September 2010 Open for Business report released

    CHARLESTON – Gov. Joe Manchin has released the latest “Open for Business” report documenting the state’s economic progress. The September 2010 report highlights projects and related announcements from businesses both large and small that will assist with the creation of new jobs and the preservation of existing jobs.

Eight West Virginia firms among Inc.’s 5,000 Fastest Growing
Inc. magazine’s fourth annual list of the top 5,000 fastest growing private companies includes eight from West Virginia. They are Cenergy (#392), in Milton, Cabell County; HMS Technologies (#638), in Martinsburg, Berkeley County; The McEvoy Administration (#764), in Inwood, Berkeley County; McKinley Carter Wealth Services (#1508), headquartered in Wheeling, Ohio County; Reliable Environmental Transport (#2426), in Bridgeport, Harrison County; Performance Results (#2642), in Morgantown, Monongalia County; KeyLogic Systems (#2715), in Morgantown, Monongalia County; and Advanced Technical Solutions (#3236), in Scott Depot, Putnam County.

Frontier Communications reports 250 jobs available in West Virginia
Frontier Communications announced it has about 250 jobs available in West Virginia. Most of the posted jobs are for technicians, but also include some sales and other support positions. Some positions specify terms such as up to 36 months; others are listed as full-time/regular. The openings appear in various locations across the state. Frontier purchased Verizon's land line telephone operations July 1. For more information, visithttp://corporate.frontier.com/Careers.

Hino Motors unveils 2011 model trucks at Wood County plant
Hino Motors Manufacturing USA Inc. brought out its 2011-model line of trucks with a celebration at its Williamstown plant. Gov. Joe Manchin joined other state and national officials as well as company executives at the Aug. 23 ceremony. The event heralded the commercial sales of the new 2011 model truck. The new Hino truck has a selective catalytic reduction system which converts much of the truck’s diesel emissions to nitrogen. The new model is the only medium duty conventional truck that meets Environmental Protection Agency requirements for diesel engine emissions.

West Virginia exports climb nearly 40 percent in first half of 2010
West Virginia’s exports reached $3 billion in the first half of 2010, an increase of 39.5 percent compared to the same time period in 2009. That outpaces the U.S. export growth rate of 23.8 percent for the same period. The top 10 markets for West Virginia exports during January-June 2010 are Canada, Japan, India, Brazil, China, Netherlands, Belgium, United Kingdom, Italy and France. The product sector that achieved the biggest growth spurt was plastics/polymers, jumping more than 70 percent from the first half of 2009 to the same period in 2010. Increases were also reported in automotive components and machinery (63 percent each). The International Division of the West Virginia Development Office facilitates international trade development by organizing trade missions, providing consulting and offering other services to encourage West Virginia businesses to pursue export markets.

Paramount Pictures schedules Sept. 3-4 casting calls for film in Weirton area
Paramount Pictures announced it plans to shoot footage for a film titled “Wickham” in Weirton and surrounding areas from late September to mid-October. Casting calls for extras will be held starting at 6:30 p.m., Sept. 3, at the Jimmy Carey Stadium on West Street in Weirton; and on Sept. 4,at the Millsop Community Center, 3420 Main Street, Weirton, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Prospective extras may apply only once and at only one casting call. Paramount is participating in the West Virginia Film Industry Investment Act, a tax credit program designed to recruit film industry business into the state. The West Virginia Film Office is a section under the West Virginia Department of Commerce, Division of Tourism, and can be visited at www.wvfilm.com.

Statewide symposium examines science and sustainable economy, Sept. 27-28
Registration is now underway for the Science, Technology and Research Symposium at Marshall University. Held Sept. 27-28, the symposium will focus on West Virginia-based research and the importance of sustainable, technology-driven economic development. Held in Huntington for the first time, the symposium will showcase the work of the state’s scientists. To register, contact jessica.tice@wvresearch.org or call 304-558-4128.

Distributor plans $2 million warehouse expansion in Wayne County
House-Hasson Hardware plans a $2 million expansion to its warehouse in Prichard. The 100,000-square-foot addition will include new truck dock areas and improvements to the heating system. When the expansion is completed in January 2011, the facility will total 300,000 square feet. Based in Tennessee, House-Hasson is an independent regional hardware distributor serving 17 states, the Caribbean basin and several countries.

NASA IV&V to expand space for work force in Fairmont’s I-79 Technology Park
NASA’s Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) Program plans to lease additional office space in the I-79 Technology Park in Fairmont. The agency recently received approval to lease 33,380 square feet of office and related space. NASA IV&V was one of the original tenants in the Technology Park nearly 20 years ago. As the program grew, many contractors had to be located off site. The leased space will allow NASA to bring 135 members of the combined work force into one building this fall. The original facility will continue to serve many NASA civil-service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Army project and contractor personnel.

MITRE opens office in Harrison County
The MITRE Corporation officially opened its office in Bridgeport with a ribbon cutting ceremony in August. The site is located in the White Oaks Business Park and houses 10 technical and administrative staff. MITRE had operated in a temporary office in Clarksburg since 2008. MITRE is a not-for-profit organization that provides systems engineering, research and development, and information technology support to the government. It operates federally funded research and development centers for the Department of Defense, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Internal Revenue Service and Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Homeland Security.

Simonton Windows® Takes Top Honors in Two J.D. Power Rankings
For the third consecutive time, Simonton Windows® has ranked highest in the J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Builder and Remodeler Residential Window and Patio Door Satisfaction StudySM. Simonton Windows also captured the highest rating by consumers in the J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Windows and Patio Doors Satisfaction StudySM. Simonton Windows is part of the home and security business of Fortune Brands, Inc. Simonton Windows produces ENERGY STAR® qualified replacement and new construction windows and doors, including a line of impact-resistant products. Based in Parkersburg, Wood County, Simonton operates seven manufacturing facilities nationwide, including three in Ritchie County.

RCBI marks 20th anniversary in tech training and manufacturing
The Robert C. Byrd Institute for Advanced Flexible Manufacturing (RCBI) celebrated its 20th anniversary with an open house and graduation ceremony in Bridgeport. For the first time, the RCBI Machinist Technology Program graduation combined students from RCBI courses in Bridgeport, Huntington, Wheeling and Rocket Center. Graduates received National Certifications from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills. The open house featured seminars, demonstrations and technology displays from machine tool vendors and equipment suppliers from across the region. The current RCBI class started courses on Aug. 23 in Huntington, Bridgeport, Rocket Center and Wheeling.

WVU receives $6.5 million grant for study to detect gravitational waves
West Virginia University has received a $6.5 million grant to establish an international team to research gravitational waves. The grant was awarded by the National Science Foundation’s Office of International Science and Engineering and the Division of Astronomical Sciences as part of the Partnerships for International Research and Education program. The gravitational waves are a key prediction of Albert Einstein’s theory of general relativity but have not yet been directly detected. The international team will use a series of radio telescopes around the world, including those in Green Bank, W.Va., to observe signals from pulsars over several years. This effort will enable the scientists to directly test for the existence of gravitational waves. According to the project’s principal investigator, WVU’s Maura McLaughlin, the direct detection of gravitational waves could enable studies of black holes within massive galaxies and the space-time dynamics of early stages of the universe.

WVEDA approves $2.2 million for three businesses in Harrison and Monongalia counties
The West Virginia Economic Development Authority (WVEDA) approved loans totaling $2,259,000 for three businesses during its August meeting:
• Mid Atlantic Aerospace Complex, $700,000 to finance the acquisition of a hanger/warehouse facility at Benedum Airport, Bridgeport, Harrison County. The facility will be leased to Aurora Flight Sciences. Mid Atlantic Aerospace Complex is a non-profit economic development organization that promotes the aerospace industry in West Virginia. Aurora Flight Sciences develops, markets and operates a new generation of robotic aircraft. Currently, Aurora Flight Sciences employs 108 people and projects an increase to 139 after three years.
• Protea Biosciences Inc., $900,000 to purchase and install analytical testing equipment at its facility in Morgantown, Monongalia County. Protea develops new technologies that improve direct analysis of proteins and other biomolecules. Currently the firm has 34 employees and expects to expand to 71 posts — nine of which would be directly related to this expansion project – after three years.
• White Oaks Professional Building One Inc., $659,000 to finance a new building in Clarksburg, Harrison County. The building will be leased as the headquarters of EQT Corporation an oil and gas exploration firm. The building will serve as the headquarters for EQT geologists and field personnel working in the Marcellus Shale formation.

State releases list of West Virginia's Top 100 private employers - Wal-Mart remains No. 1

    CHARLESTON — WorkForce West Virginia’s list of the 100 largest private employers, compiled from data for the first quarter 2010, ranks retail giant Wal-Mart as the state’s largest employer. Wal-Mart has maintained this position since 1998.

    The list, released today, contains businesses with both single and multiple locations and ranks companies according to the number of employees. The data are extracted from the Quarterly Contributions Report for the first quarter of each year and are available to the public by the third quarter of each year.

    West Virginia’s top five largest private employers are Wal-Mart, West Virginia United Health System, Charleston Area Medical Center, Kroger, and American Electric Power, all unchanged from 2009.

