beLLAIre TecHNOLOGY ceNTer

ALUMNInews
Published for SHELL ALUMNI IN THE AMERICAS | www.SHELL.US/ALUMNI
december 2011
10 YEARS OF
PARTNERSHIP
SETTING A WORLD
RECORD
Shell Canada and
Nature Conservancy of
Canada provide student
internships.
Couple achieves greater
fuel efficiency with Shell
Smarter Driving program.
BELLAIRE
TECHNOLOGY
CENTER
celebrates 75 years, page 4
BACK TO WORK
Shell receives sixth
drilling permit in the Gulf
of Mexico.
SHELL NEWS
A WORD FROM OUR
EDITORS
ALUMNINEWS
Contents
2
AlumniNews is published for Shell Americas.
Editors
Destin Singleton and Bob Blakey, Shell Communications
Writer/copy editor
Susan Diemont-Conwell, Torma Communications
Design
Shell Creative Services
Shell Human Resources
Pam Pfeiffer and Stephanie Jenkin
This publication is printed on 100% recycled paper.
We have a lot of positive news to share in
this issue of AlumniNews magazine! From
receiving our sixth drilling permit in the Gulf
of Mexico to a new wave of production
growth, Shell is staying on the forefront of
the industry. We’re also bragging about the
world’s most fuel-efficient couple who set a
new world record using the Shell Smarter
Driving program. We hope you’ll enjoy our
look back on the milestones of our Bellaire
Technology Center, which recently marked
its 75th anniversary and make sure to check
out our features on several alumni who are
making a difference around the world.
Also have a look at the regional section
of the magazine where you can find
updates on alumni activities and regional
news of interest. If you haven’t seen
us online, visit the Shell alumni site at
www.shell.us/alumni for the latest news
on Shell, helpful links, phone numbers
and forms, and even back issues of
AlumniNews magazine.
GO GREEN!
Sign up to receive the newsletter electronically
by visiting www.shell.us/alumni. While
you’re there, read the latest news and
information about Shell.
On the cover:
Texas fossil limestone was extensively used in the entrance, lobby
and halls of the Bellaire Technology Center. The stone, characterized
by many void shell fossils, evoked the essence of the work done
within the labs.
03
Achieving greater fuel efficiency
04
Celebrating 75 years
11
Putting LNG in North American tanks
12
Delivering a new wave of growth
Need forms? Want back issues of
AlumniNews magazine? Visit our Shell
alumni website for helpful links and phone
numbers and the latest news on Shell.
13
Back to work in the Gulf of Mexico
We will continue to expand the site
throughout the year. Drop us a line at
[email protected] to give us
feedback and tell us what you’d like to see
on the site.
15
Building tomorrow’s leaders
As always, send comments and suggested
alumni feature stories by mail or by
emailing us at [email protected].
Have a wonderful holiday season!
Destin Singleton and Bob Blakey
Editors, AlumniNews magazine
YOU ASKED. WE DELIVERED!
Visit www.shell.us/alumni for
everything alumni.
Couple sets world record with Shell Smarter Driving program.
Alumni remember industry advances of the Bellaire Technology Center.
Shell makes LNG available to heavy-duty fleet customers.
CEO Peter Voser and CFO Simon Henry share positive news with
New York investors.
Shell’s fifth mobile offshore drilling unit returns to work and Shell
receives its sixth drilling permit.
Shell alumni coordinate regional leadership conference.
SHELL NEWS
ACHIEVING GREATER FUEL EFFICIENCY
Couple sets world record with Shell Smarter Driving program
After 23 days on the road, John and
Helen Taylor, known as the world’s
most fuel-efficient couple, recently set
a world fuel efficiency record with
Shell. The couple achieved an average
64.42 miles per gallon (mpg) in an
unmodified, non-hybrid gasoline
vehicle throughout their 48 contiguous
U.S. state journey, where they used
simple tips to drive smarter. Their final
mileage achieved is 53.39 percent
greater than the Environmental
Protection Agency’s estimated highway
fuel economy for the vehicle they
drove and surpasses the minimum
requirement of 54.5 mpg announced
by the government for passenger
vehicles to achieve by 2025.
The Taylors’ record-setting drive was
part of the Shell Smarter Driving
program, which launched on August 1
to demonstrate to everyday drivers that
they too can use simple tips to stretch
their fuel and budget. Using the
program, the Taylors were able to go
the distance fueling up the 12.6-gallon
tank only 12 times along their route.
The Taylors filled their tank exclusively
with Shell Nitrogen Enriched gasolines
and demonstrated that fuel efficiency
doesn’t mean sacrificing quality at the
pump. For their cross-country trip, the
Taylors drove a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
Eco, which achieves an EPA-estimated
42 mpg on the highway. It contains a
turbocharged, 1.4-liter engine that
performs like a larger engine when
needed, but retains the efficiency of
a smaller four-cylinder engine in most
driving conditions.
“Helen and I are both thrilled with the
64.42 miles-per-gallon world record
we set,” John Taylor says. “This shows
that we can all follow a few simple
steps behind the wheel and use the
right products to help improve our fuel
efficiency today. Through the Shell
Smarter Driving program, anyone can
‘MAP’ their way to improved mileage
and savings at the pump.”
“As global energy demand rises,
Shell continues to improve energy use
for transportation through Smarter
Mobility. That’s why the Taylors’
record-setting drive is so important,”
says Dan Little, North America fuels
marketing manager for Shell Oil
Products U.S. “It proves that everyone
can make a difference. That’s the
reason we launched the Shell Smarter
Driving program, which is designed
to help motorists make the most of
their fuel purchases and our natural
energy resources.”
As part of the tour, the Taylors
stopped at select Shell stations along
their journey to fill their tank and
hold onsite meet-and-greets with
consumers, where they informed
them about simple fuel efficiency tips.
They also discussed ways to save
money on high-quality fuel at Shell
by leveraging grocer loyalty reward
programs in select markets and using
payment options that can offer
significant discounts.
Shell is inviting everyone to test their
Smarter Driving knowledge or IQ to
see if they’re making the most of their
fuel purchases through a fun and
engaging online tool. To learn more
about the Taylors’ record-setting drive,
test your Smarter Driving IQ or obtain
more information about the Shell
Smarter Driving program, visit
www.shell.us/smarterdriving or go to
www.facebook.com/ShellOnTheRoad.
SHELL SMARTER
DRIVING M.A.P.
Smarter Maintenance
Perform “smart” maintenance
before you drive.
nKeep your engine well-tuned
and repair any problems
immediately.
nMake sure tires are not
over- or under-inflated.
nMinimize vehicle drag.
Smarter Actions
Practice “smart” actions and
behaviors while you’re behind
the wheel.
nDrive smoothly.
nUse cruise control on major
roads and in free-flowing
traffic.
nAvoid higher speeds.
nAvoid idling.
nPlan your outings to avoid
separate trips.
