norco-newsline-oct-2014

October 2014
Hundreds of NMC employees filled the
site’s Firehouse to learn about United Way
agencies and taste the results of a fierce
competition among jambalaya and gumbo
chefs, representing departments and units
throughout the site.
This year, a record-breaking number of employees
attended the football-themed kickoff event, which
featured the 3WL 1350 Radio broadcast, an
award-winning chef, a festival queen, United Way
agency exhibits, and door prizes.
NMC General Manager
Don Weaver, right, talks
football, jambalaya, and
the price of gasoline with
Kristian Garic and T-Bob
Hebert during a live radio
broadcast from Norco to
kick off the site’s United
Way campaign.
Live from Norco –
NMC General Manager Don Weaver shared
the essential in preparing award-winning
gumbos and jambalayas with New Orleans
Saints sideline reporter Kristian Garic and
radio host T-Bob Hebert and their 3WL 1350
Radio audience during a live broadcast from
the Norco site. The on-air interview was part
of the Annual Jambalaya and Gumbo Cookoff,
officially kicking off the United Way Campaign
and community giving program.
“It’s all in the roux.”
Don Weaver
In addition to answering the sports reporters’ questions
about NMC operations and products, Weaver described
the site’s history of commitment to the community and its
support of the United Way through financial contributions,
volunteer activities and employee participation on numerous
committees. This year, St. Rose Refinery Production Unit
Manager Travis Chiasson serves as Co-Chair for the United
Way of St. Charles parish-wide campaign.
As the show aired, 11 employee teams prepared jambalaya
or gumbo entries for the cookoff and lunch for employees.
The competition determined NMC’s representatives for the
United Way of St. Charles Battle for the Paddle.
Kickoff Time
Celebrities! Jambalaya! Gumbo!
OFFICIALLY OPEN ANNUAL CAMPAIGN
(continued on pages 2 & 3)
it’s

| Norco Newsline
Norco Manufacturing Complex United Way Gumbo Cookoff champions Mark Duhe, Marty Duhon
and Dale St. Pierre accept first prize plaques from celebrity judges. Pictured, left to right are: Taylor
Rebowe, Duhe, Chef Blaine Guillot, Duhon, T-Bob Hebert, St. Pierre, Kristian Garic and NMC United
Way Chair Claudia Jenkins.
Celebrity judges included St. Charles Parish Festival Queen Taylor
Rebowe, St. Charles Parish Hospital Chef Blaine Guillot, and 3WL 1350
Radio personalities Kristian Garic and T-Bob Hebert.
“Thank you to our judges, and special thanks to Kristian and T-Bob for
broadcasting from our site,” said NMC United Way Campaign Chair
Claudia Jenkins. She encouraged those attending the kickoff to visit with
the United Way partner agencies displaying information at the event.
United Way of St. Charles Communications Director Melissa Frederick
thanked NMC for continued support of the United Way, explaining that
contributions remain in St. Charles Parish. She also noted that NMC
was one of only a few parish-wide companies to offer a dollar-for-dollar
match of employee contributions. “We could not do any of the work we
do without your help,” she said. “You are truly doing a lot to help our
community and that is something to be proud of.”
United Way agencies represented at the NMC kickoff were:
the American Red Cross, Cancer Association of Greater New
Orleans, Creative Family Solutions, St. Charles Community
Health Center, and Second Harvest Food Bank.
In addition to its annual United Way campaign, NMC sponsors
a United Way golf tournament and participates in a variety
of volunteer activities for agencies and organizations
throughout the year.
3WL 1350 Radio reporter Kristian Garic, center, learns
the secret ingredients Ronnie Trosclair Jr., left, and
Gordon Ortego, right, use for their jambalaya entry in
Norco’s Annual United Way Cookoff.
“Kicking off the United Way campaign with a focus on football,
food and fun reflects the energy of NMC employees when it comes
to supporting the community where they work and live. From
financial support of non-profit agencies to building wheelchair
ramps for the elderly, from volunteering in area schools to cooking
for local events, NMC employees are true neighbors.”
DON WEAVER
“There’s no
question about
my competing in
a contest that kicks
off the United Way
campaign. We have so
many benefits as NMC
employees and helping
the community is the
right thing to do.”
“The United
Way is a great
cause and the
cookoff is a good
way for NMC to
demonstrate the
importance of
giving back to the
community.”
TravisGilbert|JambalayaCompetitor
JolynWascom|GumboCompetitor
JoeTudor|JambalayaCompetitor

