Asphalt companies give back
Asphalt industry companies are making large contributions to disaster relief organizations to help victims of Tropical Storm Harvey in Texas, Hurricane Irma in Florida and Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico.
The record-breaking storms caused billions of dollars in damage and resulted in the loss of at least 85 lives in the United States, according to reports.
Asphalt Institute member companies have pledged millions of dollars to relief efforts and found ways to assist and encourage their employees.
Here’s a brief sample of how some of those companies are contributing to the cause. This is not a definitive list of the many great charitable efforts that are underway.
AkzoNobel is based in Chicago but has four offices and manufacturing locations in the greater Houston area. The company made sizable donations to relief organizations in the area. They are also matching employee donations to non-profit organizations and direct to employee aid.
Atlas Roofing is based in Atlanta, GA but has two manufacturing facilities in Texas. The company is matching employee contribution to the American Red Cross.
BASF is based in Charlotte, NC but operates 10 sites in Texas. The company made a sizable donation to local non-profit organizations. The company will also match employee giving. Many of those dollars can be used as direct assistance to coworkers impacted by the storm.
Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions is based in Jackson, MS. Employee volunteers spent a week serving more than 1,800 hot meals to Texas Department of Transportation workers and first responders (pictured above). Another volunteer group from Ergon volunteered in Lake City, Florida after Hurricane Irma.
ExxonMobil is based in Houston, TX. The company made sizable donations to the American Red Cross and the United Way of Greater Houston. They launched an employee and retiree donation match program and are encouraging volunteerism among employees. Company crews are cleaning debris and conducting site maintenance work in affected areas.
The Heritage Group is based in Indianapolis, IN but has many employees in the Houston area. The company established a fund allowing employees to make tax-deductible donations and kickstarting the fund with a significant contribution. Grants from the funds provide assistance with expenses for food, shelter, clothing and transportation.
Ingevity is based in Charleston, SC with some employees based in DeRidder, LA. The company is matching employee contributions to the American Red Cross.
Marathon Petroleum Company is based in Findlay, OH. The company made a generous donation to charities and municipalities aiding in the recovery and will match employee donations. Employee volunteers provided food and assistance to a home for developmentally disabled adults, law enforcement officers and more. The company also secured apartments and hotel rooms for displaced employees and company volunteers removed debris and water-damaged contents for 56 employee homes.
Puma Energy is based in Singapore but has offices in Houston. Through their foundation, the company enacted a global effort by helping employees secure matching funds for their donations to local relief and reconstruction efforts.
Shell Bitumen has over 10,000 employees in the Houston area. The company made generous donations to the American Red Cross and United Way. Employees at their Deer Park, TX loaned portable pumps to help save hundreds of homes. The company also fed meals to first responders and provided school supplies so classes could resume.
Valero Energy Corporation is based in San Antonio, TX. The company made a sizable donation to the American Red Cross to assist in relief efforts and sent their disaster recovery fuel truck to rural, outlying areas in the coastal bend. The company provided 4,000 gallons of free gasoline to approximately 800 people for use with emergency generators and disaster recovery equipment.
The Asphalt Institute is made up of 126 member companies from around the world. These and other corporate citizens show the best of community spirit with their willingness to give during times of trouble.