    Several employers in the top 10 have shifted positions, and two employers not found in the top 10 last year now make an appearance. These new additions are Res-Care, Inc. and Mylan Pharmaceuticals.

    The top 10 employers in total had 143 fewer employees in the past year, faring well when compared to the total for all private sector employment in the state which declined nearly 17,000 from the first quarter 2009 to the first quarter 2010. The sum employment of the top 100 employers declined by just over 4,400 from March 2009. Analysis of all private employers by size indicated all size groups except the group employing 500 to 999 people lost both units and employment over the past year.

    Just over one-half of employers on the top 100 list climbed in rank, while nearly a quarter of businesses descended in rank. Six employers not present on last year’s top 100 made their appearance on this year’s list.

    This list was prepared from information provided by employers covered under the unemployment compensation insurance system, through the federal/state Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages Program conducted in West Virginia by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor and the Research, Information and Analysis Division of WorkForce West Virginia.

    The lists for the state and counties for each year since 1999 and workforce investment areas since 2002 can be found on the website: www.workforcewv.org/lmi or by contacting the Research, Information and Analysis Division at 304.558.2660.

The 2010 Top 100 list

1. Wal-Mart Associates, Inc.
2. West Virginia United Health System
3. Charleston Area Medical Center, Inc.
4. Kroger
5. American Electric Power
6. Consolidation Coal Company
7. Lowe's Home Centers, Inc.
8. St. Mary's Hospital
9. Res-Care, Inc.
10. Mylan Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
11. Cabell Huntington Hospital, Inc.
12. Wheeling Hospital, Inc.
13. Pilgrim's Pride Corporation of West Virginia
14. Mentor Management, Inc. (Mentor Network, The)
15. Verizon
16. E I DuPont De Nemours & Company
17. Rite Aid of West Virginia, Inc.
18. Allegheny Energy Service Corporation
19. West Virginia University Medical Co. (University Health Associates)
20. Bob Evans Farms, Inc.
21. Mountaineer Park, Inc.
22. Alliant Techsystems, Inc.
23. Camden-Clark Memorial Hospital
24. Monongalia General Hospital
25. West Virginia's Choice, Inc.
26. K Mart Corporation
27. Aker Construction, Inc.
28. DOLGENCORP, Inc. (Dollar General Stores)
29. Herbert J Thomas Memorial Hospital Association
30. Greenbrier Hotel Corporation
31. BB&T Corporation
32. PNGI Charles Town Gaming, Ltd.
33. GMRI, Inc.
34. Go-Mart, Inc. 34 43 44
35. Teletech Customer Care Management (West Virginia), Inc.
36. Raleigh General Hospital, LLC
37. Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
38. Dominion Transmission, Inc. 3
39. Spartan Mining Company
40. Hobet Mining, LLC
41. Employee Resource Group, LLC
42. Cabela's, Inc.
43. Toyota Motor Manufacturing, West Virginia, Inc.
44. Elk Run Coal Company, Inc. (Black Castle Mining Company)
45. Alcan Rolled Products
46. Weirton Medical Center
47. Eastern Associated Coal Corporation
48. Heartland Employment Services, LLC
49. United Parcel Service Inc. (WV District)
50. Wheeling Island Gaming, Inc.
51. J C Penney Company, Inc.
52. Asplundh Tree Expert Company
53. Simonton Building Products, Inc.
54. Little General Store, Inc.
55. Highmark West Virginia, Inc. (Mountain State Blue Cross and Blue Shield)
56. Ohio Valley Medical Center, Inc.
57. Wesbanco Bank, Inc.
58. Gino's/Tudors Biscuit World
59. Homer Laughlin China Company
60. Huntington Alloys Corporation
61. ArcelorMittal Weirton, Inc.
62. Acordia/Wells Fargo Third Party Administrator, Inc.
63. Food Lion, LLC
64. Gabriel Brothers, Inc.
65. United National Bank
66. Bluefield Regional Medical Center, Inc.
67. Sears, Roebuck and Company
68. Prestera Center for Mental Health Services
69. McDonalds Restaurants of West Virginia, Inc.
70. Advance Stores Company, Inc.
71. Snowshoe Mountain, Inc.
72. Appalachian Regional Healthcare
73. Alex Energy, Inc. (Intrepid Mining Company)
74.  GC Services Limited Partnership
75. TRG Customer Solutions
76. City National Bank of Charleston
77. Sunhealth Specialty Services, Inc.
78. St. Joseph's Healthcare System (St. Joseph's Hospital)
79. DirectTV Customer Service, Inc.
80. Charleston Hospital, Inc. (Saint Francis Hospital)
81. Pleasant Valley Hospital, Inc.
82. Universal Cable Holdings/Suddenlink
83. Quad/Graphics, Inc.
84. Alcon Research, Ltd
85. Mountain State University, Inc.
86. Logan General Hospital, LLC
87. Owner's Solution, Inc. (Personnel Management Company)
88. Echosphere, LLC
89. Davis Memorial Hospital
90. Capital Area Services Company, Inc. (CASCI)
91. Target Corporation
92. Armstrong Hardwood Flooring Company
93. Babcock & Wilcox Construction Company, Inc.
94. University Physicians & Surgeons
95. Wendy's International, Inc.
96. OS Restaurant Services, Inc. (Outback Steakhouse)
97.  Speedway Superamerica, LLC
98. American Woodmark Corporation
99. Racing Corporation of West Virginia
100. Global Contact Services, LLC 100 91 89

West Virginia coal supporters taking message to Washington Sept. 15

    CHARLESTON – The West Virginia Coal Association, Citizens for Coal, the Federation for American Coal, Energy and Security (FACES of Coal), as well as several allied citizen and coal advocacy groups, will participate in a press conference and gathering held on Sept. 15 on the grounds of the United States Capitol. 

    The gathering will celebrate the American Coal Miner and the contribution coal and coal mining makes to our nation’s energy security and economic stability. Current regulatory challenges, coupled with ill-informed public opinion and damaging legislation are threatening the viability of coal mining throughout the United States and particularly in West Virginia.

    “We plan to highlight the critically important role of the American coal miner and to call on lawmakers and administration officials to discontinue efforts to regulate the coal industry – and the hundreds of thousands of jobs it provides – out of business,” said Chris Hamilton, senior vice president of the West Virginia Coal Association and co-chair of the Mountaintop Mine Coalition. “West Virginia’s congressional delegation understands the importance of coal to our local economies and national energy plan, but many federal legislators and bureaucrats do not.”

    A recent study by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee’s Minority Staff highlighted the economic effect of the Environmental Protection Agency’s ongoing moratorium on coal mining permits in Central Appalachia. According to the study, nearly 18,000 new and existing jobs and more than 80 small businesses are being jeopardized by the unlawful policy the EPA and the Corps have applied to the 190 permits still awaiting action in mid-May.

    “In Appalachia, we mine one-third of the nation’s coal and are responsible for nearly two-thirds of American coal-related jobs,” Hamilton said.

    Bryan Brown, West Virginia coordinator for the FACES of Coal campaign, said, “We need Congress to understand the vital role coal plays in America and its economic impact in West Virginia. Selective regulation that only impacts coal mining in Appalachia, like unattainable water quality standards and biased legislation like the Cardin-Alexander Bill, will cripple our regional economy and increase the use of foreign energy sources. We need the public to join us in Washington, DC to send this message loud and clear.”

    The gathering celebrating the American coal miner is being held on September 15, 2010 at Russell Park on Capitol Hill. The event begins at 9:30 am with supporters attending from West Virginia, Kentucky, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Ohio. Anyone interested in attending the rally or joining the bus caravan is asked to call the West Virginia Coal Association at (304) 342-4153.

Energy Symposium set for Nov. 9 in Huntington

    HUNTINGTON — The Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce’s 6th Annual Energy & Natural Resource Symposium, presented by Natural Resource Partners L.P., will be presented on Tuesday, Nov. 9, at the new MU Foundation Hall, Home of the Erickson Alumni Center. The event will be held from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. with a reception following from 5 to 6 p.m.

    The keynote speaker will be Hal Quinn, president of the National Mining Association. In this role, he is involved with the key energy and environmental issues affecting coal and its use in electricity generation. His career has also included roles with the Interior Department and the Labor Department. He is a graduate of Denison University and the law school at Wake Forest University.

    This annual event addresses energy and natural resource issues which impact the business community. Corporate tables of six are available for $200; Individual tickets are $50. Additional speakers will be announced soon. To make your reservation, contact the Huntington Chamber at (304) 525-5131.

Eight West Virginia Companies among Inc.'s 5,000 fastest growing

    NEW YORK — Inc. magazine this week announced its fourth annual Inc. 5000, an exclusive ranking of the nation's fastest-growing private companies. The list represents the most comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economy—America’s independent-minded entrepreneurs. Music website Pandora, convenience store chain 7-Eleven, Brooklyn Brewery, and Radio Flyer, maker of the iconic children’s red wagon, are among the prominent brands featured on this year’s list.

    In addition, eight West Virginia based companies were named to the Inc. 5000 list. 

