The Asphalt Institute Foundation receives $500K grant from ExxonMobil
ExxonMobil and Imperial will join the Asphalt Institute (AI) in celebrating its 100-year anniversary at the Lexington, Kentucky headquarters. This milestone will be marked with several presentations along with a dedication of the Asphalt Institute Foundation (AIF) courtyard with customized commemorative brick pavers.
The Asphalt Institute also announced a US$500,000 research grant provided by ExxonMobil to the Asphalt Institute Foundation to conduct strategic research and carry out educational activities designed to advance the liquid asphalt industry. ExxonMobil and Imperial have collaborated with the foundation’s parent organization, the AI, for 100 years.
“We are thrilled to accept this generous grant from our long-standing member, particularly as we mark a century of dedicated service to the asphalt industry,” said Peter Grass, President, Asphalt Institute and Asphalt Institute Foundation. “ExxonMobil and Imperial’s leading technical expertise and vast business experience have been imperative in helping progress the Institute’s core mission. This grant brings us that much closer to achieving the next breakthrough in the liquid asphalt industry.”
The ExxonMobil grant supports strategic research to improve the durability of asphalt binders and pavements while ensuring that future highways remain sustainable. The AI Foundation also supports strategic educational initiatives such as an internship program, textbooks for engineering students and the development of instructional aids. Established in 1919, the Asphalt Institute today has a membership that represents over 90% of the liquid asphalt produced in North America – all of whom are committed to improving asphalt quality performance, benefits and more. ExxonMobil and Imperial are among the original founding members and have been recognized for their active engagement and participation in the Asphalt Institute for the last 100 years.
“Reaching 100 years is a testament to the incredible work the association has accomplished thus far,” said Ralph Shirts, Global Asphalt Technology Manager at ExxonMobil Research and Engineering. “As a founding member of the Asphalt Institute, we are humbled to be a part of the best possible science, research and education programs that will continue to push the industry forward.”
ExxonMobil and Imperial each have over a century of industry experience and expertise to keep businesses at the cutting edge of asphalt technology. With representatives in key positions on industry bodies, ExxonMobil and Imperial continue pushing advanced science and research to lead the industry forward.
The Asphalt Institute
The Asphalt Institute (AI) is the international trade association of petroleum asphalt producers, manufacturers and affiliated businesses. Founded in 1919, the members represent 90% of the liquid asphalt produced in North America and an increasing percentage in international markets. AI serves its members as a center of excellence for health, safety and environmental matters. Its vision is to become the epicenter for the petroleum asphalt binder industry fostering a collaborative environment to ensure asphalt is recognized as the construction material of choice.
The Asphalt Institute Foundation
The Asphalt Institute Foundation (AIF) was incorporated on June 4, 2014 and is a 501(c)3 non-profit public charity. From its inception, members envisioned that the foundation would serve two purposes – education and strategic research. The Foundation is located in Lexington, Kentucky providing programs for individuals both domestically and internationally. The foundation is also supported by individuals and companies in the United States and abroad.
Exxon Mobil Corporation
ExxonMobil, the largest publicly traded international oil and gas company, uses technology and innovation to help meet the world’s growing energy needs. ExxonMobil holds an industry-leading inventory of resources, is one of the largest refiners and marketers of petroleum products and its chemical company is one of the largest in the world.
Imperial
Imperial Oil Limited is a publicly-traded company whose majority shareholder is ExxonMobil Corp. After more than a century, Imperial continues to be an industry leader in applying technology and innovation to responsibly develop Canada’s energy resources. As Canada’s largest petroleum refiner, a major producer of crude oil, a key petrochemical producer and a leading fuels marketer from coast to coast, our company remains committed to high standards across all areas of our business.
