October 2014 Hundreds of NMC employees filled the site’s Firehouse to learn about United Way agencies and taste the results of a fierce competition among jambalaya and gumbo chefs, representing departments and units throughout the site. This year, a record-breaking number of employees attended the football-themed kickoff event, which featured the 3WL 1350 Radio broadcast, an award-winning chef, a festival queen, United Way agency exhibits, and door prizes. NMC General Manager Don Weaver, right, talks football, jambalaya, and the price of gasoline with Kristian Garic and T-Bob Hebert during a live radio broadcast from Norco to kick off the site’s United Way campaign. Live from Norco – NMC General Manager Don Weaver shared the essential in preparing award-winning gumbos and jambalayas with New Orleans Saints sideline reporter Kristian Garic and radio host T-Bob Hebert and their 3WL 1350 Radio audience during a live broadcast from the Norco site. The on-air interview was part of the Annual Jambalaya and Gumbo Cookoff, officially kicking off the United Way Campaign and community giving program. “It’s all in the roux.” Don Weaver In addition to answering the sports reporters’ questions about NMC operations and products, Weaver described the site’s history of commitment to the community and its support of the United Way through financial contributions, volunteer activities and employee participation on numerous committees. This year, St. Rose Refinery Production Unit Manager Travis Chiasson serves as Co-Chair for the United Way of St. Charles parish-wide campaign. As the show aired, 11 employee teams prepared jambalaya or gumbo entries for the cookoff and lunch for employees. The competition determined NMC’s representatives for the United Way of St. Charles Battle for the Paddle. Kickoff Time Celebrities! Jambalaya! Gumbo! OFFICIALLY OPEN ANNUAL CAMPAIGN (continued on pages 2 & 3) it’s
Transcript
October 2014
Hundreds of NMC employees filled the site’s Firehouse to learn about United Way agencies and taste the results of a fierce competition among jambalaya and gumbo chefs, representing departments and units throughout the site.
This year, a record-breaking number of employees attended the football-themed kickoff event, which featured the 3WL 1350 Radio broadcast, an award-winning chef, a festival queen, United Way agency exhibits, and door prizes.
NMC General Manager Don Weaver, right, talks football, jambalaya, and the price of gasoline with Kristian Garic and T-Bob Hebert during a live radio broadcast from Norco to kick off the site’s United Way campaign.
Live from Norco –
NMC General Manager Don Weaver shared the essential in preparing award-winning gumbos and jambalayas with New Orleans Saints sideline reporter Kristian Garic and radio host T-Bob Hebert and their 3WL 1350 Radio audience during a live broadcast from the Norco site. The on-air interview was part of the Annual Jambalaya and Gumbo Cookoff, officially kicking off the United Way Campaign and community giving program.
“It’s all in the roux.”Don Weaver
In addition to answering the sports reporters’ questions about NMC operations and products, Weaver described the site’s history of commitment to the community and its support of the United Way through financial contributions, volunteer activities and employee participation on numerous committees. This year, St. Rose Refinery Production Unit Manager Travis Chiasson serves as Co-Chair for the United Way of St. Charles parish-wide campaign.
As the show aired, 11 employee teams prepared jambalaya or gumbo entries for the cookoff and lunch for employees. The competition determined NMC’s representatives for the United Way of St. Charles Battle for the Paddle.
Kickoff Time
Celebrities! Jambalaya! Gumbo!OFFICIALLY OPEN ANNUAL CAMPAIGN
(continued on pages 2 & 3)
it’s
Page 2 | Norco Newsline
Norco Manufacturing Complex United Way Gumbo Cookoff champions Mark Duhe, Marty Duhon and Dale St. Pierre accept first prize plaques from celebrity judges. Pictured, left to right are: Taylor Rebowe, Duhe, Chef Blaine Guillot, Duhon, T-Bob Hebert, St. Pierre, Kristian Garic and NMC United Way Chair Claudia Jenkins.
Celebrity judges included St. Charles Parish Festival Queen Taylor Rebowe, St. Charles Parish Hospital Chef Blaine Guillot, and 3WL 1350 Radio personalities Kristian Garic and T-Bob Hebert.
