Thanks in part to Sasol’s contribution, new $20 million STEM-based educational facility opens its doors to Southwest Louisiana families and visitors 

Sasol Chemicals’ steadfast commitment to the City of Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana reached a new milestone recently with the opening of Port Wonder – the $20 million lakefront development project designed to engage and enrich area children and their families.

Port Wonder – the new home of Children’s Museum of Southwest Louisiana and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Nature & Science Center – is the result of a multi-year collaboration between local businesses and government to rejuvenate the lakefront area and support science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. 

Sasol Chemicals was one of the first major donors to the effort, contributing $1 million. It remains Sasol’s largest single community investment in the U.S. 

Port Wonder offers a hands-on interactive center coupled with an immersive, live-animal, Louisiana coast experience for visitors, housed in two wings of a 32 000-square-foot facility. The Children’s Museum features four individual galleries focused on nature, health, tech and city. The Nature & Science Center offers exhibits focusing on Louisiana’s coastline and its waters, marshes, fisheries, and barrier islands. 

The site also features outdoor play areas, a covered fishing pier, and walking trails that connect to the existing alligator habitat. 

Sasol’s exhibit is located in the technology section of the museum and includes a bubble area where visitors can learn about surfactants; an area where visitors can “work” as an operator, moving chemicals and finished products from one part of the facility to another using control valves; and a safety dress up area where visitors can try on lab coats, Nomex and other PPE. 

Sasol’s contribution to the project reinforced two key company values – supporting the community’s economic growth/quality of life and bolstering STEM education to build a strong local workforce. Over the last several years, Sasol has contributed more than $9 million to community projects focused on local STEM education and small business development. 

“Port Wonder was important to the community, and so it was important to Sasol Chemicals because this is our home,” said Todd Hancock, Vice President, Operations. “Now, we have a dynamic attraction that enhances Lake Charles and the surrounding area while also supporting STEM education. Our goal is that future Sasol employees will look back and remember how Port Wonder helped inspire their interest in STEM careers.” 

Community leaders, partners, and residents gathered to officially open the facility during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on 20 March 2025. The celebration marked the culmination of years of hard work and collaboration, with initial planning beginning in 2018 and groundbreaking taking place in 2021. 

“Sasol Chemicals is thrilled to have played a small part in making Port Wonder a reality, and I know our employees will enjoy visiting with pride knowing that we helped bring this wonderful investment to life,” Hancock said.

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A trio of Rice University MBA students in Houston, Texas, recently completed a unique three-month project – dubbed Bring to Life – with Sasol International Chemicals’ Customer Fulfillment team, designed to evaluate the logistics cost model in SAP. Through Sasol, Rice University students, Sanober Hussain, Daniel DeRuiter and Emil Binney experienced real-world industry challenges and rewards first-hand.

The logistics cost components involved in delivering chemical intermediates to end customers are intricate. Expenses related to transportation, storage, and handling services, which are managed by contracted third-party logistics providers (3PLs), vary based on specific product attributes. This complexity makes it challenging to manage and optimize costs effectively.

To tackle this management challenge, the Customer Fulfillment team recognized the necessity for a comprehensive analytical model capable of pinpointing the total cost of ownership for logistics. The model was developed to capture and report logistics costs at a detailed level, offering the logistics operations team greater visibility for making cost-efficient decisions and allocating expenses at the sales order level. Additionally, it enhances integration with 3PLs by regularly receiving contracted freight costs. Since its inception, the tool has demonstrated its effectiveness by accurately streamlining cost tracking and allocation across various logistics departments.

“The logistics cost model has great potential and should have broader impact on optimizing operations and driving efficiency across the company,” said Sharendra Panday, senior manager of logistics in the U.S. “But we didn’t have the resources internally to study the issue.”

So, when Professor Todd Cimino, an operations management lecturer at the Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice, was seeking a hands-on project for students in the Supply Chain Studio segment of his class, Sasol was an ideal partner.

“These types of projects mean a lot to the students,” said Cimino. “They give students access to real-world problems they can solve and enable them to build skills you can’t get in a classroom.”

