Members of the West Virginia Coal Association re-elected MEPCO’s Jim Laurita as chairman of the board of directors at the Association’s annual meeting in White Sulphur Springs last week.
In comments to the organization, Laurita said “stiff challenges remain ahead for the industry, both in West Virginia and the nation”, but he remains confident that coal will continue to play the central role in meeting our nation’s energy needs.
“There is no question, we are faced with some difficult challenges,” Laurita said. “But our coal and the people who mine it are the best in the world. The rest of the world knows the value of coal – and of West Virginia coal specifically – and I firmly believe our future is what we make it.”
In addition to Laurita, Association members elected the following officers to the executive committee for 2013-2014. (Terms ending August 2014)
Immediate Past Chairman – Gary White (James River Coal)
1st Vice-Chairman--- Kevin Crutchfield (Alpha Natural Resources)
2nd Vice-Chairman--- Jimmy Brock (Consol Energy)
Secretary--- Charles Snavely (Arch Coal)
Treasurer--- Andrew Jordon (Pritchard Mining)
Asst. Treasurer--- Ben Hatfield (Patriot Coal)
Associate Division Chairman – Tim McLean (Walker Machinery)
Member at Large, General Membership – Jimmy Bunn (Coal River Energy)
Member at Large, General Membership – Warren Hylton (Patience Coal)
Member at Large, Associate Membership – Pat Graney (Pilot Logistical Services)
Bill Raney remains as WVCA president and is joined by Chris Hamilton as senior vice president and Jason Bostic as vice president.
The following members were re-elected to the board of directors for three-year terms.
General Members: Jim Bunn II (Blue Creek Processing); Kevin Crutchfield (Alpha Natural Resources); Ben Hatfield (Patriot Coal); Andrew Jordon (Pritchard Mining); Dave Thomas (Alliance Coal); Dave Webb (Cliffs Natural Resources); Gary White (James River Energy)
Associate Members: Nick Carter (Natural Resource Partners); Chris Supcoe (Crown Hill Equipment); and, Wayne Thomas (Joy Mining Machinery).Congratulations to the re-elected Board members and officers as we appreciate their continued service to the Association and our industry.
The Board of Directors also approved Sanshell Products of Oak Hill, WV as a new Associate Member and L.P. Minerals of Morgantown as a new General Member of the Association. We welcome Sam Jasper and Gerald Peacock, respectively, and their great companies into the West Virginia Coal family and appreciate their confidence and support. We look forward to working with them in advancing our industry.