Alberta Ecotrust Foundation

Corporate Partner Profile: Nexen Inc.

Visionary companies can demonstrate environmental leadership and responsibility by partnering with Alberta Ecotrust. This provides a means not only for effectively distributing corporate donations to worthy community environmental projects, but also allows interested corporate partners to participate in choosing and monitoring these projects.

One of these visionary companies is Nexen Inc. Nexen's partnership with Ecotrust is long-standing: the company was a founding member of the Alberta Ecotrust Foundation in 1992. Since the beginning, Nexen has been a Sustaining Supporter, donating over $25 000 per year, and in 2000 they moved to the Visionary level ($30 000 per year).

Nexen is a thriving global oil, gas and chemicals company. Originally formed in 1972 as Canadian Occidental Petroleum Ltd., today the company is a world leader in its industry. Nexen's innovative International Code of Ethics for Canadian Business guides employees towards ethical and responsible action in all parts of the world. It outlines standards for environmental protection, community participation, business conduct and employee health and safety.

The people who work for Nexen constitute a company that was awarded, for the second year in a row, a place on The Globe and Mail's prestigious listing of the Top 50 Companies to work for in Canada. Several of those people are invaluable to Alberta Ecotrust, demonstrating leadership and commitment as they work with Ecotrust to build capacity among community environmental groups throughout Alberta.

Beginning with Randy Gossen, currently the Vice President of Safety, Environment and Social Responsibility (SESR), the contribution of Nexen employees continues with Connie Atkinson, SESR Analyst. Connie dedicates her time to the Project Review process as well as serving on the Board of Directors. Connie truly "walks the talk". She recently cycled from Calgary to Canmore to attend a meeting with a community group to discuss an Ecotrust-funded project she was monitoring.

Connie Atkinson helps Joyce show off her magnificent wing span at the Ecotrust AGM.

Another valuable partner is Garry Mann, Nexen's SESR Manager. Garry's commitment has been on all fronts. He is a personal donor to Ecotrust and has served as an active Project Review Committee and Board Member since 1998. He also served as Industry Co-Chair from 1999 to 2002. Garry has been instrumental in encouraging Nexen to increase its yearly contribution, such that they now occupy the prominent position of Visionary Supporter.

Garry is presently the Chair of the Fund Development Committee. "I have a strong personal belief that Ecotrust is simply the best and most effective mechanism for companies such as ours to deliver meaningful environmental actions at the grass roots level in Alberta.

The following 'top ten' list summarizes why Nexen has chosen to remain a strong supporter of Ecotrust into the future:

10. We've been a supporter since day one - over 10 years.
9.   Virtually all our peers are continuing (& enhancing) their support.
8.   Ecotrust has a great slogan: "Because It's Our Home."
7.   They have a great track record, with recognition awards in 1993, 96, 98 and 99.
6.   They fund community-based projects across the province - a great diversity of initiatives and locales.

5.   The needs are great at the grassroots community level and funding is in short supply.
4.   Ecotrust has an excellent project screening and evaluation process.
3.   This partnership is a great opportunity to build collaborative relationships with ENGO's.
2.   Funded projects are closely scrutinized to ensure commitments are fulfilled and the projects are sustainable.
1.   It is excellent value: Our contributions are leveraged many times over."

Pat Letizia, Executive Director for Alberta Ecotrust, deeply appreciates this quality of support, saying "Garry has inspired me in many ways over the years - both personally and professionally. I truly value his belief in the vision and principles of Alberta Ecotrust. He is leading the foundation toward a new and even higher level of financial sustainability."

Each of these volunteers has a strong personal ethic and dedication to the environment, which is ultimately reflected in Nexen's corporate commitment to community and to the environment. The Alberta Ecotrust Foundation thanks Nexen Inc. for genuine commitment and long standing leadership.

Garry Mann and Pat Letizia