Collaborating with Cimino, Panday, and Keith Chow, Sasol customer enablement specialist based in Houston, the students conducted a comprehensive analysis comparing the model’s cost data with Sasol’s actual invoices.

After validating the model’s accuracy, the students engaged with stakeholders throughout Sasol to assess their perception of the tool. Their efforts led to a comprehensive plan designed to enhance the model’s utilization cross-functionally. Recommendations included establishing a pilot group for training and testing, relaunching the tool with targeted messaging for various stakeholder groups, collecting data on tool usage, and fostering continuous improvement through user feedback.

These types of projects mean a lot to the students. They give students access to real-world problems they can solve and enable them to build skills you can’t get in a classroom. –

Todd Cimino, Professor at Jones Graudate School of Business, Rice University

“Bring to Life was a mixture of data analysis, project management and change management,” said DeRuiter. “It was a great learning experience.”

The students especially enjoyed the opportunity to conduct stakeholder interviews across the company and talk with employees about their jobs.

“Everyone had a great perspective to share,” said Hussain. “It was clear that everyone is very interested in improving efficiency.”

The project ended in the first half of 2024 with a student presentation to their peers and educators. Among those in attendance were members of the executive leadership team.

“It was amazing to present to such a high-level group, and have such a good discussion,” said Binney. “I hope our project brings tangible financial benefits to Sasol.”

Chow said the students’ work has been helpful in determining next steps.

“Going forward, we plan to reintroduce the model to various functional groups within Sasol to improve awareness and adoption of the tool,” said Chow. “We also want to explore opportunities to integrate the model with other existing tools to enhance user experience.”

For Cimino, Bring to Life was the start of what he hopes is a long relationship.

“I hope this project underscores the developing relationship we have between Sasol International Chemicals and Rice Business,” said Cimino. “Both sides can benefit, but it takes commitment to make it work. This project was a great start.”

Click here for more #TeamSasol initiatives.

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Nearly 140 Sasol volunteers, including Lake Charles employees and retirees, bring our products to life!

Nearly 140 employees introduced 2,300 students to the chemistry behind Sasol’s products at the 2024 Chem Expo.

For over 20 years, middle school students in the Lake Charles, Louisiana area have had the opportunity to engage with science through the annual Chem Expo, organized by the Lake Area Industry Alliance (LAIA).

This industry-led event showcases scientific experiments and educates students about the chemical products manufactured in their community. Thanks to the 140 employees and retirees dedicating their time to volunteer, Sasol marked the 2024 Chem Expo its largest volunteer initiative to date.

At this year’s Chem Expo, Sasol employees demonstrate the production and application of surfactants, emphasizing their vital role in everyday life. This initiative enables Sasol’s commitment to creating a culture that people want to be a part of, unlocking value through creativity and innovation. By enhancing awareness of the chemical industry’s impact, Sasol aims to inspire early interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), nurturing the next generation of innovators.

Watch the KPLC news coverage here: https://www.kplctv.com/video/2024/09/26/23rd-chem-expo/

2023 | Chem Expo Volunteers

More than 100 employees donate their time at the Chem Expo to spark an interest in science and engineering as volunteers.

Inspiring the next generation of engineers and scientists is one of the many ways that Sasol’s Lake Charles operations gives back to the community.

The annual Chem Expo in Southwest Louisiana is a major component of that effort. Each year, 2,000 seventh-grade students from schools in nearby Calcasieu and Cameron parishes attend the event to see first-hand how mastering science, technology, math and engineering (STEM) can be fun – and lead to a rewarding career.

At the 2023 Chem Expo, 120 employees volunteered to help introduce students to the science behind Sasol’s products. It was the company’s largest volunteer event ever.

The volunteers’ focus was demonstrating how surfactants are produced and used and the importance they have in modern living, from personal care to household cleaners. The goal was to raise awareness of industry’s role in the students’ everyday lives and spark an interest in STEM at an early age.

For more than 20 years, Lake Charles, Louisiana-area middle school students have witnessed science in action through the annual Chem Expo, organized by Lake Area Industry Alliance (LAIA).