“ Thank you to our judges, and special thanks to Kristian and T-Bob for broadcasting from our site,” said NMC United Way Campaign Chair Claudia Jenkins. She encouraged those attending the kickoff to visit with the United Way partner agencies displaying information at the event.
United Way of St. Charles Communications Director Melissa Frederick thanked NMC for continued support of the United Way, explaining that contributions remain in St. Charles Parish. She also noted that NMC was one of only a few parish-wide companies to offer a dollar-for-dollar match of employee contributions. “We could not do any of the work we do without your help,” she said. “You are truly doing a lot to help our community and that is something to be proud of.”
United Way agencies represented at the NMC kickoff were: the American Red Cross, Cancer Association of Greater New Orleans, Creative Family Solutions, St. Charles Community Health Center, and Second Harvest Food Bank.
In addition to its annual United Way campaign, NMC sponsors a United Way golf tournament and participates in a variety of volunteer activities for agencies and organizations throughout the year.
3WL 1350 Radio reporter Kristian Garic, center, learns the secret ingredients Ronnie Trosclair Jr., left, and Gordon Ortego, right, use for their jambalaya entry in Norco’s Annual United Way Cookoff.
“Kicking off the United Way campaign with a focus on football, food and fun reflects the energy of NMC employees when it comes to supporting the community where they work and live. From financial support of non-profit agencies to building wheelchair ramps for the elderly, from volunteering in area schools to cooking for local events, NMC employees are true neighbors.”
DON WEAVER
“There’s no question about
my competing in a contest that kicks off the United Way
campaign. We have so many benefits as NMC employees and helping
the community is the right thing to do.”
“The United Way is a great cause and the
cookoff is a good way for NMC to demonstrate the
importance of giving back to the
community.”
Travis Gilbert | Jam
balaya Com
petitor
Joly
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asco
m |
Gum
bo C
ompe
titor
Joe Tudor | Jambalaya C
ompetitor
>>
>>
>>
“I like cooking
for a crowd and it’s
even better when you
can cook and raise funds
for a special cause.”
aa(continued from page 1)
Page 3 | Norco Newsline
TROOPS v SALUTE A regular Newsline feature spotlighting NMC employees who have served or are currently serving the United States as a member of the military.
American Red Cross representatives wear uniforms from the fifties as they discuss the organization’s services to communities since 1881. The Red Cross was one of several United Way agencies sharing information at the NMC United Way campaign kickoff.
Russell Prima and Jody Borne, front row, took first place in the NMC Jambalaya Cookoff, which officially kicks off the site’s United Way campaign. Also pictured are left to right, Cookoff judges: St. Charles Parish Festival Queen Taylor Rebowe, St. Charles Parish Hospital Chef Blaine Guillot, 3WL 1350 Radio hosts T-Bob Hebert and Kristian Garic, and NMC United Way Chair Claudia Jenkins.
Norco Manufacturing Complex General Manager Don Weaver, Human Resources Manager Steve France and Engineering Manager Joe Gilbert prepare a gumbo entry for the site’s Annual United Way Jambalaya and Gumbo Cookoff and Campaign Kickoff.
NMC employee and Saints fan Laurie Guidroz enjoys a taste of jambalaya at the site’s Annual United Way Jambalaya and Gumbo Cookoff.
NMC Emergency Responders show their support for the United Way at a kickoff rally and cooking competition.
3WL 1350 Radio sportscaster T-Bob Hebert conducts a scientific taste test as he judges jambalaya and gumbo entries in NMC’s competition officially kicking off the site United Way campaign.
$664,378TOUCHDOWN!NMC employees go over the goal with a record-breaking $664,378donation to the United Way.
15 YearsDavid Hymel
10 YearsAlex Houeye
5 YearsJerry Hopkins
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Page 4 | Norco Newsline
Ever smelled that distinct, powerful odor of a skunk? Did you know that a skunk’s overpowering spray contains seven major volatile components and a host of other chemicals? But while the smell is unpleasant, it does not cause long-term discomfort and the incident is filed away
as a stinky memory.
Norco Manufacturing Complex Industrial Hygienist Joe Tudor referenced the skunk to illustrate the difference between exposure and over-exposure to health hazards. “Drinking water is a good thing to do,” he said, as another example. “Drinking three gallons of water at one time however, can throw the body out of balance. Water intoxication does exist and could be fatal.”
