Valero Energy Corporation, which has a refinery in Benicia, was recently acknowledged by Points of Light along with 50 other “community-minded” U.S. companies. (File photo)

For the fourth consecutive time, Valero Energy Corporation— which has a refinery in Benicia— was recognized by Points of Light as one of the most community-focused companies in America as part of its Civic 50 list.

The Civic 50 honors corporations throughout the country that have created a culture of community engagement. The winners were recently announced at Points of Light’s Conference on Volunteering and Service in Seattle. According to a news release, in 2016, Valero had generated more than $41 million for charities and causes, and employees had put in more than 148,000 volunteer hours.

“We should be proud of what we accomplished,” Valero CEO Joe Gorder said in a statement. “Thank you for your continued dedication and support. I couldn’t be more proud – of our employees, of our company and of the strong culture of giving we all share.”

Employees at the Benicia refinery noted that their business had been involved with several local organizations and events, including the Benicia Tree Foundation, Rebuilding Together Solano, Habitat for Humanity, the Peddler’s Fair, Relay for Life and an annual school supplies drive. Recently, the refinery hosted its fifth annual Valero Sporting Clay Initiative which raised more than $95,000 with the proceeds going toward the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano County. Valero first made the list in 2013 and also received special recognition as the leading company in the energy sector.

“The giving spirit of our employees in Benicia and across the entire company is truly amazing and is a year-round effort,” Don Wilson, the vice president and general manager of the Valero Benicia Refinery, said in a statement.

Points of Light was founded in 1990, one year after then-President George H.W. Bush invoked the phrase in his inaugural speech to refer to community organizations utilizing service for positive change. The nonprofit organization, currently chaired by Bush’s son Neil, aims to encourage the spirit of service. The Civic 50 survey measures corporate involvement in communities and was developed in partnership with a group of research and industry thought leaders.

Other organizations recognized include Allstate, AT&T, the Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, Ecolab, Fedex Corporation, General Mills, The Hershey Company, UnitedHealth Group and UPS. For the full list of honorees as well as additional information on the Civic 50 survey, visit ww2.pointsoflight.org/civic50/.

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