Chem Expo is an industry-led, science experiment showcase with a focus on educating local students on the ingredients made in their local communities and the consumer products they enable.  Sasol was one of the original founders of Chem Expo.

Chemicals are a billion-dollar industry in Southwest Louisiana, offering unlimited workplace opportunities. In total, more than 12,000 local residents are employed by the industry.

Click here to read more about #TeamSasol’s initiatives in the US.

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The Sasol for Good global employee volunteerism program encourages employees to get involved in their communities by volunteering their time, skills and resources through company and employee or team-initiated initiatives that respond to social challenges within our operational geographies and fence line communities.

Some of the volunteering programs include planting trees, back-to-school drives, holiday toy drives and being a mentor through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.

April is National Volunteer Month in the US and our Sasol US Team took time to recognize the many ways our employees give back to our communities and we chatted to a few of our volunteers, here’s what our volunteers had to say:

Laura Retzlaff
User Experience Manager
I volunteer because I strive to make a difference and help others when they are in need. I believe interacting with my Little Sister from our Big Brothers and Big Sisters program has honestly improved my overall mood and stress levels. I feel joy when I see her excitement when I visit, and I feel honored when I can help her make a difficult decision in her academic activities.

Matt Barron
Manager, Operation Portfolio
I volunteer in hopes of making a meaningful difference in the lives of others and for the betterment of the community.

Mabel R Almodovar
Manager, PMO & Agile Methods
I volunteer because I like to give back to the community and make a positive difference. Helping others provides me with a sense of purpose and makes me feel grateful. I enjoy connecting with people from diverse backgrounds and learning other perspectives. It makes me happy to know that I’m contributing to a better future by volunteering.

Crystal Briscoe
Specialist, Performance Management & People Programs
My mother allowed me to volunteer beside her in the community and now, it’s engrained within me. I volunteer because it makes me happy to give back and I am sharing these experiences with my children too.

Deborah Daniel
Senior Specialist, Service Intergration ITSC and DR
I volunteer for Big Brothers and Big Sisters to simply give back. It means a great deal to me to meet and speak with my Little Sister to discuss things that are important to her and provide attention and inspire to reach for her dreams.

Click here to read more about Team Sasol in the US.

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Meet Skye Taylor

• ​​​Hometown: Gonzales, La.
• Major: Mechanical Engineering
• Interests: Robotics (animatronics) and prosthetics

Skye Taylor was only eight years old when she realized she wanted to be an engineer.

During a family trip to Walt Disney World in Florida, Taylor found herself more interested in how the attractions worked than she was in the princesses or parades.

“I wanted to know how the rides were built, and what it took to keep them running safely,” she said. “My parents told me that was a job that engineers do, and from then on I was hooked.”

​​​​​​​Thanks to a scholarship from Sasol Chemicals, Taylor is now pursuing her dream by studying mechanical engineering at Southern University in Baton Rouge. She is one of three first-year engineering students at Southern who received scholarships from Sasol Chemicals through the Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI), a national program created by the American Chemistry Council (ACC) and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE).

As part of the program, each Sasol scholarship recipient is matched with a mentor inside the company who provides regular support and encouragement. Scholarship recipients can also apply to work as an intern at the company and gain valuable firsthand experience.

​​​​​​​The FOSSI scholarship program is just one of the initiatives in a long-term partnership between Sasol Chemicals and Southern University, designed to provide students with the resources to pursue careers in high-demand, high-growth fields. In addition to supporting students through FOSSI, Sasol Chemicals funded an endowment to Southern that will award up to 100 additional scholarships for STEM students through 2030. The fund will also allow for an endowed chair and doctoral fellowship in global science and related fields.

Meet Carlton Carter

• Hometown: Evans, Ga.
• Major: Mechanical Engineering
• Interests: Aerospace, transportation and chemicals

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Carlton Carter, a freshman from Georgia majoring in mechanical engineering, says his FOSSI scholarship has already proven invaluable.