Tudor discussed the role of Industrial Hygiene and methods of protecting NMC employees and the community from potential hazards during a recent meeting of the Norco Community Advisory Panel (CAP).
Industrial Hygiene Promotes Healthy Workplace and Healthy Community
NMC Industrial Hygienist Joe Tudor demonstrates one of several pieces of
equipment used to take air samples throughout the site
and the community.
“If there is an incident or a community concern, we will go out into the community with specialized equipment to make sure everything is okay.”
JOE TUDOR
From investigating the growth of mold in a building to frequent air sampling and monitoring, industrial hygienists are focused on illness prevention with an emphasis on eliminating long-term exposure. “Physical health can be damaged over a long period if an individual is exposed to excessive noise, vibrations, or repetitive movements, for example,” he said.
A 12-year NMC employee, who holds a master’s degree in Public Health and Safety Management from Tulane University, Tudor noted that monitoring inside the plant extends outside the fence line if the site experiences an unplanned flare or a spill, for example. “If there is an incident or a community concern, we will go out into the community with specialized equipment to make sure everything is okay,” he said.
“ We utilize a mapping system and a wide range of instruments to determine if there is a potential health hazard to the community. You might see me or another industrial hygienist driving around the community, sticking an instrument out of the car window. Don’t worry, we are monitoring the air quality and protecting your health.”
Industrial hygienists anticipate health concerns primarily in the workplace and develop solutions to prevent them through scientific methods such as monitoring, isolating potential exposure areas, or applying ergonomics to eliminate injuries and disorders associated with the overuse of muscles, bad posture, and repeated tasks. “It is our goal to protect health of the workers in the plant by evaluating and preventing risks,” he said. “When it comes to health and safety in the work place, industrial hygiene focuses on the health issues.”
INDUSTRIAL HYGIENIST IN THE WORKPLACE
Page 5 | Norco Newsline
Fifty-one Tulane graduate students, representing Canada, China, Indonesia, Nigeria, Taiwan and the United States, took a summer field trip to the Norco Manufacturing Complex with a behind-the-scenes tour of the manufacturing and production process.
The students are participants in Tulane University’s Energy Institute and its unique Master of Management in Energy program (MME), a ten-month full time program developed by faculty specializing in energy and by industry professionals. MME graduates are prepared to pursue career opportunities with energy companies, banks, trading organizations, utilities, International Organization for Standardization, financial services and consulting rims, and regulatory agencies. According to Associate Director of the Tulane Energy Institute Eric Smith, the majority of students accepted into the program have undergraduate degrees in business and commerce, social science, science and mathematics, and economics.
Smith explained that the MME focuses on the business of energy and provides students with the advanced skills demanded by recruiters who seek professionals prepared for the rapidly changing energy finance, risk management and trading careers of today and in the future. “Formal classes take place in Tulane’s trading center equipped with industry-leading technology and related resources,” he said. “Within the first few weeks of the program’s start, our faculty coordinates field trips emphasizing different operations within the industry. The Norco Manufacturing Complex provided students the opportunity to learn about the Downstream sector of the energy industry while touring both a refinery and chemical plant.”
NMC former Finance Director Chad McDaniel, who welcomed the students and Tulane faculty, explained the partnership with Tulane “provides the university with a real outlet for promoting the aspects of the business side of the energy industry. For Norco, we have been fortunate to add alumni of the program to our work force. Additionally, several Tulane alumni participated in the day-long field trip, delivering presentations, answering questions, and conducting a bus tour throughout the site. Those individuals were extremely excited about the opportunity to stay connected with their Alma Mater and help shape future leaders in this industry.”
TULANE STUDENTSTake an Inside Look at Energy Production
Tulane students asked educated questions throughout the presentations and expressed appreciation for the facility tour.
MME candidate Walter Kissing, a native of Costa Rica, is looking forward to extending his financial background into the energy field. “Hearing from engineers and financial personnel has been useful in helping me understand more about industry,” he stated. “It is amazing to see how large the complex is and to learn about the capital investment at this plant.”