Smarter Products
Purchase “smart” products and
services at the right price without
sacrificing quality.
nChoose a high-quality
gasoline.
nChoose a payment method
that saves you money. Shell
provides a wide range of
money-saving payment
options—from gasoline cards
to credit cards—designed to
help you get the most out of
every drop of fuel.
www.shell.us/driveforfive
www.shell.us/savercard
nMake the most of everyday
purchases. Shell has teamed
up with leading grocers,
providing shoppers the
opportunity to save on fuels by
using their grocer loyalty card
in more than 110 markets
across the U.S.
www.shell.us/grocery
nUse the recommended grade
of oil in your engine.
3
4
SHELL NEWS
CELEBRATING 75 YEARS
Alumni remember industry advances
of Bellaire Technology Center
When Arthur Hale (’09 Unconventional
Resources) began thinking about
working for Shell in the mid 1980s, he
already had a good job at Arco. But,
Shell was doing important research at
its Bellaire Technology Center (BTC),
and Hale wanted to be a part of it.
“Shell was known for its strong
commitment to research and
development (R&D); I was thrilled to get
that job. We had some of the best
equipment in the world, and as a
chemist, I had the opportunity to work
with a talented group of people to
solve interesting problems that shaped
the industry. It was a phenomenally
intellectually stimulating time in my
career with Shell.”
Hale was one of many former Shell
employees who attended BTC’s 75th
anniversary celebration this fall. BTC
is closing its doors in 2012 as Shell
migrates its R&D activities to its
Westhollow Technology Center in
West Houston. Following a major
expansion project, Westhollow will be
the site of the new Shell Technology
Center Houston, the largest of three
global hubs for research and
technology that combines the
company’s Upstream and Downstream
technology groups in Houston.
BTC holds many great memories for
George Stegemeier (’93 BTC), who
spent most of his career at BTC
working with some of the top
engineers and scientists in the world.
“I worked with talented graduates from
many of the best universities. These
were some of the finest minds in the oil
and gas industry. As founders and
centers of excellence for seismics,
geology, petrophysics, reservoir
engineering, geomechanics and
offshore engineering, they had a
profound influence on the industry.”
Stegemeier, who worked as a research
engineer and manager, credits Shell
with taking a long view on research.
“Management understood that big
projects can take many years to
develop and they trusted the talent we
had at BTC to accomplish the tasks.”
According to Stegemeier, Shell
Development Co. created a lab
environment somewhat like a college
campus, making an easier transition
for graduates coming from a university
setting. “Shell promoted technical
excellence, allowing researchers to
publish their findings and encouraging
participation in professional societies.
It was a relaxed and friendly, but
hard-working atmosphere. The library
was open 24 hours a day for those
working late hours.”
Shell was also savvy in the way it
integrated research and operations.
Transfers of research staff to Shell Oil
assignments were not unusual, and
there were regularly planned
assignments of Shell Oil engineers into
research. Typical career paths to top
management included a cycle through
BTC. “It was a great opportunity for
Shell employees and alumni recently gathered to celebrate 75 years of the Bellaire Technology Center.
them to appreciate what research was
doing, and for BTC staff to learn what
was being done in field operations,”
Stegemeier says.
Hale, formerly a researcher and
manager at BTC and now a Shell
consultant, recalls that during his
tenure with BTC in the late ’80s and
early ’90s, he had the opportunity to
work on issues around borehole
instability. “I studied the stress state
and strength of the rock and rock
mechanics and worked to modify
drilling fluids to help strengthen the
rock. These were complex issues that
varied across regions onshore and
offshore, and the impact to drilling
was universally significant.”
He adds that BTC always remained a
touchstone for him throughout his
career with Shell. “When I started
working in deep water with Bullwinkle
and later with Ursa, I would take data
from our drilling tests back to BTC to
tackle issues and concerns.”
SHELL NEWS
Shell not only led the industry, but
trained many in the industry in deep
water. In an effort to encourage the
U.S. government to open new Gulf of
Mexico deep water blocks for
exploration in the 1960s, Shell
opened an offshore technology school
and workshop at BTC. At $100,000
per company, Shell shared its
technology with 80 students from nine
U.S. companies, three international
companies and the U.S. Geological
Survey.
“From petroleum geology to reservoir
engineering to offshore technology,
the Bellaire Technology Center did
high-quality research across the
board,” Hale says.
Stegemeier agrees. “Not one other
lab in the industry had such a
profound effect on the energy
industry.”
Top BTC Accomplishments
Although BTC achieved many milestones throughout its 75 years,
Stegemeier and Hale cite some of the top BTC innovations that shaped
the industry:
n
Geologic
n
n
n
Top, Bellaire Technology Center through the years.
n
understanding
of sandstone land carbonate
reservoirs.
Geologists’ studies of modern
sediments resulted in the discovery
of many oil fields. Descriptions of
geologic cross-sections supplied
vital information needed for
developing and operating the
fields.
Invention of seismic
instruments and interpretation of seismic
response. In the 1930s, for the
first time, seismologists could
describe the subsurface
configuration of geologic
formations. Shell was a leader in
seismic technology for years.
Invention and interpretation
of well logging devices.
Beginning with F. Brons’ neutron
log patent and G.E Archie’s
electric log interpretation for oil
saturation, Shell research led the
industry in the invention and use of
neutron, electric, acoustic, nuclear
magnetic resonance well logging.
“Archie’s Law” became a
cornerstone of the science which
Archie and Thomeer named
petrophysics.
M
etal Oxide Semiconductor
Field Effect Transistors.
In its research to find ways to
digitally process huge volumes
of seismic data in the 1960s,
Alton Christensen pioneered
integrated circuits for random
access memory (RAM) microchips,
later patented as Metal Oxide
Semiconductor Field Effect
Transistors (MOSFET). After selling
the technology to computer
makers, the MOSFET chip became
the company’s largest source of
royalties.
Seismic data interpretation.
The ability to use reflected
sound to create 3D images of
the subsurface rock evolved in the 1980s, and by the early 1990s, researchers at BTC had developed 3D imaging software that took seismic interpretation to a new level. By 2005, more than 2,000 Shell geoscientists used the software.
n T
hermal oil recovery.
Shell is a pioneer in thermal
recovery research and in carbon
dioxide and chemical flooding.
Stegemeier, who worked on these
projects, says that thermal methods
that use steam to heat up viscous
oil have been the most successful.
Since the early ‘60s, Shell and its
affiliates have produced well over
a billion barrels of thermal oil.
n
Deep water development.
