December 2013 USA

ALUMNINEWS
PUBLISHED FOR SHELL ALUMNI IN THE AMERICAS | WWW.SHELL.US/ALUMNI
RESPONDING TO
DISASTER
CREATING HABITAT
FOR SEA LIFE
Shell employees step up
after Alberta’s summer
flood.
Documentary shares story
of rigs-to-reef program.
SHELL & PENNZOIL
GRAND PRIX OF
HOUSTON
PAGE 4
DECEMBER 2013
CREATING
CLEANER-BURNING
TRANSPORTATION
FUELS
Shell evaluates Louisiana
GTL project.
SHELL NEWS
A WORD FROM
OUR EDITORS
CONTENTS
2
The holiday season is upon us! Before you hit
the malls, string up the outdoor lights and hit
the holiday party circuit, make sure to spend
a few minutes to tell us what you think about
AlumniNews in our 2nd annual magazine
survey. Your input is appreciated and helps us
better tailor the magazine.
We also hope you’ll take time to enjoy this
issue of AlumniNews. Read about the Shell
and Pennzoil Grand Prix of Houston and
how Shell used the event to share its story
of technological innovation in motorsports
and mobility. Learn how employees came
to the rescue during heavy summer flooding
in Alberta, see how women are changing
the face of the oilfield in Shell’s Appalachia
asset in Pennsylvania and read about Shell’s
efforts to preserve habitat through its rigs-toreef program and its partnership with Ducks
Unlimited Canada.
Also, make sure to check out the regional
section of the magazine for updates on
alumni activities and regional news of
interest. Visit the Shell alumni site at www.
shell.us/alumni for the latest news on Shell,
helpful links, phone numbers, forms and
even back issues of AlumniNews magazine.
As always, send comments and suggested
alumni feature stories by mail or by emailing
us at ShellUSAlumni@shell.com.
Amanda Accardo and Hanneke Foppes
Editors
AlumniNews magazine
YOU ASKED. WE DELIVERED
Visit www.shell.us/alumni for
everything alumni.
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. Also, drop us a line at
ShellUSAlumni@shell.com to give us feedback
and tell us what you’d like to see on the site.
ALUMNINEWS
AlumniNews is published for Shell Americas.
Editors
Amanda Accardo and Hanneke Foppes, Shell Communications
Writer/copy editor
Susan Diemont-Conwell, Torma Communications
Design
Shell Production Centre of Excellence
Shell Human Resources
Susan Bialer Sullivan and Alicia Gomez
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.
Thank you to those who have already chosen to go green!
HIGHLIGHTS
03
Flood disaster response
03
Creating cleaner-burning transportation fuels
04
From the track to the road
05
Land conservation in action
05
Dedicated to diversity
06
Bringing a feminine side to the oilfield
11
AlumniNews survey
13
Beauty and abundance on an offshore platform
14
Helping out hurricane victims
15
Catching that mouse
Shell employees overcome the odds during summer flood in Alberta.
Shell evaluates Louisiana gas-to-liquids project.
The Grand Prix of Houston provides opportunity to share Shell’s technological
innovation in motorsports and mobility.
Ducks Unlimited Canada and Shell celebrate launch of Shell Buffalo
Hills Conservation Ranch.
Shell Canada recognized by Catalyst.
See how women are changing the face of the oilfield in
Shell’s Appalachia asset in Pennsylvania.
Tell us what you think and help us customize the magazine.
Documentary shares story of rigs-to-reef program.
Alumnus receives President’s Call to Service Award.
Alumnus pursues advancement of technological innovation.
BREAKING NEWS!
CEO Peter Voser announced Shell’s decision to go ahead with the Carmon
Creek heavy oil project in Alberta, Canada. Using state-of-the-art technology
and enhanced oil recovery methods, the project is expected to produce up to
80,000 barrels of oil per day from the Peace River heavy oil deposit for more
than 35 years. We will feature more about this exciting new venture in the
March 2014 issue of AlumniNews magazine!
SHELL NEWS
3
FLOOD DISASTER RESPONSE
Shell employees overcome the odds during summer flood
in Alberta, Canada
More than 100,000 displaced
residents. Over $3 billion in estimated
damage.
This past June was devastating for the
city of Calgary. After floodwaters
topped the Elbow and Bow rivers, city
neighborhoods were flooded and the
entire downtown area, including Shell
Canada’s head office, was shut down.
While the city came to a stand still,
Shell’s Rapid Response teams kicked
into high gear. Six teams of 30 trained
Shell volunteers worked 10-hour days
to tackle the vast cleanup at the homes
of dozens of Shell employees.
In support of the Rapid Response
teams, Shell employees and contractors
created over 130 work orders to
supply the teams with critical supplies
including:
40 generators and fire extinguishers
80 pumps
100 shop vacuums
250 fans
100 dumpster bags
80 PPE/first aid kits
“We have seen a resiliency in our
communities and a coming together to
help each other. This has been true of
our organization as it has been of
many others,” says Lorraine
Mitchelmore, Shell Canada country
chair and EVP, Heavy Oil.
In addition to providing equipment and
volunteers to help with the immediate
cleanup operation, Shell subsequently
pledged a financial helping hand to
those affected in Canada. To date, the
company has donated more than
$550,000 to aid in Alberta-area home
clean-up and repair (including
$150,000 to the Canadian Red Cross,
$100,000 to Calgary-area social
agencies and First Nations and
$250,000 to other affected
communities and First Nations across
Alberta). Shell has also committed to
match employee donations to the Red
Cross, which at last tally is over
$77,000. “I have been very proud and
humbled by our collective response to
the efforts. This includes the ongoing
June floodwaters forced over 100,000 people to evacuate their homes in Calgary.
management of our operations—our
southern Alberta gas operations having
to work around the clock to reduce
risks, meet production targets and
ensure we continue to operate safely—
as well as the crisis response efforts we
put in place in Calgary, and the offers
of help and generosity of our people to
give time and effort to recovery efforts,
donate money and generally look out
for one another,” Mitchelmore adds. «
CREATING
CLEANER-BURNING
TRANSPORTATION FUELS
Shell evaluates Louisiana GTL project
On September 24, the governor of
Louisiana, Bobby Jindal, announced
an incentive package in support of
the Gulf Coast GTL (gas-to-liquids)
project that Shell is evaluating on a
site in Ascension Parish in Louisiana.
burning transportation fuels, such as
natural gas-based diesel and jet
fuels, as well as other products, such
as specialty waxes and the building
blocks for lubricants, plastics and
detergents.
If built, Shell’s Gulf Coast GTL
facility would be one of the first of
its kind built to commercial scale in
the U.S. The proposed project would
use natural gas to create cleaner-
While site selection is an important
milestone, much more work lies ahead
before Shell decides whether or not to
build the project, with a final
investment decision still years away. «
4
SHELL NEWS
FROM THE TRACK TO THE ROAD
Grand Prix provides opportunity to share Shell’s technological
innovation in motorsports and mobility
In October, Shell and Pennzoil brought world-class racing
back to Houston for the Shell and Pennzoil Grand Prix of
Houston, which attracted an estimated 150,000 customers,
employees and neighbors. As title sponsor of the doubleheader IZOD IndyCar Series race at Reliant Park, Shell and
Pennzoil had the opportunity to showcase Shell innovation
and technology for road transport—both on and off the
racetrack—right in the backyard of our U.S. headquarters.