“I like
cooking
for a crowd
and it’s
even better
when you
can cook and
raise funds
for a special
cause.”
a
a
(continued from page 1)

| Norco Newsline
American
Red Cross
representatives
wear uniforms
from the fifties as
they discuss the organization’s services
to communities since 1881. The Red
Cross was one of several United Way
agencies sharing information at the
NMC United Way campaign kickoff.
Russell Prima and Jody Borne, front row, took first place in the NMC Jambalaya
Cookoff, which officially kicks off the site’s United Way campaign. Also pictured are left
to right, Cookoff judges: St. Charles Parish Festival Queen Taylor Rebowe, St. Charles
Parish Hospital Chef Blaine Guillot, 3WL 1350 Radio hosts T-Bob Hebert and Kristian
Garic, and NMC United Way Chair Claudia Jenkins.
Norco Manufacturing Complex General Manager Don
Weaver, Human Resources Manager Steve France and
Engineering Manager Joe Gilbert prepare a gumbo entry
for the site’s Annual United Way Jambalaya and Gumbo
Cookoff and Campaign Kickoff.
NMC employee and Saints fan Laurie
Guidroz enjoys a taste of jambalaya at
the site’s Annual United Way Jambalaya
and Gumbo Cookoff.
NMC Emergency Responders show their support for the
United Way at a kickoff rally and cooking competition.
3WL 1350 Radio sportscaster T-Bob
Hebert conducts a scientific taste test as
he judges jambalaya and gumbo entries in
NMC’s competition officially kicking off the
site United Way campaign.
40 Years
Robert Hill
35 Years
LeRoy Arceneaux
David Bergeron
Albert Bourgeois
Wayne Cancienne
Ronald Millet
David Naquin
Barry Schexnaydre
25 Years
Robert Bordelon
Robert Perrotta
Service ANNIVERSARIES
Someone
You Know
Works for
Norco
a
a
a
$664,378TOUCHDOWN!
NMC employees go over the goal
with a record-breaking $664,378
donation to the United Way.
15 Years
David Hymel
10 Years
Alex Houeye
5 Years
Jerry Hopkins
a
a
a

| Norco Newsline
Ever smelled that distinct, powerful odor of a skunk? Did
you know that a skunk’s overpowering spray contains
seven major volatile components and a host of other
chemicals? But while the smell is unpleasant, it does not
cause long-term discomfort and the incident is filed away
as a stinky memory.
Norco Manufacturing Complex Industrial Hygienist Joe Tudor
referenced the skunk to illustrate the difference between exposure and
over-exposure to health hazards. “Drinking water is a good thing to do,”
he said, as another example. “Drinking three gallons of water at one time
however, can throw the body out of balance. Water intoxication does
exist and could be fatal.”
Tudor discussed the role of Industrial Hygiene and methods of
protecting NMC employees and the community from potential hazards
during a recent meeting of the Norco Community Advisory Panel (CAP).
Industrial Hygiene
Promotes Healthy Workplace
and Healthy Community
NMC Industrial Hygienist
Joe Tudor demonstrates
one of several pieces of
equipment used to take air
samples throughout the site
and the community.
“If there is an incident or a
community concern, we will
go out into the community with
specialized equipment to make
sure everything is okay.”
JOE TUDOR
From investigating the growth
of mold in a building to frequent
air sampling and monitoring,
industrial hygienists are focused
on illness prevention with an
emphasis on eliminating long-
term exposure. “Physical health
can be damaged over a long
period if an individual is exposed
to excessive noise, vibrations,
or repetitive movements, for
example,” he said.
A 12-year NMC employee, who holds
a master’s degree in Public Health
and Safety Management from Tulane
University, Tudor noted that monitoring
inside the plant extends outside the
fence line if the site experiences an
unplanned flare or a spill, for example.
“If there is an incident or a community
concern, we will go out into the
community with specialized equipment
to make sure everything is okay,” he said.
“We utilize a mapping system and a
wide range of instruments to determine
if there is a potential health hazard to
the community. You might see me or
another industrial hygienist driving
around the community, sticking an
instrument out of the car window. Don’t
worry, we are monitoring the air quality
and protecting your health.”
Industrial hygienists anticipate health
concerns primarily in the workplace and
develop solutions to prevent them through
scientific methods such as monitoring,
isolating potential exposure areas, or
applying ergonomics to eliminate injuries
and disorders associated with the overuse of
muscles, bad posture, and repeated tasks. “It
is our goal to protect health of the workers
in the plant by evaluating and preventing
risks,” he said. “When it comes to health
and safety in the work place, industrial
hygiene focuses on the health issues.”
INDUSTRIAL HYGIENIST IN THE WORKPLACE