“The research conducted by
scientists at BTC made deep water
development possible. This work
was done hand in hand with
SEPCO engineering and
operations,” Hale says. Shell
advances include:
nThe invention of the semisubmersible drilling rig.
nDesigns that allowed deep
water drilling platforms to
withstand waves, winds and
currents.
nInnovations in dynamic
positioning, deep water
technology, drilling and
completion techniques.
nHigh-Rate, High Ultimate
completions. Shell researchers
pushed the knowledge level and
capabilities of Frac and Pac
completions, as well as
open-hole horizontal
completions. These
improvements were almost
immediately applied globally
with phenomenal results.
Researchers and engineers
traveled to the rig site to directly
manage jobs.
nResolution of shallow water
flow. This work solved what
could have been a showstopper
for much of Shell’s deep water
operations. According to Hale,
an overpressure zone below the
mud line, when penetrated,
could result in the loss of a well,
as well as a template. The Ursa
template was in fact lost before
solutions were developed.
5
6
SHELL NEWS
10 YEARS!
Shell and Nature Conservancy of Canada partner
in student internship program
For 10 years, Shell Canada, in
partnership with the Nature
Conservancy of Canada (NCC),
has been giving environmental
sciences students a close look at oil
and gas projects through its Shell
Conservation Internship Program
(SCIP). The program, which is open
to university students and recent
graduates, provides valuable insight
into Shell’s role in meeting global
energy demands through engaging
summer field work and workshops.
benefits delivered through the SCIP
program and served as a valuable
platform for Shell to educate interns
on its environmental programs which
help protect land, air and water.
“Through the SCIP workshop, we
demonstrated to the leaders of
tomorrow how Shell is meeting the
increasing global energy demand
while minimizing environmental
impacts,” says Catherine Freeman,
senior social investment representative.
“It’s refreshing to meet with a group of
peers who are similarly educated and
passionate about conservation,” says
Manitoba intern, Jillian Newediuk.
“Talks from Shell and NCC employees
were equally engaging. My mind has
been opened to the possibility for
partnership between conservation and
corporations.”
A recent three-day workshop brought
together 33 new participants and six
alumni. Interns met fellow conservation
students from across the country and
learned about the work each is doing
for NCC, and spent time with Shell
employees to discuss key industry
issues. They also learned about oil
sands, visited a Shell gas well at
Alberta’s Canyon Creek and saw
presentations by an environmental
planner and geologist.
“It was an amazing week of insight
into the minds of young Canadians
from across the country and the people
who are doing Shell’s work,” says
Quebec intern, Eve DesMarais. “It was
an inspiring, valuable experience.”
The discussions and speeches over
the three days addressed the future
of energy, natural gas innovation
and carbon dioxide, and climate
change. The workshop was an
opportunity for Shell and NCC to
explain the important environmental
At the Canyon Creek well site, Shell geologist Morgan Wittstock talks to Nature Conservancy of
Canada interns about how Shell finds and drills for oil and gas, and how hydrocarbons and the
Rocky Mountains were formed.
PROGRESS IN ALASKA
In August, the Bureau of Ocean
Energy Management, Regulation and
Enforcement (BOEMRE) conditionally
approved Shell’s revised Camden Bay
(Beaufort Sea) exploration plan for
years 2012 and 2013.
“Approval of our Camden Bay
Exploration Plan is another positive
step toward the goal of drilling in
2012,” said Pete Slaiby, vice
president, Shell Alaska. Before any
drilling can take place, Shell first
needs to gather permits and
authorizations from the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service and the National
Marine Fisheries Service. Additionally,
the group is awaiting final air permits
from the Environmental Protection
Agency. Later in the process, the group
can file its applications for permits to
drill, which is largely considered
among the final steps.
REGIONAL FOCUS united States
7
TEARS OF GRATITUDE
Alumnus lends a hand in
Guatemala
Twenty years may seem like a long time, but Lee Kunkel
(’02 Lubricants) remembers it like it was yesterday. Shell
Deer Park was hosting a workday, and volunteers from
Shell were working to revive a home in the community for
a resident who could no longer keep up with house
repairs. “A lot of my coworkers had plumbing, electrical
or other home repair experience. I didn’t know that much,
so I stuck with the painting!” As Kunkel painted away, the
homeowner walked in the door to see the amount of
repairs that had been done to the house. “I will never
forget seeing him standing there. He was in tears. What
we had done was such a gift to this man.”
This memory stayed with Kunkel over the years, and after
he retired, he found a way to give back. For more than
three years, he has been working with Habitat for Humanity
in the Austin-Georgetown, Texas, area, gaining skills in
construction and serving the needs of his community.
Recently, when presented with an opportunity to work with
Habitat for Humanity’s Global Village volunteer program,
Kunkel packed his bags and headed off to San Cristobal,
Guatemala for a two-week building project.
“Five folks I’d been working with locally had taken the trip
before. They told me what a great experience it was. The
people of Guatemala are a very happy people, but they
live in such poverty. Guatemala is the second-poorest nation
in the Western Hemisphere, with the second-highest
illiteracy rate. Many families do not have decent, affordable
housing. I liked the idea of helping out, and my compatriots
told me it would be an experience I would never forget.”
After a flight to Guatemala City and an initial night’s stay
in Antigua, Kunkel and his fellow volunteers boarded
buses for a winding trip up to Totonicapan in Guatemala’s
western highlands. “Each day at 8 a.m., we would pile
into two vans for a 30-minute ride up into the hills of San
Cristobal. The road was narrow and twisted, and there
was only one traffic light. Driving through that intersection
was always fun and instructive. We saw numerous
‘chicken buses’ loading up all sorts of passengers and
baggage—including live chickens!”
Lee Kunkel (third from left) traveled to Guatemala to help with a two-week
building project for Habitat for Humanity.
The group worked with local masons, pouring concrete to
lay the foundation for the house, which was situated on a
small plot of land between two other houses.
The group rotated tasks since some jobs required more
physical exertion than others. During lunch breaks, Kunkel
enjoyed sitting in the shade of a tienda (store) to soak in the
local flavor of the area. “Guatemalans in this small town
seldom see Americans, but they were always very friendly,
greeting us with a ‘buenos dias’ or ‘buenas tardes.’”
After the hard workday, the group once again boarded
the vans for the winding trip back to Totonicapan.
“Though tired, everyone appeared at our team dinners
refreshed and would often take walks in the plaza or to
the brightly colored town church after dinner.”
On weekends, Kunkel and the other volunteers traveled to
local sites, like Panajachel and Lake Atitlan. “Volcanoes
formed a ring around the lake, and we even saw several
sending a puff of smoke and gas into the air,” he says.
And on the final workday, Kunkel saw again the tears that
had touched him so deeply 20 years ago. “It was an
emotional day.” Though he is torn on whether to return to
see the houses he worked on complete or to help out in
another location, Kunkel is confident he’ll be packing his
bags again before too long. “I think of all the benefits I’ve
had working for Shell and how blessed I feel with my
family and life. The good Lord smiled on me, and I just
want to give back to those in need.”