Showcasing our track-to-road story
Over the three-day weekend, key stakeholders including
customers, media, employees and thousands of loyal racing
fans visited the interactive and educational Shell Mobility
Experience in the Reliant Arena, which brought to life Shell’s
performance, efficiency and innovation around motorsports
and mobility.
The Shell Mobility Experience included a Shell Technology
Simulated Lab, which featured:
Shell scientists from Shell Technology Center Houston
(STCH), who spoke about fuels and lubricants technology
Two Pennzoil heritage race cars that showcased our long
history in motorsports
Guinness World Record-holder Wayne Gerdes, who spoke
about our Smarter Driving program
Eco-marathon cars, along with an LNG fuel pump and
tanker, which highlighted our work in alternative fuels
“What a fantastic way to show our customers and friends
how Shell uses the track today as the laboratory for
tomorrow’s mobility,” says Mark Gainsborough, executive
vice president, Global Commercial. “The Grand Prix was a
truly impressive demonstration of Shell and Pennzoil
performance, efficiency and innovation in lubricant
technology.”
SUNDAY’S WRECK
AND SAFETY
On the final lap of the IndyCar Race 2 in Houston, there
was an unfortunate crash which impacted driver Dario
Franchitti, a track official and several fans. Immediately
after the accident, safety crews and race officials were
on the scene and worked to address the situation.
While accidents are an inherent risk of the sport, our
thoughts and prayers go out to all of those who were
hurt. We are very happy to hear reports that all injured
in the accident have been released from the hospital.
Note: At the time of printing, Franchitti announced his
retirement due to a broken back.
“It was great to see Shell and Pennzoil leveraging the event to
showcase our brands to passionate fans,” adds Istvan
Kapitany, vice president, Commercial Fuels and Lubricants
Americas. “I hope the brand visibility enhanced the pride
employees feel for the Shell brand and that seeing Shell
Lubricants in action empowers them to speak positively about
our lubricants products.”
Along with Gainsborough and Key Accounts General
Manager Steve Reindl, Kapitany met with numerous media
members and key business partners during the weekend.
“We helped them develop an understanding of the big picture
of what goes into being the number one lubricants supplier in
the U.S.,” Kapitany says. “We had a lot of help from Shell
subject-matter experts describing our technology, innovation,
customer service, business alliances and business leadership
equating to fuel efficiency and engine performance.”
Shell subject-matter experts were also on hand in the Mobility
Experience area to speak to the nearly 200 Shell/Motiva
employees, who visited the track as part of an employee tour,
and the more than 900 stakeholders who were led on a VIP
tour of the Shell and Pennzoil Experience at Grand Prix.
Thanks to a multi-year title sponsorship agreement developed
by Shell Oil Company, the Shell and Pennzoil Grand Prix of
Houston will be back in 2014 and 2015. For more
information, visit www.shell.us/grandprix. «
SHELL NEWS
5
LAND CONSERVATION IN ACTION
Shell celebrates launch of conservation ranch
In its continuing efforts to mitigate habitat disturbances from its
existing mining operations, Shell Canada has partnered with
Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) to set aside an ecologically
important habitat for North American waterfowl. The Shell
Buffalo Hills Conservation Ranch, a conservation property
located one hour southeast of Calgary, includes 4,130 acres of
pristine, native grasslands and 1,769 acres of tame hay lands.
Almost 160 bird species use the native prairie for breeding,
migration and wintering activities.
To help conserve this block of wetland-rich, mixed grass prairie,
Shell Canada will contribute $3 million toward the land
purchase, with the balance coming from DUC and the North
American Wetlands Conservation Act partnership. “We are
committed to help mitigate habitat disturbances resulting from our
existing mining operations,” says Lorraine Mitchelmore, Shell
Canada country chair and EVP, Heavy Oil. “Shell Canada is
proud to have a relationship with Ducks Unlimited which has
developed over several decades and has successfully managed
to protect land and wildlife throughout North America.”
Shell Canada’s land and reclamation strategy guides environmental performance in its oil sands business. Although reclamation work is constantly underway, full oil sands reclamation takes
decades to complete. Conservation areas like the Shell Buffalo
Hills Conservation Ranch allow for action in the short term.
“Only 26% of native grassland remains in Alberta and that
remaining portion is in danger of being converted to agriculture
crop production,” says Clayton Dubyk, who leads Shell Canada’s Heavy Oil land strategy. “Various waterfowl species use the
grasslands as a staging or resting area before continuing their
migration north to the Boreal forest. These factors make the Shell
Buffalo Hills Conservation Ranch a very unique and important
conservation project for our oil sands business.” «
DEDICATED TO DIVERSITY
Shell Canada was recently recognized for
its dedication to diversity and inclusion.
Catalyst, a nonprofit committed to
expanding opportunities for women and
business, selected Lorraine Mitchelmore,
Shell Canada country chair and EVP,
Heavy Oil, as one of this year’s recipients
of the Catalyst award for company
leadership.
The award recognizes the critical role
company leaders, business leaders, and
human resources and diversity leaders
play in advancing women in business.
Chaired by Shell CEO Peter Voser,
Catalyst Canada Honours seeks to create
visible role models for the country’s current
and future business leaders.
“I am very fortunate to work for a
company that truly values diversity and
inclusion,” Mitchelmore says “A key part
of my role as a leader at Shell is to
champion continuous improvement in this
area. It’s the right thing to do for women
and for our company. Only companies
that embrace diverse ways of looking at
and relating to the world can achieve
great results.”
their behalf is crucial to career
advancement. The nonprofit’s research
shows that companies who have more
women in leadership roles, on average,
financially outperform those with fewer
women in leadership.
The award recognizes Shell’s hard work
and dedication to setting a gold standard
for diversity and inclusion. In Shell
Canada, women hold 28% of senior
roles. The company’s Heavy Oil team
includes 35% who are women, including
several who serve in key leadership roles.
Additionally, the Country Chair team
comprises 40% women. To drive diversity
and promote employee development,
Shell Canada has a number of programs
in place, including the country leadership
team’s Individual Development Plan (IDP)
meetings once a quarter. The team speaks
with high-potential women and men,
reviewing their IDPs, assessing skills and
identifying opportunities within the
company that would provide the
experience needed for growth and
advancement.
The company’s diversity and inclusion
efforts extend to other underrepresented groups within Shell
Canada. In addition to its employee
networks, which build awareness and
enhance diversity, Shell Canada is
actively working to increase the
number of Aboriginals throughout the
company, including an initiative that
reaches to high schools, offering
scholarships and training to support
and encourage talented Aboriginals. «
According to Catalyst research,
sponsoring women and advocating on
Lorraine Mitchelmore meets with employees at Albian.
6
SHELL NEWS
BRINGING A FEMININE SIDE
TO THE OILFIELD
what I love to do,” she says. “Every
day is a challenge, and no two days
are the same.”
Deb Sawyer
Remain true to yourself—that’s one of the
keys to success that Robin Grouette has
learned in her various assignments with
Shell since joining the company in 1997
as a geologist for Shell Canada.
From onshore exploration and development assignments to positions in Shell’s
heavy oil business in Canada and
corporate headquarters in Houston,
where she served as business advisor to
Shell Oil Company President Marvin
Odum, Grouette has never shied away
from bringing her own unique leadership
style to her work.
