Valero 2013 Annual Report Download - page 6

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2013 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT 2013 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT
the company and its employees have on our
communities. We directly support 10,000 jobs
and numerous other support jobs, spend tens of
billions of dollars procuring supplies and services
and pay an average of nearly $1 billion in total
taxes each year.
Our effort to process more domestic crude oil is
not only cost-effective, but good for our country’s
balance of payments, manufacturing job creation
and economic growth. Your company is a provider
to society, not a taker. The world is a better place
because of our industry. We protect you from the
elements and allow you to cook your food, heat
or cool your home, and make feedstocks that
ultimately provide products that are safer, cost-
effective and allow for better and efficient mobility.
If you want to go somewhere, we provide you with
the quality fuel to do so.
The current increase in domestic, unconventional
crude oil and natural gas production is the biggest
development I have seen in my 45-year career
with Valero and its predecessor companies. It is
helping to fuel a manufacturing renaissance in the
U.S. that only a few years ago was not thought
possible. The manufacturing jobs being created
are excellent-paying, high-skilled jobs. Pipe fitters,
welders, instrument and electrical technicians
and many other talented personnel are needed.
This is a huge opportunity for a manufacturing
resurgence.
We should embrace this opportunity that can make
people’s lives better. Project permits need to be
issued more timely and efficiently, as part of policy
that encourages economic growth for the good
of society, and that doesn’t reflect some special
interest that wants to return us to a past that, in
reality, was not so good. We live longer and better
than years ago. Much of this is thanks to fossil
fuels.
As previously announced, I will step down on May
1 as CEO of this terrific company, made up of
terrific people. Your Board of Directors has done
an excellent job of planning for this day, selecting
Joe Gorder as my successor. Joe and his executive
team have worked with me for a long time, and
have been responsible for much of our success. I
am behind them all the way.
We have accomplished a lot, and today, we
are a much better-performing and financially
stronger company. I cannot thank our employees
enough for all of their hard work, dedication and
commitment to excellence, and the support they
have provided me and our company. I am also very
grateful for the support of our suppliers, customers
and communities, and especially for the support of
our shareholders and the Board of Directors.
Our future is very bright, and Joe and his team are
the correct ones to pursue our opportunities. Your
company is in good hands!
Bill Klesse
Chairman of the Board
We have
accomplished
a lot, and
today, we are a
much better-
performing
and financially
stronger
company.