Last week, Association member Brickstreet Insurance received notification that the company has earned a rating of A- from A.M. Best Company.

A.M. Best is a full-service credit rating organization, which serves the financial services industry and focuses on the insurance sector. Policyholders and depositors refer to the organization’s ratings and analyses to help assess the financial strength and creditworthiness of risk-bearing entities and investment vehicles.

According to BrickStreet President and CEO Greg Burton, A.M. Best cited the company’s robust surplus, reserving methodology, investment strategy, loss control policies and procedures as key features that made the A- rating possible. BrickStreet’s rating places the company among the most financially-secure insurance providers in the nation and indicates it has excellent ability to meet its ongoing insurance obligations.

It is tournament time again and we are looking for FOC members who would like to award trophies at the different functions listed below.  If you have an interest or plan to attend one or more of these tournaments and would like to award trophies please give the Association a call so that we can coordinate with WVSSAC.

February 18 – Swimming in Morgantown

February 26 – Wrestling in Huntington

March 12 – Girls’ Basketball in Charleston

In his presentation to last week’s WV Coal’s Mining Symposium in Charleston, Senator Joe Manchin discussed his “maiden speech” on the floor of the United States Senate.  The full text of Senator Manchin’s speech, made last Thursday, is included below.

Presented on the floor of the United States Senate, Washington, DC on Thursday, February 3, 2011.

Madam President, it is my great honor today to speak on the floor for the first time as a United States Senator.

I am truly humbled by this auspicious occasion and the enormous privilege to serve the greatest people in America - the people of West Virginia.

Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito, R.W.Va., released the following statement announcing the re-launch of the Congressional Coal Caucus in the 112th Congress.  Capito was joined by Reps. Altmire, Holden, Shimkus, Rehberg and Costello as co-chairs.

By Mike Ruben
State Journal

CHARLESTON -- Freshman Congressman David McKinley, R-W.Va., assured coal industry leaders he will be their voice in Washington, D.C., and will take on the Environmental Protection Agency.