So when she became Shell Appalachia’s
first female operations superintendent two
years ago in a traditionally male-dominated area of the business, she turned a few
heads. Grouette leveraged her collaborative style and took the opportunity to learn
from everybody as she established herself
in the role. “I like to keep people on their
toes...they never know what I will do
next!” she says in reference to the set of
eyelashes over the headlights on her
company truck. Grouette has proven that
a woman’s place is in the oilfield.
Growth in the Appalachian Basin
Today, she leads Shell Appalachia as
operations manager, a role she says is
probably one of the best jobs she has ever
had. “What attracted me to this job was
its hands-on nature, being able to run a
business from top to bottom. Every leader
needs to have time working, learning and
interfacing with the foundation of the
organization. I have enjoyed the day-today challenges and how every day is
completely different from the next.”
Grouette is leading Shell’s new operations
and growth in the Appalachian Basin,
where Shell owns or leases more than
900,000 gross acres of Marcellus Shale
rights. The asset produces 330 million
cubic feet of natural gas a day from
approximately 300 wells. The majority of
production is unconventional dry gas, but
also includes very shallow conventional
wells that are manually operated. “Our
operations are a cross between old school
oil and gas and the new Marcellus
Shale,” she says.
Shell’s current Marcellus Shale operations
are focused in Tioga County with
exploration in surrounding counties. Shell
maintains corporate offices in Sewickley,
Pennsylvania, and several field offices in
Tioga and McKean counties.
As the company’s operations grow,
Grouette is working to add more diversity
to the asset’s 180 employees. Women
make up half of the Appalachia Leadership team, and while the majority of field
positions still remain filled by men, things
are changing.
Jill Brueilly, the asset’s first female
operator, was hired almost a year ago
to inspect inactive wells. Today, as a
lead operator in the Tioga asset, she
coordinates activities at a new produced water facility.
As far as gender equality, Brueilly says her
male counterparts in the field are very
supportive. “These guys have given me
every opportunity and no one has said I
can’t do something because I’m a girl. I’m
side by side with them and I think they
respect me for that. I think as women, we
bring certain qualities and organizational
skills to the role, such as multitasking and
effective communications.”
One of the crew
Her colleague, Jennifer Compton,
considers herself just one of the crew
in her role as an inactive wells monitor.
As the only female out of about 40
colleagues working an area of Tioga
County, she visits well sites to ensure
irrigation and sediment control. “It’s one
of the most rewarding jobs you can have.
Everyone is real respectful and Shell is the
most safety-conscious and environmentally
oriented companies I’ve ever worked for.”
A native of Wellsboro, the county seat
of Tioga County, Compton wanted to
stay in the area when she graduated
from college with a degree in geography, with an emphasis in environmental
science. “I love being outdoors and not
being stuck in an office.”
After a brief time working as a forestry
assistant and two years as a geographic
information service technician for the
county’s emergency communications
center, Compton found her niche at Shell.
“This involves everything I went to school
for and is a lot more rewarding.”
Continued on page 13 «
Having worked 10 years in the banking
industry and five years for the county
sheriff’s department, Brueilly knows the
people and the area, which particularly
comes in handy when traveling to remote
well sites.
“I grew up in this area on a farm, so
I’m used to working outside. I’m doing
Jill Brueilly
CONSERVING COASTAL PRAIRIE
REGIONAL FOCUS United States
7
Shell Deer Park pledges $75,000 toward land purchase
Shell Deer Park is helping to preserve a rare piece of coastal
prairie along the Texas Gulf Coast. Working with Bayou Land
Conservancy, which is leading efforts to purchase the Deer
Park Prairie for conservation and education purposes, Shell
Deer Park has pledged $75,000 toward the land purchase.
Discovered in 2011, the Deer Park Prairie, located about four
miles from Shell Deer Park, is recognized as an ecologically
prized tract of land. A prairie ecosystem that once spanned
more than 9 million acres along the gulf coasts of Texas
and Louisiana has been reduced to less than 1% of that
original acreage.
Shell Deer Park’s contribution will help preserve the prairie,
which plays a critical role in maintaining biodiversity, can
contribute to prairie restoration across the state, and will
serve as an education center for the public. Shell Deer
Park’s enthusiasm has been echoed by numerous emails and
calls received by employees, retirees, family members and
contractors who have voiced their enthusiastic support for the
Deer Park Prairie.
Shell Deer Park’s contribution will help preserve the prairie, which plays
a critical role in maintaining biodiversity. Photo courtesy of the Bayou
Conservancy.
For more information on the Deer Park Prairie or to make a
donation toward the prairie, visit www.bayoulandconservancy.org.
Donations made to Bayou Land Conservancy can be doubled
through the Shell and Motiva HERO campaign. «
A WORD FROM SHELL
RETIREMENT FUNDS
Financial Engines: Income +
Shell Provident Fund (SPF) service provider, Financial Engines, has
added a new feature to its Managed Account product—Income +.
Financial Engines prudently invests members’ accounts while
they save for retirement (the accumulation phase). Once a
member reaches retirement and needs to create income (the
de-cumulation phase), the account is invested with the goal of
providing a steady stream of income throughout retirement.
Income + provides lifetime income by reserving enough money
for members to purchase an out-of-plan annuity any time up to
age 85 (for those looking for a lifetime guarantee).
If you still have a Shell Provident Fund account, you received
information about this product in October during the Financial
Engines annual enrollment campaign. If you previously took
a full distribution of your Shell Provident Fund account but are
interested in learning more about Income +, call Fidelity at
1-877-401-5762 and ask to speak with a Financial Engines
representative.
Remember, you are eligible to roll assets back into your SPF
account (even if you had previously taken a full distribution). If
you are receiving a pension, health and/or insurance through
a Shell benefit plan, you have access to Fidelity’s NetBenefits
system and can download the necessary forms directly from
that site. If not, simply call the Shell Benefits Service Center at
1-800-307-4355 and request roll-in forms. If you terminated
employment after recordkeeping for the Shell Provident Fund
was outsourced to Fidelity (circa 1996), the system will still
recognize you. If not, email PlanAdministrator.Savings@Shell.com
for assistance. «
REMINDER!
Minimum Required Distributions
– Week of December 16
As discussed in the September issue of AlumniNews,
Fidelity will automatically distribute Minimum Required
Distributions (MRDs) the week of December 16, from
Shell Provident Fund (SPF) accounts that are subject to
the MRD rules AND where the account holder has not
yet taken the required distribution.
The MRD rules require distributions starting with the year
that a participant reaches 70 ½ years of age or, if later,
the year in which they retire. The MRD payment for the
year participants turn 70 ½ can be delayed until April
1 of the following year. For all subsequent years,
including the year in which the first MRD was paid by
April 1, the MRD must be distributed by December 31
of that year. «
8
REGIONAL FOCUS United States
CLUB ROSTER & UPCOMING EVENTS
*As new calendar events are scheduled throughout the year, email ShellUSAlumni@shell.com.
ALASKA
Kenai. Shell Alaska Alumni Club. Wayne Carroll, 907-7765724, waymax@att.net. Mail: P.O. Box 7002, Nikiski, AK
99635.
ARKANSAS
Hot Springs. Arkansas Shell Alumni Club. Christmas dinner:
Dec. (Hot Springs Village). Lunch: First Tuesday of the month,
11:30 a.m. Jack Williams: 501-226-9881, jawilliamsjr@
suddenlink.net. Mail: 21 Sorpresa Way, Hot Springs Village,
AR 71909.
