Local Companies Take Awards for Community Involvement & Safety
This is the second in a series of reports regarding the Miners’ Celebration event held at Tamarack last week. Miners, community members and others connected with the state’s coal mining industry gathered at the Celebration, which included a gala reception and dinner to celebrate the past, present and future of West Virginia’s coal mining enterprise. The annual event serves to recognize those who play a role in the success of the state’s mining enterprise.
The”Because of You” Award honors West Virginia’s coalfields heritage in a number of categories. This year’s winners included the following members: Alpha Natural Resources’ Coal River East Business Unit for The Community Involvement Award; and Pinnacle Mining Company’s Blue Mine Rescue Team for the Safety Professional Award.
“Every person who works in the industry — whether they are a safety engineer, miner, environmental professional or equipment supplier — contributes to each ton of coal produced, as do countless community leaders, educators and mining families,” said Tony Szwilski, chairman of the event planning committee and director of Marshall University’s Center for Environmental, Geotechnical and Applied Sciences.
“What’s really special about this event is that our planning committee is made up of people and organizations from across the spectrum — from industry, education, business, labor and our local communities. Everyone comes together to honor and recognize the contributions of everyone involved and to spotlight the region’s long history in mining.”
“Marshall is very invested in this event,” President Stephen Kopp said. “It’s a celebration of life and a lifestyle that is so important to this nation. We’re celebrating the heritage that has defined West Virginia in many ways. If you think back to the days of the Industrial Revolution, the path of the miner was the path to revolution. Coal has served us through two world wars. We often take it for granted. We often find many parts of the world are unreliable when it comes to electricity. That’s what most of the world deals with. We’re very blessed to have coal and coal miners.”
The Miners’ Celebration is a cooperative project of the Center for Environmental, Geotechnical and Applied Sciences at Marshall University; the National Coal Heritage Area; Strategic Solutions LLC; the United Mine Workers of America; the West Virginia Coal Association; and the West Virginia Division of Energy, Office of Coalfield Community Development. For more information about the Miners’ Celebration, visit www.marshall.edu/cegas/events/mcc.