Form 8-K - Current report

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of Earliest Event Reported): November 22, 2023

VERTEX ENERGY, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Nevada	001-11476	94-3439569
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)	(Commission File Number)	(IRS Employer Identification No.)

1331 Gemini Street

Suite 250

Houston, Texas

77058

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (866) 660-8156

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

☐	Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

☐	Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

☐	Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

☐	Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock,

$0.001 Par Value Per Share

VTNR

The NASDAQ
Stock Market LLC

(Nasdaq Capital Market)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Item 8.01

Other Events.

On November 22, 2023, Vertex Energy, Inc. (the “Company”) issued a press release in tribute to Chris Stratton, a member of the Company’s Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Company’s Audit Committee, and a member of the Company’s Compensation Committee; Nominating, Corporate Governance and Environmental, Social, and Governance Committee; Risk Committee; and Executive Committee, who passed away unexpectedly on November 16, 2023.

A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1, and is incorporated into this Item 8.01 by reference.

Item 9.01

Financial Statements and Exhibits.

Exhibit No.		Description
99.1		Press Release dated November 22, 2023
104		Inline XBRL for the cover page of this Current Report on Form 8-K

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

	VERTEX ENERGY, INC.

Date: November 22, 2023	By:	/s/ Chris Carlson
		Chris Carlson
		Chief Financial Officer

Vertex Energy, Inc. 8-K

Exhibit 99.1

REMEMBERING BOARD MEMBER CHRIS STRATTON: A TRIBUTE TO HIS LEGACY
AND CONTRIBUTIONS

HOUSTON, TX / BUSINESSWIRE / November 22, 2023 / Vertex Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: VTNR) ("Vertex" or the "Company") today pays tribute to the enduring legacy of Chris Stratton, esteemed member of our Board of Directors, who passed away on November 16th.

Vertex CEO and Board Chairman, Benjamin P. Cowart, states, "As one of our longest serving board members, Mr. Stratton played a vital role in shaping Vertex Energy's success and development. He was a brilliant mind, a loyal supporter, and a steadfast advocate for achieving our full potential." Mr. Cowart further added, "Chris was also a dear friend whose absence is deeply felt now and will undoubtedly remain. The Vertex Energy family offers our thoughts, prayers, and support to the entire Stratton family at this time.”

Mr. Stratton served on Vertex’s board with distinction for the past 14 years, also contributing as a member of the Board’s Audit Committee. His decades of expertise in finance and risk management, garnered from roles at global financial institutions, investment banks, utilities, producers, and end-users, rendered his leadership and support invaluable.

About Vertex Energy

Vertex Energy is a leading energy transition company that specializes in producing both renewable and conventional fuels. Our innovative solutions are designed to enhance the performance of our customers and partners while also prioritizing sustainability, safety, and operational excellence. With a commitment to providing superior products and services, Vertex Energy is dedicated to shaping the future of the energy industry.

For further details, please visit www.vertexenergy.com.

Contact:

INVESTOR RELATIONS

IR@vertexenergy.com

Cover	Nov. 22, 2023
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	8-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Nov. 22, 2023
Entity File Number	001-11476
Entity Registrant Name	VERTEX ENERGY, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	0000890447
Entity Tax Identification Number	94-3439569
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	NV
Entity Address, Address Line One	1331 Gemini Street
Entity Address, Address Line Two	Suite 250
Entity Address, City or Town	Houston
Entity Address, State or Province	TX
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	77058
City Area Code	(866)
Local Phone Number	660-8156
Written Communications	false
Soliciting Material	false
Pre-commencement Tender Offer	false
Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer	false
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock
Trading Symbol	VTNR
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false