment #Opportunity #SkilledLabor #WorkforceDevelopment #VeteransatWork #PeopleWithDisabilities #SecondChances