Chevron Celebrates 5 Billion Barrels

MIDLAND - It was a packed house Wednesday afternoon at the Midland Center. Among those in the crowd were Chevron employees from the past and the present who traveled near and far to celebrate a major milestone - surpassing 5 billion barrels in the Basin.

Although the oil giant drills in locations across the globe, Chevron spokesman Mickey Driver says, "The Permian Basin has been not only a big part of our culture and history, but also our future."

West Texas is also a big part of Chevron's overall production. Driver says that one in every six barrels is produced here in the Permian Basin.

George Kirkland, Chevron's Vice Chairman, came in for today's event. He says this milestone is something he never thought was possible. "Our team here has already generated reserves and barrels that nobody envisioned 20 years, 10 years, or even 5 years ago. "

Committed to helping the community, Chevron's success is being felt all over West Texas. Local Chevron employee Mitch Maumolides says, "We've got employees on school boards, non profit boards, volunteer fireman, delivering Meals on Wheels, church leaders."

And they're donating more than time. Chevron employees also donate a lot of money. In 2010, Chevron agreed to match all donations made by employees. -As a result, they were able to invest $340,000 into our community.

And today, they invested a lot more. They wrapped up today's presentation by donating $1 million dollars to two local non-profits. Half of the money was presented to Christmas in Action of Odessa. The other half was given to The Petroleum Museum.