June 10, 2024 - The Chamber of Commerce of the Two Virginias based in Bluefield and Princeton, WV is preparing for an exciting 2024 Bluefield Coal Symposium, which is taking place at the Chuck Mathena Center in Princeton, WV on August 12-14.

Chuck Mathena Center

“One of the highlights of the Symposium will be the Coal Discussion Panel,” said Bill Reid, Symposium Chair and Managing Editor of CoalZoom.com. “We have assembled a distinguished panel which will be moderated by David Kanagy, Executive Director & CEO, Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration, Inc. The panel comprises: 

     Michelle Bloodworth, President & CEO, Americas Power
     Jimmy Brock, Chairman & CEO, CONSOL Energy
     Chris Hamilton, President & CEO, West Virginia Coal Association
     Michelle Manook, Chief Executive, FutureCoal (formerly World Coal Association)

Bill Reid 

David Kanagy

Michelle Bloodworth

Jimmy Brock

Chris Hamilton   

Michelle Manook 

“These eminent decision makers will “dig” into the current issues in the coal industry and examine the challenges and opportunities of coal, so we can all see how the future of the industry affects us,” added Reid.                                           

The Bluefield Coal Symposium has the theme Using U.S. Coal for a Better America and is a national event jointly presented by the Chamber of Commerce of the Two Virginias and CoalZoom.com. The symposium is being held on August 12- 14, 2024 at the Chuck Mathena Center, 1298 Stafford Drive, Princeton, WV. which is a beautiful 930-seat theater with state-of-the-art audio and visual capabilities as well as stunning architecture. 

A distinguished list of speakers, comprising leaders in the industry from all parts of the country, will present their experiences in achieving greater safety and increased productivity in both underground and surface mining. Over a day and a half, there are three technical sessions, two dinners, and one luncheon.

The American coal industry makes a $40 billion direct economic contribution to the Nation each year and there are 68,179 employees at coal mines, including contractors, with both direct and indirect workers totaling 324,800. The Bluefield Coal Symposium is the marquee event in the 2024 coal calendar leading up to MINExpo®.

The Symposium includes entertainment with special live performances by Twitty and Lynn: A Salute to Conway & Loretta, as well as an appearance of Exile, who will perform many of their hit records.  

Twitty and Lynn

Exile

For further information, click here or phone the Chamber of Commerce of the Two Virginias at 304-327-7184. Bill Reid may be reached at billreidcoal@gmail.com.