Excellence Refined - 30 Years - Valero

Katrina. And Port Arthur, which secured electricity
from a generator shipped from Greece, illuminated
the otherwise darkened landscape weeks ahead of its
competitors. Such effort did not go unnoticed. President
Bush sent his thanks for Valero’s efforts post-Katrina.
And Texas Gov. Rick Perry told the media post-Rita that
were it not for Valero and other private industry, area
law enforcement would have patrolled Port Arthur on
bicycles rather than in cars. A story on the company’s
intranet launched on November 4, 2005 under the title,
“A Tale of Two Hurricanes.” The tribute highlighted
everything from heroism to company pride and included
a slide show of more than 300 images. And in the hopes
of packaging a tribute and memento for all Valero
employees, the company dedicated its next Valero Lines
magazine entirely to hurricane efforts.
Leading with Heart
Following hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Valero
employees would go on to weather other devastating
storms such as hurricanes Ike and Gustav in 2008.
The storms were a challenge and a call to arms for
Valero and the Valero Energy Foundation, which
helped entire communities get back on their feet. It
was not unlike responses organized for United Way, the
Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Habitat for Humanity, the
National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Children’s Miracle
Network, Meals on Wheels, Operation Call Home,
deployed U.S. military members or the thousands of
children awaiting help at local agencies. Valero employees
learn of a need, and they respond without hesitation.
“Valero and its employees do a terrific job of giving of
their time, their talent and their money to help make a
better life for someone less fortunate,” former Valero
executive Ed Benninger said in 2001. “But it does not end
there – it carries to the workplace as well. The spirit of
giving comes from the heart, and Valero is all heart.”
As it entered a new era in 2010, Valero and its employees
faced a new set of challenges. But the company still found
reason to recognize 30 years of teamwork and dedication
– success guided by the strength of its people. “This
uniqueness of Valero is seen clear across the board,”
Klesse said. “Terrific people make terrific things happen!”
35 Valero Lines 3oth anniversary edition