CALIFORNIA
Bakersfield. Retired Shell Employees of San Joaquin. Don
Harrison: 661-763-4568, ddminis@peoplepc.com. Mail:
27901 Tank Farm Road, Taft, CA 93268.
Martinez. Martinez Refinery Complex Alumni. Annual
clubhouse lighting: Dec. 5, Clubhouse. John Rippee: 925686-1197, mtzshellalumni@gmail.com. Mail: P.O. Box 1093,
Martinez, CA 94553.
Placentia. Shell Alumni of Southern California. SAVE THE
DATE! 40th annual gathering: May 8, 2014, 11:30 a.m.,
The Reef Restaurant (Long Beach). Joseph M. Tully III: 949215-5775, joseph.tully@cox.net. Mail: 28212 San Marcos,
Mission Viejo, CA 92692.
Roseville. Shell Golden Nuggets. Luncheon: Dec. 5,
Cameron Park Country Club (Cameron Park). G. Dale
Dowdy: 916-749-7612, garland21@aol.com. Mail: 4004
Ravensworth Place, Roseville, CA 95747.
COLORADO
Denver. Mile High Shell Retirees. Mike Anderson: 303-7998585, mymikea@comcast.net. Mail: 9228 Meredith Ct., Lone
Tree, CO 80124.
GEORGIA
Marietta. Shell Ladies and Old Boys. Christmas luncheon:
Dec. 5, Atlanta Country Club. Ken Hyde: 770-973-8207,
ken.hyde@comcast.net. Mail: 4509 Woodhaven, N.E.,
Marietta, GA 30067.
ILLINOIS
Effingham. Shell Pipeline Tri-State Retirees. Mel Sieben:
217-868-2591, melelain@frontiernet.net.
Wood River. Wood River Refinery Retiree Association.
Luncheon: Dec. 3, Wood River Moose Lodge. Willie
Generally: 618-979-6869, wgenerally@yahoo.com. Mail:
P.O. Box 444, Godfrey, IL 62035-0444.
LOUISIANA
Baton Rouge. Shell Geismar Area Retirees Club. Christmas
luncheon: Dec. 11, Frank’s Restaurant (Prairieville). Isadore
Brown: 225-766-8325, famous184@cox.net. Mail: 9438
Wild Valley Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70810.
Houma. Shell Cajun Alumni Club. Luncheon: Dec. 10,
Petroleum Club (Morgan City). Russell Poiencot: 985-8724619. Mail: 244 Grande St., Houma, LA 70363.
Lake Charles. Shell Pensioners Club of Lake Charles.
Quarterly meeting: First Wednesday of the month, Pat’s of
Henderson. Fred Berger: 337-263-0475, freddberger@
yahoo.com. Mail: 218 Mary Ann Lane, Lake Charles, LA
70605.
Norco. Shell Chemical Norco Plant Alumni Club. Christmas
luncheon: Dec. 5, 11 a.m., Doubletree New Orleans Airport
(Kenner). Leroy A. Morales: 504-467-4639 or Sheryl Lupo;
ssloupo@yahoo.com. Mail: #7 Lasso Lane, St. Rose, LA
70087.
Norco. Shell NORCO Retirees Club. Christmas social: Dec.
19, Airport Hilton (Kenner). Bill Collins: 504-400-6472,
bill4fun@bellsouth.net. Mail: 29 Edgewood, Destrehan, LA
70047.
MISSISSIPPI
Florence. North Louisiana and Mississippi Shell Alumni
Club. Woody Woodmansee, 601-845-2171, bellabeep@
windstream.net. Mail: 178 Houston Acres Road, Florence,
MS 39073.
MISSOURI
Ballwin. St. Louis Shell Retirees Club. Monthly luncheon:
Fourth Thursday of every month, Syberg’s Restaurant. Chuck
Erwin: 636-394-4434, cerwin1@prodigy.net. Mail: 574
Spragues Mill Ct., Ballwin, MO 63011.
NEW JERSEY
Sewaren. Garden State SO Shellites. Bob Fischer: 732-9691565. Mail: 134 7th St., Port Reading, NJ 07064.
Woodbury. Woodbury Poly Pros. Christmas party: Dec. 7
(Deptford). Richard Rupertus: 856-455-1705, RMRUP@
comcast.net. Mail: 31 Seeley Rd., Bridgeton, NJ 08302.
NORTH CAROLINA
Charlotte. Carolina Alumni & Retirees of Shell. Christmas
luncheon: Dec. 4 at noon, Macaroni Grill (10706 Providence
Rd.). Ira Parkman: 919-846-4860, mpbenny23@earthlink.
net. Mail: 7029 Millstone Ridge Ct., Raleigh, NC 27614.
OHIO
Port Clinton. Shell Ohio Pensioners Club. Richard Mowry:
419-341-4377, rmowrdy1@roadrunner.com. Mail: 200
North Crest Dr., Port Clinton, OH 43452.
OKLAHOMA
Tulsa. Mid-Central Shell Alumni Association. John Digges:
918-252-3307, jmdigges@cox.net. Mail: 9108 East 59th
Place, Tulsa, OK 74145.
REGIONAL FOCUS United States
OREGON
Portland. Oregon Shell Annuitants Club. Lunch: Last
Wednesday of the month, Broadmoore Golf Course. Dan
Harshburger: 541-390-9622, runsmts@gmail.com. Mail:
453 NW Flagline Dr., Bend, OR 97701.
Siskiyou. Siskiyou Shell Alumni. Derek Eck: 541-5529134, deeck@charter.net. Mail: 1000 Paradise Lane,
Ashland, OR 97520.
TEXAS
Austin. Austin/Hill Country Alumni Club. John
Chenoweth, 512-863-0505, hcshellretirees2@yahoo.com
or Vic Figurelli, 512-864-3759, vic41plym@aol.com.
Mail: 116 Ruellia Dr., Georgetown, TX 78633.
Brenham. Central Texas Shell Retirees Club. Christmas
party: Dec. 12, Los Cabos Mexican Grill and Steakhouse.
William Hollis: 979-764-7133, hollis35@suddenlink.net.
Mail: 9206 Brookwater Circle, College Station, TX
77845.
Dallas/Fort Worth. D/FW Shell Alumni Association.
Luncheon: Dec. 4, 11:30 am, La Hacienda Restaurant
(Colleyville). Duggan Smith: 817-579-5306, fds56@live.
com. Mail: P.O. Box 5262, Granbury, TX 76049.
Hallettsville. South Central Texas Shell Pensioners Club.
J.C. Kelley: 361-798-5300. Mail: 2355 FM 530,
Hallettsville, TX 77964.
Houston. Shell Alumni Association of Greater Houston.
Cultural/holiday events: www.saagh.com. Bill Chalmers,
713-304-6001, wwchalmersjr@mindspring.com. Mail:
9449 Briar Forest Dr., #106, Houston, TX 77063.
Houston. Shell NW Alumni Club. Christmas dinner
dance: Dec. 10, Shirley Acres. Tom McNamara: 281-2258143, ptmac@entouch.net. Mail: 10030 Eden Valley,
Spring, TX 77379.