“The money really, really helps,” he said. “It made a big difference, knowing I could count on that funding. Plus, the mentoring program has been very helpful. It’s given me insight into how business works and what I can expect once I finish my degree.”

Meet Brendan Evans

• Hometown: Los Angeles, Calif.
• Major: Civil Engineering
• Interests: Construction

Brendan Evans, a Southern freshman from Los Angeles who is majoring in civil engineering, is also a pitcher on the Jaguars baseball team.

“The FOSSI scholarship means a lot because I don’t have to worry about my financial needs,” he said. “I can just focus on academics and baseball.”

Like Carter, Evans says the program is about more than money. “I really appreciate the mentorship component,” he said. “You can learn so much about how to be successful at work and what it takes to move up the ranks. It’s not just about school.”

Taylor said that despite completing an early college program while in high school, and earning her associate’s degree, she was uncertain how she would afford the expense of a university.

“I first learned about FOSSI through Southern’s Top Jags program (a recruiting/support program for high achieving students), but I wasn’t sure about applying,” she said. “I’m so happy I did because the scholarship really helped me. When I got the call, I was driving so my mom answered my phone, and when she heard that I had gotten a scholarship, she just started screaming. I had to pull the car over!”

All three recipients say high school students interested in STEM shouldn’t hesitate to apply for a FOSSI scholarship.

“It’s a very smooth process,” said Evans. “The program is so well run, and everyone is so welcoming.”

“Apply,” says Taylor. “You never know what can happen, and you may just be selected.”

Click here to read about other initiatives by Team Sasol in the US.

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The efforts to rebuild the Sam Houston Jones State Park in Lake Charles could be seen in scale at the park on the chilly morning of 19 February 2022 when volunteers gathered to plant more than 5 000 trees. After Hurricane Laura in 2020 severely damaged the park grounds, the community began steps to bring back the cabins, pavilions, as well as the water and sewer systems. And essential to the park’s rebirth are the trees.

“The Nature Conservancy is excited to work with the Office of State Parks to re-establish longleaf and other species and to restore savanna for the enjoyment and education of the public,” said TNC Stewardship Manager William DeGravelles in an interview with local news station KALB-TV. 

More than 80 percent of the park’s trees were irreparably damaged, according to Louisiana State Parks, which heavily impacts not only the park but the ecosystem it supports. 

Sasol partnered with Louisiana State Parks and the Nature Conservancy to donate funding, materials and resources to enable the event. Donations from Sasol included $10 000 to purchase magnolia trees that will line the entrance to the park. The official reopening of the park is expected in late May. 

“Sasol is proud to be a part of the replanting efforts for Sam Houston Jones State Park,” said Sasol Vice President of Operations Eric Walker. “The benefits of having more trees in our community go beyond beauty. Trees act as water and air filters, can slow down floodwaters, and provide shade for wildlife. The work of our volunteers, The Nature Conservancy and Louisiana State Parks will restore, preserve, and enhance local ecosystems, which is something we can all be proud of.”

More than a dozen Sasol employees and their families were among the volunteers who participated in the tree planting event. Sasol is proud to continue to support Sam Houston Jones State Park as part of our commitment to environmental stewardship.

Click here to read other articles on how Team Sasol is supporting fence-line communities in this area.

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Pam Briscoe had hosted foreign exchange students before, a tradition she carried on from her grandmother. But this time, she had a specific request for the agency that coordinates host families. 

As an employee of Sasol Chemicals, Briscoe asked to host a student from South Africa. She could gain some insight into South African culture, while offering a young South African the opportunity to learn about life in the United States.  

That decision was life changing for Alwyn Rae from Johannesburg, who turned his 10-month experience in Houston into a college scholarship from Sasol and now, a new job with the company in South Africa. 

But it was also life-changing for Briscoe. “We are family now,” she said. 

It was 2014 when Alwyn Rae and Johannes Kjaer Bach from Denmark came to live with Briscoe, a Facilities Services Coordinator in Houston. The two students, both 15-year-old sophomores, attended Cy Woods High School in northwest Houston and became fast friends.  

