The West Virginia Coal Association and the Friends of Coal joined with the Summersville Chamber of Commerce to host the 2nd Annual Coal Symposium Tuesday in Summersville.
More than 300 people attended the event, which featured speakers from coal companies operating in the area. The theme of the evening was the economic importance and impact of coal on the region and state.
Headlining the event was Senate President and Lt. Governor Earl Ray Tomblin. Tomblin spoke of the importance of having coal as the foundation of the state’s economy. He said it was largely because of the dependability and strength of the coal industry that the state has been able to maintain a strong financial position despite the economic downturn across the country.