Community at the Center of What We Do
There was a time when coal companies only sold coal by the ton, and most individual citizens couldn’t afford to buy one. David Friedland had the idea to break down the ton, selling it to community individuals in small quantities — like a bushel basket — at an affordable price so they could heat their homes. He upset the coal companies at the time, but gained the respect of the community.
Since Friedland’s inception, we have put our community at the center of what we do. We see it not only as a responsibility, but a joy to carry on the tradition of giving back to our community that David Friedland began, and our staff continues today.
Here are a few highlights.
ScrapFest
ScrapFest began as a scrap metal artwork competition, and has grown into a full art festival that focuses on up-cycled and repurposed artwork. Now, the festival has not only the scrap metal sculpture competition, but also eco-art booth vendors, family activities, live music, and food!
For the competition portion, teams get an hour to pick up to 500 lbs (or 250 lbs for the Small Piece category) of metal from our processing plant in Old Town Lansing, and then get a month to create a sculpture. The pieces are on display and for sale before, during, and after the festival.
You can read more detailed information about ScrapFest (and see sculptures by more amazing artists!) at ScrapFest.com.
Cars lined up at Friedland’s confidential shredding area for Document Destruction Day.
Document Destruction Month
Document Destruction Month is a fun event where we celebrate the end of Tax Day. The public — companies, organization, and individuals alike — are welcome to bring their sensitive documents and hard drives to us, and we’ll confidentially shred them for a $5 donation towards a charitable cause. The event has grown so much that we can can shred upwards of 132,000 lbs of documents throughout the event! The best part is, not only are people getting rid of their confidential documents safely and securely, that paper and metal are processed for recycling.
This year, we’re partnering with the Lansing SAVE!
Many Others
There are many other community events and organizations we’ve partnered with over the years. Here are a few of them:
We have participated in CMN since it began, becoming one of its first sponsors in the Lansing area.
Our CEO, Lawrence Bass, served as Chairman of the Board of Sparrow Health System for six years, and VP John Lancour currently serves as Chair of Sparrow Hospital. Laurie Friedland Bass also restructured the Sparrow Gala with a small team.
VP Joel Conn participated in the Sparrow Foundation’s Dapper Dads Challenge and won in 2021! He also serves on Sparrow Clinton Hospital’s Board.
We have partnered with and sponsored Ele’s Place for many years, and are grateful for their work in our community.
We have partnered with and sponsored Ronald McDonald House for many years, and are grateful for everything they do in our community and others.
CEO Lawrence Bass served in the National Guard, and Friedland supports multiple causes for the MI National Guard.
We have sponsored multiple events held by Cristo Rey Community Center and greatly value what they do for our community.
We partner with and sponsor The Davies Project, and love the work they do in our community.
We’ve participated as active members of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce for years, and were awarded the 2014 Outstanding Small Business Award.