Pasadena. Shell DPMC Retirees. Monthly meeting: First
Thursday of each month, 11 a.m., East Harris County
Activity Center. Angelo Pulido: 281-479-3058,
velana60@yahoo.com. Mail: 750 Amherst Lane, Houston,
TX 77536.
WEST VIRGINIA
Parkersburg. Shell/Kraton Belpre Plant Retirees.
Christmas dinner, Dec. 5, Shriners building. Jerry Watson:
304-422-6988, jcwatson1999@frontier.com. Mail: 451
Watson Rd., Parkersburg, WV 26104.
100...
and
counting!
Margaret M. Voss, 100
John Dahlstrom, 100
9
WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES
65 years
Leonard Alpert (’84 Deer Park
Manufacturing Complex) and wife,
Elinor: Aug. 31.
G. D. (Don) Hussey
(’91 Westhollow) and wife,
Agnes: Aug. 16.
D. Arcuri (’84 Shell Oil Co.
Norco Complex) and wife, Jewell:
June 13.
Charlie Little (’89 Shell E&P) and
wife, Ruth: Aug. 9.
Jackson A. Ashton (’85 Shell
Offshore Inc.) and wife, Anne:
Sept. 11.
Duane Flink (‘83 INCS Shell Oil)
and wife, Millie: Aug. 21.
Robert Swain (’88 Manufacturing
Engineering, Shell Oil Co.) and
wife, Joan: June 27.
60 YEARS
Robert (Bob) Bartholomew
(’98 Shell Chemicals Westhollow)
and wife, Donna: Aug. 26.
Art Beck (’93 Shell Oil LA
Distribution Plant) and wife, Shirley:
Oct. 29.
John Cochran (’89 Western E&P)
and wife, Barbara: May 8.
Robert Douglas (’91 Shell Oil Co.)
and wife, Bert Marie: May 23.
Doug Francis (’80 Pecten) and wife,
Mary Lee: Nov. 28.
Jim Moore (’92 Manufacturing)
and wife, Millie: July 25.
Robert L. Young (’90 Shell E&P)
and wife, Gwen: July 21.
55 YEARS
Joe Berryman (’92 Shell Mining)
and wife, Annette: March 27.
John S. Walker (’90 Norco
Manufacturing Complex) and wife,
Barbara: Aug. 24.
50 YEARS
Dave McCullough (’96 Shell Oil
Products Marketing) and wife, Joy:
Sept. 8.
Larry W. Moore (’98 Shell E&P HR)
and wife, Maylene: Sept. 7.
Rod Schliep (’00 Shell Oil Co.
Human Resources) and wife,
Paulette: Dec. 29.
Barbara Walraven (’10 Criterion
US) and husband, Douglas: July 6.
GET INVOLVED!
4 reasons to join a Shell alumni
club today!
1. To be with your Shell family. Stay connected with
colleagues, and enjoy the camaraderie of those who have a
similar work life experience.
2. To stay informed. While AlumniNews is a great way to
stay current on Shell news, alumni clubs can feature talks by
current and former Shell leaders and Shell benefits experts
and are a great forum to discuss developments in the
company and in the energy industry.
3. To broaden your horizons. Alumni clubs are out
and about in the community, whether on the golf course,
teaming to help those in need through volunteer outreach or
travelling together during an organized event.
4. To make new friends. Meet alumni who worked in
other parts of the company, share travel and other life
experiences and learn how other alumni are remaining
active in retirement.
How to start a Shell alumni club
No alumni club in your area? No problem! Shell encourages
and supports alumni clubs and covers the cost of mailings,
including postage, stationery and reproduction services. Call
Pensioner Relations at 877-401-5456 and a representative can
guide you through the formation process. «
10
REGIONAL FOCUS United States
HEALTH MATTERS
THIS NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION: NO MORE EXCUSES!
When it comes to exercise, we have a whole litany of excuses
not to get active. It’s too cold in the winter. I don’t want to fall
and break a hip. A gym membership isn’t in the budget.
The following are our answers to common excuses we all have
used. This New Year, resolve to stop making excuses. Get active
and begin improving your health today!
■■
■■
■■
■■
Excuse 1. Trying to exercise and get healthy is pointless.
Decline in old age is inevitable.
While there is a powerful myth that getting older means
getting weak, why is it that there are some in their 70s, 80s,
and 90s who are running marathons and becoming bodybuilders? The fact is many symptoms we associate with old
age—such as weakness and loss of balance—are actually
symptoms of inactivity, not old age. Exercise not only improves
physical health, but also boosts memory, helps prevent
dementia and helps you keep doing what you enjoy in life.
Excuse 2. Exercise isn’t safe for someone my age. I don’t
want to fall and break a hip.
Studies show that exercise can actually reduce your chances
of a fall. Exercise builds strength, balance and agility. Plus,
exercise programs like tai chi can even help to improve
balance.
Excuse 3. I’m sick, so I shouldn’t exercise.
Sure, if you are sick with the flu, it’s best to lie low. However,
for those with chronic health issues such as arthritis, diabetes
or heart disease, exercise can be very helpful. As always,
check with your doctor first if you have any questions about
starting a new exercise program.
Excuse 4. I never really exercised before. It’s too late to
make a difference in my health.
Studies have found that even in those who are in their 90s
and living in nursing homes, an exercise routine can boost
muscle strength. Other research shows that starting exercise
late in life can still cut the risk of health problems, such as
diabetes, and improve symptoms.
■■
■■
■■
■■
■■
■■
Excuse 5. Exercise will hurt my joints.
Fact: Exercise helps with arthritis pain. One study of people
over age 60 with knee arthritis found that those who
exercised more had less pain and better joint function.
Excuse 6. I don’t have time to exercise.
Commit to just 25 minutes a day. And, you don’t have to do
it all at once. For example, take a 10-minute walk in the
morning and pedal on a stationary bike for 15 minutes in
the evening.
Excuse 7. I’m too weak to start exercising.
Start with a manageable small goal and work up from there.
For example, you might try to get in and out of your chair
10 times a day. As you continue to do so, your strength will
increase and you can set higher goals.
Excuse 8. I’m disabled, so I can’t exercise.
While a disability can make exercise challenging, exercises
can be modified to work around a disability. Talk to your
doctor or physical therapist for guidance.
Excuse 9. I can’t afford to exercise. I don’t have the budget
to join a gym or buy equipment.
Walking doesn’t cost a dime, and local senior centers often
offer free exercise classes. Plus, soup cans and milk jugs filled
with sand make great weights, and that dining room chair
can be used for more than sitting—chair exercises can
improve balance balance and flexibility.
Excuse 10. Exercise is boring.
Do what you enjoy, and when you tire of it, try something
new. Remember, the best exercise is the one that you will
actually do.
Information taken in part from WebMD, “Myths About Exercise and
Older Adults.”
HELP YOUR COMMUNITY
Stay active and help out your community at one of these
upcoming volunteer events:
■■ Martin Luther King Day of Service: Jan. 20, 2014,
at the Houston Food Bank and Neighborhood Centers
Inc. in Houston
■■ Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo: March 2014
at Reliant Park in Houston
■■
Shell Eco-Marathon Americas: April 24-27, 2014,
at the Discovery Green in downtown Houston
For more information, contact Angela Penny at angela.
penny@shell.com or 713-241-1484. «
YOUR FEEDBACK!
