Charleston, WV (Aug. 15, 2013) –  According to information released by the West Virginia Division of Commerce in February, West Virginia coal exports grew by 40 percent last year, increasing from $5.3 billion in 2011 to $7.4 billion in 2012.  West Virginia coal accounted for 49 percent of U.S. coal exports in 2012.

The West Virginia Coal Forum – an organization representing both labor and management in the coal industry – and co-host West Liberty University will conduct a meeting to discuss the significance of coal exports to our state and national economies from 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 15 at West Liberty University’s Highland Energy Center, located in Triadelphia, West Virginia (near the Cabela’s retail store).
A variety of state experts and policy leaders will speak at the event, to include:
Seating is limited and reservations are required.  To make a reservation please email Joel L. Watts at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• Senator Jeff Kessler, President of the WV Senate
• Robin Capehart, President, West Liberty University
• Jeff Herholdt, Director, WV Division of Energy
• Michael Zervos, CEO, United Coal
• Bill Raney, President, WV Coal Association
• Chris Hamilton, Vice-President, WV Coal Association & Co-Chair, WV Coal Forum
• Fred Tucker, UMWA, Co-Chair, WV Coal Forum

Stakeholders in West Virginia’s mining economy – industry leaders, mining personnel, association representatives, local legislators and policy leaders – are encouraged to attend.

For additional information, contact the West Virginia Coal Forum at (304) 957-2306.