FINA -CAF AIRSHO CONTINUES TO FLY HIGH WITH ONGOING CORPORATE SUPPORT

ALON USA carries on FINA tradition as title sponsor of the event

DALLAS (August 5, 2002) -- FINA has been a long-time title sponsor of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) AIRSHO, and the company's commitment to this popular community event, which will be held October 5 and 6 in Midland, Texas, is as strong today as it was nearly 10 years ago.  

ALON USA (formerly FINA), which was formed in August 2000 after ALON Israel Oil Co., LTD purchased FINA Inc.'s downstream operations, has continued FINA's affiliation with the AIRSHO because it offers mutual benefits for the company, the community and CAF.    

"We've enjoyed a great partnership with the CAF over the past seven years," said ALON President and CEO, Jeff Morris.  "Through our sponsorship we are able to support a quality, community event that is not only entertaining, but also educational and represents an important part of American history," he said.  "At the same time, the FINA-CAF AIRSHO gives us a tremendous opportunity to reach a large customer base in the West Texas area." 

In addition to ALON's Big Spring Refinery, the company also owns significant marketing operations in the area including Southwest Convenience Stores (SCS) and its 172 licensed 7-Eleven convenience stores in Wichita Falls, Big Spring, Midland, Odessa, and El Paso, Texas and Albuquerque, New Mexico.

"The FINA-CAF AIRSHO is a perfect fit for us because it draws almost 45,000 visitors from across West Texas, and offers us a great way to show our community support and appreciation," said Morris.    

The company's involvement in the AIRSHO isn't just limited to its title sponsorship.  It also gets top "billing" as the sponsor of one of the featured acts and attractions -- the FINA EXTRA 300L, piloted by Jan Collmer.  The signature red FINA-branded plane is a well-known crowd pleaser famous for its classic aerobatics to hair-raising routines.  

"We are delighted to have ALON USA as a title sponsor of the AIRSHO because the company participates in many aspects of the annual event," said Bob Rice CAF Executive Director.  "The company's sponsorship truly does help the CAF fulfill its mission to preserve history by flying World War II aircraft.  ALON's contribution allows thousands of people to see the aircraft that fought for our freedom fly once again.  "That's what makes our museum unique -- the fact that our airplanes fly," said Rice.  "And thanks to ALON, the CAF can realize its mission by bringing history to life for everyone."

ALON has also been a supporter of the American Combat Airman Hall of Fame, by joining the CAF to recognize some of World War II's true aviation heroes at the annual induction ceremony and awards dinner, which is part of the AIRSHO weekend activities.  In addition, ALON is a sponsor of the "CAF's Special Show for Special People," through its affiliation with SCS and 7-Eleven.  The show is held the Friday prior to the AIRSHO for individuals who are physically challenged and might have difficulty attending the regular performance.

Another sponsorship benefit is that the AIRSHO serves as an excellent corporate entertainment venue for VIPs, clients and local and state dignitaries, as well as employees.  "Since the event has a national reputation as one of the premier air shows in the country, it draws a wide-range of visitors," said Morris.  "We find the flight-line chalets and sponsorship packages a good choice for entertaining special guests, which allows ALON to host almost 400 people during the event."    

Active corporate participation coupled with a worthwhile community event has proven to be one of the keys to success for the FINA-CAF AIRSHO.  "What started as a project has cultivated into a long-term partnership dedicated to preserving history," said Morris.  "We see our involvement not only as a corporate sponsorship, but also as an ongoing investment in the communities we serve." 

About ALON USA: ALON USA, a fully-integrated refining and marketing enterprise operating in the Southwest, is a subsidiary of ALON Israel Oil Co. Ltd. ALON Israel purchased ATOFINA Petrochemicals Inc.'s downstream business, including its domestic fuels marketing business, pipelines, terminals and Big Spring, Texas refinery. Headquartered in Dallas, ALON USA controls the marketing rights to FINA gasoline throughout the Southwest. For more information about the company, visit its website, www.alonusa.com.

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