To stand the test of time, a company must be self-sufficient. Picture an ancient fortress. Observe its towering ramparts, thick with stone and iron. See how its battlements bristle with weaponry. How powerful it seems! How invulnerable! But suddenly we find a 6
C&EN June 23, 1980
©Conoco Chemicals Company, A Division of Conoco Inc., Houston,Texas.
dangerous fragility. For our memories remind us that, time and time again, these strongholds possessed one fatal flaw. They were not self-sufficient. Because of this crucial factor, a determined siege could, in time, reach through those massive walls of stone and crush the inhabitants within. Their unhappy destiny has taught us an important lesson. It has made us realize that self-sufficiency is the key to longterm survival. Conoco Chemicals has been supplied with that key. For we are part of Conoco Inc., and this has enabled us to become one of the few companies of our kind that is self-sufficient in hydrocarbon resources. In fact, this relationship gives us an even greater measure of supply security for the years ahead. Because this relationship gives us access to one of the largest coal reserves in our coalrich nation. Our concern, like our confidence, is the child of our farsightedness. For we have seen that the decades to come will offer times of great opportunity. But we have also seen that there will be times when all of us will be besieged by shortages of varying severity. We have seen, and we are prepared. For we intend to stand the test of time so that we can continue to share (conoco) with you the benefits of our resourcefulness. Conoco Chemicals CIRCLE 16 ON READER SERVICE CARD June 23, 1980 C&EN
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