Republic Services launches “Committed To Serve” initiative

GREAT FALLS — Republic Services has launched a $20 million program called “Committed to Serve.”

Before launching this program, the waste collection company was providing meals from local restaurants to their employees, who have been deemed essential by Montana Governor Steve Bullock.

Now, the company will be providing its 28,000 frontline employees with a weekly meal, a weekly dinner, and a bi-weekly gift card that can be spent locally. The gift cards can be spent on meals, groceries, clothes, or any other amenity offered at a local business.

According to Republic Services’ press release, the company has spent almost $20,000 so far on meals for their employees from restaurants in the our area, including Tracy’s Family Diner, Electric City Coffee Bar, and Clark & Lewie’s.

“We continue to put our employees first through this entire pandemic,” said Mike Cross, Republic Services Northern Montana general manager. “They’re making the choice to come in here each day, to go pick up the trash, to fix the trucks, and we’re incredibly thankful for that, and that’s been evident from the leadership team of the company since day one, and I’m incredibly proud that we’re doing this, not only here in Northern Montana in the markets that I serve, but also across the entire country.”

Cross also noted how much the support from the community has meant to him and his employees. Those employees work, live, and spend money in the community, even during the Coronavirus pandemic, and to feel supported has been very appreciated.