SHELL ACTION NETWORK
You helped build a legacy. Now’s your chance to protect it.
If you’d like to stay up to date on policy issues facing
Shell, share the facts with friends and family and make
certain officials get the full story, we invite you to join
the Shell Action Network (SAN). A U.S. program,
SAN keeps our community informed on government
policy issues that affect Shell businesses, while
empowering employees, alumni and other supportive
parties to make their voices heard on these issues.
Through our website and periodic emails, SAN gives
you the tools you need to easily take action on issues
that matter to you. You helped build the Shell legacy and
we’d like you to help protect it. For more information,
visit www.shell.us/actionnetwork. To sign up, visit
www.shell.us/actionnetwork/alumni.
8
REGIONAL FOCUS united States
TACKLING GLOBAL CHALLENGES
Unconventional Gas partners with University of Texas at Austin
Shell’s Project & Technology (P&T) Unconventional Gas
Research Group has just begun a five-year, $7.5 million
program with The University of Texas at Austin (UT) to
address short- and long-term challenges facing the
growing worldwide unconventional oil and gas industry.
collaborate with The University of Texas because it
brings together an extraordinary amount of talent from
both organizations that will push the technological
envelope in the field of developing even the most
challenging hydrocarbons safely and responsibly.”
The collaboration with UT will tap into the expertise and
experiences of the university’s highly respected Bureau
of Economic Geology (BEG). BEG already has a
significant knowledge and a research and development
program in Unconventional Gas and Light-Tight Oil. The
new Shell-UT Program on Unconventional Resources will
be managed by the BEG, with participation across
campus from geoscience, engineering, economics,
business, environmental and regulatory affairs.
Shale gas, considered an unconventional resource, is
abundant, widely used and a growing source of energy
in the U.S. According to the U.S. Energy Information
Administration, shale gas, tight gas and coalbed
methane accounted for 50 percent of U.S. production in
2009. These unconventional resources are expected to
account for 75 percent of production by 2035.
“This agreement marks an important milestone in Shell’s
commitment to continually research and develop
innovative technology that will help to meet global
demands by bringing more energy resources to market,”
says Marvin Odum, president, Shell Oil. “We chose to
“The pursuit of unconventional energy resources is a
complex, integrated problem that requires uniting the
scientific and engineering efforts below ground with
above-ground efforts in water, regulation and public
awareness,” says William Powers, president of UT.
“As a major research university and leader in energy,
we’ve got the integrated expertise to help solve it.”
A WORD FROM SHELL RETIREMENT FUNDS
Shell Provident Fund: Beneficiary Designation
Is your Shell Provident Fund beneficiary designation up to
date? A recent U.S. District Court case out of Louisiana
(right) illustrates the importance of understanding the plan
rules and updating your beneficiary designations as your
personal situation changes.
Section 12.3 (a) of the Shell Provident Fund provides in
part: “Should any Participant or Present Interest Beneficiary
die prior to the distribution of his Account or any portion
thereof, the balance of his Account shall be
payable to his surviving spouse unless he has a
designation of beneficiary in effect which names a nonspouse beneficiary and such surviving spouse has
properly consented to such designation….”
The risk highlighted in the Cajun Industries case is that
upon remarriage, the previous consent of the former
(deceased) spouse is no longer valid, and the new spouse
automatically becomes the beneficiary.
It is important to review and/or update your beneficiary
designation(s) after important life events, such as divorce,
death of a spouse or remarriage. Refer to the online
beneficiary tool in NetBenefits to review your beneficiaries,
or obtain the proper paper beneficiary form by calling the
Shell Benefits Service Center at 1-800-307-4355.
Cajun Industries, LLC 401(k) Plan v. Kidder,
et al., No. 09-267-BAJ-SCR
Leonard Kidder was a former employee at Cajun
Industries, LLC and was a participant in the company’s
401(k) retirement plan. At the outset, Mr. Kidder named
his wife, Betty J. Kidder, as the beneficiary of the plan
benefits. When Mrs. Betty Kidder passed away, Kidder
named his three children as his plan beneficiaries.
Kidder later married Beth Bennet and passed away a
mere six weeks after the marriage.
The Kidder children believed they should remain the
beneficiaries of the plan benefits; however, Mrs. Bennet
Kidder believed that, as the surviving spouse, she was
entitled to the plan benefits. The plan administrator
granted beneficiary status and, therefore, the lump sum
benefits to Mrs. Bennet Kidder and denied the Kidder
children’s request for their father’s benefits. The Kidder
children appealed this decision through the
administrative appeals process, and the Plan affirmed
the plan administrator’s decision. The U.S. District Court
also affirmed the plan administrator’s decision.
REGIONAL FOCUS united States
9
Shell Alumni Club Calendar
ALASKA
Kenai. Shell Alaska Alumni Club. Luncheon: Dec., Cooper
Landing. Wayne Carroll, 907-776-5724, [email protected].
Mail: P.O. Box 7002, Nikiski, AK 99635.
NEW JERSEY
Sewaren. Garden State So-Shellites. Luncheon: Dec. 6,
Dominic’s. Bob Fischer: 732-969-1565. Mail: 134 7th St.,
Port Reading, NJ 07064.
ARKANSAS
Hot Springs. Arkansas Shell Alumni Club. Lunch: First
Tuesday of the month, Debra’s. Jack Williams: 501-9158245, [email protected]. Mail: 21 Sorpresa
Way, Hot Springs Village, AR 71909.
Woodbury. Woodbury Poly Pros. Christmas luncheon:
Dec. 7. Richard Rupertus: 856-455-1705, RMRUP@
comcast.net. Mail: 31 Seeley Rd., Bridgeton, NJ 08302.
CALIFORNIA
Martinez. Martinez Refinery Complex Alumni. Las Vegas
trip: Dec. John Rippee: 925-686-1197, jtrippee@comcast.
net. Mail: P.O. Box 1093, Martinez, CA 94553.
GEORGIA
Marietta. Shell Ladies and Old Boys. Christmas luncheon:
Dec., Atlanta Community Center. Ken Hyde: 770-9738207, [email protected]. Mail: 4509 Woodhaven,
N.E., Marietta, GA 30067.
ILLINOIS
Wood River. Wood River Refinery Retiree Association.
Christmas luncheon: Dec. 6, Wood River Moose. Bill
Generally: 618-466-5147. Mail: P.O. Box 444, Godfrey,
IL 62035-0444.
LOUISIANA
Baton Rouge. Shell Geismar Area Retirees Club.
Christmas luncheon: Dec. 7, Frank’s Restaurant (Prairieville).
Isadore Brown: 225-766-8325, [email protected].
Mail: 9438 Wild Valley Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70810.
Houma. Shell Cajun Alumni Club. Luncheon: Dec. 13,
Petroleum Club (Morgan City). Russell Poiencot: 985-8724619. Mail: 244 Grande St., Houma, LA 70363.