11
2nd ANNUAL ALUMNINEWS SURVEY
Please provide us with your feedback to make AlumniNews even better. In the survey below, please check the
boxes that apply or fill in the blanks as prompted. To submit your survey via mail, please cut out the survey and
mail it to Amanda Accardo. To answer the survey online, please visit www.shell.us/alumni. Please submit all
surveys by January 31, 2014. All data will be collected then for the March 2014 issue.
 Very much  A little
Do you look forward to receiving AlumniNews magazine?
 All of the magazine  None of the magazine
Do you usually read:
*If only certain sections, which sections do you read?
 Not so much
 Only certain sections*
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you feel informed about Shell’s business?
 Very much  A little
 Not so much
Rate the following AlumniNews sections in terms of how much they interest you on a scale of 1 to 5
(1 = not at all, 2 = little, 3 = indifferent, 4 = somewhat, 5 = very much):
News about the company and Shell projects: ____
Alumni features: ____
Regional section: ____
Alumni club information: ____
What would you like to see more of?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
What would you like to see less of?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you share information you read in AlumniNews with others?
 Often  Sometimes  Never
Does AlumniNews help you when discussing issues concerning Shell
and the oil/gas industry with friends and family?
 Yes  No
Would you be interested in “friends and family” messaging documents outlining
Shell’s stance on key issues and topics?
 Yes  No
Do you feel as though you can easily contribute content?
 Yes  No
Do you feel a connection to the business articles included in AlumniNews?
 Yes  No
Do you ever visit the Shell website to learn more about a topic you read in AlumniNews?
 Yes  No
Tell us about you:
Do you have a computer?
Do you have an iPad and/or iPhone?
Do you surf the Internet?
Have you ever visited the main Shell website?
Have you ever visited the Shell Alumni website?
If you have visited the Shell Alumni website:
How easy is it for you to use?
 Very easy
If difficult or very difficult, why?
 Yes
 iPad
 Yes
 Yes
 Yes
 Somewhat easy
 No
 iPhone
 No
 No
 No
 Difficult
 Neither
 Very difficult
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Survey continued on page 12 «
12
YOUR FEEDBACK!
If you have visited the Shell Alumni website (continued):
Can you find information you are seeking quickly?
 Yes
 No
What sections of the site do you use?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
What would you like to see on the Alumni website that is not currently included?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
What do you have no use for and think we should remove?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
For those currently receiving a paper copy of AlumniNews, would you be interested in receiving an electronic
 Yes**  No*
version of AlumniNews instead of a paper copy?
*If no, please share why:
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
**If yes, please email us at ShellUSAlumni@shell.com with the following information:
Name (first and last)
Email address
Physical address (so we can remove you from the hard copy list)
Address
City
State / Province
Zip / Postal Code
Country
If you already receive the electronic version, do you like the format?
 Yes
 No
General comments/suggestions:
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
May we publish your comments?
 No
 Yes (with my name) ______________________________________________________________________________
 Yes (without my name)
Note: Your contact information is for internal purposes only and will not be made public in any way.
Mail your completed survey to:
Shell Oil Company
Communications - Amanda Accardo
P.O. Box 2463
Houston, Texas 77252-2463
SHELL NEWS
13
BEAUTY AND ABUNDANCE ON
AN OFFSHORE PLATFORM
Documentary shares story of rigs-to-reef program
Artificial reefs can come in all forms—including decommissioned offshore oil and
gas platforms. Shell has long known these
platforms can provide suitable habitat for
fish and other forms of marine life. Now
it’s sharing its story in a short documentary, “Rigs to Reefs: Towers of Life.”
With funding provided by Shell through
the Mars B project’s social investment
program, the Gulf of Mexico Foundation
released the documentary, which explores
how offshore oil and natural gas platforms
can double as important habitat for fish
and marine life. The film discusses the
need to balance the ecology and
economy of Gulf of Mexico (GOM)
resources.
The need for reefs
Much of the natural seafloor of the GOM
is comprised of mud, clay and sand with
very little natural rock bottom, or reef habitat. This can limit the abundance of reef
fish and reef-associated species. A
decommissioned production platform can
serve as habitat for the development of
these hard-bottom marine communities,
such as coral reefs. The structure can
create shelter habitat for fish.
The 26-minute film documents the beauty
and abundance of life found on oil and
natural gas platform structures, including
the Shell Enchilada platform. The
documentary brings to light the need for
collaborative research, partnerships and
Continued from page 6
Changing the face of the industry
Shell’s support of diversity and employee
development has helped Christen
Dupre-Davis grow from an initial job as
receptionist at the Bradford office front
desk to an expanded role as the lead of
the site’s Health, Safety and Environment
steering team. The four-person team is
very visible in the field, conducting audits
and recently initiating a near-miss
program. “A lot of times, the oil industry is
seen as a man’s business, especially at the
field level. But it doesn’t have to be that
way. Times are evolving and it’s a place
where women can learn, grow and help
ABOUT RIGS-TOREEFS PROGRAMS
Shell’s Enchilada platform in the Gulf of Mexico,
featured in “Rigs to Reefs: Towers of Life,” is rich
with important habitat for fish and marine life.
educational programs to discuss and
create awareness about the living
resources provided by artificial reefs.
Viewpoints from scientists, operators, users
such as fishermen and divers, and
teachers alike come together in the film to
explore what needs to be done for the
future of these living platforms. «
WATCH & SHARE
“Rigs to Reefs: Towers of Life” can
be viewed on the Gulf of Mexico
Foundation’s YouTube channel. To
watch the video and learn more on
the Gulf of Mexico Foundation, visit
www.gulfmex.org. Help make a
difference by sharing the link with
friends, family and colleagues.
change the face of the industry.”
Communications Business Advisor Deb
Sawyer says a field assignment is an
opportunity to gain an understanding of
what oil and gas operations are really
like. “It’s one thing to sit in an office a few
hundred or a few thousand miles away,
but to be here and see it and interact with
the people gives you a new understanding
of what the challenges are and what
operations are really like. Moving from
book knowledge to touching, seeing and
feeling is extremely valuable.”
And that’s why Grouette believes any
person, male or female, should consider
a field assignment at some point in their
Facilitated by the U.S. government,
states along the Gulf Coast,
including Louisiana and Texas, have
long-established, successful
rigs-to-reefs programs. Under these
programs, decommissioned
structures are severed from their
foundations and moved to a reefing
site, reefed in place, or otherwise
transformed into artificial reefs that
provide fish habitat. Oil and natural
gas companies can participate in
these programs, typically paying the
participating state half of the
estimated difference between the
cost to reef and the cost to take the
structure to shore for total removal.
The state then assumes liability.
Shell supports rigs-to-reefs programs
and collaborative efforts to maintain
high-quality fish habitat in the
GOM. While oil and natural gas
companies must have flexibility to
determine if a particular platform is
suitable for reefing (based on safety,
ecosystem impacts, costs, liability
and other criteria), rigs-to-reefs
programs provide a valuable
opportunity for companies to
continue to serve local ecosystems
and economies.
career. “Anyone who aspires to be in a
leadership position needs to spend time
in a field operation. It will change your
perspective of how you look at the
business for the rest of your career.”