    They are:

    • No. 392  Cenergy with a 3-year growth rate of 750 percent and revenue of $12 million;

    • No. 638  HMS Technologies with a 3-year growth rate of 477 percent and revenue of $31.2 million;

    • No. 764 The McEvoy Administration with a 3-year growth rate of 400 percent and revenue of $2.1 million;

    • No. 1508  McKinley Carter Wealth Services with a 3-year growth rate of 190 percent and revenue of $2.8 million;

    • No. 2426  Reliable Environmental Transport  with a 3-year growth rate of 101 percent and revenue of $7.1 million;

    • No. 2642  Performance Results with a 3-year growth rate of 88 percent and revenue of 13.8 million;

    • No. 2715  KeyLogic Systems with a 3-year growth rate of 84 percent and revenue of 16.1 million;

    • No. 3236  Advanced Technical Solutions  with a 3-year growth rate of 60 percent and revenue of $8 million.

    Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found at www.inc.com/5000 . 

The Hottest Regions for Fast-Growing Companies
Once again, California tops the Inc. 5000 with the most companies of any state with 684. The Golden State is followed by Texas (404), New York (353), Virginia (293), and Florida (262). All 50 states, plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, are represented on this year's list.

New York boasts 410 Inc. 5000 companies, making it the top metro area, followed by Washington, D.C. (363), Los Angeles (262), Chicago (203), and Boston (189).

The Inc. 5000 at a Glance
The Real Estate sector, although small, was the top-performing industry, with a total growth rate of 189 percent. Software was second with a growth rate of 126 percent, and Telecommunications was third with 119 percent.

In total, the companies on the Inc. 5000 have created 1.4 million jobs. The Health sector is the top employer with 287,726 jobs, followed by Business Products & Services (230,066), Food & Beverage (108,344), Human Resources (107,924), and Retail (96,858).

Business Products & Services had the most companies on this year’s list with 640, followed by IT Services (607), Advertising & Marketing (410), Health (396), and Government Services (336).

This year’s fastest-growing company is Ambit Energy, a Dallas-based firm that buys electricity and natural gas at wholesale prices and resells the energy to customers acquired through a direct sales channel. The company saw $325 million in revenue in 2009 and a three-year growth rate of 20,369 percent.

The top woman-run company is Lexicon Consulting (No. 4 overall), based in El Cajon, California. Lexicon creates mock Iraqi and Afghan villages used to train military personnel. The firm, founded by Jamie Arundell-Latshaw in 2005, recorded revenue of $17.9 million in 2009 and a three-year growth rate of 14,018 percent. The top minority-run company is WDFA Marketing (No. 5 overall), a San Francisco–based firm that specializes in guerrilla, grass-roots, and micromarketing. WDFA, founded by Raj Prasad, posted revenue of $38.4 million in 2008 and a three-year growth rate of 13,350 percent.

The Inc. 5000 posted an aggregate revenue of $321.6 billion in 2009, up more than 50 percent from the previous year. The top five industries by total revenue are Business Products & Services ($84.7 billion), Health ($48.3 billion), Consumer Products & Services ($26.4 billion), Retail ($22.3 billion), and Government Services ($15.1 billion).


Methodology
The 2010 Inc. 500|5000 is ranked according to percentage revenue growth when comparing 2006 to 2009. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by June 30, 2006. Additionally, they had to be based in the United States, privately held, for profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2009. (Since then, a number of companies on the list have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2006 is $80,000; the minimum for 2009 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. The top 10 percent of companies on the list constitute the Inc. 500, now in its 29th year.

West Virginia Made Trade Show to be held in Morgantown Sept. 10-11

    MORGANTOWN – The first West Virginia Made tradeshow will be held at the Lakeview Resort in Morgantown, Sept. 10–11. The trade show will bring together West Virginia artisans and gourmet food producers with retailers and wholesalers from around the state. Approximately 50 vendors will be in attendance to display and sell their West Virginia made products.

    Friday, Sept. 10 is reserved solely for wholesale buyers and is open from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. Saturday is open to wholesaler buyers and the general public from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. and will be a great opportunity for retailers and the general public to pick up some of the finest West Virginia made products just in time for the Holiday shopping season.

    West Virginia Made is a trade association that was created in response to a growing demand from West Virginia artists and gourmet food producers in need of a central place to collaborate, network, and to promote their goods. West Virginia State University Extension Service and Preservation Alliance of West Virginia answered the call with support of an organization that will nurture collaboration and meet the business needs of full-time artists and producers.

    In addition to the trade show, West Virginia Made provides an association website that helps members connect. The association also offers member services to enhance business skills including workshops and webinars. Possible webinar topics include marketing, pricing, merchandising, product development and other networking opportunities. 

    For further details about WV Made and the WV Made Tradeshow schedule, please visit www.wvmade.org .

SBA to host webinar on Doing Business with the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection

    CLARKSBURG – The U.S. Small Business Administration is hosting a FREE webinar on “Doing Business with the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)” on Thursday, Sept. 30,  from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. 

    The DEP needs qualified contractors, especially minority and women-owned small businesses, to fulfill their various contracting opportunities throughout the state.

    Jamie Lenore Chambers, accountant/auditor for the WV DEP’s grant management section, will be presenting an overview of state purchasing procedures and providing tips on how to navigate through the states contracting process.

    The webinar is one in a series of free small business clinics and webinars for small businesses.

    Upcoming sessions include:

    · Small Business Loans: No Hype, Just the Facts Clinic, Charleston, September 16, 2010

    · LLC v. S-Corporation: Which is Right for You? Webinar, September 21, 2010

    · Marketing to Federal Agencies Webinar, September 23, 2010

    · Taxes v. Liability: Business Legal Organizations Explained Clinic, Charleston, October 14, 2010

     · Small Business Taxes from A to Z webinar, October 19, 2010

    · Marketing to Prime Contractors webinar, October 21, 2010

    Registration for all the above clinics and webinars can be made online at www.wvscore.org .

Statewide technology conference to feature presidents of Marshall, WVU

    HUNTINGTON – TechConnect West Virginia (www.techconnectwv.org ), in partnership with Verizon West Virginia, Marshall University and West Virginia University, will bring together policy and opinion leaders, researchers and entrepreneurs, economic developers and others to discuss and develop strategies for growing our state's technology economy. Featured speakers include Dr. James P. Clements, President of West Virginia University, and Dr. Stephen J. Kopp, President of Marshall University.

    The event will be held from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 7, at Foundation Hall on the campus of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia.

    “West Virginia has the potential to significantly grow its technology economy, and in doing so, create jobs and economic diversity for state residents,” said Kevin DiGregorio, Executive Director of TechConnect West Virginia. “The purpose of this event is to inform state leaders on what is taking place across the state in this sector and to identify what needs to be done to spur growth.”

    DiGregorio said the event will feature presentations by the presidents of both Marshall University and West Virginia University on the role of universities as the foundation for technology growth in their state. Paul Hill, Vice Chancellor for Science & Research with the WV Higher Education Policy Commission, will speak to the need for facilities in the tech field and specifically discuss the WV Education, Research & Technology Park in South Charleston. Additionally, panel segments, featuring experts and technology business owners from around the state, will focus on access to capital, entrepreneurial assistance and entrepreneurial talent. The panels will be moderated by Kelley Goes, Secretary of the WV Division of Commerce, and John Golden, Director of External Affairs for Verizon WV.

    TechConnect West Virginia is a 501(c)3 non-profit coalition of public and private partners dedicated to growing and diversifying West Virginia’s economy by boosting the state’s technology economy. The organization serves as a forum and facilitator to spur collaboration within West Virginia’s technology community, bringing the assets of statewide entities to the table to spur technology commercialization and stimulate the creation of tech-based companies and jobs. The organization is a partner of Vision Shared.

    For additional information,  visit the organization’s website at www.techconnectwv.org .

Half of state counties report drop in unemployment in July

    CHARLESTON — West Virginia's unemployment rate remained at 8.6 percent in July 2010. Approximately one-half of all counties reported a declining unemployment rate. 

    The number of counties recording an unemployment rate considered much worse than average when compared to the state rate rose slightly. This group included Brooke (13.3), Hancock (13.7), Clay (13.8), and Mason (14.5).

    The number of counties recording an unemployment rate considered better than average when compared to the state rate nearly quadrupled. This group included Harrison (7.2), Lewis (7.2), Putnam (7.2), Boone (7.1), Doddridge (7.1), Marion (7.1), Preston (7.0),  Gilmer (6.8), Pendleton (6.8), Monroe (6.5), and Jefferson (6.3). 

    Once again, Monongalia (5.1) was the sole county reporting an unemployment rate considered much better than average when compared to the state rate.

Small Business Development Center to host small business startup workshop

    CHARLESTON – The West Virginia Small Business Development Center (WVSBDC) will offer a small business startup workshop from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sept. 14. 

    The training will be at the Kanawha Valley Community and Technical College Workforce Division in the Schoenbaum Center at 1701 5th Ave. in Charleston. 

    WVSBDC business coach Anne Lane will advise participants on the aspects of starting a business, including startup issues, legal structure, licensing, business planning, budgeting and financing. There is no fee. Registration is required and is limited to 10 people. To register or for more information, call Dreama Wolfingbarger at 304-558-2960. 