“ The trip into the plant was a great experience,” added MME student Christopher Ward. “It really affects the way you think about the energy industry and to recognize that Norco activity is the starting place for many of the products we use every day.”
NMC employees who participated in the Tulane visit included: Chad McDaniel, Andrew Ryba, Jordan Lambert, Karthik Rajasekaran, Liam Roche, Elizabeth Savoie, and John Coniglio.
51
Master of Management in Energy candidates from Tulane University listen to an overview of industrial
financial responsibilities before heading out for a tour of the Norco Manufacturing Complex.
(continued on page 6)Page 6 | Norco Newsline
TROOPS v SALUTE A regular Newsline feature spotlighting NMC employees who have served or are currently serving the United States as a member of the military.
Graduating with honors in Accounting, he quickly earned his CPA certification and license and was ready for a career in the non-military world.
“ My years at Southern Miss were paid for through the G.I. bill,” he noted. The degree, the military discipline and experience were the foundation for his 37-year career with Shell Chemical, Shell Oil and Motiva, including 20 years at the Norco site.
Military lessons remain with him today. “While I did not realize it at the time, the military did a good job in preparing troops before they were placed on assignments,” he explained.
Air Force Service Paves the Way to Career OpportunityIn the early seventies there were two options for most male high school seniors – join the military after graduation or attend college to avoid the draft.
“By attending college while in the Air Force, I was able
to finish my degree at the University of Southern
Mississippi in two years after leaving the military.”
ED HETHERINGTON
(continued on page 7)
For NMC Accountant ED HETHERINGTON, the choice was not difficult. After graduation from his Long Beach, Mississippi high school, the Gulfport native enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving from 1970 to 1974.
“ I volunteered for the military during the Vietnam conflict. My father had been in the Air Force both in a military position and as a civil servant radar electronics instructor for over 40 years,” he said. “I had spent some time during my younger years on Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi and was familiar with the Air Force and the military way of life.”
Entering the military at a young age, especially during the Vietnam conflict era, may not have been a popular choice for a large number of American men, but it was the right choice for Hetherington. “Living away from home and away from my parents forced me to grow up much sooner than many of my high school friends who went directly into college,” he explained. “I learned discipline. I learned that I was going to be held responsible for meeting the demands of the military both at work and in my personal life living on base.”
The Certified Public Accountant met those demands, stayed in the United States during his four-year career and had the opportunity to begin college. “After basic training and aptitude tests I was assigned to the Air Force’s Accounting and Finance Tech School at Sheppard Air Force base in Wichita Falls, Texas and was assigned to permanent duty at that base.”
Hetherington is quick to point out that he had no life-threatening moments during his service years. “No, I did not save the base General from attack,” he laughed. “I was ready to protect Texas if necessary, although I would have had to do it unarmed as I was not issued a rifle.”
Assigned to the midnight shift for his accounting and finance work, Hetherington soon earned the title of multi-tasker. “I was able to attend college in the morning, sleep in the afternoon, and work part-time as a doorman and bouncer at the base’s airman’s club, before midnight,” he recalled. “By attending college while in the Air Force, I finished my degree at the University of Southern Mississippi in two years after leaving the military.”
And when he stepped onto the USM campus, he fit right in fashion-wise. In order to look like the rest of the guys during that time, Hetherington grew his hair over his ears. He greased it to the side of his head however, to meet military regulations until he was discharged.
Ed Hetherington and his daughter Kimberly H. Suber at a Southern Miss game.
Page 7 | Norco Newsline
TURNAROUNDNow Under WayScheduled maintenance at NMC
According to Projects and Turnaround Manager Earnest Maxwell, 2,000 additional contractors will be on site during the peak of work activity. “Part of the intense planning for a turnaround involves accommodating such a large workforce along with NMC employees,” he explained. “We have expanded contractor employee parking in addition to our current Contractor’s Gate #44 off of Airline Highway. Contractors are also parking at our lot on Cedar Street off of Airline Highway, Gate #12 off of River Road adjacent to the Employee’s Club, the River Road Gate #3 near the Spillway, and a lot adjacent to the Entergy substation off of Airline Highway. “Heavier than normal traffic occurs in these areas between 5 am–7 am and again at 5:30 pm–7:30 pm.”