And Grouette’s advice for women
coming into this industry? “Find your
brand, be proud of that brand and stay
true to it. I may not be one of the guys,
but I can collaborate with them. I’m very
proud of what I’ve been able to contribute. Production is up, we have a great
safety record and I’m really proud of
what our organization has done.” «
14
ALUMNUS FEATURE
HELPING OUT HURRICANE VICTIMS
Alumnus receives President’s Call to Service Award
It was a typical Monday morning at Aldersgate United
Methodist Church in Slidell, Louisiana. More than 350
volunteers from across the country—even some from around the
world—gathered in the church for orientation. They were there
to build and repair houses for the Epworth Project, which assists
low-income residents and the elderly with home repairs and
builds handicapped ramps for the disabled.
While Hawthorne can plumb a house, install a roof and hang
drywall, he won’t ever do electrical work. “If you don’t know
what you’re doing, you can burn a house down.” Thankfully,
Hawthorne has a crew of five fellow retirees who specialize in
electrical work. “I can call them anytime. They show up and get
it done.”
This Monday morning in July, however, was different for one
volunteer, Glenn Hawthorne (’94 Shell Offshore). Outside, hard
at work coordinating the week’s projects, Hawthorne had no
idea that inside awaited Aldersgate pastor Gary D. Willis, city
councilman Bill Borchert and Slidell Mayor Freddy Drennan.
They were all there for Hawthorne.
Hawthorne explains that Slidell was hit hard after Hurricane
Katrina in 2005 and again after Hurricane Isaac in 2012.
“Believe it or not, we are still repairing houses from Hurricane
Katrina.” He says that he appreciates the way Epworth Project
works. “Everything comes from volunteer funding. When we
build or repair a home, the homeowner owns that home 100%.
I like that they’re not saddled with a mortgage at the end of a
project.”
“I should have known something was up the night before.
My wife, Arlene, cleaned my shoes. That should have been
my first clue.”
Hawthorne entered the church to a standing ovation and was
presented with the President’s Call to Service Award. As a
crowd of well-wishers surrounded him after the presentation,
Hawthorne stated simply, “I’m overwhelmed.”
The award is given to volunteers who have served 4,000
hours or more over a lifetime. Hawthorne has served
25,000 hours in just 18 years.
Honing his skills in home repair
His volunteer service is a labor of love. After a chapter of
Habitat for Humanity opened up in Slidell, Hawthorne signed
up. Working two days a week soon turned into four days a
week as Hawthorne took on the role of committee chairman.
At Habitat, Hawthorne honed his skills in framing houses, putting
up dry wall and even plumbing. When Hurricane Katrina struck,
a fellow volunteer and friend opened up Northshore Disaster
Inc. He called Hawthorne in and told him to take his pick of
projects. Hawthorne chose the Epworth Project. “With Katrina,
the local Habitat chapter was flooded with money and able to
hire full-time help. It was good timing to migrate to Epworth.”
What makes it all worth it
Having built approximately 15 houses and repaired countless
others, Hawthorne has a keen understanding of the costs for a
home repair. “After Hurricane Katrina, contractors were in such
high demand that they were charging homeowners twice the
amount a project should cost. Many of our clients have been
taken advantage of by contractors.”
In all his years of home repair, Hawthorne has been touched by
many clients, including two elderly sisters whose homes were
destroyed during Hurricane Katrina. “These two sisters—one 88
and the other 92 years old—live side by side. After Katrina, they
were totally lost and couldn’t believe it when we showed up one
day to take care of them. Then after Isaac, we came around
again to help them out. To see their graciousness and happiness
was so touching.”
While Hawthorne often works a 40-hour week, he wouldn’t
trade it for anything. “Helping people is the most gratifying
work in the world.” «
Hawthorne transferred his contractor’s license and quickly
moved into the role of project manager. Today, he works with
two or three new volunteer groups a week, guiding them and
teaching them skills in home repair. “Every Monday morning I
meet with a new group of people. I’ve met volunteers from every
state in the U.S., as well as some from countries overseas like
Ireland and Russia. They are positive, upstanding people, and I
really enjoy working with them.”
Though initially hesitant to work with teenagers, Hawthorne has
come to appreciate them. “During this year’s summer program,
we had 1,200 teens—mostly high school students. Sometimes
they’re more interested in each other than in the project, but we
work our way through it.”
While Glenn Hawthorne’s signed letter from President Obama hangs in
his office, he has affixed his Call to Service Award pin to his work hat,
which he wears each day on the job.
ALUMNUS FEATURE
15
CATCHING THAT MOUSE
Alumnus pursues advancement of technological innovation
Left photo, James Horn. Right photo, James Horn with fellow engineer and inventor Miro Milinkovic (right) stand next to the prototype generator,
which is the size of two office desks. With zero emissions, the unit converts waste heat into enough electricity to power an entire village.
When it comes to engineering, James
Horn (’84 Shell Canada Chemicals) is like
a cat with a mouse. He just can’t leave a
good idea alone. That’s what happened
three years ago when he stepped into the
garage of fellow engineer and inventor,
Miro Milinkovic.
“Miro had designed and developed a
generator that converts waste heat into
electricity. When he showed me what it
could do, it blew my mind. I told him I
could think of 15 different applications
right then. The opportunity is so vast, it’s
staggering.”
What blew Horn’s mind is that the unit
can produce power off the grid (with no
external source of electricity) using heated
water at temperatures of approximately
180 degrees Fahrenheit (less than the
boiling point for water at sea level). “A
village in a third-world country could use
the sun to heat water on rooftops or on the
ground. This water would then be pumped
into the unit, heating up and pressurizing
the Freon gas. That pressurized gas drives
a cylinder back and forth through the unit,
generating enough energy to power an
entire village.”
Horn explains that this type of generator is
capable of producing 15 kilowatts (kW)
or more of electricity, equivalent to the
minimum energy needs of five moderately
sized homes in the U.S or Canada. “In a
third-world country, this energy could be
used to pump water for crops, to provide
lighting and energy for cooking and to
power schools and businesses.”
In industry, waste heat produced by
equipment could be recovered and
converted into electricity, generating a
supplemental source of power at zero cost
and zero emissions. “Most refineries and
industrial facilities generate a great deal
of waste heat. With a bank of these
electrical generators, a facility could
produce free supplemental energy to
power the plant.”
Business owners with all sizes of facilities
could benefit, according to Horn. “We
talked to the owner of a 50-acre
greenhouse, who pays $300,000/year
for electricity. Using the excess heat from
his boiler, the unit could produce enough
electricity to power the entire greenhouse,
taking his electricity costs from $300,000
to zero.”
A Lifetime of connections
With 18 years with Shell and 64 years in
the engineering field, Horn has made a lot
of connections. To get the word out about
his friend’s invention, he began tapping
into those connections. Shortly after, he
had a local investor on board, a computer
engineer in Ohio to rigorously test and
verify the design and an engineering firm
in Ontario, Canada to build and test the
prototype.
Horn has served as a director of
the company, Proteus Systems Inc.
(www.proteus-global.com), and has acted
as a sounding board during the final
stages of design. Today, he advises on the
development of a low-cost heat storage
unit that will allow for the continuous
operation of the generator. In addition
to his other roles with Proteus Systems,
Horn engages with industry and
government about potential
applications for the generator.
“The cost of electricity is so high that
companies are desperate to find
alternate energy sources. I’ve talked to
interested parties in the steel industry,
a mining company in Africa,
greenhouse owners, hospitals
and even grocery stores.”