    The West Virginia Small Business Development Centers are part of the West Virginia Development Office and work with colleges, universities and other host institutions to provide cost effective business coaching and technical assistance statewide. 

    The WVSBDC is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Call Dreama Wolfingbarger at 304-558-2960.

State exports up nearly 40 percent in first half of 2010

    CHARLESTON – During the first half of 2010, West Virginia’s exports climbed 39.5 percent compared to the same time period in 2009, according to figures released this week by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

    That outpaces the U.S. export growth rate of 23.8 percent for the same period.

    Figures from the U.S. Department of Commerce show West Virginia’s product exports reached $3 billion in the first half of 2010, up from $ $2.2 billion in 2009.

    “This positive sign for the economy is also a testament to the quality and world-class appeal of West Virginia goods and services,” said Gov. Joe Manchin. “The success we see today is a result of the long and successful collaboration among our state and federal agencies, businesses and work force.”

    “Expanding West Virginia businesses and selling our products and services in the global marketplace means a stronger economy and more private sector jobs right here at home,” said Senator Jay Rockefeller, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. “Since my days as governor, I've continually fought hard to promote West Virginia businesses internationally. In the Commerce Committee, we recently passed The Export Promotion Act of 2010 to give the Department of Commerce greater tools to help companies, especially small and rural businesses, expand their exports. I thank all of the hard working West Virginia businesses and the West Virginia Development Office for all they do to create more jobs and better opportunities to showcase West Virginia products to the world.”

    The top 10 markets for West Virginia exports during January-June 2010 are Canada, Japan, India, Brazil, China, Netherlands, Belgium, United Kingdom, Italy and France.

    The product sector that achieved the biggest growth spurt was plastics/polymers, jumping more than 70 percent from the first half of 2009 to the same period in 2010. Increases were also reported in automotive components and machinery (63 percent each); soap/wax/related chemicals (57 percent) and wood products (49 percent).

    The International Division of the West Virginia Development Office facilitates international trade development by organizing trade missions, providing consulting and offering other services to encourage West Virginia businesses to pursue export markets.

WVU College of Business and Economics welcomes new dean

    MORGANTOWN — Dr. Jose V. “Zito” Sartarelli, a successful pharmaceutical executive at three Fortune 500 companies, has officially assumed his new position as the Milan Puskar Dean of the College of Business and Economics at West Virginia University.

    A native of Brazil, Dr. Sartarelli comes to WVU from Johnson & Johnson, where he has served as pharmaceutical group chairman for Asia-Pacific, Japan and Latin America, overseeing a business of more than $3 billion in annual sales spread over more than 50 countries, supported by more than 9,000 employees.

    Previously he served at Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. as president of two international groups and senior vice president of franchise management, business analysis and planning.

    Dr. Sartarelli also held senior positions of increasing responsibilities in marketing and management at Eli Lilly and Co. in the U.S., Latin America, and Asia-Pacific. During his tenure with Lilly, he ran Asia-Pacific operations, directed international market planning activities and ran operations in Brazil and Chile.

    “We are entering a time of great change, great excitement and great energy at the WVU College of Business and Economics,” said Dr. Sartarelli. “It is our goal to lift the College and its students to new levels of academic standards, growth and success.”

    He added, “As with the positions I held prior to becoming dean of the College of Business and Economics, this job requires discipline. It will take a steadfast approach to lift all of us to a higher standard. Taking the College to the next level is a goal that has been set not only by the University administration and the entire College community, but it is also a personal goal.”

    Dr. Sartarelli was a member of the Council for the Americas through March of this year. Additionally, he has held numerous leadership positions in the pharmaceutical industry in several countries. He has served as chairman of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America International Steering Committee and other significant committee chairmanships such as those for Japan, Canada, Latin America and Asia-Pacific.

    Dr. Sartarelli received his bachelor of business administration in marketing from the São Paulo School of Business Administration (Fundação Getulio Vargas), São Paulo, Brazil. He earned his MBA in marketing under a Fulbright Scholarship, and his doctorate in business administration from Michigan State University.

    The WVU College of Business and Economics has 75 full time faculty, 1,066 undergraduate students and 323 graduate students. WVU has eight colleges on its main campus in Morgantown with an enrollment of 28,898.

State's Unemployment Rate remains at 8.6 percent in July

    CHARLESTON -- West Virginia’s unemployment rate remained at 8.6 percent in July, WorkForce West Virginia reported today. The number of unemployed state residents rose 500 to 68,000. Total unemployment was up 1,700 over the year.

    Total nonfarm payroll employment declined 4,500, where a loss of 4,800 in the service-providing sector easily overpowered a slight gain of 300 in the goods-producing sector. Within the goods-producing sector, gains of 200 in both manufacturing and mining and logging offset a decline of 100 in construction. Employment declines within the service-providing sector were fueled by the seasonal loss of 2,900 in government, almost entirely at the local level.

    Other losses included 600 in leisure and hospitality, 500 in trade, transportation, and utilities, 500 in professional and business services, 300 in other services, and 100 in educational and health services. Financial activities added 100 jobs, while information employment was unchanged over the month.

    Since July 2009, total nonfarm payroll employment has added 1,300 jobs, with a gain of 2,200 in the goods-producing sector overpowering a loss of 900 in the service-providing sector. Employment gains included 2,200 in educational and health services, 900 in manufacturing, 800 in construction, 600 in government, 500 in other services, and 500 in mining and logging. Employment declines included 2,400 in trade, transportation, and utilities, 600 in leisure and hospitality, 600 in financial activities, and 600 in professional and business services. Information employment was unchanged over the year.

    West Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate inched upward one-tenth of a percentage point to 8.6 percent, while the national rate remained at 9.5 percent.

State Department of Revenue Secretary to leave for job in the private sector

    CHARLESTON -- Gov. Joe Manchin today announced that Department of Revenue Secretary Virgil T. Helton will step down from his duties on Aug. 31. Helton has accepted a position with FAST Enterprises, a Colorado-based company.

    Helton served the Manchin administration from January 2005 to October 2007 as state tax commissioner for the West Virginia State Tax Division. Since October 2007, he served as cabinet secretary of the West Virginia Department of Revenue. Prior to 2005, Helton served as deputy director and chief financial officer of the West Virginia Lottery.

    John C. Musgrave, Lottery director, will replace Helton and serve as acting secretary of the Department of Revenue. As part of his new role, Musgrave will take over duties including serving as the state budget director, the Governor’s designee for the Investment Management Board, the Board of Treasury Investments, and chair of the Retail Liquor Licensing Board. Musgrave will continue to oversee the State Lottery along with the nine other Department of Revenue agencies.

    “I am very honored to have served West Virginia under the leadership of Governor Manchin,” Helton said. “Without Governor Manchin’s dedication to fiscal responsibility and direction, West Virginia would not be in the current, solid financial footing that the state currently enjoys. While I am proud of the work the Department of Revenue has been able to accomplish in these most challenging times, it is time for a new chapter of my life to begin.”

    The Department of Revenue is comprised of ten agencies: Alcohol Beverage Control Administration, State Athletic Commission, Division of Banking, State Budget Office, Lottery Commission, Municipal Bond Commission, Offices of the Insurance Commissioner, Office of Tax Appeals, Racing Commission and State Tax Division.

Lineup announced for Veterans Business Summit

    CLARKSBURG ─ Veterans looking for assistance starting a new business or growing an existing business have an extensive range of business topics to choose from during the Veterans Business Summit set for Tuesday, Sept. 14, at the I-79 Technology Park Research Center in Fairmont.

    The Summit’s agenda is packed with business related presentations ranging from financing for veterans to free business assistance programs. To participate in this FREE event you must be a veteran or, on active-duty military status or, a spouse of either. Providers of veteran services and the general public are also encouraged to attend.

    The event will open with William Elmore, associate administrator from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Veterans Business Development whose topic will be, “How Veterans Can Grow Their Business: Opportunities and Best Practices.” Following Elmore, three 45-minute tracts will be offered: “Veterans Doing Business with the Federal Government,” by Scott Denniston, a government contracting expert; “Patriot Express Business Loans for Vets,” by Terry Spears, an SBA banking officer with Community Trust Bank and Jim Epling from the WV Small Business Development Center (SBDC); and “Business Legal Structures Explained” by Chuck Smith, CPA from the renowned accounting firm Smith Cochran & Hicks, PLLC.

    West Virginia’s own Medal of Honor recipient Hershel “Woody” Williams will be the special guest at lunch.

    The Summit’s afternoon sessions will include the topics: “Legal Lessons for Federal Contractors,” by Roy Jones, Jr., from HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. “Small Business Lending: Facts v. Fiction,” with Stephanie Ellingson from Huntington National Bank; “Patriot Express Business Loans for Vets,” with Matt Coffey from BB&T and Tara Elder, Director of the WV Women’s Business & Training Center (WBC); “Business Concerns in Federal Contracting,” with Jonathan Elder, CPA with the accounting firm Toothman Rice, PLLC; “Strategic Business Planning,” with Harry Siegel, owner of HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. a successful Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business; and “Free Small Business Resources,” with representatives from SBA’s resource partner network--the Regional Contracting Assistance Center, SCORE, WBC, and the SBDC. The Summit will conclude with a session entitled, “Where Do I Go From Here?” by Harry Siegel.

