By Charles Boothe

May 25, 2017 - An annual tradition is returning to Bluefield, WV in September, and it’s one that has an extra air of excitement about it.

The Bluefield Coal Show will once again bring coal industry exhibitors to the Brushfork Armory.

“Based on reservations we have so far, we are already 65 to 70 percent full (of vendor space),” said Debbie Maynard with the Greater Bluefield Chamber of Commerce, organizers of the event.

Maynard said invitations went out to coal industry companies in November 2016.

“We work on the show all the time in some capacity,” she said, adding that the show, which will be held Sept. 13-15, is hosted here every two years.

The three-day event, which is not open to the public, features exhibitors showcasing their latest products and services in the coal industry.

Keynote speaker at the breakfast preceding the show will be Hal Quinn, president and CEO of the National Mining Association, Maynard said. He will also officially open the show.

Quinn will address the latest on energy and new technologies in making coal more efficient and cleaner.

“This will be his second visit to the show,” Maynard said. “He really knows the ins and outs of the coal industry. He is working on the national level in conjunction with legislative bodies and industry CEOs.”

“He will answer a lot of questions about the status of the industry,” said Josh Cline, executive director and president of the chamber. “This is the largest coal show this side of the Mississippi River.”

“We anticipate over 200 vendors,” Maynard said. “All of the displays are related to the coal business and the show is only open to the coal industry. It’s a trade show.”

Cline said it gives exhibitors the chance to show what they are doing, talk with each other and exchange information.

Maynard said not only will the inside of the armory be packed, but a large display tent will be set up outside for about 80 exhibitors.

“We will also have a large food tent on site,” she added.

The show has a “great” impact on the local economy, Cline said, helping hotels, restaurants and other business.

“It’s a nice economic boost,” he said.

Long-time general chairman of the show, Charles A. Peters, will again serve in that capacity, Maynard said.

Peters said the show, which has drawn interest at least in part because of the optimism associated with a new federal administration that has vowed to help the coal industry, will have new exhibitors as well as most of the 2015 exhibitors returning.