Chamber Honors Refinery with “Large Business of the Year” Impact Award

The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce (TACC) recognized Torrance Refining Company (TORC) with the “2020 Large Business of the Year Impact Award.” Presented virtually on June 24^th, the Impact Awards recognizes businesses and individuals for their positive impact on the community and TACC.

Accepting the award on behalf of the company, Community Relations Manager Barbara Graham remarked, “When PBF Energy purchased the Torrance Refinery in 2016, we promised to operate safely, reliably and environmentally responsibly, and earn the right to operate in this community. This significant recognition is the result of our efforts over the past four years to live up to that promise.”

Torrance Refinery has been contributing to the growth of the local community for over 90 years as one of the city’s first businesses. Currently owned and operated by Torrance Refining Company LLC, a subsidiary of PBF Energy, the Refinery has been producing affordable, high-quality transportation fuels that make modern life possible.

An employer of more than 750 employees and contractors and a large employer of Building Trades and Union workers, the Torrance Refinery supplies 10 percent of California’s gasoline demand, and 20 percent of Southern California’s demand. TORC also provides significant tax revenue to the city and substantial revenues to the state. In addition, TORC’s revenues help fund important city programs and services, and support 45 civic and nonprofit organizations to empower people and improve lives.

TACC Board Member Sherry Kramer highlighted the Torrance Refinery’s role as a critical infrastructure with essential workers. She noted the importance of refining, especially during this unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. Products from refining crude oil help make critical medical supplies, including Personal Protective Equipment such as N95-masks, gloves, inhalers, medical electronics and much more.

Asked about the award, Refinery Manager Steve Steach said, “We are very proud to fuel California and contribute to the growth and sustainability of our local economy. Receiving this award is an honor, especially from the Chamber – a great champion for all businesses. Their tremendous efforts as a catalyst to keep Torrance a strong community is commendable. Congratulations as well to our fellow honorees!”

Other Impact Award honorees include:

Dr. Dena Maloney, El Camino College
Excellence in Achievement Award

American Honda Motor Company, Inc.
Frank Scotto Towing
Legacy Award

Sockprints, llc
Flower Duet
Innovation and Design

Mo-Mo-Paradise
Outstanding Community Service

Salvation Army Torrance Corps
Non-Profit of the Year

FASTSIGNS of Torrance
Small Business of the Year

Green Hills Memorial Park
Community Partner Award

Local Kitchen
Hidden Gem of Torrance

Torrance Bakery
Excellence in Business

TerriAnn Ferren, City of Torrance
Wei Houng, HumanOp Technologies, Inc.
Chamber Impact Award

Karen Pryor, Pryority Lending Group, Inc.
Ambassador of the Year