    “There is no event a veteran can attend anywhere in West Virginia that will provide as much detailed information on starting or growing a business as the Veterans Business Summit on September 14,” said Judy McCauley, Director of SBA’s West Virginia District Office. “Each presenter is an expert in their field and has volunteered their time to help West Virginia’s veterans succeed in their entrepreneurial endeavors.”

    There is no charge to attend the Summit but pre-registration is required. To register, visit www.wvscore.org or call 1-800-767-8052 ext. 8.

    Sponsors of the Summit include the West Virginia Small Business Development Center, the West Virginia Women’s Business and Training Center, and SCORE.

Extreme Entrepreneurship Tour coming to Marshall in September

    HUNTINGTON – The power of the entrepreneurial spirit will take the Tri-State Area by storm this fall when The Extreme Entrepreneurship Tour visits Marshall University’s Huntington campus.

    The tour, a high-energy, half-day event, will take place from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 23, at the Marshall University Foundation Hall, Home of the Erickson Alumni Center. Those in attendance will hear the stories of and learn the secrets behind the success of the world’s top entrepreneurs who are still in their 20s.

    The event is sponsored by Marshall University’s Office of the President, MU Online College in the High School, the Center for Business and Economic Research and the Marshall University Research Corp.

    The Extreme Entrepreneurship Tour is the first and only nationwide entrepreneurship tour. It is run by three award-winning young entrepreneurs – Sheena Lindahl (27), Michael Simmons (28) and Arel Moodie (26). Created in 2006 by Lindahl and Simmons, the tour features many of California’s top young entrepreneurs who have made, or sold companies for, millions of dollars and/or made a huge impact before the age of 30.

    One speaker, Cameron Johnson (24) from Los Angeles, started a dozen profitable businesses and became a self-made millionaire while he was still a teenager. Another speaker, Rahim Fazal (27) from San Francisco, sold his first business for $1.5 million as he was graduating from high school. Fazal is the co-founder and CEO of the venture-backed company, Involver.

    “More than half the companies on the 2009 Fortune 500 list were launched during a recession or bear market,” Simmons said. “Technology and globalization have made it very inexpensive to start a business. Now is the best time that there has ever been to become your own boss.”

    According to a 2007 Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation survey by Harris Interactive, four out of 10 young people would like to start their own businesses someday.

    “However, when we talked with students, we realized that many of them needed inspiration and support to achieve this dream,” Lindahl said. “That’s why we started the tour.”

    The goal of the Extreme Entrepreneurship Tour is to have college students around the nation graduate with an entrepreneurial mindset.

    The tour uses numerous themes and resources to reach and inspire those in attendance. Some are:

    · Focus – students are inspired and learn how to start and run their own businesses;

    · Keynote – this speaker is an extremely successful young entrepreneur who shares his or her story and business lessons;

    · Workshop – helps students come up with a viable business idea based on strengths and passions;

    · Speed networking – focuses on students connecting with each other based on their business ideas;

    · Panel – consists of the event speakers and local entrepreneurs with a focus on entrepreneurship. Local participants will include some who have created businesses and been successful in commercializing products, including representatives from Vandalia Research Inc., which is the first biotechnology research company based upon Marshall University research. Other panelists include local K-12 students, including award-winning students from Cabell Midland High School.

    Registration to the event is limited to Marshall University students, faculty and staff, and to K-12 students. To register, they may go to www.extremetour.org/marshall. 

August Open for Business Report released

    CHARLESTON – Gov. Joe Manchin has released the latest “Open for Business” report documenting the state’s economic progress. The August 2010 report highlights projects and related announcements from businesses both large and small that will assist with the creation of new jobs and the preservation of existing jobs.

International firm hosts Aug. 3 opening in Jefferson County
On Aug. 3, Randox Laboratories-U.S. Ltd. will celebrate the grand opening of its new operation. The new enterprise in Kearneysville marks the company’s first facility on the East Coast. Gov. Joe Manchin will officially open the $7 million renovated, 30,000 square-foot facility. Randox is an international diagnostic reagent and equipment manufacturer based in Northern Ireland.

Telecommunications center to hire 150 in Raleigh County
TRG Customer Solutions recently secured a long-term contract, creating 350 new jobs in Beckley. A telecommunications firm with a global presence, TRG employs 1,000 workers in West Virginia. TRG conducted interviews for the initial phase of hiring 200 associates in July and plans a second phase to hire 150 more by the first half of August. The Beckley office is hiring for two campaigns. The first is technical help desk service representatives with an intermediate knowledge of computers. The second is an e-mail/chat assistance program, which requires basic computer knowledge. TRG recommends that jobseekers complete application forms by going online to www.trgcs.com/joinus.html or calling 304-205-0297 for more information.

West Virginia earns high marks from Moody’s, Fitch Ratings
For the second year in a row, a national rating agency has upgraded West Virginia’s credit rating on its general obligation debt. Moody’s Investors Service elevated the state’s credit rating from “Aa2” up to “Aa1.” Fitch Ratings gave an “AA” rating to the state’s general obligation debt; “A+” to West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission’s outstanding Community and Technical Colleges' capital improvement revenue bonds; and “A+” to West Virginia Economic Development Authority’s lottery revenue bonds. Both rating agencies cited the state’s continued fiscal discipline, strong financial performance and continued progress in addressing long-term liabilities, particularly during the current economic downturn. The higher bond ratings will allow West Virginia, including local school boards, to obtain money to finance major projects at a lower interest rate.

WVU achieves record year for sponsored research
West Virginia University (WVU) attracted $175.3 million in sponsored research funding during fiscal year 2010. An 18 percent increase over the previous year, the total also represents a record high for the university. WVU research extends into diverse fields, from the origin of pulsars to oral health disparities in Appalachia. Research support stemmed in part from federal agencies including the National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Energy and Department of Justice. WVU faculty won more than $30 million in competitive funding for research opportunities through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Energy International Quarterly features Harrison County firm
Reliable Environmental Transport Inc. (RET) has been featured in the industry publication Energy International Quarterly. RET provides a full range of waste transportation and emergency response services in a tri-state area. The article in the July/August 2010 issue focuses on RET’s role in supporting companies drilling for natural gas in the Marcellus Shale formation. Since 2004, the Bridgeport-based RET has grown into a multimillion dollar business with 52 employees.

Five West Virginia regional teams selected for new SET development program
USDA Rural Development, with numerous other state and local partners, announced the launch of a new economic development pilot program called “Stronger Economies Together” (SET). The new program provides regional teams with the tools, training and technical assistance to develop new approaches to regional economic development. Five West Virginia teams were selected for SET through a competitive application process:
4-C Economic Development Authority: Fayette, Nicholas, Raleigh and Summers counties. Goals: Unified community development; enhancement of entrepreneurial support; and strengthening private sector partnerships.
Hardwood Alliance Zone (HAZ): Preston, Barbour, Tucker, Lewis, Upshur, Randolph, and Webster counties. Goals: Develop marketing plan for HAZ; Create contact management system for business prospects; organizational maintenance; and industry training and outreach.
National Coal Heritage Area Authority: Boone, Cabell, Fayette, Lincoln, Logan, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Raleigh, Summers, Wayne, Wyoming, and Paint Creek/Cabin Creek and Kanawha counties. Goals: Creation of National Coal Heritage Area Discovery Center; expand and cross-promote the Coal Heritage Trail; and assist with the completion of Country Roads Scenic ByWay Interpretive Center.
Doddridge & Ritchie County SET Team: Doddridge and Ritchie counties. Goals: Increase per capita income by increasing farm income and profitability; attract and develop agricultural-related businesses; and develop a sustainable revenue stream with value-added businesses.
Eastern Panhandle Regional Planning and Development Council: Berkeley, Hampshire, Jefferson and Morgan counties. Goals: Promote business growth for higher paying job potential; identify target markets for job growth and development; and comprehensive marketing plan for the area.

July 4th traffic to West Virginia Welcome Centers soars to nearly 15 percent
Visits to West Virginia Welcome Centers during the July 4th weekend ramped up 14.7 percent compared to the same time last year. In 2009, the Welcome Centers recorded 49,608 visitors during the Friday-through-Monday holiday weekend. In 2010, the centers totaled 56,899.

WVEDA approves $2.6 million for two business loans
The West Virginia Economic Development Authority (WVEDA) approved two business loans totaling $2,600,000 during its July meeting:
Smith Services Inc.; $1.8 million, for the acquisition of fixed business assets in Princeton, Mercer County. Founded in 1981 in Bluefield, Smith Services repairs and rebuilds electric motors for industrial machines and power generators. Currently the firm engages 116 employees, projected to increase up to 156 after three years.
Multifresh Inc., doing business as Crook Brothers; $800,000 to finance a new warehouse facility and equipment. The new facility will be located in Beckley, Raleigh County, on Grey Flats Road. Crook Brothers started operations in 1989 in the Beckley Farmer’s Market. This expansion project is expected to increase the number of employees from 30 today to 48 after three years.