| Norco Newsline
Fifty-one Tulane graduate students, representing Canada, China,
Indonesia, Nigeria, Taiwan and the United States, took a summer
field trip to the Norco Manufacturing Complex with a behind-the-
scenes tour of the manufacturing and production process.
The students are participants in Tulane University’s Energy Institute
and its unique Master of Management in Energy program (MME),
a ten-month full time program developed by faculty specializing in
energy and by industry professionals. MME graduates are prepared
to pursue career opportunities with energy companies, banks, trading
organizations, utilities, International Organization for Standardization,
financial services and consulting rims, and regulatory agencies.
According to Associate Director of the Tulane Energy Institute Eric
Smith, the majority of students accepted into the program have
undergraduate degrees in business and commerce, social science,
science and mathematics, and economics.
Smith explained that the MME focuses on the business of energy and
provides students with the advanced skills demanded by recruiters who
seek professionals prepared for the rapidly changing energy finance,
risk management and trading careers of today and in the future.
“Formal classes take place in Tulane’s trading center equipped with
industry-leading technology and related resources,” he said. “Within
the first few weeks of the program’s start, our faculty coordinates
field trips emphasizing different operations within the industry. The
Norco Manufacturing Complex provided students the opportunity
to learn about the Downstream sector of the energy industry while
touring both a refinery and chemical plant.”
NMC former Finance Director Chad McDaniel, who welcomed
the students and Tulane faculty, explained the partnership with
Tulane “provides the university with a real outlet for promoting the
aspects of the business side of the energy industry. For Norco, we
have been fortunate to add alumni of the program to our work force.
Additionally, several Tulane alumni participated in the day-long field
trip, delivering presentations, answering questions, and conducting
a bus tour throughout the site. Those individuals were extremely
excited about the opportunity to stay connected with their Alma
Mater and help shape future leaders in this industry.”
TULANE STUDENTS
Take an Inside Look at Energy Production
Tulane students asked educated
questions throughout the
presentations and expressed
appreciation for the facility tour.
MME candidate Walter Kissing, a native of
Costa Rica, is looking forward to extending
his financial background into the energy field.
“Hearing from engineers and financial personnel
has been useful in helping me understand more
about industry,” he stated. “It is amazing to see
how large the complex is and to learn about the
capital investment at this plant.”
“The trip into the plant was a great experience,”
added MME student Christopher Ward. “It
really affects the way you think about the energy
industry and to recognize that Norco activity is
the starting place for many of the products we
use every day.”
NMC employees who participated in the
Tulane visit included: Chad McDaniel,
Andrew Ryba, Jordan Lambert, Karthik
Rajasekaran, Liam Roche, Elizabeth
Savoie, and John Coniglio.
51
Master of Management in Energy candidates from
Tulane University listen to an overview of industrial
financial responsibilities before heading out for a
tour of the Norco Manufacturing Complex.

