“There was a moment, during the worst part of the crisis after Hurricane Ike when I got a call from one of our biggest corporate citizens, the Hess Corporation, about a large gift, $3 million, for the Ike Relief Fund. I was touched. Houston is about neighbors helping neighbors and this was beyond expectations. It was a moment I will never forget. We are so grateful.” – Houston Mayor, Bill White

The 2008 hurricane season was especially destructive. Our company anticipates harsh weather and follows detailed procedures to ensure the safety of our employees and continued service to our customers. In 2008 our planning was tested when the Gulf Coast of Texas and Louisiana was hit by two hurricanes, Gustav and Ike, within two weeks.
 
Hess put the safety and well being of our employees first. We kept in touch with each of them, providing regular condition updates through our emergency notification system, which uses two way communications with voice, text and Internet based systems. Hess offered support through our Employee Assistance Center, including free dining room access, salary continuity during the week of post-hurricane clean up, and no interest loans for those who were most disadvantaged by the storms.
 
The company and our employees also made significant contributions to help others in Houston and the surrounding communities. The company donated $3 million to the Greater Houston Community Foundation, and a special matching gift program was created for employees making personal contributions, matching dollar-for-dollar all donations to recognized charities engaged in local relief efforts.
 
Even as they struggled personally with damage and disruption at their own homes, our people reached out to those in greater need, volunteering with organizations like the local food distribution centers, the American Red Cross, the United Way of Houston, the Salvation Army and their local communities.