WVEDA authorizes bonds for certified capital improvement projects
During its July meeting, the West Virginia Economic Development Authority (WVEDA) authorized the issuance of Lottery Revenue Bonds in an amount not to exceed $180,000,000 to be used for all or a portion of the costs of constructing, equipping, improving or maintaining capital improvement projects for state institutions of higher education, state parks, the state Capitol Complex and other state facilities or tourism sites, and to pledge the revenues paid into the Education, Arts, Sciences and Tourism Fund, a special fund created pursuant to the Lottery Act and existing in the State Treasury (the “EAST Fund”).

Robert C. Byrd Institute to celebrate 20th anniversary Aug. 10

    HUNTINGTON – The Robert C. Byrd Institute for Advanced Flexible Manufacturing will celebrate its 20th anniversary as West Virginia’s advanced manufacturing technology center with an open house from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 10 at its Bridgeport, W.Va., location.

    The RCBI Machinist Technology Program’s Class of 2010 graduation ceremony will be staged in conjunction with the open house, beginning at 6 p.m. Twenty-one people will receive their National Certifications from the National Institute of Metalworking Skills.

    For the first time since the inception of the program, a combined graduation ceremony for students who completed their training in Huntington, Wheeling, and Rocket Center (near Keyser in the eastern panhandle) will be conducted jointly with the students at Bridgeport.

    Kelley Goes, West Virginia’s Secretary of the Department of Commerce, will be the keynote speaker. Steve Mandes, President of the National Institute of Metalworking Skills, will attend, along with Industry Board of Advisors made up of manufacturers from throughout West Virginia, who advise RCBI’s MTP Program.

    The open house will feature manufacturing seminars, networking opportunities, machining demonstrations as well as seminars and technology displays by more than 45 representatives from machine tool vendors and equipment suppliers across the region.

    “RCBI is pleased to mark this very important milestone by continuing to bring close to 50 high tech machine tool vendors and equipment suppliers to West Virginia to demonstrate the power of technology and its effects on our economy,” said Charlotte Weber, director and CEO of RCBI.

    “To date, because of introduction to and training offered at RCBI, nearly 200 pieces of high-end machines representing an investment of $26 million have been made in West Virginia. And, more than 280 individuals have graduated from RCBI’s Machinist Technology Program. RCBI is West Virginia’s and the region’s source of the latest technologies and technical training.”

    The next round of RCBI’s nationally-certified training classes at Huntington, Bridgeport, Rocket Center and Wheeling will begin Aug. 23. There are still openings at each location for those who are interested in a manufacturing career that pays well and offers benefits.

    For further information or to enroll, contact Larry Cartmill, technical program recruiter, at 304-654-0424, or Kathryn Stanley, workforce development recruiter, at 304-641-8588. Or, call 800-469-RCBI (7224) or e-mail machinistprogam@rcbi.org.

Veterans Business Summit Coming to West Virginia Sept. 14

    CLARKSBURG ─ The U.S. Small Business Administration in conjunction with its network of small business resource partners throughout West Virginia, will be hosting a Veterans Business Summit on Tuesday, Sept.14,  at the I-79 Technology Park Research Center in Fairmont.

    This free event will provide veterans and their spouses with training and resources on veteran-owned business financing; doing business with the federal government; strategic business planning; business legal structures; legal lessons for federal contractors; and free small business resources.

    The summit will feature speakers from SBA’s Office of Veterans Affairs, Medal of Honor Recipient Hershel “Woody” Williams, numerous veteran small business owners, local lenders, and small business resource partners.

    “According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 173,000 veterans reside in West Virginia making it a state with one of the highest number of veterans per capita in the nation,” said Judy McCauley, Director of SBA’s West Virginia District Office. “And veterans make great business owners. Because of their military background, they understand the importance of teamwork, have tremendous self-discipline, and often develop technical skills during their military service that serves them well as entrepreneurs.”

    Federal contracting officers are actively searching for veteran-owned and service disabled veteran-owned small businesses to fulfill various contracting opportunities. According to SBA’s Office of Advocacy, there are approximately 15,000 veteran-owned small businesses in West Virginia. However, only 229 are registered to do business with the federal government.

    “That number needs to be much higher,” stated McCauley. “The Veterans Business Summit is an excellent starting point for veteran-owned businesses to learn about doing business with the government. The agenda features several successful veteran small business owners who will be sharing their government contracting experience free of charge.”

    The event is free for all veterans and their spouses, but pre-registration is strongly encouraged. For registration information, visit www.wvscore.org or call 1-800-767-8052 ext. 8.

    Sponsors of the Summit include the West Virginia Small Business Development Center, the West Virginia Women’s Business and Training Center, and SCORE.

Five regional groups selected for new economic development program

    MORGANTOWN — The USDA Rural Development, in conjunction with The Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development, West Virginia State University Cooperative Extension, and other state and local partners, have selected five West Virginia multi-county areas for a new economic development program called  “Stronger Economies Together” (SET).

    The five entities selected in West Virginia were as follows:

    • 4-C Economic Development Authority which serves Fayette, Nicholas, Raleigh and Summers Counties. Goals: Unified Community Development; Enhancement of Entrepreneurial Support; and Strengthening Private Sector Partnerships.

    • Hardwood Alliance Zone (HAZ), which serves Preston, Barbour, Tucker, Lewis, Upshur, Randolph, and Webster Counties. Goals: Develop Marketing Plan for HAZ; Create Contact Management System for Business Prospects; Organizational Maintenance; and Industry Training and Outreach.

    • National Coal Heritage Area Authority, which serves Boone, Cabell, Fayette, Lincoln, Logan, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Raleigh, Summers, Wayne, Wyoming, and Paint Creek/Cabin Creek, Kanawha Counties. Goals: Creation of National Coal Heritage Area Discovery Center; Expand and cross-promote the Coal Heritage Trail; and Assist with the completion of Country Roads Scenic ByWay Interpretive Center.

    • Doddridge & Ritchie County SET Team, which serves Doddridge and Ritchie Counties. Goals: Increase per capita income by increasing farm income and profitability; Attract and develop agricultural-related businesses; and Develop a sustainable revenue stream with value-added businesses.

    • Eastern Panhandle Regional Planning and Development Council, which serves Berkeley, Hampshire, Jefferson and Morgan Counties. Goals: Promote business growth for higher paying job potential; Identify target markets for job growth and development; and Comprehensive marketing plan for the area.

    The SET program eligibility requirements were: 1) Applicants must be Multi-county regions (two or more counties) in West Virginia (or in conjunction with counties in neighboring states) where the average rural population is 51% or more of the region’s total population based on Census data or other sufficient data or documentation OR 2) Applicants must be Multi-county regions (two or more counties) in West Virginia (or in conjunction with counties in neighboring states) where 75% of the region's land area is located in rural areas of that region based on Census data or other sufficient data or documentation. 

    The successful applicants will receive the following: 1) Valuable intensive strategic planning training for their regional team, including the newly developed “Stronger Economies Together” program, a program designed to help your regional team develop new approaches to strengthen and enhance regional economic development activities; 2) Database tools specifically designed to help the regional teams examine the critical drivers of their region and identify emerging growth sectors and regional competitive advantages; 3) Technical assistance and educational support from the Northeast Regional Rural Development Center, WV Rural Development staff, and West Virginia State University Extension staff; and 4) Other educational and information-sharing opportunities with other SET program participants around the country. 

    Further information on USDA Rural Development may be obtained by visiting USDA’s website at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov .

SBA assistance helps keep Harrisville manufacturing company operating

    HARRISVILLE – It has been said by small business owners many times and in various ways, but Richard Kerns, Chief Operating Officer for Troy, LLC in Harrisville, W.Va. is quite sincere when he stated, “In all honesty, we wouldn’t be here today without West Union Bank and the U.S. Small Business Administration.”

    Troy is a manufacturer of non-woven needle punch textiles of which 85 percent of their business relies on the automotive industry. The company’s roots can be traced back to 1865 when they manufactured horse blankets, the prevalent mode of transportation at that time, which eventually shifted to automobiles in the 1920’s.

    With their corporate headquarters based in Troy, NH, the company decided to build an 85,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Harrisville in 1974 to enhance their growing automotive production line. Once the facility was completed, business remained steady for Troy until the latter 1990’s. That is when the automotive industry started to experience a downturn which was enhanced by the September 11, 2001 disaster.

    “Troy was in the process of moving their entire automotive division to Harrisville in 2001 when they decided to file bankruptcy and had no plans to restructure, basically just shut the doors and put the employees out in the street,” said Kerns. “Marty Ballen, our CEO, and I both worked for Troy at the time and made a decision to purchase the facility. Troy was one of the largest employers in Harrisville and several families depended on the company for their livelihood. So on March 15, 2002, with some help from Mountaineer Capital and the West Virginia Jobs Investment Trust, Troy, LLC was established.”

    Business was good for Troy until late 2008 when the automotive industry started experiencing a serious decline.

    “The year 2009 was probably the worst year Troy had financially,” said Kerns. “We made various changes and restructuring during the year which helped us get by, but when our financial partner decided to call our line of credit, things looked pretty bleak.”

    That is when the SBA and West Union Bank came to the rescue.

