CITGO’s refinery in Corpus Christi lights up the night sky. At 890-acres, it resembles an urban city skyline.
CITGO Corpus Christi Refinery celebrates 80 years of operation this week with a luncheon, banquet and, you could even say, a fiesta. As one of its many community-involved endeavors, CITGO is the main sponsor of Fiesta de la Flor, a two-day celebration of the life of Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla-Perez April 17 and 18.
CITGO’s first plant went online in 1935 generating 4,000 barrels a day. The 890-acre plant now generates 163,000 barrels a day. On average, about 1,000 employees and contractors have worked at the two CITGO plants in Corpus Christi over the last three years for an estimated annual economic impact on the city of $345 million.
“Our sense of community extends beyond this refinery," said Doyle Dommert, refinery vice president and general manager at the April 15 luncheon. The invitation-only luncheon at the plant was one of two celebrations on Wednesday. The date marked the 80th anniversary and included a banquet at the American Bank Center. "You're all living the Citgo and Texas legacy, and I'm so proud to be a part of it,” he continued.
Also at the luncheon, Corpus Christi Mayor Nelda Martinez called the company a “game changer” for the city. CITGO is known for its community philanthropy, much of which was outlined in House Resolution No. 1188 introduced by State Representatives Abel Herrero and Todd Hunter last month.
Highlights in the resolution include:
• Company and employee contributions of more than $5.8 million to 37 local charities through donations to the United Way of the Coast Bend over the past 10 years;
• More than 4,000 volunteer hours with community organizations in 2014;
• Support for the Hands for Hillcrest Grant Program contributing to education, job skills, health care and the environment in the Hillcrest community;
• Contributions to more than 170 scholarships to area students through the Corpus Christi Caller-Times/CITGO South Texas Distinguished Scholars program and the First in Family program scholarship program;
• Partnering with the Foy H. Moody High School Innovation Academy to encourage students to pursue careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.
“Throughout the past eight decades, the CITGO Corpus Christi Refinery has made a substantial contribution to the Texas economy while giving back to its community in myriad ways,” reads the resolution. Wording also recognized the “role it plays in advancing the prosperity of Corpus Christi and the Lone Star state,” resolving that the 84th Texas Legislature would “hereby commemorate the 80th anniversary of the CITGO Corpus Christi Refinery and extend to all those associated with the refinery sincere best wishes for the future.”