(continued on page 6)
Page 6 | Norco Newsline
TROOPS v SALUTE
A regular Newsline feature spotlighting NMC employees who have served
or are currently serving the United States as a member of the military.
Graduating with honors in
Accounting, he quickly earned his
CPA certification and license and
was ready for a career in the non-
military world.
“My years at Southern Miss were
paid for through the G.I. bill,” he
noted. The degree, the military
discipline and experience were the
foundation for his 37-year career
with Shell Chemical, Shell Oil and
Motiva, including 20 years at the
Norco site.
Military lessons remain with him
today. “While I did not realize
it at the time, the military did
a good job in preparing troops
before they were placed on
assignments,” he explained.
Air Force Service Paves the Way
to Career Opportunity
In the early seventies there were two options
for most male high school seniors – join the military
after graduation or attend college to avoid the draft.
“By attending college while
in the Air Force, I was able
to finish my degree at the
University of Southern
Mississippi in two years after
leaving the military.”
ED HETHERINGTON
(continued on page 7)
For NMC Accountant ED HETHERINGTON, the choice was not difficult.
After graduation from his Long Beach, Mississippi high school, the
Gulfport native enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving from 1970 to 1974.
“I volunteered for the military during the Vietnam conflict. My father had
been in the Air Force both in a military position and as a civil servant radar
electronics instructor for over 40 years,” he said. “I had spent some time
during my younger years on Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi
and was familiar with the Air Force and the military way of life.”
Entering the military at a young age, especially during the Vietnam conflict
era, may not have been a popular choice for a large number of American
men, but it was the right choice for Hetherington. “Living away from
home and away from my parents forced me to grow up much sooner
than many of my high school friends who went directly into college,”
he explained. “I learned discipline. I learned that I was going to be held
responsible for meeting the demands of the military both at work and in
my personal life living on base.”
The Certified Public Accountant met those demands, stayed in the United
States during his four-year career and had the opportunity to begin
college. “After basic training and aptitude tests I was assigned to the Air
Force’s Accounting and Finance Tech School at Sheppard Air Force base in
Wichita Falls, Texas and was assigned to permanent duty at that base.”
Hetherington is quick to point out that he had no life-threatening moments
during his service years. “No, I did not save the base General from attack,”
he laughed. “I was ready to protect Texas if necessary, although I would
have had to do it unarmed as I was not issued a rifle.”
Assigned to the midnight shift for his accounting and finance work,
Hetherington soon earned the title of multi-tasker. “I was able to attend
college in the morning, sleep in the afternoon, and work part-time as a
doorman and bouncer at the base’s airman’s club, before midnight,” he
recalled. “By attending college while in the Air Force, I finished my degree
at the University of Southern Mississippi in two years after leaving the
military.”
And when he stepped onto the USM campus, he fit right in fashion-wise. In
order to look like the rest of the guys during that time, Hetherington grew
his hair over his ears. He greased it to the side of his head however, to meet
military regulations until he was discharged.
Ed Hetherington and his daughter
Kimberly H. Suber at a Southern Miss game.

