As an independently owned business, TRI-Supply & Equipment’s three locations in Delaware and Maryland have been partnering with local communities and leading industry organizations for more than 21 years.
“Everyone plays a part in our community efforts, as community involvement is a cornerstone of our culture,” says Leah Curran, a sales and marketing leader at TRI-Supply, which provides a single source for recognized, quality brands of materials, equipment and service. Whether bell ringing for the Salvation Army, remodeling the Boys and Girls Club, providing materials for cleaning up the local Riverview Cemetery or teaching middle schoolers to operate a mini-excavator at the Governors Career Expo, the company serves its area as a year-round, one-stop-shop contributor.
“Our ownership has always promoted involvement within our company,” Curran says. “Simply put, it’s part of their DNA.” For this company, philanthropic involvement had to be more than just writing a check. And, Curran says, writing a check wasn’t always an option. So instead of being removed, TRI-Supply got in the thick of it, volunteering time and equipment to community causes.
When it comes to that community involvement, the annual Crabfeast is what really has put ABC Delaware and TRI-Supply & Equipment on the map. Generating valuable dollars for the association, the ABC Delaware Crabfeast has brought together nearly 3,000 ABC member employees on an annual basis over the past 25 years. The proven success of this event “has allowed other organizations to reach out to us to help plan, coordinate and execute their events,” Curran says.
For example, the Fort DuPont Redevelopment and Preservation Corporation reached out to TRI-Supply for their first-annual Fortify Music Festival. TRI-Supply was an integral part of this event by helping to coordinate the layout, securing vendors and sponsors, as well as providing the supplies and equipment.
Similarly, in 2016, the company was approached by New Castle Charities to assist with their first-ever Colonial BBQ Competition. Now coming up on its fourth year, the Colonial BBQ Competition has over 60 participants, is part of Historic New Castle’s Separation Day and is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society.
“Donated equipment for an event goes a long way in the community, and we’ve been doing it for years!” Curran says. TRI-Supply has accrued equipment partnerships with the Wilmington Blue Rocks, Delmarva Shorebirds, Delmarva Bike Week/OC Bike Fest, St. John the Beloved Carnival, Brandywine Highschool, Delaware Humane Association, Habitat for Humanity and the Muscle Movement Foundation.
“Mostly,” Curran says, “the rewards come from recognition or the feeling that you have become part of the community.” But, on occasion, they become somewhat more tangible. On the 20th anniversary of the company in October 2018, the Delaware House of Representatives presented TRI-Supply with a tribute, recognizing the ownership for dedication to the industry and the company’s continued commitment to local communities. With more than 600 employees, vendors and customers in attendance, this state-level recognition represents the highest honor for a community-oriented company.
