Folks in Oklahoma face many uncertainties in the wake of two days of tornadoes in central Oklahoma. One deadly tornado tore a 20 mile path through the state and ripped through the city of Moore, south of Oklahoma City, on May 20. Making donations and sending volunteers and equipment, many in the energy industry are doing what they can to aid in the disaster relief efforts.
Two Oklahoma City-based companies, Chesapeake Energy Corp. and Continental Resources Inc. were among the first to pledge their support.
The day of the devastating tornado, Chesapeake Energy made a commitment to donate $1 million in cash to the American Red Cross to be used in the rescue and recovery efforts. The company is also organizing hundreds of employee volunteers to help tornado victims.
Archie W. Dunham, chairman of the board of Chesapeake, said, "Our hearts go out to the victims of these terrible storms, and Chesapeake and our employees are doing all we can to aid in the disaster recovery efforts in our hometown community. We are providing all possible assistance using Chesapeake equipment, machinery and resources and many of our people are already mobilized under the Operation Blue banner and assisting in the rescue efforts. We urge other local businesses and citizens to pitch in to help during our community’s hour of need."
Operation Blue is an annual campaign allowing employees to serve the needs in their communities by volunteering four hours on company time. The program will be expanded to support the community during the crisis.
Continental Resources, another Oklahoma City-based company, pledged its support of the relief effort with a $2.5 million donation. Continental is making a $1 million donation to the American Red Cross Oklahoma Relief fund and plans to donate up to an additional $1.5 million to be allocated as community needs are assessed.
"We’re standing together with other Oklahomans affected by this tragedy," said Harold Hamm, Continental chairman and CEO. "This is our home. Along with the volunteer efforts and contributions of our employees, we want to do what we can to rebuild our communities."
Various Houston, TX-based companies with employees and operations in Oklahoma also have made donations.
Those at Flotek Industries Inc. were relieved to find subsidiary facilities in Marlow, Chickasha, and Moore undamaged and all employees safe and accounted for, but saddened by the devastation and loss of life elsewhere.
"Flotek stands united with the families and friends affected by the terrible natural disaster that impacted the greater Oklahoma City area," said John Chisholm, chairman, president, and CEO of Flotek. "Our thoughts are with the people of Oklahoma."
Flotek has pledged to match funds donated by Flotek executives and employees, along with the shareholders and employees of newly-acquired Florida Chemical Company Inc. Combined initial contributions are expected to reach approximately $250,000.
"The people of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma City area are essential to the success of Flotek and other energy companies throughout the Mid-Continent and the entire United States," added Chisholm. "It is the least we can do to assist in meeting the immediate needs of the people of the region that have been displaced and impacted by this natural disaster. We have pledged to make a difference in the communities we serve and this is our small way of doing just that."
ConocoPhillips and Phillips 66 also showed support with separate donations of $1 million. Both companies have also pledged to match employees’ contributions.
In a statement, Phillips 66 chairman and CEO Greg Garland thanked first responders and medical personnel and offered condolences to those affected. "Our company’s roots run deep in Oklahoma, and our thoughts and heartfelt prayers go out to the people affected by this disaster."
About the Author
Mikaila Adams
Managing Editor, Content Strategist
Mikaila Adams has 20 years of experience as an editor, most of which has been centered on the oil and gas industry. She enjoyed 12 years focused on the business/finance side of the industry as an editor for Oil & Gas Journal's sister publication, Oil & Gas Financial Journal (OGFJ). After OGFJ ceased publication in 2017, she joined Oil & Gas Journal and was later named Managing Editor - News. Her role has expanded into content strategy. She holds a degree from Texas Tech University.