The Herald-Dispatch

HUNTINGTON -- The Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 6th Annual Energy & Natural Resource Symposium, beginning at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 9, at Pullman Plaza Hotel.

The event will be from 3 to 5 p.m. with a reception following from 5 to 6 p.m. The keynote speaker will be Hal Quinn, president of the National Mining Association. In this role, he is involved with the key energy and environmental issues affecting coal and its use in electricity generation. His career also has included roles with the Interior Department and the Labor Department.

Concert Features Country Musical Guests Trailer Choir with The Davisson Brothers Band and Matt Jones

MORGANTOWN, W. Va.—Remember the Miners (RTM) is pleased to announce the inaugural Remember the Miners Tribute Concert.  RTM is a public awareness campaign established to honor the legacy of all miners; and to raise awareness about the sacrifices that coal miners and their families make for our country.

“It's important to honor and thank the men and women of the coal industry who do the good and honorable work that makes America great,” states Chris Hamilton, the vice president of the West Virginia Coal Association. “The Coal Association is supportive of this campaign and hopes to see you at the celebration in Morgantown. It will be a tremendous event in celebration of West Virginia coal."

House of Delegate member, Sam Argento, from Summersville died on Thursday, following a bout with cancer. Sam was Assistant Minority Whip and Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee who represented the 35th District (Nicholas County). He was also the Democratic candidate for re-election on next week's General Election ballot, which raises several new issues as to timing and possibilities for replacement. That may not represent any problem if the Republican candidate, former coal operator and Nicholas County businessman Pete Sigler, is elected on Tuesday.

Last week (10/21), Governor Joe Manchin and Senate President (Lieutenant Governor) Earl Ray Tomblin joined a wide array of public officials, United Coal Company’s CEO and President Mike Zervos, Pocahontas Coal President Randy Hansford and others for the groundbreaking/dedication of the rejuvenated Affinity Mine in Raleigh County.  The previous Eastern Associated property has received renewed life under the leadership of United Coal and its parent company, Metinvest, Inc. Congratulations to Mike, Randy, Dale Birchfield and all the other United folks for a wonderful ceremony, bringing some good, positive news to the industry and the State.  The property is expected to be in production by July of next year.

Another great use for previously mined land was dedicated last Friday in Raleigh County with the Bechtel Boy Scouts of America Adventure Camp.  A number of member companies have played instrumental roles in assisting the State in landing the Boy Scouts’ project.