Press
- Parent Category: News
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - The state Commerce Department says coal fueled a 43% increase in West Virginia exports in the first six months of the year.
West Virginia's exports rose from $3.1 billion in the first six months of 2010 to $4.4 billion in the same period this year. The U.S. growth rate was 18%.
Coal accounted for $2.6 billion of West Virginia's total. Plastics was second with $575.1 million in exports.
West Virginia Coal Association President Bill Raney tells the Charleston Daily Mail (http://bit.ly/nna6VO ) that the latest figures are good news for everyone in West Virginia.
http://www.wvva.com/story/
- Parent Category: News
AP
In this March 29, 2011, file photo Senate Armed Services Committee member Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va. listens to testimony on Capitol Hill in Washington.
West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin hit back Tuesday after another Democratic lawmaker suggested that coal was all his state has and that miners should find new jobs.
Following the criticism, Manchin released a letter inviting Conyers to visit his state, highlighting the importance of coal as an energy source in America.
“Without a reliable and affordable resource like coal, America wouldn’t be where we are – whether it’s the steel forged by West Virginia’s coal that then was used to build our great skyscrapers and military, or whether it’s the electricity from coal that today powers nearly half this country,” Manchin said. He added that coal is key to helping the country become independent from foreign oil.
- Parent Category: News
CHARLESTON, W.Va - Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin, today, signed Senate Bill 1002, which dedicates an additional percentage of coal severance tax revenues to the counties where the coal was mined.
"West Virginia is enjoying a stable economy at a time of uncertainty elsewhere in the nation," Gov. Tomblin said. "This dedicated revenue will allow the counties whose natural resources are contributing to the health of our state's economy a greater share of the benefits those resources provide."
Senate Bill 1002 reallocates revenue from the coal severance tax in 1 percent increments over the next five years, beginning July 1, 2012. Ultimately an additional 5 percent will be directed to the counties by fiscal year 2017. The revenue dedicated by legislation will be placed in a special fund called the Coal County Reallocated Severance Tax Fund to be used on economic development and infrastructure projects. Senate Bill 1002 caps the amount distributed to the counties at $20 million per year.
- Parent Category: News
By Mannix Porterfield Register-Herald Reporter
CHARLESTON — Boone County leads the league when it comes to the new recipe for West Virginia’s coal severance pie, in line to get the biggest slice — $671,481 — next year.
By fiscal 2017, the final year of the annual 1 percent phase-in over five years, Boone is projected to have received $3,357,403, based on production figures.
Under a law approved Tuesday by acting Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin, coal-producing counties will start sharing the initial 1 percent of the tax that now is poured directly into the general revenue account.
Once the five-year period ends, the counties will get the first 5 percent thereafter, with an annual $20 million cap.
The difference actually begins next year, at the start of the new fiscal year, and Boone County will take in 16.8 percent.
http://www.register-herald.
- Parent Category: News
CHARLESTON -- More than 500 Marshall University fans packed the Embassy Suites Grand Ball Room Wednesday evening, joining with coaches and friends to participate in the 13th Annual “Paint The Capital City Green” event sponsored by Friends of Coal.
Hailed as the largest indoor pep rally for Thundering Herd alumni, fans and friends, the event is co-hosted by the Big Green Scholarship Foundation, The Marshall University Alumni Association , the Greater Kanawha Valley Alumni Association and the Charleston Quarterback Club.
Chris Hamilton, senior vice president of the West Virginia Coal Association, joined Marshall President Stephen Kopp, Athletic Director Mike Hamrick and Head Football Coach Doc Holliday in speaking at the event. Hamilton said the Association and Friends of Coal are honored to sponsor the event and the Friends of Coal Bowl, the marquee matchup between the state’s two leading universities and is hopeful the intra-state rivalry would continue into the future.”
- Parent Category: News
Remember The Miners, a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring coal miners and their legacy through public awareness campaigns and charitable contributions, is excited to announce Alpha Natural Resources as a presenting sponsor during IRWIN Tools Night at Bristol MotorSpeedway on August 27th.
Remember The Miners partnered with Bristol MotorSpeedway to offer a special hospitality ticket package, including live music, a meet and greet with stars of Spike TV’S COAL, and commemorative memorabilia. Musical talent at IRWIN Tools Night will include Southern-Rockers Neal Spears and Unit 31, and acclaimed singer/songwriter Reagan Boggs with The Coal Men. Reagan Boggs is also an Alpha employee, making this partnership even more meaningful.
Read more: Remember the Miners Announces Alpha Natural Resources as a Presenting Sponsor
- Parent Category: News
PRWeb – Wed, Aug 17, 2011
A story about life in a small, humble West Virginia town dictated by the Coal Mines now becomes the Broadway bound 'Rocket Boys The Musical.' Author and West Virginia's native son, Homer Hickam, and the Broadway veterans participate in Opening Weekend, August 26, 2011.
Washington, DC August 16, 2011
The 1260-seat Theatre West Virginia welcomes 'Rocket Boys The Musical' for a huge and highly-anticipated run August 26 thru September 4, 2011!
West Virginia's original "rocket boy" son and best-selling author Homer Hickam returns to his home state with the musical's creative team for a full-scale production. Homer Hickam and the Broadway veterans will actively participate in the opening Weekend.
Read more: 'Rocket Boys the Musical' Launches in the West Virginia Mountains and Headed for Broadway
- Parent Category: News
Wednesday, August 17th will be Friends of Coal Day at the West Virginia State Fair. The FOC will man a table at the Fair. The day’s hand stamp will feature the Friends of Coal logo and banners will be on display at the event.
After the success of last year’s efforts at the fair with just an informational table along the main walkway, the FOC believes this is an excellent opportunity to get information about the importance of coal to our state in front of thousands of people who would not necessarily be aware of its role – West Virginia’s farmers and visitors from across the state.
The Friends of Coal will share their table with FACES of Coal on the 17th and will also share the table of FACES during their day sponsorship of the event Thursday, August 18th.
- Parent Category: News
The Friends of Coal continue their outreach efforts with the following events:
· Manned a booth at the James River Coal Family and Friends Outing in Gilbert August 13th.
· Will man a booth at the West Virginia State Fair on August 17th and 18th in conjunction with FACES of Coal.
· Will sponsor the annual Paint the Capitol City Green event with Marshall University in Charleston, August 18th.
· Will participate in the Rally in the Valley August 18th in Moundsville.
· Will participate in the Sharples Reunion August 20th in Sharples.