PRESS RELEASE: Award for Vendor Excellence

contact:		Glen Gonzalez, Executive Vice President, 212/223-6515
subject:		Age Refining, Inc. receives Business Alliance Award
who:		Defense Logistics Agency
where:		Washington DC
when:		Jan. 29, 2003
email:		ggonzalez@agerefining.com

AGE Refining of San Antonio, Texas has received the Business Alliance Award for Vendor Excellence from the Defense Logistics Agency. The award was presented to Al Gonzalez, AGE Refining's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, by Vice Admiral Keith W. Lippert (Supply Corps, United States Navy), Director of the Defense Logistics Agency.

Lippert told the audience that the recipients were awarded because, as entrepreneurs, they know how to get things done. He said that because of the state of the global community, and the impending situation in the Middle East, we now have a commitment and an obligation to provide fuel to our country's war fighters. AGE was specifically recognized for its innovation, superiority, consistency and commitment to delivery.

"It was very clear that AGE Refining is regarded as a highly valuable partner in our government's efforts to protect and defend the country," said Glen Gonzalez, Vice President of Operational Development for AGE Refining. "The Business Alliance Award belongs to everyone at AGE. In this context, the critical nature of maximizing our delivery of fuel takes on a new meaning for AGE Refining. This is a unique moment in time, and we are called to reach a new level of performance so that we can deliver fuel to the government with new standards for quality and volume."

"We have been directed to produce as much fuel as possible for the U.S. Government," he said. "I want to share how compelling it was to learn how our government officials perceive this critical time in our country's history, as well as how they view AGE's participation in the process."

AGE Refining is the only refinery operating in San Antonio. Founded in 1992, AGE produces jet fuel, diesel and specialty solvents. Military customers make up a large component of AGE's business. The company has a contract to supply jet fuel to Randolph, Lackland and Laughlin Air Force bases. It also supplies diesel fuel to VIA. The company has 115 employees and is the only Hispanic-owned refinery in the United States.