Health, Safety, Security and Environmental Manager Chrystal Landgraf explained that safety and security are a continued emphasis throughout the turnaround. “We want to keep our community, employees and contractors safe every day.”
The NMC Security Department along with the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office is coordinating traffic flow during these times to minimize community inconvenience. Jo Kerkhoff of the Security Department added that keeping the traffic flowing, especially on Airline Highway, is a high priority. “We want to make sure that there is minimal inconvenience to our neighbors,” she said.
The turnaround is scheduled for completion by the middle of November. Contact the NMC Site Supervisor at (504) 465-7342, at any time during the day or the night with questions or for further information.
To stay informed with updates during the turnaround and plans for restart, sign up to the Connected to Norco alert and notification service at https://nmc.bbcportal.com.
Click on the link that says “Sign Me Up” and register your contact information.
Make sure to select Norco Manufacturing Complex under Subscriptions.
If you do not have access to the Internet please call Communications Manager Rochelle Touchard at (504) 465-6667, to sign up.
“ In order to be promoted not only did you have to receive a good rating, but you also had to pass a skills/knowledge level test before you could be promoted. That doesn’t always happen in the business world. Learning on the job is the accepted way in the financial area. Many leaders would struggle in trying to pass a test on the activities performed by their staff. I think a deep understanding about how work is performed on a daily basis is a key to success and ensuring that employees are subject matter experts.”
Things are looking good for the Air Force veteran as he gets closer to the retirement stage of life. “I have a wonderful bride Rhonda and a great daughter and son-in-law. Life could not be better,” he emphasized. “I follow Southern Miss sports as a season ticket holder in several sports.” He also has a special interest in softball, spending many years catching for his daughter,
a fast pitch softball pitcher during her high school and college years.
“ I am glad I served in the military,” Hetherington said. “The GI bill allowed me to obtain my college degree, which has led to a long career with Shell. I am proud that I served my country and now wish that everyone would give up at least two years of his or her life to perform some civic duty for his or her country.”
(continued from page 6)
Norco Newsline is published regularly to inform the community about activities at the Norco Manufacturing Complex. Please address inquiries to:
Rochelle Touchard, Communications ManagerNorco Manufacturing Complex15536 River Road | P.O. Box 10 | Norco, LA 70079504-465-6667
Numbers and Addresses to Know:St. Charles Emergency Operations Center:985-783-5050Norco Site Supervisor:504-465-7342NMC Community Information Line504-465-7483 www.shell.us/norco
www.motivaenterprises.comwww.norco-air.info
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Leadershipin Action
St. Charles Parish Students
St. John Parish Students
Pictured at LYS closing ceremonies are St. Charles students, front row left to right: Naomi Westbrook, Kristen Yent, Savannah Joseph, Julisa Martijn, and Lisa Dempsey; top row, left to right: St. Charles Parish Public Schools Superintendent Felecia Gomez-Walker, Ashley Riddick, Brice Soignier, Zach Corzo, Rene Petit, Katie Becnel, Felicia Weaver and NMC General Manager Don Weaver.
St. John Parish students participating in the 2014 Louisiana Youth Seminar were front row, left to right: Jasmine Watkins, Jhai Smith, Sydnie Harrison, Brittany August, and Kenyatte Cannon; top row, left to right: Heidi Trosclair, Malik Perrilloux, Amy Slayton, Francis Means, Jordan Deloch, Felicia Weaver and NMC General Manager Don Weaver.
Students from St. Charles and St. John Parishes participated in the annual Louisiana Youth Seminar (LYS) in Baton Rouge this summer, thanks to the Norco Manufacturing Complex. LYS, a week-long leadership camp held on the Louisiana State University campus, offers high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to experience a variety of leadership building challenges and exercises.
Through a series of “hands-on” activities, the students use their newly-developed skills in a group setting to discover that leadership is not merely a matter of position or authority, but a matter of action. Students are encouraged to make a difference and to apply their knowledge and experience in their schools and community. Participants are selected by their respective schools based an academic achievement and demonstration of leadership potential. NMC underwrites tuition for St. Charles and St. John students.