At a current cost of approximately
$20,000 per 15-kW unit, the capital cost
is significantly lower than the infrastructure
costs for other renewable powergeneration systems using wind or solar
energy. “The capital cost is just slightly
above the cost of hydroelectric systems
that generate power from flowing water
sources like dammed rivers, and we’re
working right now to lower that cost even
further.
“This project is exciting to me,” Horn says.
“Industry is looking for ways to save
energy costs and contribute to energy
sustainability, and we have a solution.”
Horn and Milinkovic plan to build five or
six generators in the next year and field
test them in industrial settings such as
greenhouses and grocery stores.
“For me, this is a way to do something
positive for the world. And, I’m an
engineer. When someone drags
something interesting in front of me—
I can’t resist.” «
12-31-2012
FOR PLAN YEAR ENDING
SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORTS
TO: ALL PARTICIPANTS
The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) requires
employers to file annual reports on certain benefit plans. The annual report
has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA), U.S.
Department of Labor. This pamphlet summarizes the full annual reports
submitted by Shell Oil Company to the EBSA for the Plan Year January 1
through December 31, 2012.
These summaries are provided for your information. They require no action on
your part and have no effect on your benefits. Questions about your benefit
plans or these summaries should be directed to Shell Oil Company P. O. Box
2463, Houston, TX 77252.
You have the legally protected right to examine each annual report at the
main office of the plan (Shell Oil Company, 910 Louisiana, Houston, Texas
77002), and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to
obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying
costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure
Room, Room N1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S.
Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C.
20210. «
SHELL PROVIDENT FUND
Plan Number 002. Employer Identification Number 13-1299890.
Basic Financial Statement
Benefits under the plan are provided through a trust fund. Plan expenses were
$666,097,043. These expenses included $3,920,635 in administrative
expenses, $661,513,570 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries,
and $662,838 in other expenses. A total of 38,393 persons were
participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year,
although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits.
The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was
$9,016,622,432 as of December 31, 2012, compared to $8,492,128,567
as of January 1, 2012. During the plan year the plan experienced an
increase in its net assets of $524,493,865. This increase includes unrealized
appreciation and depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the
difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and
the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets
acquired during the year. The plan had total income of $1,187,148,472
including employer contributions of $173,296,904, employee contributions
of $220,769,645, and earnings from investments of $757,861,723.*
You also have the right to receive from the Plan Administrator, on request and
at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the Plan and
accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the Plan and
accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report
from the Plan Administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes
will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs
given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the
report because these portions are furnished without charge.
*Additional Information: Rollovers in the amount of $35,220,200 and an
asset transfer of $3,442,436 into the Plan from the East Resources Retirement
Savings Plan also impacted the total plan income of $1,187,148,472. «
SHELL OIL COMPANY COMPREHENSIVE
WELFARE BENEFITS PLAN
Plan Number 501. Employer Identification Number 13-1299890.
Shell Oil Company has committed itself to pay certain medical, dental,
prescription drug, behavioral health and dependent care claims incurred
under the terms of the Plan.
Insurance Information
The plan has contracts with Ameritas Life Insurance Company, Blue Cross Blue
Shield of Alabama, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, Connecticut General Life
Insurance Company and Affiliates, Coventry Health Care of Louisiana, Delta
Dental of California, Group Health Cooperative, Health Net, HMSA, Humana
Benefit Plan of Louisiana, Hyatt Legal Plans, Inc., John Hancock Life Insurance
Company, Kaiser Foundation Health Plans Inc., Kaiser Foundation Health Plan
of Colorado Inc, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Northwest,
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, Regence BlueShield, United Healthcare
of California, United Health Care of the Midwest, United Healthcare of
Oklahoma, Value Options (EAP) and Vision Service Plan (VSP) to pay
accidental death & dismemberment, business travel & accident, dental, legal,
life insurance, long term disability, long term care, medical, prescription drug,
temporary disability and vision claims incurred under the terms of the plan.
The total premiums paid for the plan year ending December 31, 2012 were
$152,057,565.
Because the plan has some contracts which are so called “experience-rated”
contracts, the premium costs are affected by, among other things, the number
and size of claims. Of the total insurance premiums paid for the plan year
ending December 31, 2012, the premiums paid under such “experiencerated” contracts were $15,744,259 and the total of all benefit claims paid
under these experience-rated contracts during the plan year was
$19,510,586.
Your Rights to Additional Information
You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part
thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report:
1. an accountant’s report;
2. financial information;
3. assets held for investment; and
4.information regarding any common or collective trusts, pooled separate
accounts, master trusts or 103-12 investment entities in which the plan
participates.
To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write Trustees
for Shell Pension Trust, P.O. Box 1438, Houston, Texas 77251-1438 or call
(713) 241-7623. The charge to cover copying costs will be $0.10 per page.
Basic Financial Statement
The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was
$170,694 as of December 31, 2012, compared to $6,869,401 as of
January 1, 2012. During the plan year the plan experienced a decrease in its
net assets of $6,698,707. This decrease includes unrealized appreciation
and depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between
the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets
at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year.
During the plan year, the plan had total income of $574,687,334 including
employer contributions of $407,052,620, employee contributions of
$167,587,985, and earnings from investments of $26,429.*
12-31-2012
FOR PLAN YEAR ENDING
Plan expenses were $581,386,041. These expenses included $27,028,953
in administrative expenses and $554,357,088 in benefits paid to participants
and beneficiaries.
Your Rights to Additional Information
You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part
thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report:
1. an accountant’s report;
2. financial information and information on payments to service providers;
3. assets held for investment;
4. transactions in excess of 5% of Plan assets; and
5.insurance information, including sales commissions paid by insurance
carriers.
To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write Shell Oil
Company, P.O. Box 2463, Houston, TX 77252 or call (713) 241-6515. The
charge to cover copying costs will be $0.10 per page.
You also have the right to receive from the Plan Administrator, on request and
at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the Plan and
accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the Plan and
accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report
from the Plan Administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes
will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs
given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the
report because these portions are furnished without charge.
*Additional Information: Miscellaneous income in the amount of $20,300
also impacted total income of $574,687,334. «
SHELL OIL COMPANY 1996 COLI CONSENT
INCENTIVE BENEFIT PLAN
Plan Number 596. Employer Identification Number 13-1299890.
Shell Oil Company has committed itself to pay all life insurance claims
incurred under the terms of the Plan.
Your Rights to Additional Information
You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part
thereof, on request.
To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write Shell Oil
Company, P.O. Box 2463, Houston, TX 77252 or call (713) 241-6515. The
charge to cover copying costs will be $0.10 per page.
You also have the right to receive from the Plan Administrator, on request and
at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the Plan and
accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the Plan and
accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report
from the Plan Administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes
will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs
given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the
report because these portions are furnished without charge. «
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Houston, TX
Permit No. 1991
Shell Oil Company
Communications - Amanda Accardo
P.O. Box 2463
Houston, Texas 77252-2463
LET’S PASS ENERGY
ON TO THE
NEXT GENERATION.
The Yoshida children have a lot of energy.
But the country they’re growing up in doesn’t.
Japan, like many other countries, needs a
reliable source of energy. That’s why Shell
is helping to deliver natural gas to more
than 40 countries around the world.
Not just for tonight’s bowl of warming
noodles, but for years to come, when the
children may have children of their own.
Let’s broaden the world’s energy mix.
www.shell.com/letsgo
LET’S GO.
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