“In one of the sessions [commission chairman] Dr Larry Grayson … is presenting the findings of the commission. We are anticipating a large turnout from the industry to learn how these recommendations will be adopted by the industry and we encourage everyone to participate in this interactive discussion,” symposium chairman Bill Reid said.
Symposium sponsor Bluefield Chamber of Commerce’s Debbie Maynard told International Longwall News that the planned topics and speakers for the three-day event were “most impressive and very timely in the coal industry”
“The substantial program and excellent speakers were selected to appeal to all sectors of the coal mining industry, and the pre-registration confirms that this goal is being achieved,” Reid added.
Formerly known as the Bluefield Coal Rally, Maynard said the chamber opted to change the name to more accurately define “the program, change of venue, sessions and the way in which the program is marketed”
One new addition to the biennial event is a collection of tabletop displays and exhibitors, for which 15 are booked. Exhibit reservations are no longer being accepted.
Safety and safety items will be the centre of discussion for the symposium, which officially begins the evening of September 27 with a welcome reception and a keynote presentation by Massey Energy president Don Blankenship and Bluefield Coal Show general chairman Charles Peters.
Thursday evening, West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin will be introduced by Marshall Miller of Marshall Miller and Associates during an event dinner and will offer the evening’s address.
Other presentations on the itinerary include:
Accident Investigations: Putting the Puzzle Together – Ray McKinney (MSHA);
West Virginia Perspective – Ron Wooten (West Virginia Miners’ Health, Safety and Training;
The View in Washington – Dan Gerkin (NMA); and
Mine Emergency Communication Systems Partnership: An Update – Jeff Welsh (NIOSH).
Maynard added that those interested in attending can still register through the chamber’s website or onsite, though a $25 fee increase applies the day of the event. Additionally, the hotel block reserved for attendees has been closed.
For further information, visit www.bluefieldchamber.com or call (304) 327-7184.
