Updates from your neighbors at Global Albany

Painting Our Tanks in Response to Community Feedback

As part of routine maintenance of the Albany terminal, we paint our tanks every 8 to 10 years. Ongoing investments in the terminal is something we consider essential, and core to the safety of our operations.  
 
A few years ago, community members asked questions about the color of our tanks. Four tanks were blue and the rest of the tanks are white. Some community members requested that we paint all the tanks white. 
 
We committed to accelerating our painting schedule to respond to this community request, and now we have painted two of our tanks white. The remaining two tanks will be painted next year.

“Global Partners has listened and responded to community concerns. They are demonstrating what it means to be a good neighbor to the South End,” said Chairman Andrew Joyce, Albany County Legislature. 

Virtual Engagement On Our Permit Renewal Modification

We also continue outreach around our permit renewal modification. Because of COVID-19, this outreach is happening through virtual channels.
 
We have created a video explaining the proposed changes to the permit, which you can view below:

We also hosted and taped two virtual public meetings, which you can view here.

Our permit modifications reflect years of community input. In addition to reducing crude oil by over 75% and substantially increasing biodiesel (a renewable fuel derived from plant and animal oils), we would also install enhanced controls to more effectively treat emissions from loading operations. 

In the coming months, there will be more opportunities to weigh in on the process with the New York DEC. If you have questions, you can also contact us directly. We look forwarding to hearing from you.

“I encourage everyone to participate in this process. Global Partners has shown a commitment to not only consider different points of view, but also, to address concerns,” said Hon. Carolyn Mclaughlin, Albany County Legislator, District 1.

A Growing Partnership With the Boys & Girls Club and Other Community Partners

For several years, we have partnered with the Boys & Girls Club of the Capital Area, supporting after school and teen programs that serve youth in Albany especially in the South End.
 
In recent months, as so many in our community have struggled through the impacts of COVID-19, we’ve deepened that work. In addition to supporting the meal “Drop & Go” programs and afternoon COVID-19-safe school activities like Basketball workouts, Virtual Dance Classes and Lyricism 101, we’re working to convene groups together to solve problems and deliver services to the Albany community. We also help leverage funding and advocated to save and adapt the local summer programs and Summer Youth Employment and Teen Internship programs.
 
This work is led by Mark Bobb-Semple, and the Boys & Girls Club CEO had this to say about the partnership:
 
“Using his passion for youth development and years of experience as a community advocate, Mark Bobb-Semple and Global Partners have been instrumental in helping the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area fulfill its mission and vision. 
 
From helping to understand and transform community need into meaningful programming opportunities, to assisting with Resource Development in identifying and implementing new fundraising strategies, Mark continues to sow the seeds of sustainability so we can continue to serve this community for years to come,” said Justin Reuter, CEO Boys & Girls Club of the Capital Area.   
 
We’ve facilitated connections with Just Be Ready to help with meal prep and delivery. And with Elevate 518, to hear from new voices of female leadership.
 
The challenges of this moment require a collective approach to solving problems. As a business, that is what we do best. As a community partner, we can apply those same skills to do our small part, and encourage others to do the same.
 
Global had planned to start an internship program this past summer, which was delayed due to COVID-19. We are committed to start an internship program for students as soon as it is safe to do so.