How Polar could benefit from a Corporate Blog.

I work at Polar Tank Trailers here in Springfield, Mo. Polar is not a new company but we're not locally recognizable on the level with Bass Pro or O'Reilly's or other corporate giants in the area. Polar Tank Trailers is a welding shop. We design and build over 60 different kinds of Semi-Trailers. Our company is known in the trucking community for our great quality and value. We are the number one producer of trailers in the U.S. market today. However, if you walked up to someone at the grocery store and asked them if they knew what kind of business Polar was, they probably couldn't answer you.

Polar employs over 300 people full time just in Springfield alone. We also have two locations in Minnesota that also produce trailers and there are over 30 service centers in the U.S. There are many employees that have been with the company for a long time. I'm relatively new at the company, I've only been there 6 months, however most of the shop employees have in over 5 years with the company. I personally know of 3 employees that have in over 15 years each. A corporate blog could help the visibility of the company in many ways. Most of our customers are repeat customers. They already own one of our trailers and have either completely worn it out or are adding to their line. I think it would help our "brand" by showcasing some of the people who actually weld those trailers together. Showing pride in our work not only builds morale among the employees it also shows the public that we care about what we produce. That our product is being made right here, in Missouri, by folks like your neighbor. People who live here, spend their paychecks locally, contribute to the community, and have some pride in where they work and what they do for a living.

Having a blog would also promote more contributions from within the company. Knowing that I could submit an article about a co-worker who always goes above and beyond to a public stage is cool! It also would allow more employees to help shape the message of Polar. It would also be much easier to access than say a company newsletter or email.

Lastly, I just think it would be fun. Anytime you can make your company more connectable you can make it more profitable. For the average owner of a tanker trailer, it means something that we're a Union shop and only hire good welders. Knowing that your trailer was made by a craftsmen and not a trainee means better quality. Being able to see pictures of the guy who welded your baffles in helps customers to connect with us, and in turn increase brand loyalty which will lead to more growth and profitability.

Megan Fisher, Week6.3