When we think of American oil companies, we often only see dollar signs.
Spurred on by prevailing false perceptions, many think these companies are raking it in at the cost of the communities and environments where they operate. But, that’s simply not the case.
The reality is that while American oil companies make billions of dollars each year, they reinvest the vast majority of that money. And, given the staggering capital expenditures required to find and extract hydrocarbons, their margins are actually surprisingly thin.
But, despite that fact, they are also overwhelmingly generous. You could write volumes about the ways these companies give back to their communities, but here are 3 that have stepped up in a big way.
American Oil Companies – Serving more than the Bottom Line
#1 Cabot Oil and Gas
Cabot Oil and Gas recently donated a $25,000 check to the local volunteer fire departments of Montrose, Pennsylvania. The company has pledged to donate to three different fire departments each year. The money has helped update radio equipment, fix damaged fire trucks and even purchase Jaws of Life to assist with fire rescues. The departments rely on the goodwill of donors and volunteers to keep their services available. We commend those volunteers for their heroism.
Cabot is also lending a hand in the production-heavy region of Susquehanna County. One of the county staples is the “Books on Wheels” van. It delivers books to six county school districts, day cares, personal care homes, senior centers and the correctional facility. When their 1999 Chevy Astro van couldn’t meet inspection, Cabot stepped forward to underwrite the cost of a new van. “Cabot is committed to safe operations, environmental stewardship, and investing in the communities where we operate and where our employees reside. We are proud to support a community resource like the Susquehanna Historical Society and Free Library Association,” said George Stark, Director of External Affairs for Cabot.
#2 ExxonMobil
Investing in future generations is a great way to give back. ExxonMobil has given over $125 million to the National Math and Science Initiative to help students excel in the classroom. The goal of the organization is to help prepare teachers and students for the world of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This commitment to our children will help foster the next generation of the oil and gas industry, which currently employs over 9.2 million Americans.
Exxon is also committed to America’s teachers. In partnership with the Phil Mickelson family, the company empowers and enables teachers through the Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy. Each year they invite 600 third through fifth grade teachers from schools across the U.S. to participate in the 5 day program. The goal is to equip them with the tools they need to get kids excited and inspired to learn about math and science. Our nation’s teachers are paving the way for a brighter future for generations to come, and Exxon is in the trenches helping each step along the way.
#3 Chevron
Chevron helps support economic growth by partnering with a California based organization called Kiva.org. Kiva is the world’s first person-to-person micro-lending website that allows individuals to make loans to struggling entrepreneurs. “Chevron’s support through the California Partnership will help Kiva.org continue to spur growth in small businesses, which represent more than 87 percent of all businesses in the U.S,” said Premal Shah, president of Kiva. This organization makes uncommon heroes out of individuals who are willing to lend a small amount of cash.
Chevron is also helping California’s slow moving folk, the Desert Tortoise. Chevron’s Environmental Management Company built the Ivanpah Desert Tortoise Research Facility in the Mojave Desert and donated it to the National Parks Service. The facility acts as a home base for conservation biologists dedicated to preparing young tortoises to survive in the hot Mojave Desert.
Holding our Own
In the same way Cabot, ExxonMobil and Chevron step up in their communities, Drillinginfo recently did the same in Dallas. On an early Friday morning, the team from the Southwest Region got together with our Vice President of Sales, Colin Westmoreland, to help rehab a home with Habitat for Humanity. We spent the day filling cracks, replacing old siding and painting a house that was in need of some TLC. Though most of us had no experience with exterior home repair (most of us meaning the ladies), we pulled together and were able to make a big impact in a short period of time. At the end of the day, it was easy to see that we benefited just as much as the homeowner.
Drillinginfo also recently took part in Amplify Austin, a campaign aimed to raise money for several non-profit organizations in Austin, Texas where our company is headquartered. Employees contributed their own money and donated in the name of a company. Over 99% of our Austin team members contributed. As a result, we raised $34,020 for local charities!
A Tradition like No Other
American oil companies have played a critical philanthropic role since the days of Standard Oil. Today’s companies are continuing that great tradition. They are not only helping the economy, but they are laying the foundation for our country’s success for generations to come.
Your Turn
What about you? How does your company give back to the community? We would love to hear your story. Please leave a comment below.
Sarah Coe
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Hello,
I applaud Cabot, Exxon and Chevron for making a difference! I am also making a difference
with my passion towards energy education and community outreach.
I am trying my best to obtain sponsors for “FREE” energy education programs for youth.
Being a Teacher, I understand the importance of education and that school districts funds for educational training, materials and opportunities are very limited. My mission is to engage, educate and empower students through providing a “path” for energy education education and a possible career in the gas and oil industry. With so many diversified careers in this field, I want students to apply their talents to a career that interests them. Please be a partner with TheShaleAcademy.com’s mission and provide an opportunity to our FUTURE ENERGY LEADERS!
Thank you!
Beth De Maagd
Executive Director
TheShaleAcademy.com
Hello,
I applaud Cabot, Exxon and Chevron for making a difference! I am also making a difference
with my passion towards energy education and community outreach.
I am trying my best to obtain sponsors for “FREE” energy education programs for youth.
Being a Teacher, I understand the importance of education and that school districts funds for educational training, materials and opportunities are very limited. My mission is to engage, educate and empower students through providing a “path” for energy education and a possible career in the gas and oil industry. With so many diversified careers in this field, I want students to apply their talents to a career that interests them. Please be a partner with TheShaleAcademy.com’s mission and provide an opportunity to our FUTURE ENERGY LEADERS!
Thank you!
Beth De Maagd
Executive Director
TheShaleAcademy.com
Sounds like a fantastic program Beth! Thanks for sharing!!
Thanks James! 🙂
Beth
Hello,
I applaud Cabot, Exxon and Chevron for making a difference! I am also making a difference
with my passion towards energy education and community outreach.
I am trying my best to obtain sponsors for “FREE” energy education programs for youth.
Being a Teacher, I understand the importance of education and that school districts funds for educational training, materials and opportunities are very limited. My mission is to engage, educate and empower students through providing a “path” for energy education and a possible career in the gas and oil industry. With so many diversified careers in this field, I want students to apply their talents to a career that interests them. Please be a partner with TheShaleAcademy.com’s mission and provide an opportunity to our FUTURE ENERGY LEADERS!
Thank you!
Beth De Maagd
Executive Director
TheShaleAcademy.com
Sounds like a fantastic program Beth! Thanks for sharing!!
Thanks James! 🙂
Beth
I want to contact your technical department. Please provide me the email id of technical head
Hey P.K., shoot me an email and I’ll connect you with the right people.
jhahn [at] drillinginfo [dot] com
I want to contact your technical department. Please provide me the email id of technical head
Hey P.K., shoot me an email and I’ll connect you with the right people.
jhahn [at] drillinginfo [dot] com