New Iberia. New Iberia Shell Pensioners Club. Christmas
party: Dec. 7. James Hebert: 337-369-6408, isarkies@cox.
net. Mail: 613 Maumus St., New Iberia, LA 70560.
Norco. Shell Chemical Norco Plant Alumni Club.
Christmas luncheon: Dec. 1, 11 a.m., Crowne Plaza, New
Orleans Airport (Kenner). Leroy A. Morales: 504-4674639. Mail: #7 Lasso Lane, St. Rose, LA 70087.
Norco. Shell Norco Retirees’ Club. Christmas social:
Dec., Hilton Airport, Grand Ballroom. Bill Collins: 504400-6472, [email protected]. Mail: 29 Edgewood,
Destrehan, LA 70047.
MISSOURI
Ballwin. St. Louis Shell Retirees Club. Monthly luncheon:
Fourth Thursday of every month, Syberg’s Restaurant. Chuck
Erwin: 636-394-4434, [email protected]. Mail 574
Spragues Mill Ct., Ballwin, MO 63011.
NORTH CAROLINA
Charlotte. Carolina Alumni & Retirees of Shell. Christmas
luncheon (20th anniversary): Dec. 7, City Tavern Restaurant.
Ed Cassady: 704-814-4520, [email protected].
Mail: 1624 Hugh Forest Road, Charlotte, NC 28270.
OREGON
Portland. Portland Shell Activities Club. Luncheon: Second
Wednesday of each month, 11:30 a.m., Beaverton Elks
Club. Jim Bushnell: 503-620-3051. Mail: 11586 SW Royal
Villa Drive, Tigard, OR 97224.
TEXAS
Brenham. Central Texas Shell Retirees Club. Christmas
party: Dec. 8. Both at Hampton Inn (Brenham). Doug
Winters, 979-542-1129. Mail: P.O. Box 1056, Giddings,
TX 78942.
Dallas/Fort Worth. D/FW Shell Alumni Association.
Christmas luncheon: Dec. 7, 11:30 a.m., La Hacienda
(Colleyville). Duggan Smith: 817-579-5306, fds56@live.
com. Mail: P.O. Box 5262, Granbury, TX 76049.
Houston. Shell Northwest Alumni Club. Holiday dinner
dance: Dec. 13, Shirley Acres. Ron Benton: 281-374-0024,
[email protected]. Mail: 19507 Remington Manor St.,
Spring, TX 77379.
Pasadena. Shell DPMC Retirees. Monthly meeting: First
Thursday of each month, 11 a.m. at the East Harris County
Activity Center. Angelo Pulido: 281-479-3058. Mail: 750
Amherst Lane, Houston, TX 77536.
WEST VIRGINIA
Parkersburg. Shell Chemical Belpre Plant Retirees.
Christmas dinner: Dec. 1, Parkersburg Country Club.
Breakfast: First Wednesday at 9 a.m., Shoney’s; Third
Tuesday at 8:30 a.m., Mountaineer Restaurant. Lunch:
Second Wednesday at 11:30 a.m., Western Sizzlin. Jerry
Watson: 304-422-6988, [email protected].
Mail: 451 Watson Rd., Parkersburg, WV 26104.
10
REGIONAL FOCUS united States
WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES
F.A. (Fred) MacDougall (’87
Shell E&P) and wife, Ruth:
June 16.
55 YEARS
Forrest B. Dunagan (’89 Atlanta
District) and wife, Doris:
Dec. 29.
65 YEARS
John B. Baker (‘91 Westhollow
Technology Center) and wife,
Lois: Oct. 9.
Thomas G. Martin (‘82 Head
Office Mfg. Engineering) and
wife, Ardene: Sept. 13.
Homer L. Mize (’87 Deer Park)
and wife, Marilyn: Nov. 28.
Betty Wildey (’84 Shell Credit
Card Center) and husband,
Ralph: Nov. 8.
60 YEARS
Robert (Bob) L. Green (’90
Norco) and wife, Joyce:
Dec. 21.
Francis McGinnis (’88 Shell
Chemical-Woodbury, N.J.) and
wife, Joan: Dec. 28.
50 YEARS
Mike Baumann (’92 Chemical
Sales) and wife, Beverly:
Aug. 9.
Carroll Boecker (’97 Oil
Products/Engineering) and
wife, Joan: June 3.
Lowell (Lefty) Reeves (’93 Wood
River) and wife, Ruth:
March 17.
Harold Smith (‘96 Information
Center) and wife, Robbie:
Nov. 11.
Asberry (Berry) Holdcraft
(’83 Metairie Plant) and wife,
LaVerne: July 12.
Spaulding (Rick) Solar (’89
Shell Western E&P) and wife,
Louvenia “Lou”: Oct. 9.
V.R. (Virginia) Johnson (’91
Shell E&P) and husband, Carl:
June 17.
Dennis Sullivan (’93 New
England District) and wife,
Barbara: Sept. 8.
HOLE-IN-ONE
John Bernhardt (’01 Human Resources)
scored his third hole-in-one on August 10 at Tomball
Country Club in Tomball, Texas. He used an 8-iron
on the 130-yard 14th hole.
Juan Mendoza (’00 Shell Pipeline) scored his
second hole-in-one on August 10 at West Fork Golf
Club in Conroe, Texas. He used a 6-iron on the
130-yard 12th hole.
Carl S. Reed, Sr. (‘96 Norco) scored his fifth
hole-in-one on August 16 at City Park in New
Orleans, Louisiana. He used a 7-iron on the 143yard 15th hole. His first hole-in-one was achieved
while playing left-handed and the last four were
achieved right-handed. His longest drive was 231
yards using a 3-wood.
Ken Zumdome (‘02 Great Lakes Wholesale)
scored his third hole-in-one at Indianapolis Indian
Lake Country Club on July 28. He used a 6-iron on
the 136-yard 17th hole.
100
and counting
Happy birthday to P.W. Wield,
who recently celebrated his 101st birthday.
USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS AND WEBSITES
BENEFITS
Shell Benefits Service Center
1-800-30-SHELL (1-800-307-4355)
(for all your benefits needs, funds, pension
matters, and address changes)
www.netbenefits.com
CARE UnitedHealthcare (Shell HSM Plan)
Customer Service
1-800-752-8982
(for Shell HSM coverage questions,
problems with a claim)
Senior Support
1-888-831-2645
(for Shell Medicare Complementary coverage
questions, problems with a claim)
Nurseline (free 24/7 health information)
1-866-202-2581
www.myuhc.com
Value Options
24-hour Clinical Referral Line
1-800-543-8114
(for information about mental health and
substance abuse benefits covered under
Shell HSM, questions or claim forms)
www.valueoptions.com
Caremark Prescriptions
1-866-221-4207
(for information about participating
pharmacies and mail order program–
under Shell HSM)
www.caremark.com
CIGNA DentalCare
1-800-CIGNA24 (1-800-244-6224)
(for dental benefit information and
participating providers)
www.cigna.com/dental
Vision Service Plan
1-800-877-7195
(for a provider directory or benefit
information)
www.vsp.com
John Hancock
1-888-343-1600
(for questions about long-term-care
insurance)
http://gltcshell.jhancock.com
(Username: shell; Password: mybenefit)
LEARNING
Pensioner Customer Service
1-877-401-5456
713-241-8904 (Houston)
(for pensioner club matters, postretirement Learning Account
reimbursement status, retiree
website questions and forms)
SHELL NEWS
11
LNG IN NORTH AMERICAN TANKS
Shell has announced that it plans to
make liquefied natural gas (LNG)
available for its heavy-duty fleet
customers beginning in 2012 at
select “Shell Flying J” truck stops in
Alberta, Canada.
Shell would source natural gas from
equity supply sources, like
unconventional shale gas plays in
North America, liquefy it to produce
LNG, then transport and market it to
customers in Downstream sectors. An
integrated Upstream and Downstream
business model is required for Shell to
deliver the entire value chain from the
wellhead to customers’ tanks.
The group is now pursuing engineering
and regulatory permits to produce LNG
by 2013 at its Jumping Pound gas
processing facility in the foothills of
Alberta. Pending regulatory approval,
it will be the first investment of its kind
for Shell globally and will include
production facilities and Downstream
infrastructure. Until then, LNG will be
supplied to the Shell Flying J truck stops
from third-party supply agreements.
“With an abundance of natural gas
and a growing need for low-emission
transportation fuels, this signals a very
important step for a significant North
American resource,” says Marvin
Odum, Shell Oil president and director
of Upstream Americas.
Delivering value
For Shell’s customers, the value
proposition is built around LNG as a
cost-competitive fuel that can contribute
to improved air quality through lower
emissions. It also offers a greater
security of supply by displacing
imported oil and oil products.
Due to recent discoveries of large
volumes of unconventional gas, the
increase in availability of gas supply
has depressed natural gas prices
compared with oil prices on an
energy-equivalent basis. The value for
Shell is in getting oil-based pricing for its
natural gas by marketing the molecules
as LNG into Downstream markets.
“Our strong portfolio and worldwide
LNG leadership puts us in a unique
position to grow LNG in key markets.
And, to meet growing demand,
natural gas for larger fleet vehicles
delivers reduced emissions and offers
a cost-competitive alternative to other
fuels,” Odum says.
“As global demand for transportation
fuels increases, including for LNG,
Shell is well positioned to meet this
demand. LNG can provide great
advantages for our commercial
customers as a future energy solution in
transportation. LNG will be a welcome
addition to Shell’s portfolio of quality
transportation fuels,” he concludes.
A mobile LNG refueler
POWERING PROGRESS WITH LNG
In North America, Shell is actively
developing new business opportunities with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to substitute LNG for
diesel and propane in a number of
industrial sectors, including marine,
on-road trucking, rail, mining, and oil
and gas drilling applications.
n
Wartsila
North America.
As part of its efforts to expand the
use of LNG as a fuel beyond the
heavy-duty road transport sector,
Shell announced a joint cooperation agreement with
Wartsila to further improve the
environmental footprint of the U.S.
marine industry, as well as other
sectors, by accelerating the
deployment of larger engines
which use LNG as a fuel. Shell
will provide the low-cost and
low-emissions LNG fuel to a
broad range of Wartsila naturalgas-powered vessel operators and
other customers.
n Westport Innovations Inc.
An agreement with Westport to
launch a co-marketing program in
North America is aimed at
providing customers a better
economic case when purchasing
and operating LNG-powered
vehicles. It consolidates key
value-chain components such as
fuel supply, customer support and
comprehensive maintenance into a
single customer-friendly package.
n
General Electric.
A co-operation agreement with
GE’s transportation division to
jointly develop a total solution for
the railroad sector, including
associated infrastructure and a
locomotive capable of running on
both diesel and LNG. This presents
a practical alternative fuel source
and delivers the benefits of a
secure, low-cost and low-emissions
fuel for the rail industry.
n
Mining Industry.
Additionally, Shell is actively
developing energy solutions
utilizing LNG fuel for the North
American mining industry. These
solutions will bring fuel cost
reductions and emissions improvements to the sector through focused
applications in the form of mobile
mine haul fleets and other stationary applications. Shell is currently
collaborating with technical
partners to develop LNG
infrastructure solutions for mining customers.
12
SHELL NEWS
DELIVERING A
NEW WAVE OF GROWTH
Investor Day Recap
Shell Chief Executive Officer Peter
Voser and Chief Financial Officer
Simon Henry recently met with
investors in New York to share how
Shell has been improving its near-term
competitive performance and delivering a new wave of production growth.
In 2011, the group has started up
three world-class oil and gas projects
able to add approximately 400,000
barrels of oil equivalent (boe) at peak.
As a result, Shell is on track to
deliver strategic targets for 50 to 80
percent growth in cash flow from
operations from 2009 to 2012,
driven by cost savings, operating
performance and an 11 percent
increase in oil and gas production.*
“We’ve continued with our growth
momentum by adding to Shell’s
medium-term project pipeline, during a
period where development costs have
been attractive, in the recent downturn.
The scale and integration of projects
such as Pearl GTL, Raìzen biofuels and
Prelude floating LNG are unique in our
industry today, and are a solid
platform to create long-term value for
our shareholders,” Voser said.
Near-term: Performance focus
Voser said the group had reduced
underlying costs by $4 billion since
Transition 2009, with no compromise
to asset integrity or safety.
“We have moved into a phase of
continuous improvement, which is
embedded in Shell’s operations and
activities. This is about smaller,
incremental performance programs
and commerciality.
“The opportunity in total runs to billions
of dollars. For example, we’re working
on the supply chain, with procurement
in low-cost countries, and a new joint
venture with CNPC to source tight gas
* The oil and gas production outlook is in an
$80 oil price scenario and assumes license
extensions and 2010 asset sales. 2012
cash-flow targets in $60-$80 scenarios, and
assume improved downstream and natural gas
environment 2009-2012.
and coal-bed methane drilling
equipment,” Voser said.
Mid-term: New wave of
production growth
Voser explained that Shell had taken
nine final investment decisions in 2011.
Around 20 new project start-ups are
planned for 2011-14, with capital
investment of at least $100 billion.
These are expected to bring around
800,000 boe per day on stream.
“These start-ups reflect some of
Shell’s unique strengths in the energy
industry today, with innovative
technology, integration across value
chains and creating long-life returns
for shareholders. So, exciting times
on the growth side.”
