Submitted by BP Cherry Point Refinery

BP Cherry Point Refinery, the largest refinery in Washington state, helps fuel cars, trucks and airplanes throughout the Pacific Northwest, while making major contributions to the global aluminium industry. BP partners with specialized businesses that support the manufacturing of products that help bring heat, light and mobility to Whatcom County and beyond.
BP seeks to work with vendors and suppliers that conduct business in a way that aligns with BP’s values and behaviors. BP’s impact in the community is amplified by local companies that share BP’s core values of safety, respect, excellence, courage and one team. One such company in Washington is Lynden-based BAI Environmental Services, locally owned since 1984. BAI provides a full range of industrial maintenance and environmental services to Pacific Northwest businesses.

BP and BAI believe that being a good neighbor in the communities where employees live and work is essential to good business. On their website, BAI states “all company activities should be conducted with environmental care in mind.” In their operations and business decisions, both BP and BAI work to find ways to conserve and nurture the rich habitats located in Whatcom County.
The BP Heron Center for Environmental Education at Birch Bay State Park opened in July 2014. The interpretive learning center, featuring a classroom setting adjacent to Terrell Creek, provides environmental education programs for school groups and the community. When the park first opened, BAI donated hydroseed to the newly created BP Heron Center to help build up the surrounding ecosystem.

BAI also has a number of employees who engage with BP Cherry Point’s non-profit organization ReachOut. Every year, BP and BAI employees volunteer alongside other onsite contractors to deliver gifts and groceries to around 225 families and senior citizens in Whatcom County.
“We enjoy the opportunities to be active in the communities where we work and live. Working alongside BP Cherry Point Refinery employees and other contractors through efforts such as ReachOut meshes well with our business principles,” said BAI Vice President, Jeffrey Ten Pas.

Through its community outreach efforts, BAI also contributes to a number of community organizations throughout Whatcom County, including the Boys & Girls Clubs, the Friendship House and Habitat for Humanity.
BP’s partnerships with area vendors have a positive impact on the local economy, and extend far beyond the refinery fence to help strengthen the fabric of this community. In 2016, BP spent more than $275 million with about 600 vendors in Washington. The company also supports 7,200 jobs throughout the state.