The employees of Walker Machinery Co. have recruited more than 2,700 new Friends of Coal members since the company launched a membership drive just over a month ago, the organization said.
Friends of Coal is a coal advocacy group funded by the West Virginia Coal Association. Membership is free.
Steve Walker, president and chief operating officer of Walker Machinery Co., launched the membership drive at the company's Belle headquarters on Jan. 30. He told workers that their jobs depend on convincing others that coal is an essential energy source.
Thursday March 20, 2008
by George Hohmann
Daily Mail Business Editor
The employees of Walker Machinery Co. have recruited more than 2,700 new Friends of Coal members since the company launched a membership drive just over a month ago, the organization said.
Friends of Coal is a coal advocacy group funded by the West Virginia Coal Association. Membership is free.
Steve Walker, president and chief operating officer of Walker Machinery Co., launched the membership drive at the company's Belle headquarters on Jan. 30. He told workers that their jobs depend on convincing others that coal is an essential energy source.
Walker Machinery sells and refurbishes heavy equipment used by the coal and construction industries. The company has 750 employees. "Our jobs here all depend on the production of coal in Southern West Virginia," Walker told employees in January.
In a prepared statement issued Tuesday Walker said, "Our employees did a fantastic job recruiting members for the Friends of Coal. Most importantly, however, was the dialogue generated and, in many cases, the education provided, on the vital role the coal industry plays in West Virginia."
One employee signed up more than 260 individuals, Walker said.
The drive by Walker Machinery has led to several other West Virginia employers holding their own Friends of Coal membership drives, he said.
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