    “Richard contacted me early last fall and asked if there was anything West Union Bank could do to help,” said Ed Smith, Senior Vice President at the bank. “Being a small community bank and with Troy needing a fairly large line of credit, I knew we couldn’t help without significant assistance through some sort of guarantor.”

    Smith then contacted the SBA’s West Virginia District Office and talked to Tom White, a lender relations specialist. White and Deputy Director David Manley met with the Smith and Kerns to discuss the situation and come up with viable options to save the company.

    “We all recognized from the beginning this would be an uphill battle, but one worth fighting,” said Smith. “In light of the economic stimulus programs and the large financial bailouts the government was providing at the time, this was a real need in a real life situation.”

    White worked closely with the bank to put together a line of credit through SBA’s CAPLine program under the agency’s flagship 7(a) loan program.

    “Tom helped Richard and me throughout the entire loan process getting together the documentation needed for an SBA underwriting,” Smith said. “Without his hands-on knowledge of SBA’s loan process and the skill to direct us through the process, we wouldn’t have been able to save the company.”

    White even served as the go between for West Union Bank and SBA’s Loan Guaranty Processing Center to resolve various underwriting issues.

    Through the efforts of SBA and West Union Bank, on January 19, 2010, Troy received an SBA guaranteed revolving line of credit under the Contract CAPLine program which in essence saved the company from certain closure which would have dealt a significant economic blow to the local community.

    To learn more about the SBA’s loan programs and services, visit their website at www.sba.gov .

Upcoming workshop to focus on commercializing scientific discoveries

    HUNTINGTON – The Marshall University Technology Transfer Office and TechConnectWV will present a free workshop, “The Roadmap from Laboratory to Market: Driving Scientific Discoveries to Commercialization,” on Monday, July 26.

    Intended for scientists and engineers, the workshop will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Marshall University Foundation Hall, 519 John Marshall Dr., Huntington.

    The program will focus on helping participants identify their role in commercializing their discoveries and tapping into a network of people who can help them. Topics will include investment capital, development assistance and take-to-market management talent.

    The workshop will be led by Ron Basini, a consultant to the West Virginia Angel Network.

    Basini has held faculty positions at business schools in North Carolina, Kentucky, Romania and Switzerland, and has raised millions of dollars in angel and venture capital for the four technology-based companies he founded. He also conducts new venture strategy, business plan writing, new management team training and strategic planning seminars around the world.

    The West Virginia Angel Network was formed in 2008 by a group of individuals who make high-risk, potentially high-yield investments in startup companies. The network encourages applications from startup and early stage companies headquartered in West Virginia. Decisions on investing are made on an individual basis and are based on a wide range of criteria, including market growth potential, management team and customer base. For information about the West Virginia Angel Network, visit www.wvangel.net.

    TechConnectWV is a coalition of professionals dedicated to growing and diversifying West Virginia’s economy by advancing technology‐based economic development. The group’s focus is the attraction and creation of innovation‐based companies and jobs, and advanced research and development in universities and the private sector. For more information about TechConnectWV, visit www.techconnectwv.org.

    The workshop is being presented with financial assistance from Verizon. The program is free, but reservations are requested. Send reservations to tto@marshall.edu. For more information, contact Amy Melton at 304-696-4365.

July Open for Business Report released

    CHARLESTON – Gov. Joe Manchin has released the latest “Open for Business” report documenting the state’s economic progress. The July 2010 report highlights projects and related announcements from businesses both large and small that will assist with the creation of new jobs and the preservation of existing jobs.

Morgantown hosts July 13 Manufacture America conference
The conference Manufacture America: Rethink, Retool and Rebuild to Support Jobs will be held on July 13 at West Virginia University’s National Research Center for Coal and Energy in Morgantown. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration’s Manufacturing and Services unit, the event runs from 9:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Manufacture America program is designed to help American manufacturers rethink, retool and rebuild their operations through exploring new products, markets, processes and sources of finance. By looking at new markets and emerging and growing industries, and by improving processes and equipment to be more productive, efficient and sustainable, companies can find new ideas to become more competitive. To register for this event, visit http://trade.gov/manufactureamerica.

Energy firm to invest $25 million, create 280 jobs in West Virginia
Select Energy Services of Gainesville, Texas, recently purchased Arvilla Well Services LLC and Buckstone LLC in St. Marys. Select Energy plans to invest approximately $25 million, retain 119 employees and create approximately 280 new jobs in the process of developing Marcellus Shale in West Virginia. The company will undertake gas well construction and maintenance, gas well road construction, water hauling and other related activities.

Hino to add 50 jobs in Wood County to support production expansion
Hino Motors Manufacturing U.S.A. in Williamstown plans to expand its work force by temporarily adding 50 new employees. The new hires will receive training in anticipation of plans to boost production starting in late August or early September and continuing into 2011. Employment may extend beyond the first quarter of 2011 if market conditions dictate. The plant’s current output of eight trucks a day during one shift will be increased to 20 vehicles a day. The advanced technology on the 2011 model trucks will make Hino the only manufacturer of medium duty class trucks that meets new federal emission standards, without using credits.

DuPont hires 40 operators for Wood County facility
DuPont Washington Works recently hired 40 new process operators and announced plans to fill an additional 50 to 70 positions over the next 18 months. The first 20 process operators will report to work in July to begin a five-week training program. The second group of 20 will report for training in August. WorkForce West Virginia helped manage the application process. Wood County officials facilitated background checks that expedited the hiring. DuPont is interviewing for additional positions that will include chemical operators, process operators, material handling operators, electrical and instrument mechanics and area maintenance mechanics. The positions are open due to normal attrition. The company is filling the positions now because customer demand warrants hiring at this time.

Essroc hosts dedication of modernized cement plant in Berkeley County
Essroc dedicated the opening of its cement plant in Martinsburg with an open house in June. Over the last several years, Essroc invested more than $600 million in creating the newer, cleaner, more efficient facility. The updated plant shares the same footprint as the previous cement facility that occupied the same property but features several enhancements. Advances include an enclosed limestone storage dome and enclosed conveyor system that reduces dust, cement/concrete laboratories and a new control room/administration building. The plant reduced the number of mills and kiln lines required, yet is projected to increase production. Essroc is a member of the Italcementi Group, the fifth largest cement producer in the world.

Frontier, CWA, announce $310 million investment in West Virginia
Frontier Communications and Communications Workers of America (CWA) announced that Frontier has agreed to a $310 million investment in the state over the next three years. The funds are to be used for broadband deployment, service quality improvements and other capital expenditures. The Public Service Commission of West Virginia recently approved the sale of Verizon West Virginia landline assets to Frontier.

Monongalia biotech firm begins clinical trials in France to test new drug
Morgantown-based Protea Biosciences and French pharmaceutical manufacturer Mayoly Spindler are conducting human clinical trials in France to test a new drug designed to treat chronic pancreatic disease. Protea, a West Virginia University spin-off biotechnology firm, and Mayoly Spindler developed genetically engineered lipase. Lipase is an enzyme that breaks down fats in food so they can be digested. The goal of clinical trials is to prove the drug is safe and ready for market. Protea has exclusive rights to market lipase in North America.

Marion County technology firm on team awarded $317 million NOAA contract
Global Science & Technology (GST) in Fairmont is a subcontractor on the team awarded a contract from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The Research and Development High Performance Computing (HPC) System indefinite-delivery/indefinite quantity contract has a four-year base period with options. If all options are exercised, the contract has an estimated value of $317 million. The role of GST as a subcontractor is to provide services in data storage, engineering, operations and maintenance, systems administration and scientific visualization. The lead on the contract is Virginia-based CSC, a global leader in information technology services. The HPC program must support a large-scale computing approach to modeling weather, climate and ecological predictions.

Kanawha County firm inducted into CPM Hall of Fame
Charleston-based Global AlertLink has been inducted into the Contingency, Planning and Management (CPM) Hall of Fame. The CPM Hall of Fame includes prominent firms such as IBM and SunGard. Global AlertLink integrates emergency management, crisis management, automated notification and business continuity response planning into an automated tool. The CPM Hall of Fame was established in 1998 to recognize individuals and businesses that contribute to business continuity.

2010 Innovator Award recognizes TechConnectWV
TechConnectWV was recently recognized when the Southern Growth Policies Board gave its 2010 Innovator Award to West Virginia University for its leadership role in supporting the development of the program. A non-profit coalition of public and private partners, TechConnectWV promotes technology-based economic development throughout the state. In conjunction with Battelle, the organization spearheaded the development of the West Virginia Blueprint for Technology-based Economic Development. The blueprint outlines recommendations to help the state build on its existing strengths to boost the technology economy. The Southern Growth Policies Board is a regional public policy think tank based in Research Triangle Park, NC.

WVDO teams with Polymer Alliance Zone to promote state at Plastec East 2010
Representatives from the West Virginia Development Office participated with the staff of the Polymer Alliance Zone to exhibit at the Plastec East 2010 trade exhibition in New York City in June. The prominent international trade fair showcases advances in primary processing machinery, computer-aided design and manufacturing, production machinery, materials, molds, and mold components, automation technology, materials handling/ logistics and more.