Accounting for 400,000 boe at peak,
three projects brought online this year
underpin targets for financial and
production growth to 2012: the
Athabasca Oil Sands Project
expansion, Qatargas 4 LNG project
and Pearl GTL, which shipped first
commercial GTL gas-oil in mid-June.
Fourteen Upstream projects launched
so far in 2010-11 have an expected
peak production of a further 400,000
boe per day for Shell in the mediumterm. Among those are Mars B in the
Gulf of Mexico (GOM), BC-10 Phase 2
in Brazil and North America tight gas.
“We have a very substantial oil and gas
resource base in Shell, just over 30
billion boe, or about 25 years of current
production,” Voser said. “This is where
we want to put the focus in Upstream,
commercializing these barrels and
turning exploration and technology
success into production and cash flow.”
Voser also stated that Shell is the
leading international oil company in
natural gas, with drilling technology
unlocking new growth in tight gas and
shale gas. “Just over half of Shell’s
production will be natural gas in
2012, with some 70 percent of our
total production priced against oil.”
Shell Chief Executive Officer Peter Voser
On Upstream growth, he also made
reference to Australia’s Gorgon LNG
project—operated by Chevron—and
the first-of-its-kind Prelude floating
LNG project.
In Downstream, Shell is consolidating
its reshaped portfolio, focusing on
operating performance and investing
in selective growth. One example is
the Raìzen biofuels and marketing joint
venture with Cosan in Brazil, formed
in early June.
“We see growth potential in themes like
differentiated fuels, chemicals and biofuels, and Downstream is an important
part of Shell’s value proposition to
major resources holders and governments. They like our global reach and
full value-chain approach and want to
partner with us,” Voser said.
Long-term: Maturing nextgeneration project options
Voser said that Shell is adding new oil
and gas resources through exploration
and focused acquisitions. “We’ve
spent around $20 billion here in the
last three years, adding more than 11
billion boe of potential resources at
less than $2 per boe.”
With roughly $3 billion per year spent
on exploration activities, Shell made
nine new exploration finds in 2010,
including Appomattox in the GOM,
new gas in Australia and deep water
oil in Brazil and Brunei. Recently, a
discovery of oil in deep water offshore
French Guiana was announced.
SHELL NEWS
taken 14 final investment decisions
[FIDs] in the last 18 months, aiming at
growth to 2014 and beyond. We
expect our organic capital investment
to trend upwards, around the top of
the $25 to $30 billion per year range
in the near-term, as spending picks up
on our new FIDs.”
Chief Financial Officer Simon Henry
Shell’s financial framework
Henry gave an update on Shell’s
financial framework, saying that a
new wave of growth would see
another tranche of investment. “We’ve
13
Shell’s focus framework
Referring to Shell’s “focus framework,”
which describes where the company
directs its efforts, Voser said he was
determined to improve the group’s
profitability and growth profile, and that
people should expect to hear more soon.
He explained that Shell’s main vehicle
to return cash to shareholders is through
dividends, which takes in earnings,
cash-flow, balance sheet and the
capital requirements of the company for
investment in future growth.
“Safe and reliable operations are at
the heart of everything we do, and our
industry is very much under public
scrutiny in these areas. We have been
investing in improved asset integrity
and safety for many years, and the
trends are encouraging,” he said.
“We are offering the highest dividend
payout ratio in our sector, following a
32 percent increase in the dividend
since 2006,” Henry said. “In 2010, we
introduced a scrip dividend, where you
can take shares rather than cash
dividend. This is useful for us in
managing short-term cash cycles, and it
has been popular with shareholders.”
On value-added technology, Voser
said, “Our technology and innovation
are leading edge: integrated gas, deep
water, exploration and differentiated
fuels. Technology is in Shell’s DNA.
“We want to be the energy company
brand of choice around the world,
driving the integrated energy company
of the future,” he added.
BACK TO WORK IN THE GULF
This August, Shell’s fifth Gulf of Mexico
mobile offshore drilling unit (MODU),
the Noble Driller, returned to work for
the first time since the moratorium was
imposed in April 2010 following the
BP Deepwater Horizon incident. All
MODUs contracted by Shell have now
returned to work, which represents a
significant milestone for Shell, given
the many challenges the industry has
faced following the Macondo incident.
Regulatory approval for a well in the
Europa field* was also received in
August and is the sixth permit Shell has
received from the U.S. Bureau of
Ocean Energy Management,
Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE)
since the deepwater moratorium was
lifted in October 2010.
* The Europa subsea development is located in
Mississippi Canyon Block 934, 935, 890 and
891 in the GOM about 140 miles southeast of
New Orleans in about 3,900 feet of water. Shell
Offshore Inc. is the operator and has a 34%
interest in the project. BP Amoco has a 33%
interest, Agip has a 32% interest and Conoco
has a 1% interest. The discovery well was drilled
in 1994 and in 1998, Shell announced the partners’ plans to develop Europa utilizing a subsea
system tied back to the Mars TLP.
“I am extremely pleased and proud of
the efforts of numerous individuals and
teams that have helped reach this
point,” says John Hollowell, executive
vice president, Deep Water, Shell
Upstream Americas. “Reaching this
milestone for Shell Deep Water has not
been easy. Many people across Shell
have worked collaboratively and with
determination to ensure Shell has been
among the first to be awarded permits
from the BOEMRE. Our task moving
forward is to ensure that we sustain
this great momentum in the weeks,
months and years to come.”
14
SHELL NEWS
Large-scale illuminated displays, called spectacular displays, were an innovation of the automotive era. The highly visible glow of Shell’s neon and
incandescent sign was seen by early motorists and helped to solidify the company’s brand and presence in the Boston area.
SHELL ’PECTEN’ SIGN RELIT
When the neon and incandescent
Shell “Pecten” sign was first illuminated
in Boston in the early 1930s, it was a
beacon for motorists, touting the
company’s presence as one of the
earliest automobile and petroleumrelated companies in the area. Today,
after approximately 15 years of
darkness, that same sign has been
turned on once again in Cambridge.
It’s still a show stopper.
The sign is one of the earliest known
surviving examples in the Boston
area of advertising signage known
as “spectacular” display, and is
significant in its combination of
incandescent and neon lighting.
When Thomas Edison invented the first
economically feasible light bulb in
1879, incandescent lighting soon
followed and was used to produce
“spectacular” displays promoting
Edison’s invention.
Spectacular displays required vast
numbers of lights and a large visible
area in order to be seen from a
distance, and were especially popular
in the theater and movie industry. As
automobile traffic increased, more
incandescent signs were produced on
a scale that could be seen by
motorists, as well as pedestrians.
In the early 1900s, a Parisian scientist,
Dr. George Claude, demonstrated a
non-corroding electrode with a virtually
limitless life—the neon bulb. The
electrode eliminated the need for a
filament since neon illumination is
produced by the gas itself. Once
patented, neon commercial signs soon
followed, and the first neon sign
appeared in the United States in 1923.