| Norco Newsline
TURNAROUND
Now Under Way
Scheduled maintenance at NMC
According to Projects
and Turnaround Manager
Earnest Maxwell, 2,000
additional contractors will
be on site during the peak of
work activity. “Part of the intense planning for a turnaround involves
accommodating such a large workforce along with NMC employees,”
he explained. “We have expanded contractor employee parking in addition
to our current Contractor’s Gate #44 off of Airline Highway. Contractors
are also parking at our lot on Cedar Street off of Airline Highway, Gate #12
off of River Road adjacent to the Employee’s Club, the River Road Gate #3
near the Spillway, and a lot adjacent to the Entergy substation off of Airline
Highway. “Heavier than normal traffic occurs in these areas between 5
am–7 am and again at 5:30 pm–7:30 pm.”
Health, Safety, Security and Environmental Manager Chrystal Landgraf
explained that safety and security are a continued emphasis throughout
the turnaround. “We want to keep our community, employees and
contractors safe every day.”
The NMC Security Department along with the St. Charles Parish
Sheriff’s Office is coordinating traffic flow during these times to minimize
community inconvenience. Jo Kerkhoff of the Security Department added
that keeping the traffic flowing, especially on Airline Highway, is a high
priority. “We want to make sure that there is minimal inconvenience to
our neighbors,” she said.
The turnaround is scheduled for completion by the middle of November.
Contact the NMC Site Supervisor at (504) 465-7342, at any time during
the day or the night with questions or for further information.
To stay informed with updates
during the turnaround and plans
for restart, sign up to the
Connected to Norco alert and
notification service at
https://nmc.bbcportal.com.
Click on the link that says
“Sign Me Up” and register your
contact information.
Make sure to select
Norco Manufacturing Complex
under Subscriptions.
If you do not have access to the
Internet please call
Communications Manager
Rochelle Touchard at
(504) 465-6667, to sign up.
“In order to be promoted not only did you have to receive a good rating,
but you also had to pass a skills/knowledge level test before you could be
promoted. That doesn’t always happen in the business world. Learning
on the job is the accepted way in the financial area. Many leaders would
struggle in trying to pass a test on the activities performed by their staff. I
think a deep understanding about how work is performed on a daily basis is
a key to success and ensuring that employees are subject matter experts.”
Things are looking good for the Air Force veteran as he gets closer to the
retirement stage of life. “I have a wonderful bride Rhonda and a great
daughter and son-in-law. Life could not be better,” he emphasized. “I follow
Southern Miss sports as a season ticket holder in several sports.” He also has
a special interest in softball, spending many years catching for his daughter,
a fast pitch softball pitcher during her
high school and college years.
“I am glad I served in the military,”
Hetherington said. “The GI bill
allowed me to obtain my college
degree, which has led to a long
career with Shell. I am proud that
I served my country and now wish
that everyone would give up at
least two years of his or her life to
perform some civic duty for his or
her country.”
(continued from page 6)

Norco Newsline is published regularly to inform
the community about activities at the Norco
Manufacturing Complex. Please address inquiries to:
Rochelle Touchard, Communications Manager
Norco Manufacturing Complex
15536 River Road | P.O. Box 10 | Norco, LA 70079
504-465-6667
Numbers and Addresses to Know:
St. Charles Emergency Operations Center:
985-783-5050
Norco Site Supervisor:
504-465-7342
NMC Community Information Line
504-465-7483 www.shell.us/norco
www.motivaenterprises.com
www.norco-air.info
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
NORCO, LA
PERMIT #50
POSTAL PATRON
Leadership
in Action
St. Charles Parish Students
St. John Parish Students
Pictured at LYS closing ceremonies are St. Charles students, front row left to right: Naomi Westbrook,
Kristen Yent, Savannah Joseph, Julisa Martijn, and Lisa Dempsey; top row, left to right: St. Charles
Parish Public Schools Superintendent Felecia Gomez-Walker, Ashley Riddick, Brice Soignier, Zach
Corzo, Rene Petit, Katie Becnel, Felicia Weaver and NMC General Manager Don Weaver.
St. John Parish students participating in the 2014 Louisiana Youth Seminar were front row, left to right:
Jasmine Watkins, Jhai Smith, Sydnie Harrison, Brittany August, and Kenyatte Cannon; top row, left
to right: Heidi Trosclair, Malik Perrilloux, Amy Slayton, Francis Means, Jordan Deloch, Felicia Weaver
and NMC General Manager Don Weaver.
Students from St. Charles and
St. John Parishes participated in the
annual Louisiana Youth Seminar
(LYS) in Baton Rouge this summer,
thanks to the Norco Manufacturing
Complex. LYS, a week-long
leadership camp held on the
Louisiana State University campus,
offers high school juniors and
seniors the opportunity to experience
a variety of leadership building
challenges and exercises.
Through a series of “hands-on”
activities, the students use their
newly-developed skills in a group
setting to discover that leadership
is not merely a matter of position
or authority, but a matter of action.
Students are encouraged to make
a difference and to apply their
knowledge and experience in their
schools and community. Participants
are selected by their respective
schools based an academic
achievement and demonstration
of leadership potential. NMC
underwrites tuition for St. Charles
and St. John students.

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