“Alwyn and Johannes came from two very different cultures and lifestyles,” said Briscoe. “But they quickly became brothers.” 

Adjusting to a new life 

Alwyn, who grew up in one of Johannesburg’s toughest neighborhoods, wasn’t sure what to expect from his visit. Like many young people living outside the US, his knowledge of American culture came mostly from Hollywood movies.  

“There were a lot of things that I wanted to experience,” he said. “I wanted to try Starbucks and all the different fast-food places. And I was hoping to meet some real-life cowboys.” 

One of Alwyn’s first questions was, “Where are all the Sasol petrol stations?” 

“Alwyn was used to seeing Sasol gas stations everywhere,” Briscoe said. “And he knew I worked for Sasol, so he didn’t understand why there weren’t any stations in Houston.” 

An introvert by nature, Alwyn was determined to be more outgoing at school. He joined the wrestling team and even went to a high school dance. He and Johannes enjoyed hanging out together and Briscoe’s coworkers and neighbors provided plenty of opportunities to meet new people and experience American life.  

“Alwyn was very brave,” said Briscoe. “He wasn’t afraid to try anything.” 

One of the highlights of Alwyn’s visit was a trip to the Grand Canyon with a friend’s family. 

“My stay really forced me to get out of my shell and learn to be more extroverted,” Rae said. “That’s something that will definitely help me throughout my life.” 

Lessons to remember 

Alwyn believes his time in the US helped him recognize that adaptability is important – a strength that will serve him well in his career.  

“I learned to adjust to new surroundings and to not be overwhelmed by change,” said Rae. “It also taught me to appreciate different cultures. I realized I shouldn’t say that someone is wrong because what they do contrasts with what I am familiar with. It’s not wrong; it’s just different.” 

And of course, he recognizes the role that Sasol has played in his life – from a lifelong relationship with Briscoe, her family and Kjaer Bach to his scholarship and now employment. 

“Sasol changed the whole trajectory of Alwyn’s life,” said Briscoe. “I am so proud to say I work for a company that can make such a magical story become a reality.” 

Click here for more initiatives by Team Sasol in the US.

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This partnership will provide Southern students with the resources needed to enter the workforce in high-demand, high-growth fields. Louisiana’s business climate continues to rank at the top of the national list, and this partnership works to maintain that competitive advantage.

“I applaud Southern University and Sasol on being committed to workforce development and creating new opportunities for all Louisianans to be successful,” said Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards.

The fund, developed in honor of South African Ambassador to the United States MJ Mahlangu, will create the Sasol Endowed Chair in Global Science Policy in the Nelson Mandela College of Government and Social Sciences. A doctoral fellowship will also be awarded to a Southern doctoral student conducting research on a global issue in environmental science policy, global science policy, science education, increasing minority participation in global commerce, or corporate diplomacy.

“This partnership speaks volumes about the value of our students and programs at Southern,” said Dr. Ray L. Belton, president of the Southern University System and chancellor of Southern University Baton Rouge. “Sasol’s investment in our STEM programs are in alignment with our campus strategic plan, including significant enrollment increases and advanced academic offerings that reflect an ever-changing workforce.”

In addition to the endowment fund, Sasol is joining the Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI), the chemicals industry’s collaborative equity, diversity and inclusion initiative aimed at creating pathways for more underrepresented groups to enter and succeed in STEM.

Sasol’s investment will provide $40,000 each to three Southern students majoring in STEM fields over the course of their college career. The endowment fund will also award up to 100 scholarships through 2030 for students enrolled in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, public administration, or public policy fields of study.

“Sasol has long supported Louisiana higher education institutions because these workforce development pipelines are critical to our industry’s sustainability in Louisiana,” said Sasol Senior Vice President: Americas for the Chemical Business, Eric Stouder. “We are thrilled about our partnership with Southern and the meaningful educational results to come.” Under terms of the endowment fund agreement, Sasol will provide $600,000 over four years. Following receipt of the last Sasol installment in 2023, the university will apply for a $400,000 match from the Louisiana Board of Regents, resulting in a total of $1 million to fund the program.