The Shell Pecten sign is currently located
in Cambridge at the intersection of
Magazine Street and Memorial Drive
on the property of a Shell service
station. It was one of two signs that
stood atop the company’s first two-story
office and service station complex and
remained in place from 1933 through
1944. It was removed, possibly in
response to wartime restrictions. While
one of the two signs was dismantled,
the other sign found its way to its current
home in the late 1940s.
The sign was deemed an historic site
June 3, 1994. When the station was
sold to Shell wholesaler Apache in
2010, representatives from Apache
sought the local permits needed to
bring the sign back to life. “Shell
wanted to share the cost of the
restoration and relighting,” says
Colleen Murphy-Smith, wholesale
sales manager.
Apache, Shell and the Cambridge
Historical Commission worked together
to restore the old sign, which had
suffered corrosion and holes in the
framework. The sign was repaired and
refabricated by a sign shop in Las
Vegas that does a lot of casino
signage work. “Restoring the sign was
very tough since a lot of it was rusted
and not reusable. It sort of fell off and
crumbled as they were trying to take it
down,” relates Will Castle, president,
Apache Oil. The sign was restored
exactly as it was before, down to the
last rivet. “The light fixtures and wiring
are all new and are high efficiency.
The Shell cabinet stroke lighting is LED
and simulates the original neon at a
fraction of the electricity,” Castle says.
With no LEDs that simulated the
original color of the Pecten, the sign
uses high-efficient incandescent bulbs,
though Castle says the company
expects to make the full conversion to
LED soon since new colors for LEDs are
coming on the market very quickly.
“The Shell Pecten sign is not only a
great example of early large-scale
illuminated displays, but also
represents Shell’s long history in the
Boston area and our continued brand
presence throughout the years,”
Murphy-Smith says.
ALUMNUS FEATURE
15
BUILDING TOMORROW’S LEADERS
Shell alumni help coordinate regional leadership conference
When Robert Taylor (’96 Calgary)
was first approached to be part of
the 1980 Commonwealth Leadership
Development Conference (CLDC), he
was told it was a once-in-a-lifetime
opportunity. Little did he know that
once in a lifetime would turn into an
involvement that has spanned the
decades. Taylor and other CLDC
alumni recently hosted the
Caribbean-Canada Emerging
Leaders’ Dialogue, a regional CLDC
conference for emerging young
leaders in government, industry and
the community. “It was an
opportunity to give back to future
generations,” he says.
development issues and how these
issues impact decision-making and
leadership. “During the 1980
conference in Canada, my group visited
a large asbestos mine and learned
about the issues of a small town on the
brink of losing its major industry, and in
Prince George, we talked with trade
unions and organizations associated
with the lumber industry. It was an
outstanding opportunity to gain a
broader perspective and learn about
other points of view. The experience
really helped me become a better
leader,” says Taylor, who rose to
president of Shell Canada Products
during his career with Shell.
effort. The Caribbean-Canada
Emerging Leaders’ Dialogue was two
years in the making and involved
about 150 volunteers from more than
20 countries, according to Wootton.
“The team coordinated everything—
from fundraising to arranging for
conference speakers to setting up the
tour experiences for participants.”
The Dialogue was attended by 120
delegates from Canada and the
Caribbean. “By enhancing the
relationships between Canadian and
Caribbean leaders, we hope to
strengthen the ties and ultimately
enhance the prosperity of both
regions,” Taylor explains.
Championing young leaders
Back in 1980 when Taylor first
became involved, Bill Daniel, then
president of Shell Canada, was a key
champion of the CLDC. That year,
Canada served as the host country for
more than 200 delegates from
Commonwealth countries across the
globe, including Africa, Australia,
Europe, New Zealand and the UK.
Conceived by HRH Prince Philip, The
Duke of Edinburgh in 1956, the CLDC
is an opportunity for up-and-coming
leaders to network and learn about
issues faced by government, industry
and communities.
Heather Wootton (’90 Calgary), also
a 1980 participant, agrees. “Shell
identified employees they thought
would benefit from the conference. The
experience gave me the confidence I
needed to rise to the top of my field.”
As coordinator of executive
administration, Wootton coordinated
Shell Canada’s top management team
and even worked on the 1988
Calgary Winter Olympic Games.
Following the three-day opening
session, delegates broke out into small
study groups for eight-day tours, half
of which were in Canada and the
other half in a Caribbean country.
Afterwards, they reconvened for a
further four days to report on their
learning experiences. HRH The
Princess Royal, Princess Anne served
as president of the Dialogue and met
with each study group.
Stepping up
Through the years, both Wootton and
Taylor stayed active with other CLDC
events and in contact with alumni
throughout the world. When plans for
a worldwide conference in 2011 fell
through, Canadian alumni stepped up
with the idea for a regional conference
and reached out to the Caribbean
region to partner with them in the
“One of the highlights of the Calgary
tour was a visit to an oil sands
project, where delegates had the
opportunity to learn how companies
like Shell are working to sustainably
develop this valuable resource,”
says Joanne Hansen (’91 Calgary),
founding team member, Shell Helps
Centre. Edwin Soltys, vice president,
Finance, Shell Canada Energy and
2007 CLDC member, helped
organize the Alberta tour.
The conference format includes an
intensive study tour of sites across the
host country to give delegates an
understanding of important economic,
social, environmental and regional
“Shell supported us in our career
development when we were chosen
to participate in the 1980 conference.
The experience meant a lot to us, and
as Shell retirees, we have been very
pleased to continue to be involved in
the CLDC,” Taylor says.
From left, Robert Taylor, Joanne Hansen and Heather Wootton at a closing event in Barbados. They were
among 150 CLDC alumni who coordinated the recent Caribbean-Canada Emerging Leaders’ Dialogue.
Wootton agrees. “At the conference,
it was wonderful to see young up-andcoming leaders so full of enthusiasm
and asking all the right questions. I felt
encouraged and knew it was worth all
the time and effort,” she adds.
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Houston, TX
Permit No. 1991
Shell Oil Company
Communications - Destin Singleton
P.O. Box 2463
Houston, Texas 77252-2463
LET’S BRIGHTEN
THE FUTURE WITH
NATURAL GAS.
How will we meet energy demand as our
population grows? With innovation– like the
advanced technology that unlocks vast resources
of domestic natural gas, clean-burning energy
to power our lives. We are passionate about
developing natural gas in an environmentally
and socially responsible way. Our five global
onshore shale gas operating principles are
designed to protect water, air, land and the
communities where we operate. All of which
means we can provide more energy now and
in the future. To learn more please visit us at
www.shell.us/naturalgas.
LET’S GO.
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TRAFFIC LEGEND
1001 Fannin Street, Suite 500, Houston, TX 77002
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9/16/11 11:20 AM