Coal Bits: August 8, 2008-- Members of the West Virginia Coal Association unanimously elected Jim Bunn of Southern WV Resources as their new chairman of the board of directors at the Association’s annual meeting last week. Bunn succeeds Andrew Jordon of Pritchard Mining who completed two successful terms as the group’s chairman.
This will be Bunn’s second time leading the largest state coal mining association in the country. He previously led the organization for two terms from 2002-2004 during which time he initiated the familiar Friends of Coal campaign to bring attention to the positive accomplishments and aspects of the coal industry and its people on the State of West Virginia.
In comments to the membership following his election, Bunn said it is critical that we continue to “play offense” emphasizing the importance of providing energy to the nation and the world. Our people are our greatest asset and they are truly the “best practicing environmentalists” in the world. What they do everyday, mining West Virginia coal, is essential to America’s security.
Jordon, who was serving his second term in office, said he was so proud of having served the State’s leading industry over the past two years and it was an absolute honor to have had the opportunity. The membership paid tribute to Jordon and his family at the Annual Meeting’s closing banquet.
In addition to Bunn and Jordon, who will continue as a member of the Association’s executive committee and the Board of Directors, the Board elected the following officers for 2008-2009.
• 1st Vice-Chairman--- Kevin Crutchfield (Alpha Natural Resources, LLC)
• 2nd Vice-Chairman--- Gary White (International Resource Partners, LP)
• Secretary--- Ben Hatfield (ICG)
• Assistant Secretary--- John Snider (Arch Coal)
• Treasurer--- Paul Vining (Patriot Coal)
• Assistant Treasurer--- Jim Laurita (MEPCO)
• Associate Division Chairman---Dan Pochick (Rish Equipment)
• Member at Large (Executive Committee)-General Membership -- Pete Lilly (CONSOL Energy)
• Member at Large (Executive Committee)-General Membership -- Warren Hylton (Patience Coal)
• Member at Large (Executive Committee)-Associate Membership -- Steve Walker (Walker Machinery)
In addition to the officers, the following members were elected and/or re-elected to the Board of Directors.
Mark Schuerger Riverton Coal Production (Foundation Coal)
Wayne Stanley Stanley Industries
Ken Woodring Trinity Coal
Drexel Short Gatling LLC
Greg Jessee Arcelor Mittal WV
Ralph Hamilton Rudd Equipment
Danny Smith Pocahontas Land
The membership also welcomed the following new members into the Association:
General/Producing Members: Arcelor Mittal of West Virginia with Greg Jessee as their representative and Jim Bunn’s newly formed Southern West Virginia Resources.
Associate Members are: Allen Guthrie McHugh & Thomas, PLLC (David Hardy); Boxley (Jeff Perkins); Constellation Energy (Maggy Powell); E3 Consulting, LLC (Frank Kirby); and Jennmar Corporation (Tony Calandra).