Click here to view other Team Sasol initiatives in this fence line community.

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“Now that the project is fully commissioned, I am very pleased to say we did deliver on our commitment, we did create jobs, we did generate tax revenue for local taxing entities,” Brad Griffith, Executive Vice President of Sasol’s global chemicals business, said. “We thank you, the Louisiana Board of Commerce and Industry, the Louisiana Economic Development colleagues, Gov. Edwards and our partners at the local level for giving us the opportunity to bring impactful benefits to the residents and businesses in this state.”

Sasol completed the commissioning of the facility, which is now fully operational, in 2020. Sasol hired 860 new employees, spent more than $4 billion with Louisiana businesses, supported 6 500 construction jobs and contributed over $200 million in taxes and $40 million in community infrastructure improvements.

Now operational, Sasol’s facility also sustains close to 1 000 contractor positions annually through its contract with Turner Industries, a Louisiana-based company. “These ITEP investments directly impact our Louisiana-based company and other Louisiana based companies,” David Franks, Turner Industries Chief Operations Officer, said. “Currently we employ roughly 1 000 people inside of Sasol’s operating site on a daily basis. These jobs are there every day, through COVID, through rain or shine. We also have over 75 local SWLA suppliers, subcontractors and vendors that support us in our work for Sasol. The ripple effect is absolutely real. It benefits real Louisiana residents and it benefits Louisiana families.”

The facility’s ongoing activity will generate nearly $14 million annually in taxes for local and state governments, and Sasol will pay over $1 billion in property taxes over the facility’s planned life. Following the abatement period, Sasol’s property taxes will account for over 10 percent of the total property taxes collected in Calcasieu Parish annually. That’s in addition to Sasol’s existing chemical facility in Lake Charles, which employs more than 400 people and will continue generating sales and property taxes for the region and the state.

“We estimated a 2-to-1 benefit-cost ratio for the state through 2050,” Dr. Jim Richardson, Louisiana economist, said. “The ITEP program is doing what it’s supposed to do. Bringing jobs to the state and bringing additional revenues to local and state governments, in exchange for the exemption.”

Over the last several years, Sasol has also contributed more than $7 million to community projects focused on local STEM education and small business development. “From the Southwest Louisiana Resource Guide and associated scholarship program to the Small Business Resource Guide, Sasol invested time and resources to maximize opportunities for our workforce not only with their project, but well into the future,” George Swift, President/CEO of the Southwest Louisiana Alliance for Economic Development, said. “Sasol is a true community partner, and one we value tremendously. That partnership was made possible by the Industrial Tax Exemption Program.”

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Sasol joined Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards, the City of Lake Charles, the Children’s Museum of SWLA and other local leaders in a groundbreaking celebration for Port Wonder, which will house a STEM-based Children’s Museum and a Science and Nature Center.

Sasol’s $1 million contribution to Port Wonder is the company’s largest single community investment in the United States. “Sasol is proud to be a partner in this public-private collaboration – one that will be an exciting addition to Southwest Louisiana – a place our employees call home, a place Sasol calls home and hopes to do so for a long time,” Brad Griffith, Executive Vice President of Sasol’s global chemicals business, said.

Sasol has focused recent community investment on STEM education initiatives with the goal of strengthening a local, diverse workforce development pipeline in the region – a critical asset for the company’s sustainability in Southwest Louisiana. “It is this model of collaboration both with Port Wonder and through the challenges of the last year that we have grown to value and appreciate from this community. In fact, it’s a quality we attribute a great deal of our business success to here in Lake Charles,” Griffith said.

Sasol completed the commissioning of its new Lake Charles facility, which is now fully operational, in 2020. Sasol hired 860 new employees, spent more than $4 billion with Louisiana businesses, supported 6,500 construction jobs and contributed over $200 million in taxes, infrastructure improvements and other benefits to the Southwest Louisiana community and the state of Louisiana. Over the last several years, Sasol has contributed more than $7 million to community projects focused on local STEM education and small business development.

Read more about our investment in the people of Southwest Louisiana.

