CITGO, Nonprofit Team Up to Revitalize Detroit Community

DETROIT -- CITGO Petroleum Corp. and several of its Detroit-area marketers are rolling up their sleeves to help revitalize a community in the Motor City. CITGO is leading the way in a partnership with Eight Mile Boulevard Association (8MBA), a nonprofit dedicated to revitalizing and promoting the famous Eight Mile Corridor here.

In efforts that began this month, four locally owned CITGO stations -- all located on Eight Mile Road between Interstates 94 and 275 in Detroit, Ferndale and Warren -- are undergoing renovations. The work includes new fuel pumps, improved lighting, technologically advanced signs, and canopy and building designs featuring the new CITGO design. Also on the list of improvements are upgrades to their convenience store facilities, restrooms, parking areas and landscaping.

"We know what a central role gas stations and convenience stores play in a community and the impact these upgrades can have. We hope these changes will inspire other businesses to make positive changes as well, and keep up the momentum to improve this area," said Gustavo Velasquez, vice president supply and marketing with CITGO Petroleum Corp. "CITGO and our local business partners see a tremendous amount of potential in the Eight Mile Corridor. We are proud to partner with business and community leaders at 8MBA in this effort."

Tami Salisbury, executive director of the 8MBA, added: "Despite the hardships that local residents have faced in recent years, we are confident that the tide is turning and prosperity is on its way back. Through public and private partnerships and the dedication of local businesses, like the local CITGO marketers and retailers, we are encouraging growth, improving lives and bringing back the strength to Detroit and surrounding suburbs. The backing of CITGO is a testament to the deep commitment to growth in our area. We look forward to expanding our partnership and making an even greater positive impact in years to come."

The CITGO stations receiving the first wave of upgrades are located at 18321 W. Eight Mile Blvd. and 14202 E. Eight Mile Blvd. in Detroit; 140 Pinecrest in Ferndale; and 5245 Eight Mile Blvd. in Warren. These stations are operated by local residents and supplied by local CITGO marketers, Barrick Enterprises, Bazzi Oil & Gas, RKA Petroleum Cos. and Knight Enterprises.

"These service stations have been a part of the Eight Mile community for many years. The local operators and employees have been dedicated to providing the best products and services to our local customers," said Bob Barrick, president of Barrick Enterprises of Royal Oak, Mich. "We are proud that the individual store operators have joined with us and CITGO in this initiative to revitalize the community. We are confident these moves will help usher in a new era of prosperity for the area."