West Virginia Development Office participates in industry exhibition
The West Virginia Development Office (WVDO), the West Virginia Division of Energy and local economic developers recently exhibited at the WINDPOWER conference and exhibition, held in Dallas, Texas. The conference is the premier wind energy event in North America. More than 23,000 attendees and 1,300 exhibitors participated in this year’s conference, offering opportunities for new players to enter the wind market and bring wind leaders together to address America’s economic, energy and climate changes..

WVDO participates in 2010 Miners’ Celebration in Raleigh County
The West Virginia Development Office (WVDO) was among the exhibitors at the 2010 Miners Celebration, held in June at the Resort at Glade Springs in Daniels. The event, organized by the Mine Safety Technology Consortium, draws mining industry professionals, manufacturers of mining equipment including safety and communications, and current and retired miners. Gov. Joe Manchin spoke in tribute to miners and their families. The celebration theme for this year was “Because of You.”

West Virginia Commerce Wins Nine PRSA Awards
The West Virginia Department of Commerce was among the state’s top winners in the annual awards presentation sponsored by the West Virginia Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). The event was held on June 16 in Charleston. The agency took home nine PRSA awards, including three Crystal Awards. The awards showcase Department of Commerce efforts in promoting the state, its advantages, industries and small businesses through a variety of media channels.

West Virginia’s June Unemployment Rate rises to 8.6 percent

    CHARLESTON — West Virginia’s unemployment rate inched upward one-tenth of a percentage point to 8.6 percent in June, WorkForce West Virginia has reported. The number of unemployed state residents rose 700 to 68,000. Total unemployment was down 2,000 over the year.

    Total nonfarm payroll employment declined 1,400, where a loss of 2,500 in the service-providing sector offset a gain of 1,100 in the goods-producing sector.

    Within the goods-producing sector, gains of 900 in construction and 400 in manufacturing easily overpowered a decline of 200 in mining and logging. Employment gains within the service-providing sector included 2,400 in leisure and hospitality, 800 in trade, transportation, and utilities, 300 in information, 200 in financial activities, and 100 in professional and business services. Employment declines were fueled by a seasonal decline in government, which fell 6,200. Educational and health services slipped 100, while employment in other services was unchanged over the month.

    Since June 2009, total nonfarm payroll employment has fallen 7,000, with a decline of 7,100 in the service-providing sector overpowering a slight gain of 100 in the goods-producing sector. Employment gains included 1,600 in educational and health services, 900 in construction, 500 in other services, and 400 in leisure and hospitality.

    Employment declines included 5,700 in government, 2,300 in trade, transportation, and utilities, 1,100 in financial activities, 700 in mining and logging, 500 in professional and business services, and 100 in manufacturing. Information employment was unchanged over the year.

    West Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined four-tenths of a percentage point to 8.5 percent, while the national rate declined two-tenths of a percentage point to 9.5 percent.

WVU teams with GlobalPittsburgh for expansion of international programs for the Mountain State

    MORGANTOWN – West Virginia University has teamed with a Pittsburgh-based non-profit group to secure a $68,000 grant from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation to engage international companies, organizations and individuals in a variety of initiatives that will bolster economic development in West Virginia.

    WVU and GlobalPittsburgh are combining efforts to bring new opportunities to West Virginia by hosting increased numbers of international visitors to the region. The goal is to increase international awareness and student recruitment, as well as active partnerships that might lead to increased regional economic development.

    WVU will participate in the partnership by providing staff support to coordinate international visitors for the University and its partners in academic, cultural and economic endeavors. The grant will enable better integration among University units and outreach to various resources in the region.

    Michael Wilhelm, director of the Office of International Students and Scholars at WVU said the grant will allow WVU to have a dedicated staff member in place to help with the planning and logistics of international visitors when they are coming to campus. 

    The WVU Office of Research and Economic Development, the WVU Office of International Students and Scholars and the WVU Office of International Programs are heading plans for WVU’s participation. Increased connections will enhance current efforts to promote international education and cultural exchange; advance research and service by integrating global citizenry; and generate economic activity through worldwide partnerships.

    GlobalPittsburgh and WVU welcome volunteers and hosts to act as dinner hosts, tour guides, home stay hosts and drivers for visiting delegations and individuals. WVU’s Office of International Students and Scholars can be reached at 304-293-3519. 

    Curt Peterson, WVU vice president of Research and Economic Development, said, “the partnership is consistent with the new trends promoting regional economic development. Increased connectivity between WVU, the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon, along with business diversity efforts and the area’s similar economic assets make this type of coordination an imperative.”

    For more than 50 years, GlobalPittsburgh has forged cultural, educational and business relationships between the Greater Pittsburgh Region and the global community through citizen diplomacy – connecting people and institutions in the region with audiences around the world through a wide range of hosting, training, networking, educational and outreach programs.
  

    Global Pittsburgh engages international delegations, groups and individuals by creating itineraries and facilitating introductions through the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program and other international organizations in the fields of energy & environment, life sciences & medicine, education, business & technology, clean/green design, advanced manufacturing, arts & culture, government & finance, social services & law and other areas.

    For more information about Global Pittsburgh programs, visit www.GlobalPittsburgh.org .

Construction Resumes at International Coal Group's Tygart No. 1 Complex

    SCOTT DEPOT  -- International Coal Group, Inc. has announced that construction has resumed at its ICG Tygart Valley subsidiary's Tygart No. 1 deep mine complex in Taylor County, near Grafton, West Virginia.

    The Tygart No. 1 project received all essential federal and state approvals, but challenges lodged by a local anti-mining organization caused work on the project to be suspended in late 2008. Those challenges were overruled in March by the West Virginia Surface Mine Board.

    "We had planned to resume construction in mid-2011, but the strong market demand for Tygart No.1's metallurgical coal product, and growing evidence of improving thermal coal pricing, led us to accelerate the project," said Ben Hatfield, ICG's CEO and President. "The construction and development timeline anticipates initial coal production in late 2011 and longwall startup in early 2014."

    The company expects to finance the Tygart No. 1 mine construction through operating cash flow. Development capital requirements are estimated at $325 million, including $18 million spent prior to 2010. As a result of resuming construction at Tygart No.1, the Company now expects 2010 capital expenditures to increase by $15.0 million to a range of $105.0 million to $115.0 million.

    At full output, the Tygart No. 1 mine is expected to produce 3.5 million tons per year of premium high-volatile metallurgical and high-quality thermal coal. The mine complex is projected to create over 300 direct jobs in the Taylor County, West Virginia area.

    ICG is a leading producer of coal in Northern and Central Appalachia and the Illinois Basin. The Company has 13 active mining complexes, of which 12 are located in Northern and Central Appalachia and one in Central Illinois. ICG's mining operations and reserves are strategically located to serve utility, metallurgical and industrial customers domestically and internationally.

CONSOL Energy and Verdeo Group to Develop First Large Coal Mine Ventilation Air Methane Abatement Project in West Virginia

    PITTSBURGH  -- CONSOL Energy Inc. has joined with Verdeo Group, Inc., to develop the first project to destroy ventilation air methane ("VAM") emissions at an active West Virginia coal mine.

    The project, which will be located at CONSOL's McElroy Mine near Glen Easton in Marshall County, will demonstrate significant reductions of emissions of methane -- a potent greenhouse gas ("GHG") -- in a safe and proven manner, and without any impact on mine operations or production. It will be the first time the technology will be deployed at an active coal mine in West Virginia, and among the largest such projects of its kind in the U.S. to date.

    "Companies will require a wide range of tools and incentives to effectively reduce GHG emissions," said Steve Winberg, CONSOL's Vice President of Research and Development. "CONSOL Energy has committed to utilize as much of its coal mine methane resources as possible. This project will allow us to abate a dilute source of methane that has no commercial value and would otherwise be vented into the atmosphere."

    Methane gas is inherent in coal seams and is liberated during the mining process. Coal mines control underground methane emissions through the use of ventilation systems, which circulate large quantities of fresh air through the mine to dilute the methane, and then exhaust the VAM to the surface of the mine and to the atmosphere. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, VAM represents the largest source of GHG emissions from U.S. coal mines.

    The project will utilize regenerative thermal oxidation ("RTO") technology to destroy the GHG emissions from the McElroy Mine. RTO technology has been successfully deployed in industrial process applications for many decades and this project will test the ability to use the equipment at a commercial scale in the mining sector. To date, several technology installations have been employed in the U.S. at facilities, including a coal mine, that fall under the jurisdiction of the Mine Safety and Health Administration.

    "This project is a stepping stone to utilizing this commercially available equipment on our other mines, reducing our overall methane emissions and potentially creating carbon offset credits," Winberg added.

    As a result of the emergence of trading markets for GHG emission reductions, voluntary initiatives like the McElroy VAM project can generate revenue from the sale of carbon offset credits. The value of these credits enables mine operators such as CONSOL to secure capital from companies like Verdeo to pay for the RTO technology. The carbon offset credits generated from the VAM oxidation project at the McElroy Mine will be registered with the Climate Action Reserve, a leading pre-compliance certification program in the U.S. that approved a protocol for coal mine methane projects in 2009.

    Development efforts between CONSOL and Verdeo are actively underway. The project is expected to become operational in the second quarter of 2011.

    For more information about CONSOL, visit www.consolenergy.com .