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WORKFORCE RESOURCE GUIDE

The Workforce Resource Guide provides a road map for job seekers to get from point A to point B. The step by step guide helps individuals choose a career, acquire training, certifications and basic life skills, prepare a resume, sharpen interview skills and ultimately land a job. To date, the resource guide has been downloaded 15,000 times.

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

The Scholarship Program targets the unemployed and under-educated population. Scholarship recipients receive support from a professional career counselor, guidance from a trained mentor and get connected to community resources. More than 275 scholarships have been awarded to recipients in Southwest Louisiana.

PARTNERS

Our main community partners are the Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana who implement the scholarship program and the Economic Development Alliance of Southwest Louisiana who are instrumental to the resource guide. Our other partners are mentioned in the resource guide and on our fact sheet. You can read more about these programs and partners here.

Through the holistic approach of funding, training, coaching and support, these initiatives ensure long-term success for participants.

INVESTING IN THE PEOPLE OF SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA

Click here to read more about other #SasolinSociety initiatives

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Watch this video to see how Sasol has partnered with local businesses to make the world-scale petrochemical complex in Louisiana a reality:

Small Business Resource Guide

Sasol also partnered with local business development organisations to develop a Small Business Resource Guide which provides step-by-step guidance on how to start a new business and information on working with Louisiana industry.

The guide directs readers to local organisations and programmes that provide assistance on starting new businesses, growing existing businesses and connecting with companies that need their services or products. Sasol also funds monthly certification workshops and other small business development training for area businesses and entrepreneurs. In fiscal year 2018 alone, Sasol sponsored 20 free community small business workshops for more than 1,000 attendees. These workshops assisted more than 70 businesses achieving minority certifications, 29 new business start-ups, 91 jobs created and retained, and $8.4 million in capital investment.

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These are just some of the ways Sasol and our partners are working to help the people of Southwest Louisiana, share in the opportunities presented by announced capital investment of more than $100 billion in the five-parish area:

• With the Southwest Louisiana Chamber-Economic Development Alliance, Calcasieu Parish Library System and Calcasieu Business and Career Solutions Center, Sasol sponsored the Southwest Louisiana Workforce Resource Guide, a practical printed and online resource which helps individuals to choose careers and prepare for job interviews. Since its inception, more than 15000 guides have been downloaded.
• Sasol established the Southwest Louisiana Workforce Scholarship Fund providing financial support to cover tuition, training, mentoring and technical support to more than 100 local adults. The programme targets the unemployed and undereducated in a five-parish area, with preference given to Westlake and Mossville residents—Sasol’s nearest neighbours. Since its inception, 118 scholarships have been awarded, and 74% of recipients have found employment.
• Collaborating with partners which include Junior Achievement and Big Brothers Big Sisters, Sasol supports four Partner in Education schools, three of them in Southwest Louisiana and one in Houston, Texas. In 2018 Sasol employees will have spent almost 1000 hours mentoring and imparting life skills to students, the majority of which belong to low-income families.
• Sasol enhances school-based science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) curriculum, as well as educator professional development programme.
• Sasol provided the Southwest Louisiana Construction Users Council with $635,000 in pre-funding to pre-train the local construction craft workforce, in anticipation of expected high growth in the region.
• Sasol sponsored one of the newest exhibits at the Lake Charles Children’s Museum, fittingly named Chem Corner. The exhibit offers visitors a glimpse into daily life at an industrial chemical facility and aims to help children learn about local industry while stimulating their interest in STEM subjects. Since its opening in July 2017 the museum reported an increase of nearly 10,000 visitors.
• Sasol is proud of our engagement with our neighbours in Mossville, Louisiana, a community west of our Lake Charles Chemical Complex. From the early stages of our ethane cracker and derivatives project, we’ve continually reached out to Mossville residents to keep them informed of our plans and solicit their input on what we can do to make a positive difference in their community. The result is an extensive, ongoing partnership between Sasol and Mossville to address their desires, give them the choices they asked for, and provide sustainable, long-term support to increase economic opportunities.

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